Other Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other Assets [Abstract]

Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 7. OTHER ASSETS

December 31 (In millions)	2012		2011
Investments
Real estate(a)(b)	$	25,154	$	28,255
Associated companies		19,119		23,589
Assets held for sale(c)		4,205		4,525
Cost method(b)		1,665		1,882
Other		1,446		1,722
		51,589		59,973
Derivative instruments		3,557		9,671
Advances to suppliers		1,813		1,560
Deferred borrowing costs(d)		940		1,327
Deferred acquisition costs(e)		46		55
Other		4,272		3,026
Total	$	62,217	$	75,612

• Our investment in real estate consisted principally of two categories: real estate held for investment and equity method investments. Both categories contained a wide range of properties including the following at December 31, 2012: office buildings (48%), apartment buildings (14%), retail facilities (9%), franchise properties (9%), industrial properties (8%) and other (12%). At December 31, 2012, investments were located in the Americas (45%), Europe (28%) and Asia (27%).
• The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months at December 31, 2012, were $142 million and $37 million, respectively. The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for 12 months or more at December 31, 2012, were $2 million and an insignificant amount, respectively. The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months at December 31, 2011, were $425 million and $61 million, respectively. The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for 12 months or more at December 31, 2011, were $65 million and $3 million, respectively.
• Assets were classified as held for sale on the date a decision was made to dispose of them through sale or other means. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, such assets consisted primarily of loans, aircraft, equipment and real estate properties, and were accounted for at the lower of carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell. These amounts are net of valuation allowances of $200 million and $122 million atDecember 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
• Included$329 million at December 31, 2011of unamortized fees related to our participation in the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP). At December 31, 2012, our debt under TLGP was fully repaid.
• Balances at December 31, 2012and 2011reflectadjustments of $764 million and $810 million, respectively, to deferred acquisition costs in our run-off insurance operations to reflect the effects that would have been recognized had the related unrealized investment securities holding gains and losses actually been realized in accordance with ASC 320-10-S99-2.