| Variable Interest Entities (VIE) created before December 31, 2003 that were not consolidated into the financial statements of the entity because there is insufficient information available to (1) determine whether the entity is a VIE, (2) determine whether the entity is the VIE's primary beneficiary, or (3) perform the accounting required to consolidate the VIE. In general, a VIE is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. A VIE often holds financial assets, including loans or receivables, real estate or other property. A VIE may be essentially passive or it may engage in research and development or other activities on behalf of another company. The specific variable interest entities not controlled by the registrant may be included as children of this element. |