Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LNB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Corporation”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Lorain National Bank (the “Bank”). The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of North Coast Community Development Corporation which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The Corporation prepares its financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which requires the Corporation’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Areas involving the use of management’s estimates and assumptions include the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of goodwill, the realization of deferred tax assets and fair values of financial instruments.
Segment Information	Segment Information The Corporation’s activities are considered to be a single industry segment for financial reporting purposes. The Corporation is a financial holding company engaged in the business of commercial and retail banking, investment management and trust services, title insurance, and insurance with operations conducted through its main office and banking centers located throughout Lorain, Erie, Cuyahoga, and Summit counties of Ohio. This market provides the source for substantially all of the Bank’s deposit and loan and trust activities. The majority of the Bank’s income is derived from a diverse base of commercial, mortgage and retail lending activities and investments.
Statement of Cash Flows	Statement of Cash Flows For purposes of reporting in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents include currency on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal funds sold, and securities purchased under resale agreements. Generally, Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements are for one day periods.
Securities	Securities Securities that are bought and held for the sole purpose of being sold in the near term are deemed trading securities with any related unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not hold any trading securities. Securities that the Corporation has a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not hold any securities classified as held to maturity. Securities that are not classified as trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Securities classified as available for sale are carried at their fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Interest and dividends on securities, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the effective interest method over the period to maturity or call, are included in interest income. Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the specific identification method. Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. When evaluating investment securities consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions and whether the Corporation has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, the Corporation may consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time. When OTTI occurs, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, but the entity does not intend to sell the security, only the credit portion of the estimated loss is recognized in earnings, with the other portion of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income.
Restricted Stock	Restricted Stock The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (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. The Bank is also a member of and owns stock in the Federal Reserve Bank. The Corporation owns stock in Bankers Bancshares Inc., an institution that provides correspondent banking services to community banks. Stock in these institutions is classified as restricted stock and is recorded at redemption value which approximates fair value. The Corporation periodically evaluates the restricted stock for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
Loans Held For Sale	Loans Held For Sale Held for sale loans are carried at the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value, determined on an aggregate basis for each type of loan. Net unrealized losses are recognized by charges to income. Gains and losses on loan sales (sales proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in the noninterest income section of the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Mortgage banking	Mortgage Banking The Corporation sells originated mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage loan markets. During the period of loan origination and prior to the sale of the loans in the secondary market, the Corporation has exposure to movements in interest rates associated with mortgage loans that are in the “mortgage pipeline”. A pipeline loan is one that will be held for resale in which the Corporation has entered into a written mortgage loan commitment with a potential borrower. Written loan commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for resale are considered free-standing derivatives and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Written loan commitments generally have a term of up to 60 days before the closing of the loan. The loan commitment does not bind the potential borrower to entering into the loan, nor does it guarantee that the Corporation will approve the potential borrower for the loan. Therefore, when determining fair value, the Corporation makes estimates of expected “fallout” (loan commitments not expected to close), using models, which consider cumulative historical fallout rates and other factors. Fallout can occur for a variety of reasons including falling interest rate environments where a borrower abandons an interest rate lock loan commitment when a borrower is not approved as an acceptable credit by the lender or for a variety of other non-economic reasons. Written loan commitments in which the borrower has locked in an interest rate results in market risk to the Corporation to the extent market interest rates change from the rate quoted to the borrower. The Corporation economically hedges the risk of changing interest rates associated with its interest rate lock commitments by entering into mandatory forward sales contracts. The Corporation's mortgage loans held for sale are subject to changes in fair value, due to changes in interest rates from the loan's closing date through the date the mortgage loan is sold in the secondary market. The fair value of the mortgage loan declines in value when interest rates increase and conversely increases in value when interest rates decrease. To mitigate the risk of changes in interest rates the Corporation enters into mandatory forward sales contracts on a portion of the mortgage loans held for sale to provide an economic hedge against those changes in fair value. The mandatory forward sales contracts were recorded at fair value with changes in value recorded in current earnings.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Corporation uses interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments and forward contracts sold to hedge interest rate risk for asset and liability management purposes. All derivatives are accounted for in accordance with ASC-815,Derivatives and Hedging and are recorded as either other assets or other liabilities at fair value. The Corporation engages in Back-to-Back swaps to mitigate its exposure to rising interest rates. A Back-to-Back swap provides that a customer receives a fixed interest rate commercial loan and the Corporation subsequently converts that fixed rate loan to a variable rate instrument over the term of the loan by entering into an interest rate swap with a dealer counterparty based on a London Inter-Bank Offered Rate index. The Corporation then receives a fixed rate payment from the customer on the loan and pays the equivalent amount to the dealer counterparty on the swap in exchange for a variable rate payment stream. Based upon accounting guidance each swap is accounted for as a stand-alone derivative and designated as a fair value hedge with any changes in fair value presented in current earnings.
Loans	Loans Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income and premiums and discounts. Loans acquired through business combinations are valued at fair market value on or near the date of acquisition. The difference between the principal amount outstanding and the fair market valuation is amortized over the aggregate average life of each class of loan. Unearned income includes deferred fees, net of deferred direct incremental loan origination costs. Unearned income is amortized to interest income, over the contractual life of the loan, using the interest method. Direct loan origination fees and costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the loan, using the interest method. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they are 90 days past due for interest or principal or when the full and timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain. When a loan has been placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed against interest income. Generally, a loan is returned to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal becomes current under the terms of the loan agreement and when the collectability is no longer doubtful. A loan is impaired when based on current information and events it is probable the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as real estate mortgages and installment loans, and on an individual loan basis for commercial loans that are graded substandard or below. 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. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance may be allocated so that the loan is reported, net, using either the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loans effective interest rate, the loan's observable market value or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.
Allowance for Loan Losses	Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Management’s determination of the allowance, and the resulting provision, is based on judgments and assumptions, including general economic conditions, loan portfolio composition, loan loss experience, management’s evaluation of credit risk relating to pools of loans and individual borrowers, sensitivity analysis and expected loss models, value of underlying collateral, and observations of internal loan review staff or banking regulators. The provision for loan losses is determined based on Management’s evaluation of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses under current economic conditions and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition.
Servicing	Servicing Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through sale of financial assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual stratum, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the stratum.
Bank Premises and Equipment	Bank Premises and Equipment Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed generally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Upon the sale or other disposition of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are retired and the resulting gain or loss is recognized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while renewals and improvements are capitalized. Software costs related to externally developed systems are capitalized at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement The Corporation uses fair value measurements to record certain assets and liabilities at fair value and determine fair value disclosures. Additional information regarding fair value measurement is included in Note 12 (Estimated Fair Value Financial Instruments) in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles	Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles Intangible assets arise from acquisitions and include goodwill and core deposit intangibles. Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identified net assets in acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles represent the value of depositor relationships purchased. Goodwill is evaluated at least annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Corporation evaluates goodwill impairment annually as of November 30^th of each year. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over ten years and are subject to annual impairment testing. To simplify the process of testing goodwill for impairment for both public and nonpublic entities, on September 15, 2011 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. ASU 2011-08 gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (impairment). If the entity finds after the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not (impairment indicators) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the entity is then required to perform a full impairment test. Prior to the update, entities were required to test goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis.
Other Real Estate Owned	Other Real Estate Owned Other real estate owned (OREO) is comprised of property acquired through a foreclosure proceeding or acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, and loans classified as in-substance foreclosure. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan at the time of acquisition or the fair value of the underlying property collateral, less estimated selling costs. Any write-down in the carrying value of a property at the time of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent write-downs to reflect current fair market value, as well as gains and losses on disposition and revenues and expenses incurred in maintaining such properties, are treated as period costs. Banking premises are transferred at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs.
Bank Owned Life Insurance	Bank Owned Life Insurance Bank owned life insurance policies are stated at the current cash surrender value of the policy, or the policy death proceeds less any obligation to provide a death benefit to an insured's beneficiaries if that value is less than the cash surrender value. Increases in the asset value are recorded as earnings in other income.
Split-Dollar Life Insurance	Split-Dollar Life Insurance The Corporation recognizes a liability and related compensation costs for endorsement split-dollar life insurance policies that provide a benefit to certain employees extending to postretirement periods. Based on the present value of expected future cash flows, the liability is recognized based on the substantive agreement with the employee.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Corporation’s stock based compensation plans are described in detail in Note 13 (Share-Based Compensation). Compensation expense is recognized for stock options and unvested (restricted) stock awards issued to employees, 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 to estimate the fair value of unvested (restricted) stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period for stock option awards and as the unvested period for nonvested (restricted) stock awards. Certain of the Corporation’s share-based awards contain terms that provide for a graded vesting schedule whereby portions of the award vest in increments over the requisite service period.
Investment and Trust Services Assets and Income	Investment and Trust Services Assets and Income Property held by the Corporation in fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers is not included in the Corporation’s financial statements as such items are not assets of the Corporation. Income from the Investment and Trust Services Division is reported on an accrual basis.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary file an annual consolidated Federal income tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be removed or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are deemed more likely than not to be realized.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of shareholders’ equity.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LNB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Corporation”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Lorain National Bank (the “Bank”). The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of North Coast Community Development Corporation which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The Corporation prepares its financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which requires the Corporation’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Areas involving the use of management’s estimates and assumptions include the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of goodwill, the realization of deferred tax assets and fair values of financial instruments.

Segment Information

The Corporation’s activities are considered to be a single industry segment for financial reporting purposes. The Corporation is a financial holding company engaged in the business of commercial and retail banking, investment management and trust services, title insurance, and insurance with operations conducted through its main office and banking centers located throughout Lorain, Erie, Cuyahoga, and Summit counties of Ohio. This market provides the source for substantially all of the Bank’s deposit and loan and trust activities. The majority of the Bank’s income is derived from a diverse base of commercial, mortgage and retail lending activities and investments.

Statement of Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents include currency on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal funds sold, and securities purchased under resale agreements. Generally, Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements are for one day periods.

Securities

Securities that are bought and held for the sole purpose of being sold in the near term are deemed trading securities with any related unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not hold any trading securities. Securities that the Corporation has a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not hold any securities classified as held to maturity. Securities that are not classified as trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Securities classified as available for sale are carried at their fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Interest and dividends on securities, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the effective interest method over the period to maturity or call, are included in interest income. Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the specific identification method.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. When evaluating investment securities consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions and whether the Corporation has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, the Corporation may consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

When OTTI occurs, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, but the entity does not intend to sell the security, only the credit portion of the estimated loss is recognized in earnings, with the other portion of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income.

Restricted Stock

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (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. The Bank is also a member of and owns stock in the Federal Reserve Bank. The Corporation owns stock in Bankers Bancshares Inc., an institution that provides correspondent banking services to community banks. Stock in these institutions is classified as restricted stock and is recorded at redemption value which approximates fair value. The Corporation periodically evaluates the restricted stock for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Loans Held For Sale

Held for sale loans are carried at the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value, determined on an aggregate basis for each type of loan. Net unrealized losses are recognized by charges to income. Gains and losses on loan sales (sales proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in the noninterest income section of the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Mortgage banking

Mortgage Banking

The Corporation sells originated mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage loan markets. During the period of loan origination and prior to the sale of the loans in the secondary market, the Corporation has exposure to movements in interest rates associated with mortgage loans that are in the “mortgage pipeline”. A pipeline loan is one that will be held for resale in which the Corporation has entered into a written mortgage loan commitment with a potential borrower. Written loan commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for resale are considered free-standing derivatives and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Written loan commitments generally have a term of up to 60 days before the closing of the loan. The loan commitment does not bind the potential borrower to entering into the loan, nor does it guarantee that the Corporation will approve the potential borrower for the loan. Therefore, when determining fair value, the Corporation makes estimates of expected “fallout” (loan commitments not expected to close), using models, which consider cumulative historical fallout rates and other factors. Fallout can occur for a variety of reasons including falling interest rate environments where a borrower abandons an interest rate lock loan commitment when a borrower is not approved as an acceptable credit by the lender or for a variety of other non-economic reasons.

Written loan commitments in which the borrower has locked in an interest rate results in market risk to the Corporation to the extent market interest rates change from the rate quoted to the borrower. The Corporation economically hedges the risk of changing interest rates associated with its interest rate lock commitments by entering into mandatory forward sales contracts.

The Corporation's mortgage loans held for sale are subject to changes in fair value, due to changes in interest rates from the loan's closing date through the date the mortgage loan is sold in the secondary market. The fair value of the mortgage loan declines in value when interest rates increase and conversely increases in value when interest rates decrease. To mitigate the risk of changes in interest rates the Corporation enters into mandatory forward sales contracts on a portion of the mortgage loans held for sale to provide an economic hedge against those changes in fair value. The mandatory forward sales contracts were recorded at fair value with changes in value recorded in current earnings.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Corporation uses interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments and forward contracts sold to hedge interest rate risk for asset and liability management purposes. All derivatives are accounted for in accordance with ASC-815,Derivatives and Hedging and are recorded as either other assets or other liabilities at fair value. The Corporation engages in Back-to-Back swaps to mitigate its exposure to rising interest rates. A Back-to-Back swap provides that a customer receives a fixed interest rate commercial loan and the Corporation subsequently converts that fixed rate loan to a variable rate instrument over the term of the loan by entering into an interest rate swap with a dealer counterparty based on a London Inter-Bank Offered Rate index. The Corporation then receives a fixed rate payment from the customer on the loan and pays the equivalent amount to the dealer counterparty on the swap in exchange for a variable rate payment stream. Based upon accounting guidance each swap is accounted for as a stand-alone derivative and designated as a fair value hedge with any changes in fair value presented in current earnings.

Loans

Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income and premiums and discounts. Loans acquired through business combinations are valued at fair market value on or near the date of acquisition. The difference between the principal amount outstanding and the fair market valuation is amortized over the aggregate average life of each class of loan. Unearned income includes deferred fees, net of deferred direct incremental loan origination costs. Unearned income is amortized to interest income, over the contractual life of the loan, using the interest method. Direct loan origination fees and costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the loan, using the interest method.

Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they are 90 days past due for interest or principal or when the full and timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain. When a loan has been placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed against interest income. Generally, a loan is returned to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal becomes current under the terms of the loan agreement and when the collectability is no longer doubtful.

A loan is impaired when based on current information and events it is probable the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as real estate mortgages and installment loans, and on an individual loan basis for commercial loans that are graded substandard or below. 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. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance may be allocated so that the loan is reported, net, using either the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loans effective interest rate, the loan's observable market value or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Management’s determination of the allowance, and the resulting provision, is based on judgments and assumptions, including general economic conditions, loan portfolio composition, loan loss experience, management’s evaluation of credit risk relating to pools of loans and individual borrowers, sensitivity analysis and expected loss models, value of underlying collateral, and observations of internal loan review staff or banking regulators.

The provision for loan losses is determined based on Management’s evaluation of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses under current economic conditions and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition.

Servicing

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through sale of financial assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual stratum, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the stratum.

Bank Premises and Equipment

Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed generally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Upon the sale or other disposition of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are retired and the resulting gain or loss is recognized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while renewals and improvements are capitalized. Software costs related to externally developed systems are capitalized at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life.

Fair Value Measurement

The Corporation uses fair value measurements to record certain assets and liabilities at fair value and determine fair value disclosures. Additional information regarding fair value measurement is included in Note 12 (Estimated Fair Value Financial Instruments) in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles

Intangible assets arise from acquisitions and include goodwill and core deposit intangibles. Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identified net assets in acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles represent the value of depositor relationships purchased. Goodwill is evaluated at least annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Corporation evaluates goodwill impairment annually as of November 30^th of each year. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over ten years and are subject to annual impairment testing.

To simplify the process of testing goodwill for impairment for both public and nonpublic entities, on September 15, 2011 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. ASU 2011-08 gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (impairment). If the entity finds after the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not (impairment indicators) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the entity is then required to perform a full impairment test. Prior to the update, entities were required to test goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned (OREO) is comprised of property acquired through a foreclosure proceeding or acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, and loans classified as in-substance foreclosure. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan at the time of acquisition or the fair value of the underlying property collateral, less estimated selling costs. Any write-down in the carrying value of a property at the time of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent write-downs to reflect current fair market value, as well as gains and losses on disposition and revenues and expenses incurred in maintaining such properties, are treated as period costs. Banking premises are transferred at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank owned life insurance policies are stated at the current cash surrender value of the policy, or the policy death proceeds less any obligation to provide a death benefit to an insured's beneficiaries if that value is less than the cash surrender value. Increases in the asset value are recorded as earnings in other income.

Split-Dollar Life Insurance

The Corporation recognizes a liability and related compensation costs for endorsement split-dollar life insurance policies that provide a benefit to certain employees extending to postretirement periods. Based on the present value of expected future cash flows, the liability is recognized based on the substantive agreement with the employee.

Share-Based Compensation

The Corporation’s stock based compensation plans are described in detail in Note 13 (Share-Based Compensation). Compensation expense is recognized for stock options and unvested (restricted) stock awards issued to employees, 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 to estimate the fair value of unvested (restricted) stock awards.

Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period for stock option awards and as the unvested period for nonvested (restricted) stock awards. Certain of the Corporation’s share-based awards contain terms that provide for a graded vesting schedule whereby portions of the award vest in increments over the requisite service period.

Investment and Trust Services Assets and Income

Property held by the Corporation in fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers is not included in the Corporation’s financial statements as such items are not assets of the Corporation. Income from the Investment and Trust Services Division is reported on an accrual basis.

Income Taxes

The Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary file an annual consolidated Federal income tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be removed or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are deemed more likely than not to be realized.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of shareholders’ equity.