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Variable Interest Entities | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2020
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] |
Variable Interest Entities | 15. Variable Interest Entities We have entered into various lease transactions in which the structure of the leases contain variable interest entities (VIEs). These VIEs were created solely for the purpose of doing lease transactions (principally involving railroad equipment and facilities) and have no other activities, assets or liabilities outside of the lease transactions. Within these lease arrangements, we have the right to purchase some or all of the assets at fixed prices. Depending on market conditions, fixed-price purchase options available in the leases could potentially provide benefits to us; however, these benefits are not expected to be significant. We maintain and operate the assets based on contractual obligations within the lease arrangements, which set specific guidelines consistent within the railroad industry. As such, we have no control over activities that could materially impact the fair value of the leased assets. We do not hold the power to direct the activities of the VIEs and, therefore, do not control the ongoing activities that have a significant impact on the economic performance of the VIEs. Additionally, we do not have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIEs or the right to receive benefits of the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. We are not considered to be the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate these VIEs because our actions and decisions do not have the most significant effect on the VIE’s performance and our fixed-price purchase options are not considered to be potentially significant to the VIEs. The future minimum lease payments associated with the VIE leases totaled $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2020, and are recorded as operating lease liabilities at present value in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

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- Definition Disclosures of variable interest entities (VIE) in aggregate, including how similar entities are aggregated, if separate reporting would not provide more useful information, distinguished between (1) VIEs that are not consolidated because the enterprise is not the primary beneficiary but has a significant variable interest or is the sponsor that holds a variable interest, and (2) VIEs that are consolidated. Presented in a manner that clearly and fully explains to financial statement users the nature and extent of an enterprise's involvement with variable interest entities. + References No definition available. + Details
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- References No definition available. + Details
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