Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accounting policies of United Community Financial Corp. (United Community) and its subsidiary, The Home Savings and Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio (Home Savings) conform to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and prevailing practices within the banking and thrift industries. A summary of the more significant accounting policies follows. Nature of Operations The business of Home Savings is providing consumer and business banking service to its market area in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. At the end of 2011, Home Savings was doing business through 34 full-service banking branches and eight loan production offices. Loans and deposits are primarily generated from the areas where banking branches are located. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and commercial and residential real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from operations of businesses. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or customer. However, the customers’ ability to repay their loans is dependent on the real estate and general economic conditions in the market area. Home Savings derives its income predominantly from interest on loans, securities, and to a lesser extent, non-interest income. Home Savings’ principal expenses are interest paid on deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances, loan loss provisions and normal operating costs. Consistent with internal reporting, Home Savings’ operations are reported in one operating segment, which is banking services. On March 31, 2009, the Company completed the sale of subsidiary Butler Wick Trust for $12.1 million. Its parent company, Butler Wick Corp., was dissolved in October 2009. As a result, Butler Wick has been reported as a discontinued operation in 2009. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United Community and its subsidiaries. All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period data has been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and future results could differ. The allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of servicing rights, fair value of other real estate owned and other repossessed assets, realizability of deferred tax assets and status of contingencies are particularly subject to change. Cash Flows For purposes of the statement of cash flows, United Community considers all highly liquid investments with a term of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Net cash flows are reported for loan and deposit transactions, short-term borrowings and advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance. Securities Securities are classified as available for sale or trading upon their acquisition. Securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair value with the unrealized holding gain or loss reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Restricted securities such as FHLB stock are carried at cost. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount on debt securities. Premiums or discounts are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) at least quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of OTTI is recognized through earnings. Loans Held for Sale Loans held for sale primarily consist of residential mortgage loans originated for sale and other loans that have been identified for sale. These loans are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, determined in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Mortgage loans held for sale are sold with either servicing rights retained or servicing released. The carrying value of mortgage loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold. Loans Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the outstanding principal balance, net of purchase premiums or discounts, deferred loan fees and costs and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments. Interest income includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term. The accrual of interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. A loan is moved to nonaccrual status in accordance with the Company’s policy, typically after 90 days of non-payment. All interest accrued but not received for a loan placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Nonaccrual loans are comprised principally of loans 90 days past due as well as certain loans which are less than 90 days past due, but where serious doubt exists as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the repayment terms. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when future payments are reasonably assured. When loans reach 90 days past due, they are placed on nonaccrual status and any interest accrued but not received is reversed against interest income, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. A loan will also be placed on nonaccrual before it reaches 90 days past due if the Company determines that the borrower’s financial condition has deteriorated to the point that the Company no longer expects full repayment of the contractual principal and interest. Once a loan is nonaccrual, it will remain nonaccrual until the loan becomes current and the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay the loan per the contractual terms for a minimum of six months. Home Savings determines the past due status of loans based on the number of calendar months the loan is past due. Impaired loans consist of loans that are non-homogenous and in a nonaccrual status; loans considered troubled debt restructurings and loans that have been individually analyzed for impairment. Real estate loans. Mortgage loans are revalued at the time they reach 180 days past due and any portion of the principal that exceeds the current value is charged off. Mortgage loans are considered to be homogenous until the loan is individually valued and charged-down to the current value, at which time the loan becomes non-homogenous and is considered impaired. A commercial real estate loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. At this time the loan is charged down to the current value. Construction loans. A construction loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. At this time the loan is charged down to the current value. Consumer loans. Consumer loans that are secured by residential real estate are revalued once they reach 180 days past due and charged down to the current value if necessary. Consumer loans that are not secured by residential real estate are revalued once they reach 120 days past due and are charged down to the current value if necessary. Consumer loans are considered to be homogenous until the loan is individually valued and charged-down to the current value, at which time the loan becomes non-homogenous and is considered impaired. Commercial loan. Commercial loans are impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The repayment of commercial loans typically is dependent on the income stream and successful operation of a business. If there is no underlying collateral to value, the Company will calculate the present value of expected future cash flows to determine the amount of impairment, if any. Once a commercial loan has been individually analyzed it is considered impaired. Concentration of Credit Risk Most of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within Home Savings’ market area. Therefore, the Company’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required based on an analysis using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations, estimated collateral values, general economic conditions in the market area and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. TDRs are separately identified for impairment disclosures and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses. The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent one year. This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. Historically, in determining quantitative factors the Company has evaluated two years’ worth of net charge off history on a quarterly basis. The Company has averaged this information since 2006 in determining the quantitative factor. At December 31, 2010, the Company shortened this evaluation period to one year of net charge off history and averaged this information over the current year period. These changes allow for the quantitative factors to be weighted to a more recent level of charge off experience due to current market conditions. The Bank’s portfolio has the following segments: permanent real estate loans, construction loans, consumer loans and commercial loans. The majority of the Bank’s loan portfolio is permanent real estate loans made to customers in Home Savings’ market area. These loans are secured by the underlying real estate as collateral. Repayment of these loans is dependent on general economic conditions and unemployment levels in Home Savings’ market area. Consumer loans represent Home Savings’ next largest portfolio and primarily consist of home equity loans. Similar to permanent real estate loans, repayment of consumer loans depends on the general economic conditions and unemployment levels in Home Savings’ market area. Multifamily and nonresidential real estate loans generally have a higher degree of risk than loans secured by one-to four-family residences. These riskier loans can be affected by economic conditions, operating expenses, debt service and successful operation of income-producing properties. Home Savings tries to reduce this risk by evaluating the credit history of the borrower, location of the real estate, the financial condition of the borrower, obtaining personal guarantees by the borrower, the characteristics of the income stream generated by the property and the appraisal supporting the property. To reduce any risk on loans secured by one-to four-family residences, Home Savings underwrites all portfolio loans to Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines. Construction loans involve a higher degree of underwriting and default risk than loans secured by mortgages on existing properties because construction loans are more difficult to appraise and to monitor. Loan funds are advanced based upon the security of the project under construction. The majority of Home Savings’ consumer loans consist of closed-end home equity loans in an amount that, when added to the prior indebtedness secured by the real estate, does not exceed 90% of the estimated value of the real estate. Other consumer loans, such as automobiles and recreational vehicles, have a higher degree of risk than home equity loans as the collateral depreciates at a faster rate. Commercial loans generally entail greater risk than real estate lending. The repayment of commercial loans typically is dependent on the income stream and successful operation of a business, which can be affected by economic conditions. The collateral for commercial loans, if any, often consists of rapidly depreciating assets. Home Savings has established a methodology to calculate the allowance for loan losses at a level it believes adequate to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. An analysis of individual credits, prior and current loss experience, loan portfolio delinquency levels, changes in the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and results of regulatory examinations is completed on a regular basis to determine the adequacy of the allowance. Impaired loans are individually evaluated on a monthly basis based on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flow and legal options available to Home Savings. Once a review is completed, a specific reserve is determined and allocated to the loan. These specific reserves on individual loans are reviewed periodically and adjusted as necessary based on subsequent collection, loan upgrades or downgrades, nonperforming trends or actual principal charge-offs. Other loans not reviewed specifically by management are evaluated as a homogenous group of loans (generally single-family residential mortgage loans and all consumer credits except marine loans) using a loss factor applied to the outstanding loan balance to determine the level of reserve required. This loss factor consists of two components, a quantitative and a qualitative component. The quantitative component is based on a historical analysis of all charged-off loans, net of recovery. The Company evaluates one year of net charge off history and applies the information to the current period. This component is combined with the qualitative component to arrive at the loss factor, which is applied to the outstanding balance of homogenous loans. In determining the qualitative factors, consideration is given to such attributes as economic conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, lending personnel, lending policies, past-due loan trends and trends in collateral values. Servicing Assets Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or sale of financial assets. Servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant risk characteristics, such as original maturity, interest rate and loan type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche. If Home Savings later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal, or a fixed amount per loan, and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income. Transfers of Financial Assets Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Real Estate Owned and Other Repossessed Assets Real estate owned, including property acquired in settlement of foreclosed loans, is carried at fair value less estimated cost to sell after foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines after acquisition, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Costs relating to the development and improvement of real estate owned are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding and maintaining the properties are charged to expense. Other repossessed assets are carried at estimated fair value less estimated cost to sell after acquisition. Premises and Equipment Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Buildings and related components are depreciated and amortized using the straight-line method over the useful lives, generally ranging from 20 years to 40 years (or term of the lease, if shorter) of the related assets. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from three to five years. Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Life insurance is carried on the lives of certain employees where Home Savings is the beneficiary. Life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value, or the amount currently realizable. Increases in the Home Savings’ policy cash surrender value are tax exempt and death benefit proceeds received by Home Savings are tax-free. Income from these policies and changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in other income. Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Home Savings has no goodwill recorded as of December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010. Core deposit intangible assets arose from whole bank acquisitions. They were initially measured at fair value and are being amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives. Mortgage Banking Derivatives Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest rate on the loan is locked. The Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in mortgage banking income on the consolidated statements of operations. Long-term Assets Premises and equipment and other long–term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value. Loan Fees Loan origination fees received for loans, net of direct origination costs, are deferred and amortized to interest income over the contractual lives of the loans using the level yield method. Fees received for loan commitments that are expected to be drawn, based on Home Savings’ experience with similar commitments, are deferred and amortized over the lives of the loans using the level-yield method. Fees for other loan commitments are deferred and amortized over the loan commitment period on a straight-line basis. Unamortized deferred loan fees or costs related to loans paid off are included in income. Unamortized net fees or costs on loans sold are included in the basis of the loans in calculating gains and losses. Amortization of net deferred fees is discontinued for loans that are deemed to be nonperforming. Stock Compensation Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and nonemployee directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Corporation’s common shares at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Income Taxes Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. 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. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. 401(k) Savings Plan Employee 401(k) and profit sharing plan expense is the amount of matching contributions and administrative costs to administer the plan. Postretirement Benefit Plans In addition to Home Savings’ retirement plans, Home Savings sponsors a defined benefit health care plan that was curtailed in 2000 to provide postretirement medical benefits for employees who worked 20 years and attained a minimum age of 60 by September 1, 2000, while in service with Home Savings. The plan is unfunded and, as such, has no assets. Furthermore, the plan is contributory and contains minor cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition, postretirement life insurance coverage is provided for employees who were participants prior to December 10, 1976. The life insurance plan is non-contributory. Home Savings’ policy is to pay premiums monthly, with no pre-funding. The benefit obligation is measured annually by a third-party actuary. Employee Stock Ownership Plan On June 29, 2010, all shares were allocated to Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participants upon the full repayment of the ESOP loan. Prior to June 29, 2010, the cost of shares issued to the ESOP, but not yet allocated to participants, is shown as a reduction of shareholders’ equity. Compensation expense is based on the market price of shares as they are committed to be released to participant accounts. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings; dividends on unearned ESOP shares, before June 30, 2010, when all remaining shares were allocated, reduced debt and accrued interest. Stock Dividends Stock dividends paid using treasury shares are reported by reducing retained earnings and treasury shares by the fair value of the shares issued. The difference between fair value and cost of treasury shares issued is also reflected as a transfer to or from retained earnings and treasury shares. There are no dividends paid on fractional shares. Earnings per share is affected by the change in the number of shares outstanding. Dividend Restriction Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders. Pursuant to the Bank Order and Holding Company Order discussed in Notes 3 and 16, Home Savings must obtain regulatory approval prior to paying dividends to United Community and United Community must obtain regulatory approval prior to paying dividends to its shareholders. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for this calculation unless unearned. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements. Loss Contingencies Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. See further discussion at Note 14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 19. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in unrealized gains and losses on postretirement liabilities, which are also recognized as separate components of equity. Off Balance Sheet Financial Instruments Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. New Accounting Standards In April 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance for assisting a creditor in determining whether a restructuring is a TDR. The amendments clarify the guidance for a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. With regard to determining whether a concession has been granted, the ASU clarifies that creditors are precluded from using the effective interest method to determine whether a concession has been granted. In the absence of using the effective interest method, a creditor must now focus on other considerations such as the value of the underlying collateral, evaluation of other collateral or guarantees, the debtor’s ability to access other funds at market rates, interest rate increases and whether the restructuring results in a delay in payment that is insignificant. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. For purposes of measuring impairment on newly identified TDRs, the amendments should be applied prospectively for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition. In May 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. and International accounting principles. Overall, the guidance is consistent with existing U.S. accounting principles; however, there are some amendments that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on the consolidated financial statements. In June 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance and eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholder’s equity. The amendment requires that comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement or in two separate consecutive statements. The amendments in this guidance are effective as of the beginning of a fiscal reporting year, and interim periods within that year, that begins after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this amendment will have no impact on the consolidated financial statements as the current presentation of comprehensive income is in compliance with this amendment. Operating Segments Internal financial information is primarily reported and aggregated in one line of business, which is banking services. As a result of the sale of Butler Wick Trust Company, Butler Wick Corp. has been reported as a discontinued operation in 2009. Reclassifications Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year consolidated statements of operations or shareholders’ equity.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies of United Community Financial Corp. (United Community) and its subsidiary, The Home Savings and Loan Company of Youngstown, Ohio (Home Savings) conform to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and prevailing practices within the banking and thrift industries. A summary of the more significant accounting policies follows.

Nature of Operations

The business of Home Savings is providing consumer and business banking service to its market area in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. At the end of 2011, Home Savings was doing business through 34 full-service banking branches and eight loan production offices. Loans and deposits are primarily generated from the areas where banking branches are located. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and commercial and residential real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from operations of businesses. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or customer. However, the customers’ ability to repay their loans is dependent on the real estate and general economic conditions in the market area. Home Savings derives its income predominantly from interest on loans, securities, and to a lesser extent, non-interest income. Home Savings’ principal expenses are interest paid on deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances, loan loss provisions and normal operating costs. Consistent with internal reporting, Home Savings’ operations are reported in one operating segment, which is banking services.

On March 31, 2009, the Company completed the sale of subsidiary Butler Wick Trust for $12.1 million. Its parent company, Butler Wick Corp., was dissolved in October 2009. As a result, Butler Wick has been reported as a discontinued operation in 2009.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United Community and its subsidiaries. All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period data has been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and future results could differ. The allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of servicing rights, fair value of other real estate owned and other repossessed assets, realizability of deferred tax assets and status of contingencies are particularly subject to change.

Cash Flows

For purposes of the statement of cash flows, United Community considers all highly liquid investments with a term of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Net cash flows are reported for loan and deposit transactions, short-term borrowings and advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance.

Securities

Securities are classified as available for sale or trading upon their acquisition. Securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair value with the unrealized holding gain or loss reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Restricted securities such as FHLB stock are carried at cost. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount on debt securities. Premiums or discounts are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) at least quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of OTTI is recognized through earnings.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale primarily consist of residential mortgage loans originated for sale and other loans that have been identified for sale. These loans are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, determined in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings.

Mortgage loans held for sale are sold with either servicing rights retained or servicing released. The carrying value of mortgage loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the outstanding principal balance, net of purchase premiums or discounts, deferred loan fees and costs and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.

Interest income includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term. The accrual of interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. A loan is moved to nonaccrual status in accordance with the Company’s policy, typically after 90 days of non-payment.

All interest accrued but not received for a loan placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Nonaccrual loans are comprised principally of loans 90 days past due as well as certain loans which are less than 90 days past due, but where serious doubt exists as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the repayment terms. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when future payments are reasonably assured.

When loans reach 90 days past due, they are placed on nonaccrual status and any interest accrued but not received is reversed against interest income, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. A loan will also be placed on nonaccrual before it reaches 90 days past due if the Company determines that the borrower’s financial condition has deteriorated to the point that the Company no longer expects full repayment of the contractual principal and interest. Once a loan is nonaccrual, it will remain nonaccrual until the loan becomes current and the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay the loan per the contractual terms for a minimum of six months.

Home Savings determines the past due status of loans based on the number of calendar months the loan is past due. Impaired loans consist of loans that are non-homogenous and in a nonaccrual status; loans considered troubled debt restructurings and loans that have been individually analyzed for impairment.

Real estate loans. Mortgage loans are revalued at the time they reach 180 days past due and any portion of the principal that exceeds the current value is charged off. Mortgage loans are considered to be homogenous until the loan is individually valued and charged-down to the current value, at which time the loan becomes non-homogenous and is considered impaired. A commercial real estate loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. At this time the loan is charged down to the current value.

Construction loans. A construction loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. At this time the loan is charged down to the current value.

Consumer loans. Consumer loans that are secured by residential real estate are revalued once they reach 180 days past due and charged down to the current value if necessary. Consumer loans that are not secured by residential real estate are revalued once they reach 120 days past due and are charged down to the current value if necessary. Consumer loans are considered to be homogenous until the loan is individually valued and charged-down to the current value, at which time the loan becomes non-homogenous and is considered impaired.

Commercial loan. Commercial loans are impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The repayment of commercial loans typically is dependent on the income stream and successful operation of a business. If there is no underlying collateral to value, the Company will calculate the present value of expected future cash flows to determine the amount of impairment, if any. Once a commercial loan has been individually analyzed it is considered impaired.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within Home Savings’ market area. Therefore, the Company’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required based on an analysis using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations, estimated collateral values, general economic conditions in the market area and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. TDRs are separately identified for impairment disclosures and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.

The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent one year. This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. Historically, in determining quantitative factors the Company has evaluated two years’ worth of net charge off history on a quarterly basis. The Company has averaged this information since 2006 in determining the quantitative factor. At December 31, 2010, the Company shortened this evaluation period to one year of net charge off history and averaged this information over the current year period. These changes allow for the quantitative factors to be weighted to a more recent level of charge off experience due to current market conditions.

The Bank’s portfolio has the following segments: permanent real estate loans, construction loans, consumer loans and commercial loans. The majority of the Bank’s loan portfolio is permanent real estate loans made to customers in Home Savings’ market area. These loans are secured by the underlying real estate as collateral. Repayment of these loans is dependent on general economic conditions and unemployment levels in Home Savings’ market area.

Consumer loans represent Home Savings’ next largest portfolio and primarily consist of home equity loans. Similar to permanent real estate loans, repayment of consumer loans depends on the general economic conditions and unemployment levels in Home Savings’ market area.

Multifamily and nonresidential real estate loans generally have a higher degree of risk than loans secured by one-to four-family residences. These riskier loans can be affected by economic conditions, operating expenses, debt service and successful operation of income-producing properties. Home Savings tries to reduce this risk by evaluating the credit history of the borrower, location of the real estate, the financial condition of the borrower, obtaining personal guarantees by the borrower, the characteristics of the income stream generated by the property and the appraisal supporting the property. To reduce any risk on loans secured by one-to four-family residences, Home Savings underwrites all portfolio loans to Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines.

Construction loans involve a higher degree of underwriting and default risk than loans secured by mortgages on existing properties because construction loans are more difficult to appraise and to monitor. Loan funds are advanced based upon the security of the project under construction.

The majority of Home Savings’ consumer loans consist of closed-end home equity loans in an amount that, when added to the prior indebtedness secured by the real estate, does not exceed 90% of the estimated value of the real estate. Other consumer loans, such as automobiles and recreational vehicles, have a higher degree of risk than home equity loans as the collateral depreciates at a faster rate.

Commercial loans generally entail greater risk than real estate lending. The repayment of commercial loans typically is dependent on the income stream and successful operation of a business, which can be affected by economic conditions. The collateral for commercial loans, if any, often consists of rapidly depreciating assets.

Home Savings has established a methodology to calculate the allowance for loan losses at a level it believes adequate to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. An analysis of individual credits, prior and current loss experience, loan portfolio delinquency levels, changes in the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and results of regulatory examinations is completed on a regular basis to determine the adequacy of the allowance.

Impaired loans are individually evaluated on a monthly basis based on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flow and legal options available to Home Savings. Once a review is completed, a specific reserve is determined and allocated to the loan. These specific reserves on individual loans are reviewed periodically and adjusted as necessary based on subsequent collection, loan upgrades or downgrades, nonperforming trends or actual principal charge-offs.

Other loans not reviewed specifically by management are evaluated as a homogenous group of loans (generally single-family residential mortgage loans and all consumer credits except marine loans) using a loss factor applied to the outstanding loan balance to determine the level of reserve required. This loss factor consists of two components, a quantitative and a qualitative component. The quantitative component is based on a historical analysis of all charged-off loans, net of recovery. The Company evaluates one year of net charge off history and applies the information to the current period. This component is combined with the qualitative component to arrive at the loss factor, which is applied to the outstanding balance of homogenous loans. In determining the qualitative factors, consideration is given to such attributes as economic conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, lending personnel, lending policies, past-due loan trends and trends in collateral values.

Servicing Assets

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or sale of financial assets. Servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying assets.

Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant risk characteristics, such as original maturity, interest rate and loan type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche. If Home Savings later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal, or a fixed amount per loan, and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Real Estate Owned and Other Repossessed Assets

Real estate owned, including property acquired in settlement of foreclosed loans, is carried at fair value less estimated cost to sell after foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines after acquisition, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Costs relating to the development and improvement of real estate owned are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding and maintaining the properties are charged to expense. Other repossessed assets are carried at estimated fair value less estimated cost to sell after acquisition.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Buildings and related components are depreciated and amortized using the straight-line method over the useful lives, generally ranging from 20 years to 40 years (or term of the lease, if shorter) of the related assets. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from three to five years.

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock

The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

Life insurance is carried on the lives of certain employees where Home Savings is the beneficiary. Life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value, or the amount currently realizable. Increases in the Home Savings’ policy cash surrender value are tax exempt and death benefit proceeds received by Home Savings are tax-free. Income from these policies and changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in other income.

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible

Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Home Savings has no goodwill recorded as of December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010.

Core deposit intangible assets arose from whole bank acquisitions. They were initially measured at fair value and are being amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest rate on the loan is locked. The Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in mortgage banking income on the consolidated statements of operations.

Long-term Assets

Premises and equipment and other long–term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

Loan Fees

Loan origination fees received for loans, net of direct origination costs, are deferred and amortized to interest income over the contractual lives of the loans using the level yield method. Fees received for loan commitments that are expected to be drawn, based on Home Savings’ experience with similar commitments, are deferred and amortized over the lives of the loans using the level-yield method. Fees for other loan commitments are deferred and amortized over the loan commitment period on a straight-line basis. Unamortized deferred loan fees or costs related to loans paid off are included in income. Unamortized net fees or costs on loans sold are included in the basis of the loans in calculating gains and losses. Amortization of net deferred fees is discontinued for loans that are deemed to be nonperforming.

Stock Compensation

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and nonemployee directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Corporation’s common shares at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

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.

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee 401(k) and profit sharing plan expense is the amount of matching contributions and administrative costs to administer the plan.

Postretirement Benefit Plans

In addition to Home Savings’ retirement plans, Home Savings sponsors a defined benefit health care plan that was curtailed in 2000 to provide postretirement medical benefits for employees who worked 20 years and attained a minimum age of 60 by September 1, 2000, while in service with Home Savings. The plan is unfunded and, as such, has no assets. Furthermore, the plan is contributory and contains minor cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition, postretirement life insurance coverage is provided for employees who were participants prior to December 10, 1976. The life insurance plan is non-contributory. Home Savings’ policy is to pay premiums monthly, with no pre-funding. The benefit obligation is measured annually by a third-party actuary.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

On June 29, 2010, all shares were allocated to Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participants upon the full repayment of the ESOP loan. Prior to June 29, 2010, the cost of shares issued to the ESOP, but not yet allocated to participants, is shown as a reduction of shareholders’ equity. Compensation expense is based on the market price of shares as they are committed to be released to participant accounts. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings; dividends on unearned ESOP shares, before June 30, 2010, when all remaining shares were allocated, reduced debt and accrued interest.

Stock Dividends

Stock dividends paid using treasury shares are reported by reducing retained earnings and treasury shares by the fair value of the shares issued. The difference between fair value and cost of treasury shares issued is also reflected as a transfer to or from retained earnings and treasury shares. There are no dividends paid on fractional shares. Earnings per share is affected by the change in the number of shares outstanding.

Dividend Restriction

Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders. Pursuant to the Bank Order and Holding Company Order discussed in Notes 3 and 16, Home Savings must obtain regulatory approval prior to paying dividends to United Community and United Community must obtain regulatory approval prior to paying dividends to its shareholders.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for this calculation unless unearned. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements.

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. See further discussion at Note 14.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 19. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in unrealized gains and losses on postretirement liabilities, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.

Off Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

New Accounting Standards

In April 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance for assisting a creditor in determining whether a restructuring is a TDR. The amendments clarify the guidance for a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. With regard to determining whether a concession has been granted, the ASU clarifies that creditors are precluded from using the effective interest method to determine whether a concession has been granted. In the absence of using the effective interest method, a creditor must now focus on other considerations such as the value of the underlying collateral, evaluation of other collateral or guarantees, the debtor’s ability to access other funds at market rates, interest rate increases and whether the restructuring results in a delay in payment that is insignificant. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. For purposes of measuring impairment on newly identified TDRs, the amendments should be applied prospectively for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

In May 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. and International accounting principles. Overall, the guidance is consistent with existing U.S. accounting principles; however, there are some amendments that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance and eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholder’s equity. The amendment requires that comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement or in two separate consecutive statements. The amendments in this guidance are effective as of the beginning of a fiscal reporting year, and interim periods within that year, that begins after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this amendment will have no impact on the consolidated financial statements as the current presentation of comprehensive income is in compliance with this amendment.

Operating Segments

Internal financial information is primarily reported and aggregated in one line of business, which is banking services. As a result of the sale of Butler Wick Trust Company, Butler Wick Corp. has been reported as a discontinued operation in 2009.

Reclassifications

Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year consolidated statements of operations or shareholders’ equity.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

+ References+ Details