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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: |
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Basis of Presentation: These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Operating Partnership. Investments in entities in which the Company retains a controlling financial interest or entities that meet the definition of a variable interest entity in which the Company has, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests, both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity are consolidated; otherwise they are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are reflected as "Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures." All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash: The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents, for which cost approximates fair value. Restricted cash includes impounds of property taxes and other capital reserves required under the loan agreements. Revenues: Minimum rental revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. The difference between the amount of rent due in a year and the amount recorded as rental income is referred to as the "straight-line rent adjustment." Rental revenue was increased by $5,116, $4,854 and $5,069 due to the straight-line rent adjustment during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Percentage rents are recognized and accrued when tenants' specified sales targets have been met. Estimated recoveries from certain tenants for their pro rata share of real estate taxes, insurance and other shopping center operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the applicable expenses are incurred. Other tenants pay a fixed rate and these tenant recoveries are recognized as revenues on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases. The Management Companies provide property management, leasing, corporate, development, redevelopment and acquisition services to affiliated and non-affiliated shopping centers. In consideration for these services, the Management Companies receive monthly management fees generally ranging from 1.5% to 5% of the gross monthly rental revenue of the properties managed. Property: Costs related to the development, redevelopment, construction and improvement of properties are capitalized. Interest incurred on development, redevelopment and construction projects is capitalized until construction is substantially complete. Maintenance and repair expenses are charged to operations as incurred. Costs for major replacements and betterments, which includes HVAC equipment, roofs, parking lots, etc., are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Gains and losses are recognized upon disposal or retirement of the related assets and are reflected in earnings. Property is recorded at cost and is depreciated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Buildings and improvements |  | 5 - 40 years
Tenant improvements |  | 5 - 7 years
Equipment and furnishings |  | 5 - 7 years
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures: The Company accounts for its investments in joint ventures using the equity method of accounting unless the Company retains a controlling financial interest in the joint venture or the joint venture meets the definition of a variable interest entity in which the Company is the primary beneficiary through both its power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Although the Company has a greater than 50% interest in Camelback Colonnade Associates LP, Corte Madera Village, LLC, East Mesa Mall, L.L.C., New River Associates, Pacific Premier Retail LP, Queens Mall Limited Partnership and Queens Mall Expansion Limited Partnership, the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in these joint ventures as it shares management control with the partners in these joint ventures and, therefore, accounts for its investments in these joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. The Company had identified Shoppingtown Mall, L.P. ("Shoppingtown Mall") and Camelback Shopping Center Limited Partnership as variable interest entities that met the criteria for consolidation. On September 14, 2011, the Company redeemed the outside ownership interests in Shoppingtown Mall for a cash payment of $11,366 (See Note 13—Noncontrolling Interests). As a result of the redemption, the property became wholly-owned by the Company. The net assets and results of operations of Camelback Shopping Center Limited Partnership included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements were insignificant to the net assets and results of operations of the Company. Acquisitions: The Company first determines the value of the land and buildings utilizing an "as if vacant" methodology. The Company then assigns a fair value to any debt assumed at acquisition. The Company then allocates the purchase price based on the fair value of the land, building, tenant improvements and identifiable intangible assets received and liabilities assumed. Tenant improvements represent the tangible assets associated with the existing leases valued on a fair value basis at the acquisition date prorated over the remaining lease terms. The tenant improvements are classified as an asset under property and are depreciated over the remaining lease terms. Identifiable intangible assets and liabilities relate to the value of in-place operating leases which come in three forms: (i) leasing commissions and legal costs, which represent the value associated with "cost avoidance" of acquiring in-place leases, such as lease commissions paid under terms generally experienced in the Company's markets; (ii) value of in-place leases, which represents the estimated loss of revenue and of costs incurred for the period required to lease the "assumed vacant" property to the occupancy level when purchased; and (iii) above or below market value of in-place leases, which represents the difference between the contractual rents and market rents at the time of the acquisition, discounted for tenant credit risks. Leasing commissions and legal costs are recorded in deferred charges and other assets and are amortized over the remaining lease terms. The value of in-place leases are recorded in deferred charges and other assets and amortized over the remaining lease terms plus an estimate of renewal of the acquired leases. Above or below market leases are classified in deferred charges and other assets or in other accrued liabilities, depending on whether the contractual terms are above or below market, and the asset or liability is amortized to rental revenue over the remaining terms of the leases. The allocated values of above and below-market leases are amortized into minimum rents on a straight-line basis over the individual remaining lease terms. The remaining lease terms of below-market leases may include certain below-market fixed-rate renewal periods. In considering whether or not a lessee will execute a below-market fixed-rate lease renewal option, the Company evaluates economic factors and certain qualitative factors at the time of acquisition such as tenant mix in the center, the Company's relationship with the tenant and the availability of competing tenant space. Marketable Securities: The Company accounts for its investments in marketable debt securities as held-to-maturity securities as the Company has the intent and the ability to hold these securities until maturity. Accordingly, investments in marketable securities are carried at their amortized cost. The discount on marketable securities is amortized into interest income on a straight-line basis over the term of the notes, which approximates the effective interest method. Deferred Charges: Costs relating to obtaining tenant leases are deferred and amortized over the initial term of the agreement using the straight-line method. As these deferred leasing costs represent productive assets incurred in connection with the Company's provision of leasing arrangements at the Centers, the related cash flows are classified as investing activities within the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Costs relating to financing of shopping center properties are deferred and amortized over the life of the related loan using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. In-place lease values are amortized over the remaining lease term plus an estimate of renewal periods. Leasing commissions and legal costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the individual lease terms. The range of the terms of the agreements is as follows:
Deferred lease costs |  | 1 - 15 years
Deferred financing costs |  | 1 - 15 years
In-place lease values |  | Remaining lease term plus an estimate for renewal
Leasing commissions and legal costs |  | 5 - 10 years
Accounting for Impairment: The Company assesses whether an indicator of impairment in the value of its properties exists by considering expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other economic factors. Such factors include projected rental revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures as well as estimated holding periods and capitalization rates. If an impairment indicator exists, the determination of recoverability is made based upon the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows, excluding interest expense. The amount of impairment loss, if any, is determined by comparing the fair value, as determined by a discounted cash flows analysis, with the carrying value of the related assets. The Company generally holds and operates its properties long-term, which decreases the likelihood of its carrying values not being recoverable. Properties classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The Company reviews its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for a series of operating losses and other factors that may indicate that a decrease in the value of its investments has occurred which is other-than-temporary. The investment in each unconsolidated joint venture is evaluated periodically, and as deemed necessary, for recoverability and valuation declines that are other than temporary. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: The Company recognizes all derivatives in the consolidated financial statements and measures the derivatives at fair value. The Company uses interest rate swap and cap agreements (collectively, "interest rate agreements") in the normal course of business to manage or reduce its exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates. The Company designs its hedges to be effective in reducing the risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. Any instrument that meets the cash flow hedging criteria is formally designated as a cash flow hedge at the inception of the derivative contract. On an ongoing quarterly basis, the Company adjusts its balance sheet to reflect the current fair value of its derivatives. To the extent they are effective, changes in fair value are recorded in comprehensive income. Ineffective portions, if any, are included in net income (loss). Amounts paid (received) as a result of interest rate agreements are recorded as an addition (reduction) to (of) interest expense. No ineffectiveness was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 or 2009. If any derivative instrument used for risk management does not meet the hedging criteria, it is marked-to-market each period with the change in value included in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2011, the Company's single derivative instrument outstanding did not contain a credit risk related contingent feature or collateral arrangement. Share and Unit-based Compensation Plans: The cost of share and unit-based compensation awards is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the awards and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the awards. For market-indexed LTIP awards, compensation cost is recognized under the graded attribution method. Income Taxes: The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1994. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. It is management's current intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain the Company's REIT status. As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to corporate level federal income tax on taxable income it distributes currently to its stockholders. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, then it will be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property and to federal income and excise taxes on its undistributed taxable income, if any. Each partner is taxed individually on its share of partnership income or loss, and accordingly, no provision for federal and state income tax is provided for the Operating Partnership in the consolidated financial statements. The Company's taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs") are subject to corporate level income taxes, which are provided for in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax 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 differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The deferred tax assets and liabilities of the TRSs relate primarily to differences in the book and tax bases of property and to operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if the Company believes it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the Company generating sufficient taxable income in future periods. Segment Information: The Company currently operates in one business segment, the acquisition, ownership, development, redevelopment, management and leasing of regional and community shopping centers. Additionally, the Company operates in one geographic area, the United States. Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity and the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions. Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which is typically based on an entity's own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company'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 asset or liability. The Company calculates the fair value of financial instruments and includes this additional information in the notes to consolidated financial statements when the fair value is different than the carrying value of those financial instruments. When the fair value reasonably approximates the carrying value, no additional disclosure is made. The fair values of interest rate agreements are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates fell below or rose above the strike rate of the interest rate agreements. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the interest rate agreements are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. Concentration of Risk: The Company maintains its cash accounts in a number of commercial banks. Accounts at these banks are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to $250. At various times during the year, the Company had deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. No Center or tenant generated more than 10% of total revenues during 2011, 2010 or 2009. Management Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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