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Other Assets
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]  
Other Assets [Text Block]

NOTE 7. OTHER ASSETS

December 31 (In millions)20142013
Investments
    Associated companies$ 16,747 $ 17,348
    Real estate(a)(b) 10,891 16,163
    Assets held for sale(c) 5,549 2,571
    Cost method(b) 566 1,462
    Other 1,621 930
35,374 38,474
Derivative instruments 1,794 1,117
Advances to suppliers 1,406 2,328
Deferred borrowing costs 849 867
Deferred acquisition costs(d) 17 29
Other 4,435 4,551
Total$ 43,875 $ 47,366

  • 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, 2014: office buildings (57%), retail facilities (9%), apartment buildings (5%), industrial properties (3%), franchise properties (3%) and other (23%). At December 31, 2014, investments were located in the Americas (46%), Europe (37%) and Asia (17%).
  • The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months at December 31, 2014, were $5 million and $1 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, 2014, were an insignificant amount and $1 million, 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, 2013, were $17 million and an insignificant amount, respectively. There were no cost method investments in a continuous loss position for 12 months or more at December 31, 2013.
  • 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, 2014 and 2013, 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 $142 million and $127 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Assets held for sale increased $2,978 million from December 31, 2013, as a result of net increases in held-for-sale loans and aircraft, partially offset by net decreases in held-for-sale real estate, primarily due to sales.
  • Balances at December 31, 2014 and 2013 reflect adjustments of $624 million and $700 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.