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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis Of Accounting

Basis of Accounting. The consolidated financial statements of First Horizon National Corporation (“FHN”), including its subsidiaries, have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industries in which it operates. This preparation requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and assumptions are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements and could differ from actual results.
Principles of Consolidation And Basis Of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FHN and other entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) for which FHN or a subsidiary has been determined to be the primary beneficiary are also consolidated. The assets and liabilities of FHN's consolidated residential mortgage securitization trusts have been parenthetically disclosed on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Condition as restricted in accordance with the presentation requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, as amended, due to the assets being pledged to settle the trusts' obligations and the trusts' security holders having no recourse to FHN. Affiliates for which FHN is not considered the primary beneficiary and in which FHN does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for by the equity method. These investments are included in other assets, and FHN's proportionate share of income or loss is included in noninterest income. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Business combinations accounted for as purchases are included in the financial statements from the respective dates of acquisition.

 
Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. FHN derives a significant portion of its revenues from fee-based services. Noninterest income from transaction-based fees is generally recognized when the transactions are completed. Noninterest income from service-based fees is generally recognized over the period in which FHN provides the service.

 
Deposit Transactions And Cash Management

Deposit Transactions and Cash Management. Deposit transactions include services related to retail and commercial deposit products (such as service charges on checking accounts), cash management products and services such as electronic transaction processing (Automated Clearing House and Electronic Data Interchange), account reconciliation services, cash vault services, lockbox processing, and information reporting to large corporate clients.

 
Insurance Commissions

Insurance Commissions. Insurance commissions are derived from the sale of insurance products, including acting as an independent agent to provide life, long-term care, and disability insurance.

 
Trust Services And Investment Management Fees

Trust Services and Investment Management. Trust services and investment management fees include investment management, personal trust, employee benefits, and custodial trust services.

 
Brokerage, Management Fees and Commissions

Brokerage, Management Fees and Commissions. Brokerage, management fees and commissions include fees for portfolio management, trade commissions, and annuity and mutual fund sales.

 
Statements of Cash Flows

Statements of Cash Flows. For purposes of these statements, cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and securities purchased under agreements to resell are considered cash and cash equivalents. Federal funds are usually sold for one-day periods, and securities purchased under agreements to resell are short-term, highly liquid investments.

 
Trading Activities

Trading Activities. Securities purchased in connection with underwriting or dealer activities (long positions) are carried at fair market value as trading securities. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, on these securities are reflected in capital markets noninterest income. Trading liabilities include securities that FHN has sold to other parties but does not own (short positions). FHN is obligated to purchase securities at a future date to cover the short positions. Assets and liabilities for unsettled trades are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Condition as “Capital markets receivables” or “Capital markets payables.” Retained interests from securitizations in the form of excess interest, interest-only and principal-only strips from sales and securitizations of first lien mortgages are recognized at fair value as trading securities with gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, recognized in mortgage banking income. Excess interest represents rights to receive interest from serviced assets that exceed contractually specified rates. Principal-only strips are principal cash flow tranches, and interest-only strips are interest cash flow tranches. Cash receipts and payments are classified in investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows based on the purpose for which such financial assets were retained.

 
Investment Securities

Investment Securities. Investment securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the degree of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security's performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and FHN's intent and ability to hold the security. Securities that may be sold prior to maturity and equity securities are classified as securities available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, including debt securities for which no credit impairment exists, are excluded from earnings and are reported, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity. Venture capital investments are classified as securities available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in noninterest income.

Realized gains and losses for investment securities are determined by the specific identification method and reported in noninterest income. Declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary based on FHN's analysis of the facts and circumstances related to an individual investment, including securities that FHN has the intent to sell, are also determined by the specific identification method, and reported in noninterest income. For impaired debt securities that FHN does not intend to sell and will not be required to sell prior to recovery but for which credit losses exist, the other-than-temporary impairment recognized is separated between the total impairment related to credit losses which is reported in noninterest income, and the impairment related to all other factors which is excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity.

 
Securities Purchased under Resale Agreements and Securities Sold under Repurchase Agreements

Securities Purchased under Resale Agreements and Securities Sold under Repurchase Agreements. FHN enters into short-term purchases of securities under agreements to resell which are accounted for as collateralized financings except where FHN does not have an agreement to sell the same or substantially the same securities before maturity at a fixed or determinable price. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for the three years ended December 31, 2012, all of FHN's securities purchased under agreements to resell were recognized as collateralized financings. Securities delivered under these transactions are delivered to either the dealer custody account at the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) or to the applicable counterparty. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are offered to cash management customers as an automated, collateralized investment account. Securities sold are also used by the retail/commercial bank to obtain favorable borrowing rates on its purchased funds. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, all of FHN's securities sold under agreements to repurchase were secured borrowings.

Collateral is valued daily and FHN may require counterparties to deposit additional securities or cash as collateral, or FHN may return cash or securities previously pledged by counterparties, or FHN may be required to post additional securities or cash as collateral, based on the contractual requirements for these transactions.

FHN's capital markets business utilizes securities borrowing arrangements as part of its trading operations. Securities borrowing transactions generally require FHN to deposit cash with the securities lender. The amount of cash advanced is recorded within Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. These transactions are not considered purchases and the securities borrowed are not recognized by FHN. FHN does not conduct securities lending transactions.

 
Loans Held-for-Sale and Securitization and Residual Interests

Loans Held-for-Sale and Securitization and Residual Interests. Prior to fourth quarter 2008, FHN originated first lien mortgage loans (“the warehouse”) for the purpose of selling them in the secondary market, through sales to government sponsored enterprises ("GSEs") for securitization, proprietary securitizations, and to a lesser extent through other whole loan sales. In addition, FHN sold certain of the second lien mortgages and home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”) it produced in the secondary market through securitizations and whole loan sales through third quarter 2007. The majority of the mortgage securitization trusts to which FHN transferred loans remains unconsolidated as FHN is deemed not to be the primary beneficiary based on the interests it retained in the trusts. Under ASC 810, as amended, continual reconsideration of conclusions reached regarding which interest holder is the primary beneficiary of a trust is required. See Note 24 – Variable Interest Entities for additional information regarding FHN's consolidated and nonconsolidated mortgage securitization trusts.

Loans originated or purchased in which management lacks the intent to hold are included in loans held-for-sale in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. FHN has elected the fair value option on a prospective basis for almost all types of mortgage loans originated for sale purposes. Such loans are carried at fair value, with changes in the fair value of these loans recognized in the mortgage banking noninterest income section of the Consolidated Statements of Income. For mortgage loans originated for sale for which the fair value option is elected, loan origination fees are recorded by FHN when earned and related direct loan origination costs are recognized when incurred. See Note 22 – Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities for additional information. FHN accounts for all mortgage loans held-for-sale which were originated prior to 2008 and for mortgage loans held-for-sale for which fair value accounting was not elected at the lower of cost or market value (“LOCOM”).

Mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) and mortgage loans guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (“VA”) were generally securitized through the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”, "Ginnie Mae", or "Ginnie") programs. Generally, conforming conventional loans were securitized through GSEs such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”, "Fannie Mae", or "Fannie") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”, "Freddie Mac" or "Freddie"). In addition, FHN has completed proprietary securitizations of nonconforming first lien and second lien mortgages and HELOC, which do not conform to the requirements for sale or securitization through government agencies. Most of these securitizations are accounted for as sales; those that do not qualify for sale treatment are accounted for as consolidated VIEs or financing arrangements.

Interests retained from loan sales, including agency securitizations, include mortgage servicing rights ("MSR") and excess interest. Interests retained from proprietary securitizations include MSR and various financial assets which are included in trading securities. All retained interests, including MSR, are carried at fair value. FHN no longer retains financial interests in loans it transfers to third parties.

 
Loans

Loans. Loans are stated at principal amounts outstanding, net of unearned income. Interest on loans is recognized on an accrual basis at the applicable interest rate on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and direct costs as well as premiums and discounts are amortized as level yield adjustments over the respective loan terms. Unamortized net fees or costs are recognized upon early repayment of the loans. Loan commitment fees are generally deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the commitment period. As required by ASC 310, "Receivables", FHN segregates the loan portfolio into segments and then further disaggregates the portfolio into classes for certain disclosures. Commercial loan portfolio segments include commercial, financial, and industrial (“C&I”) and commercial real estate (“CRE”). Commercial classes within C&I include general C&I, loans to mortgage companies, and the trust preferred loans (“TRUPs”) (i.e., loans to bank and insurance-related businesses) portfolio. Commercial classes within commercial real estate include income CRE and residential CRE. Retail loan portfolio segments include consumer real estate, permanent mortgage, and the credit card and other segment. Retail classes include HELOC and real estate (“R/E”) installment loans within the consumer real estate segment, permanent mortgage (which is both a segment and a class), and credit card and other.

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans. Generally, for all portfolio segments and classes, loans are placed on nonaccrual status if it becomes evident that full collection of principal and interest is at risk, impairment has been recognized as a partial charge-off of principal balance, or on a case-by-case basis if FHN continues to receive payments, but there are atypical loan structures or other borrower-specific issues. The determination of whether a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") is placed on nonaccrual status generally follows the same internal policies and procedures as other portfolio loans. However, FHN will typically place a consumer real estate loan on nonaccrual status if it is 30 or more days delinquent at the time of modification and is determined to be a TDR, except for residential real estate secured loans discharged in bankruptcy ("discharged bankruptcies") that are placed on nonaccrual, regardless of delinquency status. Generally, current second liens are placed on nonaccrual status if they are behind first liens that FHN owns or services if the first lien is 90 days or more delinquent.

For commercial and retail loans within each portfolio segment and class placed on nonaccrual status, accrued but uncollected interest is reversed and charged against interest income when the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Management may elect to continue the accrual of interest when the estimated net realizable value of collateral is sufficient to recover the principal balance and accrued interest. For all portfolio segments and classes, interest payments received on nonaccrual and impaired loans are normally applied to principal. Once all principal has been received, additional interest payments are recognized on a cash basis as interest income.

Generally, commercial and retail loans within each portfolio segment and class that have been placed on nonaccrual status can be returned to accrual status if all principal and interest is current and FHN expects full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest, or the asset becomes well-secured and is in the process of collection. Also, loans for which all contractual amounts can reasonably be expected to be repaid (including arrearages) within a prudent period, and repayment has been in accordance with the contractual terms for a sustained period (generally for a minimum of six months) can also be returned to accrual status. Larger commercial loan balances (outstanding balances greater than $1 million) that are being returned to accrual status are subject to review by the Credit Risk Assurance Group. For residential real estate loans discharged through bankruptcy, such loans will be reported as a nonaccrual until the loan is ultimately repaid or charged-off. For current second liens that have been placed on nonaccrual because the senior lien was delinquent, the second lien may be returned to accrual upon pay-off or cure of the first lien.

Charge-offs. For all commercial and retail loan portfolio segments, all losses of principal are charged to the allowance for loan losses ("ALLL") in the period in which the loan is deemed to be uncollectible. For consumer loans secured by real estate, a collateral position is assessed prior to the asset becoming 90 days delinquent. Beginning in third quarter 2012, for discharged bankruptcies, not reaffirmed by the borrower, the fair value of the collateral position is assessed at the time FHN is made aware of the discharge. If the collateral value does not support foreclosure, balances are fully charged-off and other avenues of recovery are pursued. If the collateral value supports foreclosure, the loan is charged-down to net realizable value of the collateral and is placed on nonaccrual status.

 
Impaired Loans

Impaired Loans. Impaired loans include nonaccrual commercial loans greater than $1 million and modified consumer and commercial loans that have been classified as a TDR and are individually measured for impairment under the guidance of ASC 310. See Note 4 – Loans for a discussion of methodologies utilized by FHN to measure impairment.
Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses. The ALLL is maintained at a level that management determines is sufficient to absorb estimated probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The ALLL is increased by the provision for loan losses and loan recoveries and is decreased by charged-off loans. Reserves are determined in accordance with ASC 450-20-50 "Contingencies - Accruals for Loss Contingencies" and are composed of reserves for commercial loans evaluated based on pools of credit graded loans and reserves for pools of smaller-balance homogeneous retail and commercial loans. The reserve factors applied to these pools are an estimate of probable incurred losses based on management's evaluation of historical net losses from loans with similar characteristics. Additionally, the ALLL includes specific reserves established in accordance with ASC 310-10-35, for loans determined by management to be individually impaired. Management uses analytical models based on loss experience subject to qualitative adjustment to reflect current events, trends, and conditions (including economic considerations and trends) to assess the adequacy of the ALLL as of the end of each reporting period. The nature of the process by which FHN determines the appropriate ALLL requires the exercise of considerable judgment. See Note 4 – Loans for a discussion of FHN's ALLL methodology and a description of the models utilized in the estimation process for the commercial and consumer loan portfolios.

Key components of the estimation process are as follows: (1) commercial loans determined by management to be individually impaired loans are evaluated individually and specific reserves are determined based on the difference between the outstanding loan amount and the estimated net realizable value of the collateral (if collateral dependent), the present value of expected future cash flows or by observable market prices; (2) individual commercial loans not considered to be individually impaired are segmented based on similar credit risk characteristics and evaluated on a pool basis; (3) reserve rates for the commercial segment are calculated based on historical net charge-offs and are subject to adjustment by management to reflect current events, trends, and conditions (including economic considerations and trends); (4) management's estimate of probable incurred losses reflects the reserve rate applied against the balance of loans in the commercial segment of the loan portfolio; (5) retail loans are segmented based on loan type; (6) reserve amounts for each retail portfolio segment are calculated using analytical models based on delinquency trends and net loss experience and are subject to adjustment by management to reflect current events, trends, and conditions (including economic considerations and trends); and (7) the reserve amount for each retail portfolio segment reflects management's estimate of probable incurred losses in the retail segment of the loan portfolio.

Impairment related to individually impaired loans is measured in accordance with ASC 310-10. For all commercial portfolio segments, commercial TDRs and other individually impaired commercial loans are measured based on the present value of expected future payments discounted at the loan's effective interest rate (“the DCF method”), observable market prices, or for loans that are solely dependent on the collateral for repayment, the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell (net realizable value). Impaired loans also include consumer TDRs. With the exception of discharged bankruptcies which are collateral dependent and charged down to net realizable value, impairment is measured using a DCF model. For loans measured using the DCF method or by observable market prices, if the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds this amount, a specific allowance is established as a component of the ALLL; however, for impaired collateral-dependent loans FHN generally charges off the full difference between the book value and the estimated net realizable value.

For impaired assets viewed as collateral dependent, fair value estimates are obtained from a recently received and reviewed appraisal. Appraised values are adjusted down for costs associated with asset disposal and for the estimates of any further deterioration in values since the most recent appraisal.

Future adjustments to the ALLL and methodology may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the estimates or, if required by regulators, based upon information at the time of their examinations or upon future regulatory guidance. Such adjustments to original estimates, as necessary, are made in the period in which these factors and other relevant considerations indicate that loss levels vary from previous estimates.

 
Premises And Equipment

Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization and include additions that materially extend the useful lives of existing premises and equipment. All other maintenance and repair expenditures are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions are reflected in noninterest income and expense.

Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets and are recorded as noninterest expense. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease periods or the estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Useful lives utilized in determining depreciation for furniture, fixtures and equipment and buildings are three to fifteen and seven to forty-five years, respectively.

 
Real Estate Acquired By Foreclosure

Real Estate Acquired by Foreclosure. Properties acquired by foreclosure in compliance with HUD servicing guidelines are included in “Real estate acquired by foreclosure” and are carried at the estimated amount of the underlying government insurance or guarantee. On December 31, 2012, FHN had $18.9 million in these foreclosed properties. All other real estate acquired by foreclosure consists of properties that have been acquired in satisfaction of debt. These properties are carried at the lower of the outstanding loan amount or estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell the real estate. Losses arising at foreclosure are charged to the appropriate reserve.

Required developmental costs associated with foreclosed property under construction are capitalized and included in determining the estimated net realizable value of the property, which is reviewed periodically, and any write-downs are charged against current earnings.

 
Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets consist of “Other intangible assets” and “Goodwill.” The “Other intangible assets” represents identified intangible assets, including customer lists, acquired contracts, covenants not to compete and premium on purchased deposits, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives, except for those assets related to deposit bases that are primarily amortized over 10 years. Management evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining useful life or carrying value of amortizing intangibles should be revised. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over net assets of acquired subsidiaries less identifiable intangible assets. On an annual basis, FHN assesses goodwill for impairment.

 
Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments. FHN accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC 815 which requires recognition of all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value through adjustments to either accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity or current earnings. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell a derivative asset or paid to transfer a derivative liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the transaction date. Fair value is determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. FHN has elected to present its derivative assets and liabilities gross within Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively. Amounts of collateral posted or received have not been netted within the related derivatives.

FHN prepares written hedge documentation, identifying the risk management objective and designating the derivative instrument as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or free-standing derivative instrument entered into as an economic hedge or to meet customers' needs. All transactions designated as ASC 815 hedges must be assessed at inception and on an ongoing basis as to the effectiveness of the derivative instrument in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. For a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability are recognized currently in earnings. For a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument, to the extent that it is effective, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings as the hedged transaction impacts net income. Any ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is recognized currently in earnings. For free-standing derivative instruments, changes in fair values are recognized currently in earnings. See Note 25 – Derivatives for additional information.

Cash flows from derivative contracts are reported as operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Advertising and Public Relations

Advertising and Public Relations. Advertising and public relations costs are generally expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes

Income Taxes. FHN accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method pursuant to ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, FHN's deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the corresponding tax basis of certain assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Additionally, deferred tax assets are subject to a “more likely than not” test to determine whether the full amount of the deferred tax assets should be realized in the financial statements. FHN evaluates the likelihood of realization of the DTA based on both positive and negative evidence available at the time, including (as appropriate) scheduled reversals of DTLs, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial operations. If the “more likely than not” test is not met, a valuation allowance must be established against the deferred tax asset. In the event FHN determines that deferred income tax assets are realizable in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, FHN would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

FHN's ASC 740 policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.

FHN and its eligible subsidiaries are included in a consolidated federal income tax return. FHN files separate returns for subsidiaries that are not eligible to be included in a consolidated federal income tax return. Based on the laws of the applicable state where it conducts business operations, FHN either files consolidated, combined, or separate returns. With few exceptions, FHN is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has examined tax years 2006 - 2009. All proposed adjustments with respect to examinations of federal returns filed for 2009 and prior years have been settled. FHN is currently under audit in several states.

 
Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share. Earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period. Diluted earnings per share in net income periods is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares adjusted to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential dilutive common shares resulting from restricted shares or units and options granted under FHN's equity compensation plans and deferred compensation arrangements had been issued. FHN utilizes the treasury stock method in this calculation. Diluted earnings per share does not reflect an adjustment for potentially dilutive shares in periods in which a net loss available to common shareholders exists.

 
Equity Compensation

Equity Compensation. FHN accounts for its employee stock-based compensation plans using the grant date fair value of an award to determine the expense to be recognized over the life of the award. For awards with service vesting criteria, expense is recognized using the straight-line method over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period) and is adjusted for anticipated forfeitures. For awards vesting based on a performance measure, anticipated performance is projected to determine the number of awards expected to vest, and the corresponding aggregate expense is adjusted to reflect the elapsed portion of the performance period. The fair value of equity awards with cash payout requirements, as well as awards for which fair value cannot be estimated at grant date, is remeasured each reporting period through vesting date. Performance awards with pre-grant date achievement criteria are expensed over the period from the start of the performance period through the end of the service vesting term. Awards are amortized using the nonsubstantive vesting methodology which requires that expense associated with awards having only service vesting criteria that continue vesting after retirement be recognized over a period ending no later than an employee's retirement eligibility date.

 
Repurchase and Foreclosure Provision

Repurchase and Foreclosure Provision. The repurchase and foreclosure provision is the charge to earnings necessary to maintain the liability at a level that reflects management's best estimate of losses associated with the repurchase of loans previously transferred in whole loans sales or securitizations as of the balance sheet date. See Note 18 – Contingencies and Other Disclosures for discussion related to FHN's obligations to repurchase such loans.

 
Legal Costs

Legal Costs. Generally, legal costs are expensed as incurred.

 
Contingency Accruals

Contingency Accruals. Contingent liabilities arise in the ordinary course of business, including those related to lawsuits, arbitration, mediation, and other forms of litigation. FHN establishes loss contingency liabilities for matters when loss is both probable and reasonably estimable as prescribed by applicable financial accounting guidance. A liability generally is not established when a loss contingency either is not probable or its amount is not reasonably estimable. If loss for a matter is probable and a range of possible loss outcomes is the best estimate available, accounting guidance generally requires a liability to be established at the low end of the range. Expected recoveries from insurance and indemnification arrangements are recognized if they are considered equally as probable and reasonably estimable as the related loss contingency up to the recognized amount of the estimated loss. Gain contingencies and expected recoveries from insurance and indemnification arrangements in excess of the associated recorded estimated losses are recognized when received. Recognized recoveries are recorded as offsets to the related expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The resolution of gain contingencies generally results in the recognition of other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Summary of Accounting Changes

Summary of Accounting Changes. Effective January 1, 2012, FHN adopted the provisions of FASB ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment”. ASU 2011-08 provides that an entity may first perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, when determining whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step goodwill impairment test discussed in ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other”. Thus, if an entity concludes from its qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it must perform the two-step test. ASU 2011-08 provides examples of events and circumstances that should be considered in an evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an entity's reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The new qualitative indicators replace the guidance previously provided in ASC 350 which was used to determine whether an interim goodwill impairment test was required, and is applicable for assessing whether to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. Under the provisions of ASU 2011-08, entities are allowed, on the basis of their discretion, to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test, and are able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. ASU 2011-08 removes the alternative in ASC 350 which allowed for the carryforward of the detailed calculation of the fair value of a reporting unit from one year to the next if certain conditions were met. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-08 had no effect on FHN's statement of condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2012, FHN adopted the provisions of FASB ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. ASU 2011-05 requires that net income and other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 also provides that regardless of the method used to present comprehensive income, presentation is required on the face of the financial statements of reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income. ASU 2011-05 does not change the current option for entities to present components of other comprehensive income gross or net of the effect of income taxes, provided that such tax effects are presented in the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The provisions of ASU 2011-05 are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with retrospective application to all periods presented in the financial statements required. No transition disclosures are required upon adoption. For interim reporting periods, filers are only required to present total comprehensive income in a single continuous statement or in two consecutive statements. On December 23, 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, which indefinitely defers the provisions of ASU 2011-05 that require entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented (for both interim and annual financial statements). Upon adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 on January 1, 2012, FHN revised its financial statements and disclosures accordingly.

Effective January 1, 2012, FHN adopted the provisions of FASB ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs”. ASU 2011-04 provides that the highest-and-best use and valuation-premise concepts included in ASC 820 are only relevant when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets, thereby prohibiting the grouping of financial instruments for purposes of determining their fair values when the unit of account is specified in other guidance. However, under ASU 2011-04 an exception is permitted which allows an entity to measure the fair value of financial instruments that are managed on the basis of the entity's net exposure to a particular market risk, or to the credit risk of a particular counterparty, on a net basis when certain criteria are met. Such criteria include that there is evidence that the entity manages its financial instruments in that way, the entity applies such accounting policy election consistently from period to period, and the entity is required or has elected to measure those financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value in the statement of financial position at the end of each reporting period. Additionally, to qualify for the exception to the valuation premise, market risks that are being offset must be substantially the same. ASU 2011-04 also extends ASC 820's prohibition on the use of blockage factors in fair value measurements to all three levels of the fair value hierarchy except for fair value measurements of Level 2 and Level 3 measurements when market participants would incorporate the premium or discount into the measurement at the level of the unit of account specified in other guidance. ASU 2011-04 also provides that an entity should measure the fair value of its own equity instruments from the perspective of a market participant that holds the instruments as assets. Under ASC 820, as amended, expanded disclosures are required including disclosure of quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements, a description of the valuation processes used by the entity, and a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of recurring Level 3 measurements. Additional disclosures required under ASU 2011-04 include disclosure of fair value by level for each class of assets and liabilities not recorded at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, and disclosure of any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for those transfers. The provisions of ASU 2011-04 are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with disclosure of the change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs resulting from application of the amendments to ASC 820 required upon adoption, along with quantification of the total effect of the change, if practicable. Upon adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-04, FHN revised its disclosures accordingly. Adoption of ASU 2011-04 had no effect on FHN's statement of condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2012, FHN adopted the provisions of FASB ASU 2011-03, “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements”. For entities that enter into agreements to transfer financial assets that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem the financial assets before their maturity, ASU 2011-03 removes from the assessment of effective control under ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing”, the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, as well as the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. Under ASC 860-10, as amended, the remaining criteria related to whether effective control over transferred financial assets has been maintained would still need to be evaluated, including whether the financial assets to be repurchased or redeemed are the same or substantially the same as those transferred, the agreement is to repurchase or redeem them before maturity at a fixed or determinable price, and whether the agreement is entered into contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer. The provisions of ASU 2011-03 are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with prospective application to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Since FHN accounts for all of its repurchase agreements as secured borrowings, adopting the provisions of ASU 2011-03 did not have an effect on FHN's statement of condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Effective July 1, 2011, FHN adopted the provisions of FASB ASU 2011-02, “A Creditor's Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring”. ASU 2011-02 provides that a situation in which a market rate is not readily available is an indicator of a troubled debt restructuring, but not a determinative factor, and that an assessment should consider all modified terms of the restructuring when making a final determination regarding a troubled debt restructuring designation. ASU 2011-02 also provides that a modification that results in a temporary or permanent increase to the contractual interest rate cannot be presumed to be a rate that is at or above market. ASU 2011-02 explicitly precludes creditors from using the borrower's effective rate test in ASC 470-60, “Debt – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Debtors” in its evaluation of whether a modification was executed at a market rate. Under the provisions of ASU 2011-02, a borrower that is not currently in default may still be considered to be experiencing financial difficulty when default is probable in the foreseeable future. ASU 2011-02 provides factors that an entity should consider when determining whether a delay in the amount of payments is significant, as insignificant delays in cash flows would not be considered a concession to a borrower under its provisions. Retrospective application to the beginning of the annual period of adoption is required for identification and disclosure purposes, with prospective application for impairment purposes. Disclosure of the total amount of loans and the associated reserves related to those loans that are considered impaired under ASC 310, “Receivables”, as a result of the clarification in guidance is required upon initial application. FHN had previously modified its troubled debt restructuring review process and was already in compliance with the provisions of ASU 2011-02. Therefore, the provisions of ASU 2011-02 had no material effect on FHN's statement of condition, results of operations, cash flows, or required disclosures.

Effective July 1, 2011, FHN adopted the remaining provisions of FASB ASU 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses”, related to the enhanced disclosure requirements for modifications of financing receivables. FHN previously adopted the provisions of ASU 2010-20 for certain disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period effective January 1, 2011. Additionally, effective December 31, 2010, FHN adopted the provisions of ASU 2010-20 related to disclosures as of the end of a reporting period, and the amendments to the rollforward of the allowance for credit losses. ASU 2010-20 provides enhanced disclosures related to the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses, and provides that new and existing disclosures should be disaggregated based on how an entity develops its allowance for credit losses and how it manages credit exposures. Under the provisions of ASU 2010-20, additional disclosures required for financing receivables include information regarding the aging of past due receivables, credit quality indicators, and modifications of financing receivables. Comparative disclosures are required only for periods ending subsequent to initial adoption. Upon adoption of the provisions of ASU 2010-20 on September 30, 2011, January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively, FHN revised its disclosures accordingly.

Effective January 1, 2011, FHN adopted the provisions of FASB ASU 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”, related to the requirement to provide the activity of purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements related to recurring Level 3 measurements on a gross basis in the Level 3 reconciliation. Effective January 1, 2010, FHN adopted all other provisions of ASU 2010-06. ASU 2010-06 updates ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” to require disclosure of significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as well as disclosure of an entity's policy for determining when transfers between all levels of the hierarchy are recognized. The updated provisions of ASC 820 also require that fair value measurement disclosures be provided by each “class” of assets and liabilities, and that disclosures providing a description of the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value be included for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements classified as either Level 2 or Level 3. Under ASC 820, as amended, separate disclosure is required in the Level 3 reconciliation of total gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income. Comparative disclosures are required only for periods ending subsequent to initial adoption. Upon adoption of the amendments to ASC 820 on January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2010, respectively, FHN revised its disclosures accordingly.

Effective January 1, 2010, FHN adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Update 2009-17, “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities” (“ASU 2009-17”). ASU 2009-17 amends ASC 810 to revise the criteria for determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE by replacing the quantitative-based risks and rewards test previously required with a qualitative analysis. While ASC 810, as amended, retains the previous guidance in ASC 810 which requires a reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE only when certain triggering events occur, it adds an additional criterion which triggers a reassessment of an entity's status when an event occurs such that the holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. Additionally, the amendments to ASC 810 require continual reconsideration of conclusions regarding which interest holder is the VIE's primary beneficiary. Under ASC 810, as amended, separate presentation is required on the face of the balance sheet of the assets of a consolidated VIE that can only be used to settle the VIE's obligations and the liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors or beneficial interest holders have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary. ASC 810, as amended, also requires enhanced disclosures which are generally consistent with, and supersede, the disclosures previously required by the Codification update to ASC 810 and ASC 860 which was effective for periods ending after December 15, 2008. Comparative disclosures are required only for periods subsequent to initial adoption for those disclosures not required under such previous guidance.

Upon adoption of the amendments to ASC 810, FHN re-evaluated all former qualifying special purposes entities ("QSPEs") and entities already subject to ASC 810 under the revised consolidation methodology. Based on such re-evaluation, consumer loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $245.2 million were prospectively consolidated as of January 1, 2010, along with secured borrowings of $236.3 million, as the retention of mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) and other retained interests, including residual interests and subordinated bonds, resulted in FHN being considered the related trusts' primary beneficiary under the qualitative analysis required by ASC 810, as amended. MSR and trading assets held in relation to the newly consolidated trusts were removed from the mortgage servicing rights and trading securities sections of the Consolidated Statements of Condition, respectively, upon adoption of the amendments to ASC 810.

As the assets of FHN's consolidated residential mortgage securitization trusts are pledged to settle the obligations due to the holders of the trusts' securities and since the security holders have no recourse to FHN, the asset and liability balances have been parenthetically disclosed on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Condition as restricted in accordance with the presentation requirements of ASC 810, as amended. Since FHN determined that calculation of carrying values was not practicable, the unpaid principal balance measurement methodology was used upon adoption, with the allowance for loan losses (“ALLL”) related to the newly consolidated loans determined using FHN's standard practices. FHN recognized a reduction to the opening balance of undivided profits of approximately $10.6 million for the cumulative effect of adopting the amendments to ASC 810, including the effect of the recognition of an adjustment to the ALLL of approximately $24.6 million ($15.6 million net of tax) in relation to the newly consolidated loans. Further, upon adoption of the amendments to ASC 810, the deconsolidation of certain small issuer trust preferred trusts for which First Tennessee Bank National Association (“FTBNA”) holds the majority of the mandatorily redeemable preferred capital securities (trust preferreds) issued but is not considered the primary beneficiary under the qualitative analysis required by ASC 810, as amended, resulted in reduction of loans net of unearned income and term borrowings on the Consolidated Statements of Condition by $30.5 million.

 
Accounting Changes Issued but Not Currently Effective

Accounting Changes Issued but Not Currently Effective. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet: Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities”. ASU 2011-11 creates new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity's rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. ASU 2011-11 requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet as well as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The scope of ASU 2011-11 includes derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements/reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The provisions of ASU 2011-11 are effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with retrospective application to all periods presented in the financial statements required. FHN will revise its disclosures accordingly. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-11 will not have an effect on FHN's statement of condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income". ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. The provisions of ASU 2013-02 are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2012, with prospective application to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Upon adoption of the provisions of ASU 2013-02 on January 1, 2013, FHN will revise its financial statements and disclosures accordingly.