Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of consolidated financial statement presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Bank and the Bank's wholly owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, Carver Asset Corporation, CFSB Realty Corp., CCDC, and CFSB Credit Corp. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statement of financial condition and revenues and expenses for the period then ended. Amounts subject to significant estimates and assumptions are items such as the allowance for loan losses, valuation of real estate owned, realization of deferred tax assets, and the fair value of financial instruments. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses or future writedowns of real estate owned may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions in the areas where Carver Federal has extended mortgages and other credit instruments. Actual results could differ significantly from those assumptions. Current market conditions increase the risk and complexity of the judgments in these estimates.

In addition, the OCC, Carver Federal's regulator, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews Carver Federal's allowance for loan losses and, if applicable, real estate owned valuations. The OCC may require Carver Federal to recognize additions to the allowance for loan losses or additional writedowns of real estate owned based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

In addition, no assurances can be given that the Company will continue to comply with all provisions of the Order. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in further regulatory actions to be taken by the regulators.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, amounts due from depository institutions, federal funds sold and other short-term instruments with original maturities of three months or less.  Federal funds sold are generally sold for one-day periods.  The amounts due from depository institutions include a non-interest bearing account held at the Federal Reserve Bank where any additional cash reserve required on demand deposits would be maintained.  Currently, this reserve requirement is zero since the Bank's vault cash satisfies cash reserve requirements for deposits.

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investment Securities

When purchased, investment securities are designated as either investment securities held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading.  

Securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost only if the Bank has a positive intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity.  Securities held-to-maturity are carried at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts using the level-yield method over the remaining period until maturity.

If not classified as held-to-maturity or trading, securities are classified as available-for-sale based upon management's ability to sell in response to actual or anticipated changes in interest rates, resulting prepayment risk or any other factors. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value. Estimated fair values of securities are based on either published or security dealers' market value if available. If quoted or dealer prices are not available, fair value is estimated using quoted or dealer prices for similar securities.

Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

The Company conducts periodic reviews to identify and evaluate each investment that has an unrealized holding loss. Unrealized holding gains or losses for securities available-for-sale are excluded from earnings and reported net of deferred income taxes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of Stockholders' Equity. Following Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance, the amount of an other-than-temporary impairment when there are credit and non-credit losses on a debt security which management does not intend to sell, and for which it is more likely than not that the Bank will not be required to sell the security prior to the recovery of the non-credit impairment, the portion of the total impairment that is attributable to the credit loss would be recognized in earnings. The remaining difference between the debt security's amortized cost basis and its fair value would be included in other comprehensive income (loss).

During fiscal years 2015 and 2014, no other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded.  Gains or losses on sales of securities of all classifications are recognized based on the specific identification method.

Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Held-for-sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Loans Held-for-Sale

Loans are only moved to held-for-sale classification upon the determination by Carver to sell a loan. Held-for-sale loans are carried at the lower of cost or market value.  The initial charge-off, if any is required, will be taken upon the move to held-for-sale and absorbed through Carver's loan loss reserve.  The need for further charge-offs is periodically evaluated if the loan remains classified as held-for-sale for an extended period of time using the valuation methodologies identified below.  Any subsequently required charge-off is processed as a mark-to-market adjustment. The valuation methodology for loans held-for-sale varies based upon the circumstances.  Held-for-sale values may be based upon accepted offer amounts, appraised value of underlying mortgaged premises, prior loan loss experience of Carver in connection with recent loan sales for the loan type in question, and/or other acceptable valuation methods.

Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are carried at unpaid principal balances plus unamortized premiums, purchase accounting mark-to-market adjustments, certain deferred direct loan origination costs and deferred loan origination fees and discounts, less the allowance for loan losses and charge-offs.

The Bank defers loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs and amortizes or accretes such amounts as an adjustment of yield over the contractual lives of the related loans using methodologies which approximate the interest method.  Premiums and discounts on loans purchased are amortized or accreted as an adjustment of yield over the contractual lives of the related loans, adjusted for prepayments when applicable, using methodologies which approximate the interest method.

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they are past due 90 days or more as to contractual obligations or when other circumstances indicate that collection is not probable.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest accrued but not received is reversed against interest income.  Payments received on a nonaccrual loan are either applied to protective advances, the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on an assessment of the ability to collect the loan.  A nonaccrual loan is restored to accrual status when principal and interest payments become less than 90 days past due and its future collectability is reasonably assured.

If the Bank determines that there is an impairment dollar amount, the Bank next determines whether the amount of impairment is permanent.  The amount of impairment determined to be permanent is charged off within the given fiscal quarter.  All other amounts are recorded as a specific valuation allowance (“SVA”) reserve.  Generally the amount of the loan and negative escrow in excess of the appraised value, for the fair value of collateral valuation method, is determined to be permanent and charged off.  The amount attributable to the expected cost to sell, is recorded as a specific valuation allowance.  In the event the Bank is using the collateral dependent determination for the dollar amount of impairment and the Bank does not have an accepted appraisal (for example, the Bank may utilize a broker’s price opinion), the Bank generally will treat all dollar amounts identified as impaired to be other than a permanent impairment and the full impaired amount will be recorded as a specific valuation allowance.  For impairment amounts calculated utilizing the present value of expected future cash flows, the dollar amount of impairment is recorded as a specific valuation allowance.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses ("ALLL")

The adequacy of the Bank's ALLL is determined, in accordance with the Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (the “Interagency Policy Statement”) released by the OCC on December 13, 2006 and in accordance with ASC Subtopics 450-20 "Loss Contingencies" and 310-10 "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan."  Compliance with the Interagency Policy Statement includes management's review of the Bank's loan portfolio, including the identification and review of individual problem situations that may affect a borrower's ability to repay.  In addition, management reviews the overall portfolio quality through an analysis of delinquency and non-performing loan data, estimates of the value of underlying collateral, current charge-offs and other factors that may affect the portfolio, including a review of regulatory examinations, an assessment of current and expected economic conditions and changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio. 

The ALLL reflects management's evaluation of the loans presenting identified loss potential, as well as the risk inherent in various components of the portfolio.  There is significant judgment applied in estimating the ALLL.  These assumptions and estimates are susceptible to significant changes from period to period. Further, any change in the size of the loan portfolio or any of its components could necessitate an increase in the ALLL even though there may not be a decline in credit quality or an increase in potential problem loans. As such, there can never be assurance that the ALLL accurately reflects the actual loss potential inherent in a loan portfolio. 

General Reserve Allowance [Policy Text Block]

General Reserve Allowance

Carver's maintenance of a general reserve allowance in accordance with ASC Subtopic 450-20 includes the Bank's evaluating the risk to loss potential of homogeneous pools of loans based upon historical loss factors and a review of nine different environmental factors that are then applied to each pool.  The pools of loans (“Loan Type”) are:

• 1-4 Family

• Multifamily

• Commercial Real Estate

• Construction

• Business Loans

• SBA Loans

• Other (Consumer and Overdraft Accounts)

The pools are further segregated into the following risk rating classes:

• Pass

• Special Mention

• Substandard

• Doubtful

The Bank next applies to each pool a risk factor that determines the level of general reserves for the specific pool.  The Bank estimates its historical charge-offs via a lookback analysis. The actual historical loss experience by major loan category is expressed as a percentage of the outstanding balance of all loans within the category. As the loss experience for a particular loan category increases or decreases, the level of reserves required for that particular loan category also increases or decreases. The Bank’s historical charge-off rate reflects the period over which the charge-offs were confirmed and recognized, not the period over which the earlier losses occurred. That is, the charge-off rate measures the confirmation of losses over a period that occurs after the earlier actual losses. During the period between the loss-causing events and the eventual confirmations of losses, conditions may have changed. There is always a time lag between the period over which average charge-off rates are calculated and the date of the financial statements. During that period, conditions may have changed. Another factor influencing the General Reserve is the Bank’s Loss Emergence Period (LEP) assumptions which represent the Bank’s estimate of the average amount of time from the point at which a loss is incurred to the point at which the loss is confirmed, either through the identification of the loss or a charge-off. The Bank generally considers coverage of one year’s losses an appropriate benchmark for most pools of loans because the probable loss on any given pool should ordinarily become apparent in that time frame. In some instances, the Bank may be able, however, to demonstrate a reliance on an LEP less than 12 months coverage based upon adequate management information systems and effective methodologies for estimating losses. However, in some instances, such as in its Commercial Real Estate, Multifamily and Business segments the Bank demonstrates a reliance on a LEP in excess of 12 months. The Bank also recognizes losses in accordance with regulatory charge-off criteria.

Because actual loss experience may not adequately predict the level of losses inherent in a portfolio, the Bank reviews nine qualitative factors to determine if reserves should be adjusted based upon any of those factors.  As the risk ratings worsen, some of the qualitative factors tend to increase.  The nine qualitative factors the Bank considers and may utilize are:

1. Changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices not considered elsewhere in estimating credit losses (Policy & Procedures).

2. Changes in relevant economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio, including the condition of various market segments (Economy).

3. Changes in the nature or volume of the loan portfolio and in the terms of loans (Nature & Volume).

4. Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff (Management).

5. Changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified loans (Problem Assets).

6. Changes in the quality of the loan review system (Loan Review).

7. Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans (Collateral Values).

8. The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations (Concentrations).

9. The effect of other external forces such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the existing portfolio (External Forces).

Specific Reserve Allowance [Policy Text Block]

Specific Reserve Allowance

Carver also maintains a specific reserve allowance for criticized and classified loans individually reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-10 guidelines. The amount assigned to the specific reserve allowance is individually determined based upon the loan. The ASC Subtopic 310-10 guidelines require the use of one of three approved methods to estimate the amount to be reserved and/or charged off for such credits. The three methods are as follows:

1.The present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate,

2.The loan's observable market price; or

3.The fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

The institution may choose the appropriate ASC Subtopic 310-10 measurement on a loan-by-loan basis for an individually impaired loan, except for an impaired collateral dependent loan.  Guidance requires impairment of a collateral dependent loan to be measured using the fair value of collateral method. A loan is considered "collateral dependent" when the repayment of the debt will be provided solely by the underlying collateral, and there are no other available and reliable sources of repayment.

Criticized and classified loans with at risk balances of $500,000 or more and loans below $500,000 that the Chief Credit Officer deems appropriate for review, are identified and reviewed for individual evaluation for impairment in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-10. Carver also performs impairment analysis for all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”).  If it is determined that it is probable the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according with the contractual terms of the loan agreement, the loan is categorized as impaired. 

If the loan is determined to be not impaired, it is then placed in the appropriate pool of criticized and classified loans to be evaluated collectively for impairment.  Loans determined to be impaired are evaluated to determine the amount of impairment based on one of the three measurement methods noted above.  The Bank then determines whether the impairment amount is permanent, in which case the loan is written down by the amount of the impairment, or if it is other than permanent, in which case the Bank establishes a specific valuation reserve that is included in the total ALLL.  In accordance with guidance, if there is no impairment amount, no reserve is established for the loan.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Policy [Policy Text Block]

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans

TDRs are those loans whose terms have been modified because of deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower and a concession is made. Modifications could include extension of the terms of the loan, reduced interest rates, capitalization of interest and forgiveness of accrued interest and/or principal. Once an obligation has been restructured because of such credit problems, it continues to be considered restructured until paid in full. For cash flow dependent loans, the Bank records a specific valuation allowance reserve equal to the difference between the present value of estimated future cash flows under the restructured terms discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate, and the loan's original carrying value. For a collateral dependent loan, the Bank records an impairment charge when the current estimated fair value of the property that collateralizes the impaired loan, if any, is less than the recorded investment in the loan. TDR loans remain on nonaccrual status until they have performed in accordance with the restructured terms for a period of at least six months.

Representation and Warranty Reserve [Policy Text Block]

Representation and Warranty Reserve

During the period 2004 through 2009, the Bank originated 1-4 family residential mortgage loans and sold the loans to the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”).  The loans were sold to FNMA with the standard representations and warranties for loans sold to the Government Sponsored Entities (GSEs). The Bank may be required to repurchase these loans in the event of breaches of these representations and warranties. In the event of a repurchase, the Bank is typically required to pay the unpaid principal balance as well as outstanding interest and fees. The Bank then recovers the loan or, if the loan has been foreclosed, the underlying collateral. The Bank is exposed to any losses on repurchased loans after giving effect to any recoveries on the collateral.

Management has established a representation and warranty reserve for losses associated with the repurchase of mortgage loans sold by the Bank to FNMA that we consider to be both probable and reasonably estimable.  These reserves are reported in our consolidated statement of financial condition as a component of other liabilities.  The calculation of the reserve is based on estimates, which are uncertain, and require the application of judgment.  In establishing the reserves, we consider a variety of factors, including those loans that are under review by FNMA that have not yet received a repurchase request. The Bank tracks the FNMA claims monthly and evaluates the reserve on a quarterly basis.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segment Reporting

The Company has determined that all of its activities constitute one reportable operating segment.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Risk

The Bank's principal lending activities are concentrated in loans secured by real estate, a substantial portion of which is located in New York City.  Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Company's loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in New York's real estate market conditions.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Office Properties and Equipment

Office properties and equipment are comprised of land, at cost, and buildings, building improvements, furnishings and equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization charges are computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and improvements	10 to 25 years
Furnishings and equipment	3 to 5 years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life or remaining term of lease

Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to non-interest expense in the period incurred.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock [Policy Text Block]

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The FHLB-NY has assigned to the Bank a mandated membership stock purchase, based on the Bank's asset size. In addition, for all borrowing activity, the Bank is required to purchase shares of FHLB-NY non-marketable capital stock at par. Such shares are redeemed by FHLB-NY at par with reductions in the Bank's borrowing levels. On a quarterly basis, these shares are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment. We do not consider these shares to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015. The Bank carries this investment at historical cost.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Servicing of Financial Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Mortgage Servicing Rights

All separately recognized servicing assets are included in Other Assets and measured at fair value.

Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Real Estate Owned

Real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at the lower of loan carrying amount or the fair value at the date of acquisition less estimated selling costs. At the time of origination of the real estate owned, the real property value is adjusted to its current fair value. Any subsequent adjustments will be to the lower of cost or market. The fair value of such assets is determined based primarily upon independent appraisals and other relevant factors.  The amounts ultimately recoverable from real estate owned could differ from the net carrying value of these properties because of economic conditions.  Costs incurred to improve properties or prepare them for sale are capitalized.  Revenues and expenses related to the holding and operating of properties are recognized in operations as earned or incurred.  Gains or losses on sale of properties are recognized as incurred.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company records income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 “Income Taxes,” as amended, using the asset and liability method. Income tax expense (benefit) consists of income taxes currently payable (receivable) and deferred income taxes.  Temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes are measured as of the balance sheet date.  Deferred tax liabilities or recognizable deferred tax assets are calculated on such differences, using current statutory rates, which result in future taxable or deductible amounts.  The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Where applicable, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance for any portion determined not likely to be realized. Generally, this valuation allowance would subsequently be adjusted by a charge or credit to income tax expense as changes in facts and circumstances warrant.  A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur.  The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination.  For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Any interest expense or penalties would be recorded as interest expense.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per common share includes any additional common shares as if all potentially dilutive common shares were issued (for instance, stock options with an exercise price that is less than the average market price of the common shares for the periods stated).  

Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Preferred and Common Dividends

The Company is prohibited from paying any dividends without prior regulatory approval pursuant to the terms of the Cease and Desist Orders to which it is subject, and is generally subject to regulations governing the payment of dividends.  See Item 1 - Business - Regulation and Supervision - Cease and Desist Orders and - Capital and Liquidity.  As previously disclosed in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 29, 2010, the Company's Board of Directors announced that based on highly uncertain economic conditions and the desire to preserve capital, the Company had suspended payment of the quarterly cash dividend on its common stock. There are no assurances that the payments of common stock dividends will resume.

Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is recorded at cost and is presented as a reduction of stockholders' equity.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Pension Plans

The Company's pension obligations, and the related costs, are calculated using actuarial concepts within the framework of the FASB guidance. The measurement of such obligations and expenses requires that certain assumptions be made regarding several factors, most notably including the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets. The Company evaluates these critical assumptions on an annual basis. Other factors considered by the Company include retirement patterns, mortality, and turnover.

Actuarial gain and losses, prior services cost or credits, and any remaining transition assets or obligations that have not been recognized under previous accounting standards must be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net of periodic benefit cost.  In addition, the measurement date (i.e., the date at which plan assets and the benefit obligation are measured for financial reporting purposes) is required to be the company's fiscal year-end.

NMTC fee income [Policy Text Block]

NMTC fee income

The fee income the Company receives related to the transfers of its New Market Tax Credits varies with each transaction but all are similar in nature.  There are two basic types of fees associated with these transactions.  The first is a “sub-allocation fee” that is paid to CCDC when the tax credits are allocated to a subsidiary entity at the time a qualified equity investment is made.  This fee is recognized by the Company at the time of allocation.  The second type of fee is paid to cover the administrative and servicing costs associated with CCDC's compliance with NMTC reporting requirements.  This fee is recognized as the services are rendered.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements presented for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impact of Recent Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, "Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40), Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure." The amendments clarify when an in-substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and require disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by a creditor and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. ASU No. 2014-04 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated statement of financial condition or results of operations. At March 31, 2015, Carver had 11 loans secured by one-to-four family residential real estate in the process of foreclosure for a total outstanding balance of $1.9 million.