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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
All of the investments held and notes issued by the Consolidated Funds are presented at their estimated fair values in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. Interest and other income of the Consolidated Funds as well as interest expense and other expenses of the Consolidated Funds are included in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of operations.
Principles of Consolidation
The Partnership consolidates all entities that it controls either through a majority voting interest or as the primary beneficiary of variable interest entities (“VIEs”).
The Partnership evaluates (1) whether it holds a variable interest in an entity, (2) whether the entity is a VIE, and (3) whether the Partnership's involvement would make it the primary beneficiary. In evaluating whether the Partnership holds a variable interest, fees (including management fees, incentive fees and performance allocations) that are customary and commensurate with the level of services provided, and where the Partnership does not hold other economic interests in the entity that would absorb more than an insignificant amount of the expected losses or returns of the entity, are not considered variable interests. The Partnership considers all economic interests, including indirect interests, to determine if a fee is considered a variable interest.
For those entities where the Partnership holds a variable interest, the Partnership determines whether each of these entities qualifies as a VIE and, if so, whether or not the Partnership is the primary beneficiary. The assessment of whether the entity is a VIE is generally performed qualitatively, which requires judgment. These judgments include: (a) determining whether the equity investment at risk is sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (b) evaluating whether the equity holders, as a group, can make decisions that have a significant effect on the economic performance of the entity, (c) determining whether two or more parties' equity interests should be aggregated, and (d) determining whether the equity investors have proportionate voting rights to their obligations to absorb losses or rights to receive returns from an entity.
For entities that are determined to be VIEs, the Partnership consolidates those entities where it has concluded it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is defined as the variable interest holder with (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. In evaluating whether the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, the Partnership evaluates its economic interests in the entity held either directly or indirectly by the Partnership.
As of December 31, 2018, assets and liabilities of the consolidated VIEs reflected in the consolidated balance sheets were $5.7 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively. Except to the extent of the consolidated assets of the VIEs, the holders of the consolidated VIEs’ liabilities generally do not have recourse to the Partnership.
Substantially all of the Partnership's Consolidated Funds are CLOs, which are VIEs that issue loans payable that are backed by diversified collateral asset portfolios consisting primarily of loans or structured debt. In exchange for managing the collateral for the CLOs, the Partnership earns investment management fees, including in some cases subordinated management fees and contingent incentive fees. In cases where the Partnership consolidates the CLOs (primarily because of a retained interest that is significant to the CLO), those management fees have been eliminated as intercompany transactions. As of December 31, 2018, the Partnership held $219.5 million of investments in these CLOs which represents its maximum risk of loss. The Partnership’s investments in these CLOs are generally subordinated to other interests in the entities and entitle the Partnership to receive a pro rata portion of the residual cash flows, if any, from the entities. Investors in the CLOs have no recourse against the Partnership for any losses sustained in the CLO structure.
Entities that do not qualify as VIEs are generally assessed for consolidation as voting interest entities. Under the voting interest entity model, the Partnership consolidates those entities it controls through a majority voting interest.
All significant inter-entity transactions and balances of entities consolidated have been eliminated.

Investments in Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
Investments in Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

The Partnership holds variable interests in certain VIEs that are not consolidated because the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, including its investments in certain CLOs and strategic investment in NGP Management Company, L.L.C. (“NGP Management” and, together with its affiliates, “NGP”). Refer to Note 5 for information on the strategic investment in NGP. The Partnership’s involvement with such entities is in the form of direct equity interests and fee arrangements. The maximum exposure to loss represents the loss of assets recognized by the Partnership relating to its variable interests in these unconsolidated entities.
Basis of Accounting
Basis of Accounting
The accompanying financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management has determined that the Partnership’s Funds are investment companies under U.S. GAAP for the purposes of financial reporting. U.S. GAAP for an investment company requires investments to be recorded at estimated fair value and the unrealized gains and/or losses in an investment’s fair value are recognized on a current basis in the statements of operations. Additionally, the Funds do not consolidate their majority-owned and controlled investments (the “Portfolio Companies”). In the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, the Partnership has retained the specialized accounting for the Funds.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management’s estimates are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Partnership’s accounting policies. Assumptions and estimates regarding the valuation of investments and their resulting impact on performance allocations involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity and these assumptions and estimates may be significant to the consolidated financial statements and the resulting impact on performance allocations and incentive fees. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations
The Partnership accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, under which the purchase price of the acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using the fair values determined by management as of the acquisition date. Contingent consideration obligations that are elements of consideration transferred are recognized as of the acquisition date as part of the fair value transferred in exchange for the acquired business. Acquisition-related costs incurred in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, the Partnership adopted ASU 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-9”) under the modified retrospective method. ASU 2014-9, and related amendments, provide comprehensive guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. Revenue is recognized when the entity transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance includes a five-step framework that requires an entity to: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocated the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

Upon adoption of ASU 2014-9, performance allocations that represent a performance-based capital allocation from fund limited partners to the Partnership (commonly known as “carried interest”, which comprises substantially all of the Partnership's previously reported performance fee revenues) are accounted for as earnings from financial assets within the scope of ASC 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and therefore are not in the scope of ASU 2014-9. In accordance with ASC 323, the Partnership records equity method income (losses) as a component of investment income based on the change in the Partnership's proportionate claim on net assets of the investment fund, including performance allocations, assuming the investment fund was liquidated as of each reporting date pursuant to each fund's governing agreements. The Partnership applied this change in accounting principle on a full retrospective basis, which resulted in a reclassification of amounts previously reported as accrued performance fees to investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and amounts previously reported as performance fees to performance allocations within investment income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See Note 5 for additional information on the components of investments and investment income following this change in accounting principle. Amounts previously reported as performance fees that do not meet the definition of performance-based capital allocations are in the scope of ASU 2014-9 and are included in incentive fees in the consolidated statements of operations. The following table shows the impact of this reclassification to the Partnership's previously reported amounts in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
As Previously Reported
 
Reclassifications
 
As Adjusted
 
(Dollars in millions)
Performance fees1
 
 
 
 
 
   Realized
$
1,097.3

 
$
(1,062.8
)
 
$
34.5

   Unrealized
996.6

 
(995.8
)
 
0.8

      Total performance fees1
$
2,093.9

 
$
(2,058.6
)
 
$
35.3

Investment income (loss)2
 
 
 
 
 
   Realized
$
70.4

 
$
1,062.8

 
$
1,133.2

   Unrealized
161.6

 
995.8

 
1,157.4

      Total investment income2
$
232.0

 
$
2,058.6

 
$
2,290.6

 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
As Previously Reported
 
Reclassifications
 
As Adjusted
 
(Dollars in millions)
Performance fees1
 
 
 
 
 
   Realized
$
1,129.5

 
$
(1,093.1
)
 
$
36.4

   Unrealized
(377.7
)
 
377.7

 

      Total performance fees1
$
751.8

 
$
(715.4
)
 
$
36.4

Investment income (loss)2
 
 
 
 
 
   Realized
$
112.9

 
$
1,093.1

 
$
1,206.0

   Unrealized
47.6

 
(377.7
)
 
(330.1
)
      Total investment income2
$
160.5

 
$
715.4

 
$
875.9

(1)
As adjusted, amounts now labeled as incentive fees in the consolidated statements of operations.
(2)
As adjusted, amounts now labeled as performance allocations and principal investment income within investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The adoption of ASU 2014-9 did not materially change the Partnership's historical pattern of recognizing revenue for management fees, incentive fees, and performance allocations (for arrangements within the scope of ASC 323). The Partnership has applied the guidance in ASU 2014-9 only to contracts that are not completed as of January 1, 2018. The Partnership recorded an adjustment of $0.8 million for the cumulative effect of adoption in partners' capital on January 1, 2018, which reduced total partners' capital. Additionally, while the determination of who is the customer in a contractual arrangement will be made on a contract-by-contract basis, the customer will generally be the investment fund for the Partnership's significant management and advisory contracts. The customer determination impacts the Partnership's analysis of the accounting for contract costs. Also, the recovery of certain costs incurred on behalf of Carlyle funds, primarily travel and entertainment costs, that were previously presented net in the consolidated statements of operations are presented gross beginning on January 1, 2018 as the Partnership controls the inputs to its investment management performance obligation. For the year ended December 31, 2018, these costs were approximately $29.3 million and are presented in interest and other income and general, administrative and other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Fund Management Fees
The Partnership provides management services to funds in which it holds a general partner interest or has a management agreement. The Partnership considers the performance obligations in its contracts with its funds to be the promise to provide (or to arrange for third parties to provide) investment management services related to the management, policies and operations of the funds.

As it relates to the Partnership’s performance obligation to provide investment management services, the Partnership typically satisfies this performance obligation over time as the services are rendered (under the output method described in ASC 606), since the funds simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided as the Partnership performs the service. The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which the Partnership expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised services to the funds. Management fees earned from each investment management contract over the contract life represent variable consideration because the consideration the Partnership is entitled to varies based on fluctuations in the basis for the management fee, for example fund net asset value ("NAV") or AUM. Given that the management fee basis is susceptible to market factors outside of the Partnership’s influence, management fees are constrained. Accordingly, estimates of future period management fees are generally not included in the transaction price because these estimates are constrained. The transaction price for the investment management services provided is generally the amount determined at the end of the period because that is when the uncertainty for that period is resolved.

For closed-end carry funds in the Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets and Global Credit segments, management fees generally range from 1.0% to 2.0% of commitments during the fund's investment period based on limited partners' capital commitments to the funds. Following the expiration or termination of the investment period, management fees generally are based on the lower of cost or fair value of invested capital and the rate charged may also be reduced to between 0.6% and 2.0%. For certain separately managed accounts and longer-dated carry funds, with expected terms greater than ten years, management fees generally range from 0.2% to 1.0% based on contributions for unrealized investments or the current value of the investment. The Partnership will receive management fees during a specified period of time, which is generally ten years from the initial closing date, or, in some instances, from the final closing date, but such termination date may be earlier in certain limited circumstances or later if extended for successive one year periods, typically up to a maximum of two years. Depending upon the contracted terms of investment advisory or investment management and related agreements, these fees are generally called semi-annually in advance and are recognized as earned over the subsequent six month period. For certain longer-dated carry funds, management fees are called quarterly over the life of the funds.

Within the Global Credit segment, for CLOs and other structured products, management fees generally range from 0.4% to 0.5% based on the total par amount of assets or the aggregate principal amount of the notes in the CLO and are due quarterly based on the terms and recognized over the respective period. Management fees for the CLOs and other structured products are governed by indentures and collateral management agreements. The Partnership will receive management fees for the CLOs until redemption of the securities issued by the CLOs, which is generally five to ten years after issuance. Management fees for the business development companies are due quarterly in arrears at annual rates that range from 1.25% of invested capital to 1.5% of gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents.

Management fees for the Partnership's private equity and real estate carry fund vehicles in the Investment Solutions segment generally range from 0.25% to 1.0% on the vehicle’s capital commitments during the commitment fee period of the relevant fund or the weighted-average investment period of the underlying funds. Following the expiration of the commitment fee period or weighted-average investment period of such funds, the management fees generally range from 0.25% to 1.0% on (i) the lower of cost or fair value of the capital invested, (ii) the net asset value for unrealized investments, or (iii) the contributions for unrealized investments; however, certain separately managed accounts earn management fees at all times on contributions for unrealized investments or on the initial commitment amount. Management fees for the Investment Solutions carry fund vehicles are generally due quarterly and recognized over the related quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, management fee receivables were $76.2 million and $47.7 million, respectively, and are included in due from affiliates and other receivables, net, in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Partnership also provides transaction advisory and portfolio advisory services to the portfolio companies, and where covered by separate contractual agreements, recognizes fees for these services when the service has been provided and collection is reasonably assured. Fund management fees includes transaction and portfolio advisory fees of $50.5 million, $43.6 million and $47.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, net of any offsets as defined in the respective partnership agreements. Fund management fees exclude the reimbursement of any partnership expenses paid by the Partnership on behalf of the Carlyle funds pursuant to the limited partnership agreements, including amounts related to the pursuit of actual, proposed, or unconsummated investments, professional fees, expenses associated with the acquisition, holding and disposition of investments, and other fund administrative expenses. For the professional fees that the Partnership arranges for the investment funds, the Partnership concluded that the nature of its promise is to arrange for the services to be provided and it does not control the services provided by third parties before they are transferred to the customer. Therefore, the Partnership concluded it is acting in the capacity of an agent. Accordingly, the reimbursement for these professional fees paid on behalf of the investment funds is presented on a net basis in general, administrative and other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Partnership also incurs certain costs, primarily employee travel and entertainment costs, employee compensation and systems costs, for which it receives reimbursement from the investment funds in connection with its performance obligation to provide investment and management services. For reimbursable travel, compensation and systems costs, the Partnership concluded it controls the services provided by its employees and the resources used to develop applicable systems before they are transferred to the customer and therefore is a principal. Accordingly, the reimbursement for these costs incurred by the Partnership to manage the fund limited partnerships are presented on a gross basis in interest and other income in the consolidated statements of operations and the expense in general, administrative and other expenses or cash-based compensation and benefits expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Incentive Fees
In connection with management contracts from certain of its Global Credit funds, the Partnership is also entitled to receive performance-based incentive fees when the return on assets under management exceeds certain benchmark returns or other performance targets. In such arrangements, incentive fees are recognized when the performance benchmark has been achieved. Incentive fees are variable consideration because they are contingent upon the investment vehicle achieving stipulated investment return hurdles. Investment returns are highly susceptible to market factors outside of the Partnership’s influence. Accordingly, incentive fees are constrained until all uncertainty is resolved. Estimates of future period incentive fees are generally not included in the transaction price because these estimates are constrained. The transaction price for incentive fees is generally the amount determined at the end of each accounting period to which they relate because that is when the uncertainty for that period is resolved, as these fees are not subject to clawback.
  
Investment Income (Loss), including Performance Allocations
Investment income (loss) represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses resulting from the Partnership's equity method investments, including any associated general partner performance allocations, and other principal investments, including CLOs.

General partner performance allocations consist of the allocation of profits from certain of the funds to which the Partnership is entitled (commonly known as carried interest).

For closed-end carry funds in the Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets and Global Credit segments, the Partnership is generally entitled to a 20% allocation (or 10% to 20% on certain longer-dated carry funds, certain credit funds, and external co-investment vehicles, or approximately 2% to 10% for most of the recent Investment Solutions carry fund vehicles) of the net realized income or gain as a carried interest after returning the invested capital, the allocation of preferred returns of generally 7% to 9% (or 4% to 7% for certain longer-dated carry funds) and return of certain fund costs (generally subject to catch-up provisions as set forth in the fund limited partnership agreement). Carried interest is recognized upon appreciation of the funds’ investment values above certain return hurdles set forth in each respective partnership agreement. The Partnership recognizes revenues attributable to performance allocations based upon the amount that would be due pursuant to the fund partnership agreement at each period end as if the funds were terminated at that date. Accordingly, the amount recognized as performance allocations reflects the Partnership’s share of the gains and losses of the associated funds’ underlying investments measured at their then-current fair values relative to the fair values as of the end of the prior period. Because of the inherent uncertainty, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is reasonably possible that the difference could be material.
Carried interest is ultimately realized when: (i) an underlying investment is profitably disposed of, (ii) certain costs borne by the limited partner investors have been reimbursed, (iii) the fund’s cumulative returns are in excess of the preferred return and (iv) the Partnership has decided to collect carry rather than return additional capital to limited partner investors. Realized carried interest may be required to be returned by the Partnership in future periods if the funds’ investment values decline below certain levels. When the fair value of a fund’s investments remains constant or falls below certain return hurdles, previously recognized performance allocations are reversed. In all cases, each fund is considered separately in this regard, and for a given fund, performance allocations can never be negative over the life of a fund. If upon a hypothetical liquidation of a fund’s investments at their then current fair values, previously recognized and distributed carried interest would be required to be returned, a liability is established for the potential giveback obligation. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Partnership has recognized $63.2 million and $66.8 million, respectively, for giveback obligations.
Principal investment income (loss) is realized when the Partnership redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Partnership receives or is due cash income, such as dividends or distributions. Principal investment income (loss) also includes the Partnership's allocation of earnings from its investments in Fortitude Re and, as it relates to the Partnership's investments in NGP (see Note 5), the related amortization of the basis difference between the Partnership’s carrying value of its investment and the Partnership’s share of underlying net assets of the investee, as well as the compensation expense associated with compensatory arrangements provided by the Partnership to employees of its equity method investee. Unrealized principal investment income (loss) results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as the reversal of unrealized gain (loss) at the time an investment is realized.

Interest Income
Interest income is recognized when earned. For debt securities representing non-investment grade beneficial interests in securitizations, the effective yield is determined based on the estimated cash flows of the security. Changes in the effective yield of these securities due to changes in estimated cash flows are recognized on a prospective basis as adjustments to interest income in future periods. Interest income earned by the Partnership is included in interest and other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Interest income of the Consolidated Funds was $207.2 million, $167.3 million and $140.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in interest and other income of Consolidated Funds in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and Benefits
Cash-based Compensation and Benefits – Cash-based compensation and benefits includes salaries, bonuses (discretionary awards and guaranteed amounts), performance payment arrangements and benefits paid and payable to Carlyle employees. Bonuses are accrued over the service period to which they relate.
Equity-Based Compensation – Compensation expense relating to the issuance of equity-based awards to Carlyle employees is measured at fair value on the grant date. In June 2018, the Partnership adopted ASU 2018-7, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which aligned the accounting for non-employee equity-based awards with the accounting for employee equity-based awards, retroactive to January 1, 2018. The compensation expense for awards that vest over a future service period is recognized over the relevant service period on a straight-line basis. The compensation expense for awards that do not require future service is recognized immediately. Cash settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are re-measured at the end of each reporting period. The compensation expense for awards that contain performance conditions is recognized when it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved; in certain instances, such compensation expense may be recognized prior to the grant date of the award.
Equity-based awards issued to non-employees are recognized as general, administrative and other expenses, except to the extent they are recognized as part of equity method earnings because they are issued to employees of the Partnership's equity method investees.
The Partnership recognizes equity-based award forfeitures in the period they occur as a reversal of previously recognized compensation expense. The reduction in compensation expense is determined based on the specific awards forfeited during that period. Furthermore, the Partnership recognizes all excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax benefit or expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
Performance Allocations and Incentive Fee Related Compensation – A portion of the performance allocations and incentive fees earned is due to employees and advisors of the Partnership. These amounts are accounted for as compensation expense in conjunction with the recognition of the related performance allocations and incentive fee revenue and, until paid, are recognized as a component of the accrued compensation and benefits liability. Accordingly, upon a reversal of performance allocations or incentive fee revenue, the related compensation expense, if any, is also reversed.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Certain of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership and the Carlyle Holdings partnerships are subject to federal, state, local and foreign corporate income taxes at the entity level and the related tax provision attributable to the Partnership’s share of this income is reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Based on applicable federal, foreign, state and local tax laws, the Partnership records a provision for income taxes for certain entities. Tax positions taken by the Partnership are subject to periodic audit by U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxing authorities.
The Partnership accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future 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 difference between the financial statement reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the difference is expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the period of the change in the provision for income taxes. Further, deferred tax assets are recognized for the expected realization of available net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. A valuation allowance is recorded on the Partnership’s gross deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that such asset will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of the Partnership’s deferred tax assets, all evidence, both positive and negative is evaluated. Items considered in this analysis include the ability to carry back losses, the reversal of temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and expectations of future earnings.
 
Under U.S. GAAP for income taxes, the amount of tax benefit to be recognized is the amount of benefit that is "more likely than not" to be sustained upon examination. The Partnership analyzes its tax filing positions in all of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as for all open tax years in these jurisdictions. If, based on this analysis, the Partnership determines that uncertainties in tax positions exist, a liability is established, which is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. The Partnership recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax positions in the provision for income taxes. If recognized, the entire amount of unrecognized tax positions would be recorded as a reduction in the provision for income taxes.
Tax Receivable Agreement
Tax Receivable Agreement
Exchanges of Carlyle Holdings partnership units for the Partnership’s common units that are executed by the limited partners of the Carlyle Holdings partnerships result in transfers of and increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Carlyle Holdings, primarily attributable to a portion of the goodwill inherent in the business. These transfers and increases in tax basis will increase (for tax purposes) depreciation and amortization and therefore reduce the amount of tax that certain of the Partnership’s subsidiaries, including Carlyle Holdings I GP Inc., which are referred to as the “corporate taxpayers,” would otherwise be required to pay in the future. This increase in tax basis may also decrease gain (or increase loss) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those capital assets. The Partnership has entered into a tax receivable agreement with the limited partners of the Carlyle Holdings partnerships whereby the corporate taxpayers have agreed to pay to the limited partners of the Carlyle Holdings partnerships involved in any exchange transaction 85% of the amount of cash tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or foreign or franchise tax that the corporate taxpayers realize as a result of these increases in tax basis and, in limited cases, transfers or prior increases in tax basis. The corporate taxpayers expect to benefit from the remaining 15% of cash tax savings, if any, in income tax they realize. Payments under the tax receivable agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that the Partnership will determine. The corporate taxpayers will not be reimbursed for any payments previously made under the tax receivable agreement if a tax basis increase is successfully challenged by the Internal Revenue Service.
The Partnership records an increase in deferred tax assets for the estimated income tax effects of the increases in tax basis based on enacted federal and state tax rates at the date of the exchange. To the extent that the Partnership estimates that the corporate taxpayers will not realize the full benefit represented by the deferred tax asset, based on an analysis that will consider, among other things, its expectation of future earnings, the Partnership will reduce the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance and will assess the probability that the related liability owed under the tax receivable agreement will be paid. The Partnership records 85% of the estimated realizable tax benefit (which is the recorded deferred tax asset less any recorded valuation allowance) as an increase to the liability due under the tax receivable agreement, which is included in due to affiliates in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The remaining 15% of the estimated realizable tax benefit is initially recorded as an increase to the Partnership’s partners’ capital.
All of the effects to the deferred tax asset of changes in any of the Partnership’s estimates after the tax year of the exchange will be reflected in the provision for income taxes. Similarly, the effect of subsequent changes in the enacted tax rates will be reflected in the provision for income taxes.
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities represent the component of equity in consolidated entities held by third-party investors. These interests are adjusted for general partner allocations and by subscriptions and redemptions in hedge funds which occur during the reporting period. Any change in ownership of a subsidiary while the controlling financial interest is retained is accounted for as an equity transaction between the controlling and non-controlling interests. Transaction costs incurred in connection with such changes in ownership of a subsidiary are recorded as a direct charge to partners’ capital.
Non-controlling interests in Carlyle Holdings relate to the ownership interests of the other limited partners of the Carlyle Holdings partnerships. The Partnership, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, is the sole general partner of Carlyle Holdings.  Accordingly, the Partnership consolidates Carlyle Holdings into its consolidated financial statements, and the other ownership interests in Carlyle Holdings are reflected as non-controlling interests in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements. Any change to the Partnership’s ownership interest in Carlyle Holdings while it retains the controlling financial interest in Carlyle Holdings is accounted for as a transaction within partners’ capital as a reallocation of ownership interests in Carlyle Holdings.
Earnings Per Common Unit
Earnings Per Common Unit
The Partnership computes earnings per common unit in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). Basic earnings per common unit is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to the common units of the Partnership by the weighted-average number of common units outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common unit reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities. Net income (loss) attributable to the common units excludes net income (loss) and dividends attributable to any participating securities under the two-class method of ASC 260.

Investments/Corporate Treasury Investments
Corporate Treasury Investments
Corporate treasury investments represent investments in U.S. Treasury and government agency obligations, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, other investment grade securities and other investments with original maturities of greater than three months when purchased. These investments are accounted for as trading securities in which changes in the fair value of each investment are recorded through investment income (loss). Any interest earned on debt investments is recorded through interest and other income.
Investments
Investments include (i) the Partnership’s ownership interests (typically general partner interests) in the Funds, (ii) strategic investments made by the Partnership (both of which are accounted for as equity method investments), (iii) the investments held by the Consolidated Funds (which are presented at fair value in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements), and (iv) certain credit-oriented investments, including investments in the CLOs (which are accounted for as trading securities).

The valuation procedures utilized for investments of the Funds vary depending on the nature of the investment. The fair value of investments in publicly-traded securities is based on the closing price of the security with adjustments to reflect appropriate discounts if the securities are subject to restrictions.

The fair value of non-equity securities or other investments, which may include instruments that are not listed on an exchange, considers, among other factors, external pricing sources, such as dealer quotes or independent pricing services, recent trading activity or other information that, in the opinion of the Partnership, may not have been reflected in pricing obtained from external sources.

When valuing private securities or assets without readily determinable market prices, the Partnership gives consideration to operating results, financial condition, economic and/or market events, recent sales prices and other pertinent information. These valuation procedures may vary by investment, but include such techniques as comparable public market valuation, comparable acquisition valuation and discounted cash flow analysis. Because of the inherent uncertainty, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is reasonably possible that the difference could be material. Furthermore, there is no assurance that, upon liquidation, the Partnership will realize the values presented herein.

Upon the sale of a security or other investment, the realized net gain or loss is computed on a weighted average cost basis, with the exception of the investments held by the CLOs, which compute the realized net gain or loss on a first in, first out basis. Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.

The Partnership accounts for all investments in which it has or is otherwise presumed to have significant influence, including investments in the unconsolidated Funds and strategic investments, using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of equity-method investments is determined based on amounts invested by the Partnership, adjusted for the equity in earnings or losses of the investee (including performance allocations) allocated based on the respective partnership agreement, less distributions received. The Partnership evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash held at banks and cash held for distributions, including investments with original maturities of less than three months when purchased.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Held at Consolidated Funds
Cash and Cash Equivalents Held at Consolidated Funds
Cash and cash equivalents held at Consolidated Funds consists of cash and cash equivalents held by the Consolidated Funds, which, although not legally restricted, is not available to fund the general liquidity needs of the Partnership.

Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily represents cash held by the Partnership's subsidiaries due to certain government regulatory capital requirements as well as certain amounts held on behalf of Carlyle funds.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments
The Partnership uses derivative instruments primarily to reduce its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Derivative instruments are recognized at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for all derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.
Fixed Assets
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets consist of furniture, fixtures and equipment, leasehold improvements, and computer hardware and software and are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which for leasehold improvements are the lesser of the lease terms or the life of the asset, and three to seven years for other fixed assets. Fixed assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The Partnership’s intangible assets consist of acquired contractual rights to earn future fee income, including management and advisory fees, customer relationships, and acquired trademarks. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from four to ten years, and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the identifiable net assets of businesses acquired and is recorded in the functional currency of the acquired entity. Goodwill is recognized as an asset and is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1st and between annual tests when events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue represents management fees and other revenue received prior to the balance sheet date, which has not yet been earned. The increase in the deferred revenue balance for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily driven by cash payments received in advance of satisfying the Partnership's performance obligations, partially offset by revenues recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Partnership’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments and gains and losses on defined benefit plans sponsored by AlpInvest.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation
Non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities are translated at period-end rates of exchange, and the consolidated statements of operations are translated at rates of exchange in effect throughout the period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the SEC adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements in Securities Act Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification. The amendments became effective on November 5, 2018. Among the amendments is the requirement to present the changes in shareholders’ equity in the interim financial statements (either in a separate statement or footnote) in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The Partnership will include disclosure of the changes in partners’ capital in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q beginning in 2019.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Adopted as of January 1, 2018

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-7, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-7 aligns the measurement and classification for share-based payments to non-employees with the accounting guidance for share-based payments to employees. Among other requirements, the measurement of non-employee awards will now be fixed at the grant date, rather than remeasured at every reporting date. The guidance is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2019, however early adoption is permitted. The Partnership adopted this standard retroactive to January 1, 2018 and the impact of this guidance was not material to the financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-1, Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU 2017-01 changes the criteria for determining whether a group of assets acquired is a business. Specifically, when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the assets acquired would not be considered a business. The guidance was effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2018 and is required to be applied prospectively. This guidance will impact the Partnership's analysis of the accounting for any future acquisitions occurring after the date of adoption.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash. ASU 2016-18 clarifies the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows by requiring the amounts described as restricted cash be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. If cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are presented separately on the statement of financial position, a reconciliation of these separate line items to the total cash amount included in the statement of cash flows will be required either in the footnotes or on the face of the statement of cash flows. The guidance was effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2018 and ASU 2016-18 requires the guidance to be applied using a retrospective transition method. The Partnership reflected this change in presentation of restricted cash in these financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 clarifies the classification of several discrete cash flow issues, including the treatment of cash distributions from equity method investments. The guidance was effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2018 and ASU 2016-15 requires the guidance to be applied using a retrospective transition method. The impact of this guidance was not material to the consolidated statements of cash flows.
    
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Effective on January 1, 2019

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-2, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2018-2 allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to partners’ capital for stranded effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The guidance is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2019 and the Partnership adopted this guidance on that date. The impact of this guidance was not material to the Partnership.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. ASU 2017-12, among other things, permits hedge accounting for risk components in hedging relationships to now involve nonfinancial risk components and requires an entity to present the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedge item is reported. The guidance is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2019 and requires cash flow hedges and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption to apply a cumulative effect adjustment to eliminate the measurement of ineffectiveness to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of partners’ capital as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the guidance. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. The Partnership adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019 and the impact was not material.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-2 requires lessees to recognize virtually all of their leases on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The lease liability will be measured at the present value of lease payments and the right-of-use asset will be based on the lease liability value, subject to adjustments. Leases can be classified as either operating leases or finance leases. Operating leases will result in straight-line lease expense, while finance leases will result in front-loaded expense. This guidance is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2019 and is required to be applied using a modified retrospective method. The Partnership is finalizing implementation activities and expects total assets to increase $200 - $250 million and total liabilities to increase $270 - $320 million on its consolidated balance sheet upon adoption of this guidance. The Partnership does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on operating results. The Partnership is electing to use the practical expedients available under the transition provisions under which the Partnership would not need to reassess whether an arrangement is or contains a lease, lease classification, and the accounting for initial direct costs. The Partnership is also electing the recent transition option provided by the FASB, which allows entities to not apply ASC 842 in the comparative periods presented in the financial statements in the year of adoption.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Effective on January 1, 2020
    
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. This guidance is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Partnership is currently assessing the potential impact of this guidance to the fair value disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-4, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 simplifies an entity’s annual goodwill test for impairment by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill, and instead an entity should compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The impairment charge will then be the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. An entity would still have the option to perform a qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The guidance is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2020 and requires the guidance to be applied using a prospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. The Partnership does not expect the impact of this guidance to be material.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Accounting for Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13    requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Currently, GAAP requires an "incurred loss" methodology that delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. Under the new standard, the allowance for credit losses must be deducted from the amortized cost of the financial asset to present the net amount expected to be collected. The income statement will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. This provision of the guidance requires a modified retrospective transition method and will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment in retained earnings upon adoption. This guidance is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Partnership is currently assessing the potential impact of this guidance.
Fair Value Measurement
The fair value measurement accounting guidance establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which ranks the observability of market price inputs used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The observability of inputs is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices, or for which fair value can be measured from quoted prices in active markets, will generally have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment applied in determining fair value.
 
Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination of fair values, as follows:
Level I – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical instruments as of the reporting date. The type of financial instruments in this category include unrestricted securities, such as equities and derivatives, listed in active markets. The Partnership does not adjust the quoted price for these instruments, even in situations where the Partnership holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
Level II – inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in this category include less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.
Level III – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. The types of financial instruments in this category include investments in privately-held entities, non-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, collateralized loan obligations, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnership’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.
In certain cases, debt and equity securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices, market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments.