v2.3.0.15
Noncontrolling Interest
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] 
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

Noncontrolling interest represents: (i) the 50% interest in Borgata, held by the Divestiture Trust for the economic benefit of MGM, which was initially recorded at fair value at the date of the effective change in control, on March 24, 2010; and (ii) all 100% of the members' equity interest in LVE, the variable interest entity which was consolidated in our financial statements effective January 1, 2010, but in which we hold no equity interest. Pursuant to the authoritative accounting guidance for noncontrolling interests, a noncontrolling interest continues to be attributed its share of losses even if that attribution results in a deficit noncontrolling interest balance, as is the case with LVE, as presented below.

Changes in the noncontrolling interest during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 are as follows:
 
Borgata
 
LVE
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2011
$
219,256

 
$
(13,718
)
 
$
205,538

Attributable net loss
1,642

 
(3,252
)
 
(1,610
)
Comprehensive loss

 
(688
)
 
(688
)
Ending Balance, September 30, 2011
$
220,898

 
$
(17,658
)
 
$
203,240

 
LVE
Comprehensive Income
LVE has entered into interest rate derivative contracts in order to hedge exposure to increasing interest rates, and the impact of those rates on the cash flows of its variable-rate debt. LVE's active interest rate swaps are as follows (notional amount in thousands):
Effective Date
 
Notional Amount
 
Fixed Rate
 
Maturity Date
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 21, 2007
 
$
131,986

 
4.59
%
 
November 1, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 21, 2007
 
100,000

 
3.42
%
 
November 1, 2013
Totals
 
$
231,986

 
 
 
 

These derivatives were de-designated in July 2011.
 
At inception, these interest rate derivatives were designated as cash flow hedges and determined to be highly effective. The differential to be paid or received as a result of these swaps is accrued as interest rates change and is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. The change in fair value of the effective portion of these derivative has been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, LVE recognized a gain of $0.1 million and a loss of $0.7 million, respectively, in comprehensive income related to the changes in the fair value of the effective portion of these hedges.

Prior to January 1, 2010, the date LVE is first reflected in our financial condition and results of operations, hedge accounting was discontinued on the interest rate swap related to the taxable debt because it was no longer expected to be highly effective in hedging the exposure to increased interest rates and the impact of those rates on cash flows. The ineffective portion of the swap caused the variable-rate debt to increase at a slower pace than the contractual increases in notional amount of the swap.