Variable Interest Entities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs")

Unconsolidated VIEs

As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we have several unconsolidated VIEs. We do not consolidate these entities because we are not the primary beneficiary and the nature of our involvement in the activities of these entities does not give us power over decisions that significantly affect these entities’ economic performance. We account for our investment in these entities under the equity method (see Note 7 – Investments in Partially Owned Entities). As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the net carrying amount of our investments in these entities was $216,276,000 and $257,882,000, respectively. Our maximum exposure to loss in these entities is limited to the carrying amount of our investments.

Consolidated VIEs

Our most significant consolidated VIEs are the Operating Partnership (for Vornado), the Fund and the Crowne Plaza Joint Venture, the Farley joint venture and certain properties that have non-controlling interests. These entities are VIEs because the non-controlling interests do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights. We consolidate these entities because we control all significant business activities.

As of September 30, 2019, the total assets and liabilities of our consolidated VIEs, excluding the Operating Partnership, were $4,898,971,000 and $2,612,681,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the total assets and liabilities of our consolidated VIEs, excluding the Operating Partnership, were $4,445,436,000 and $2,533,753,000, respectively.