Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business and Basis of Presentation German American Bancorp, Inc. operations are primarily comprised of three business segments: core banking, trust and investment advisory services, and insurance operations. The accounting and reporting policies of German American Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The more significant policies are described below. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all material intercompany accounts and transactions. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current classifications. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates susceptible to change in the near term include the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment of securities, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, and loss contingencies. Securities Securities classified as available-for-sale are securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily until maturity. These include securities that management may use as part of its asset/liability strategy, or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risk, or similar reasons. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as available-for-sale. Equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are carried at historical cost and evaluated for impairment on a periodic basis. Securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included as a separate component of equity, net of tax. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are securities that the Company has both the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity. Securities held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost. Premium amortization is deducted from, and discount accretion is added to, interest income using the level yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on trade date and are computed on the identified securities method. Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, 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 impairment is recognized through earnings. Loans Held for Sale Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair value. Fair value is determined based on collateral value and prevailing market prices for loans with similar characteristics. Net unrealized gains or losses are recorded through earnings. Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold on a servicing released basis. 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 pay-off are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on unpaid principal balance and includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term without anticipating prepayments. All classes of loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when scheduled principal or interest payments are past due for 90 days or more or when the borrower’s ability to repay becomes doubtful. Uncollected accrued interest for each class of loans is reversed against income at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. All classes of loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans are typically charged-off at 180 days past due, or earlier if deemed uncollectible. Exceptions to the non-accrual and charge-off policies are made when the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Certain Purchased Loans The Company purchases individual loans and groups of loans. Purchased loans that show evidence of credit deterioration since origination are recorded at the amount paid (or allocated fair value in a purchase business combination), such that there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, incurred losses are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses. Such purchased loans are accounted for individually. The Company estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan or pool, and the expected cash flows in excess of amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s or pool’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference). Over the life of the loan, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a loss is recorded. If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest income. 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 using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, 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 special mention. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. In 2012, consistent with 2011, a one-year historical loan loss average was utilized which is indicative of the inherent losses in the Company’s loan portfolio in the current economic environment. As the Company continues to monitor the current portfolio, the methodology could change in the future. Loan impairment is reported when full repayment under the terms of the loan is not expected. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate, or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and agricultural loans are evaluated individually for impairment. Smaller balance homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment in total. Such loans include real estate loans secured by one-to-four family residences and loans to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures. Individually evaluated loans on non-accrual are generally considered impaired. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible. Troubled debt restructurings 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 troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings 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 risk classifications and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent 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. The following portfolio segments have been identified: Commercial Loans and Retail Loans. Commercial Loans have been classified according to the following risk characteristics: Commercial and Industrial Loans and Leases, Commercial Real Estate, and Agricultural Loans. Commercial and Industrial loans are primarily based on the cash flows of the business operations and secured by assets being financed and other assets such as accounts receivable and inventory. Commercial Real Estate Loans and Agricultural Loans are primarily based on cash flow of the borrower and their business and further secured by real estate. All types of commercial and agricultural (real estate secured and non-real estate) may also come with personal guarantees of the borrowers and business owners. Retail Loans have been classified according to the following risk characteristics: Home Equity Loans, Consumer Loans and Residential Mortgage Loans. Retail loans are generally dependent on personal income of the customer, and repayment is dependent on borrower’s personal cash flow and employment status which can be affected by general economic conditions. Additionally, collateral values may fluctuate based on the impact of economic conditions on residential real estate values and other consumer type assets such as automobiles. Loans or portions of loans shall be charged off when there is a distinct probability of loss identified. A distinct probability of loss exists when it has been determined that any remaining sources of repayment are insufficient to cover all outstanding principal. The probable loss is immediately calculated based on the value of the remaining sources of repayment and charged to the allowance for loan loss. Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Indianapolis. 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. Premises, Furniture and Equipment Land is carried at cost. Premises, furniture, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging generally from 10 to 40 years. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging generally from 3 to 10 years. Other Real Estate Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 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 resulting from business combinations after January 1, 2009, is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. 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. The Company has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the Company’s balance sheet. Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and acquired customer relationship intangible assets. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 6 to 10 years. Company Owned Life Insurance The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain directors and executives. This life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value or the amount that can be realized, which considers any adjustments or changes that are probable at settlement. 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. Management does not believe currently that there are any such matters that will have a material impact on the financial statements. Loan Commitments and Related 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. Restrictions on Cash At December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, the Company was required to have $15,241 and $1,119 on deposit with the Federal Reserve, or as cash on hand. Long-term Assets Premises and equipment, core deposit and other intangible assets, and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value. Stock Based Compensation Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and 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 stock 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. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in unrecognized amounts in pension and other postretirement benefits, which are also recognized as a separate component of equity. Income Taxes Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined at each balance sheet date and are the result of differences in the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income tax expense is the amount due on the current year tax returns plus or minus the change in deferred taxes. 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. Retirement Plans Pension expense under the suspended defined benefit plan is the net of interest cost, return on plan assets and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. Employee 401(k) and profit sharing plan expense is the amount of matching contributions. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service. Earnings Per Share Earnings per share are based on net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share show the potential dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable under the Company’s stock based compensation plans. Earnings per share are retroactively restated for stock dividends. Cash Flow Reporting The Company reports net cash flows for customer loan transactions, deposit transactions, deposits made with other financial institutions and short-term borrowings. Cash and cash equivalents are defined to include cash on hand, demand deposits in other institutions and Federal Funds Sold. Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 14. 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. New Accounting Pronouncements In July 2012, the FASB amended existing guidance relating to testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The amendment permits an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, it is concluded that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then no further action is required. However, after the same assessment, if it is concluded that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then a quantitative impairment test should be performed whereby the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to the carrying amount. The amendments in this guidance are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The effect of adopting this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated operating results or financial condition. In September 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance relating to goodwill impairment testing. The amendment permits an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing these events or circumstances, it is concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The amendments in this guidance are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The effect of adopting this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated operating results or financial condition. 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 in either 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 Company adopted this amendment in 2011 and the amendments continue to have no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

German American Bancorp, Inc. operations are primarily comprised of three business segments: core banking, trust and investment advisory services, and insurance operations. The accounting and reporting policies of German American Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The more significant policies are described below. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all material intercompany accounts and transactions. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current classifications. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates susceptible to change in the near term include the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment of securities, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, and loss contingencies.

Securities

Securities classified as available-for-sale are securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily until maturity. These include securities that management may use as part of its asset/liability strategy, or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risk, or similar reasons. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as available-for-sale. Equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are carried at historical cost and evaluated for impairment on a periodic basis. Securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included as a separate component of equity, net of tax. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are securities that the Company has both the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity. Securities held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost.

Premium amortization is deducted from, and discount accretion is added to, interest income using the level yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on trade date and are computed on the identified securities method.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, 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 impairment is recognized through earnings.

Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair value. Fair value is determined based on collateral value and prevailing market prices for loans with similar characteristics. Net unrealized gains or losses are recorded through earnings.

Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold on a servicing released basis. 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 pay-off are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on unpaid principal balance and includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term without anticipating prepayments.

All classes of loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when scheduled principal or interest payments are past due for 90 days or more or when the borrower’s ability to repay becomes doubtful. Uncollected accrued interest for each class of loans is reversed against income at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. All classes of loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans are typically charged-off at 180 days past due, or earlier if deemed uncollectible. Exceptions to the non-accrual and charge-off policies are made when the loan is well secured and in the process of collection.

Certain Purchased Loans

The Company purchases individual loans and groups of loans. Purchased loans that show evidence of credit deterioration since origination are recorded at the amount paid (or allocated fair value in a purchase business combination), such that there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, incurred losses are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

Such purchased loans are accounted for individually. The Company estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan or pool, and the expected cash flows in excess of amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s or pool’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

Over the life of the loan, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a loss is recorded. If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest income.

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 using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, 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 special mention. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. In 2012, consistent with 2011, a one-year historical loan loss average was utilized which is indicative of the inherent losses in the Company’s loan portfolio in the current economic environment. As the Company continues to monitor the current portfolio, the methodology could change in the future.

Loan impairment is reported when full repayment under the terms of the loan is not expected. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate, or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and agricultural loans are evaluated individually for impairment. Smaller balance homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment in total. Such loans include real estate loans secured by one-to-four family residences and loans to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures. Individually evaluated loans on non-accrual are generally considered impaired. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible.

Troubled debt restructurings 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 troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings 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 risk classifications and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent 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. The following portfolio segments have been identified: Commercial Loans and Retail Loans. Commercial Loans have been classified according to the following risk characteristics: Commercial and Industrial Loans and Leases, Commercial Real Estate, and Agricultural Loans. Commercial and Industrial loans are primarily based on the cash flows of the business operations and secured by assets being financed and other assets such as accounts receivable and inventory. Commercial Real Estate Loans and Agricultural Loans are primarily based on cash flow of the borrower and their business and further secured by real estate. All types of commercial and agricultural (real estate secured and non-real estate) may also come with personal guarantees of the borrowers and business owners. Retail Loans have been classified according to the following risk characteristics: Home Equity Loans, Consumer Loans and Residential Mortgage Loans. Retail loans are generally dependent on personal income of the customer, and repayment is dependent on borrower’s personal cash flow and employment status which can be affected by general economic conditions. Additionally, collateral values may fluctuate based on the impact of economic conditions on residential real estate values and other consumer type assets such as automobiles.

Loans or portions of loans shall be charged off when there is a distinct probability of loss identified. A distinct probability of loss exists when it has been determined that any remaining sources of repayment are insufficient to cover all outstanding principal. The probable loss is immediately calculated based on the value of the remaining sources of repayment and charged to the allowance for loan loss.

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock

The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Indianapolis. 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.

Premises, Furniture and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises, furniture, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging generally from 10 to 40 years. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging generally from 3 to 10 years.

Other Real Estate

Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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 resulting from business combinations after January 1, 2009, is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. 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. The Company has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the Company’s balance sheet.

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and acquired customer relationship intangible assets. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 6 to 10 years.

Company Owned Life Insurance

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain directors and executives. This life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value or the amount that can be realized, which considers any adjustments or changes that are probable at settlement.

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. Management does not believe currently that there are any such matters that will have a material impact on the financial statements.

Loan Commitments and Related 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.

Restrictions on Cash

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, the Company was required to have $15,241 and $1,119 on deposit with the Federal Reserve, or as cash on hand.

Long-term Assets

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

Stock Based Compensation

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and 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 stock 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.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in unrecognized amounts in pension and other postretirement benefits, which are also recognized as a separate component of equity.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined at each balance sheet date and are the result of differences in the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income tax expense is the amount due on the current year tax returns plus or minus the change in deferred taxes. 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.

Retirement Plans

Pension expense under the suspended defined benefit plan is the net of interest cost, return on plan assets and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. Employee 401(k) and profit sharing plan expense is the amount of matching contributions. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share are based on net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share show the potential dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable under the Company’s stock based compensation plans. Earnings per share are retroactively restated for stock dividends.

Cash Flow Reporting

The Company reports net cash flows for customer loan transactions, deposit transactions, deposits made with other financial institutions and short-term borrowings. Cash and cash equivalents are defined to include cash on hand, demand deposits in other institutions and Federal Funds Sold.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 14. 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.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the FASB amended existing guidance relating to testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The amendment permits an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, it is concluded that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then no further action is required. However, after the same assessment, if it is concluded that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then a quantitative impairment test should be performed whereby the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to the carrying amount. The amendments in this guidance are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The effect of adopting this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated operating results or financial condition.

In September 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance relating to goodwill impairment testing. The amendment permits an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing these events or circumstances, it is concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The amendments in this guidance are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The effect of adopting this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated operating results or financial condition.

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 in either 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 Company adopted this amendment in 2011 and the amendments continue to have no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

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

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