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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

 

The accounting and reporting policies of the Corporation conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to general practice within the financial services industry. The following is a description of the more significant of those policies.

 

Business

 

Associated Banc-Corp (individually referred to herein as the “Parent Company” and together with all of its subsidiaries and affiliates, collectively referred to herein as the “Corporation”) is a bank holding company headquartered in Wisconsin. The Corporation provides a full range of banking and related financial services to individual and corporate customers through its network of bank and nonbank subsidiaries. The Corporation is subject to competition from other financial and non-financial institutions that offer similar or competing products and services. The Corporation is regulated by federal and state agencies and is subject to periodic examinations by those agencies.

 

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated entities (none of which are considered to be variable interest entities in which the Corporation is the primary beneficiary) are accounted for using the equity method of accounting when the Corporation has determined that the equity method is appropriate. Investments not meeting the criteria for equity method accounting are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Investments in unconsolidated entities are included in other assets, and the Corporation's share of income or loss is recorded in other noninterest income.

 

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements of prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include the determination of the allowance for loan losses, goodwill impairment assessment, mortgage servicing rights valuation, derivative financial instruments and hedging activities, and income taxes. Management has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure.

 

Investment Securities Available for Sale

 

At the time of purchase, investment securities are classified as available for sale, as management has the intent and ability to hold such securities for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell investment securities available for sale would be based on various factors, including, but not limited to, asset/liability management strategies, changes in interest rates or prepayment risks, liquidity needs, or regulatory capital considerations. Investment securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, included in stockholders' equity as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the estimated life (earlier of call date, maturity, or estimated life) of the related security, using a prospective method that approximates level yield. Declines in the fair value of investment securities available for sale (with certain exceptions for debt securities noted below) that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings as a realized loss, and a new cost basis for the securities is established. In evaluating other-than-temporary impairment, management considers the length of time and extent to which the security has been in an unrealized loss position, changes in security ratings, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, as well as security and industry specific economic conditions. In addition, the Corporation considers the intent and ability to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Declines in the fair value of debt securities below amortized cost are deemed to be other-than-temporary in circumstances where: (1) the Corporation has the intent to sell a security; (2) it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the Corporation does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If the Corporation intends to sell a security or if it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value. If an entity does not intend to sell the security or it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and an amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. Realized securities gains or losses on securities sales (using specific identification method) and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in investment securities gains (losses), net, in the consolidated statements of income (loss). See Note 2 for additional information on investment securities.

 

Loans

 

Loans are classified as held for investment when management has both the intent and ability to hold the loan for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff. Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding, net of any unearned income and unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized into net interest income over the contractual life of the related loans or over the commitment period as an adjustment of yield.

 

Management considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the note agreement, including both principal and interest. Management has determined that commercial and consumer loan relationships that have nonaccrual status or have had their terms restructured in a troubled debt restructuring meet this impaired loan definition.

 

Interest income on loans is based on the principal balance outstanding computed using the effective interest method. The accrual of interest income for commercial loans is discontinued when there is a clear indication that the borrower's cash flow may not be sufficient to meet payments as they become due, while the accrual of interest income for retail loans is discontinued when loans reach specific delinquency levels. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Additionally, whenever management becomes aware of facts or circumstances that may adversely impact the collectability of principal or interest on loans, it is management's practice to place such loans on a nonaccrual status immediately, rather than delaying such action until the loans become 90 days past due. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed, amortization of related deferred loan fees or costs is suspended, and income is recorded only to the extent that interest payments are subsequently received in cash and a determination has been made that the principal and interest of the loan is collectible. If collectability of the principal and interest is in doubt, payments received are applied to loan principal.

 

While an asset is in nonaccrual status, some or all of the cash interest payments received may be treated as interest income on a cash basis as long as the remaining recorded investment in the asset (i.e., after charge off of identified losses, if any) is deemed to be fully collectible. The determination as to the ultimate collectability of the asset's remaining recorded investment must be supported by a current, well documented credit evaluation of the borrower's financial condition and prospects for repayment, including consideration of the borrower's sustained historical repayment performance and other relevant factors. A nonaccrual loan is returned to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest payments become current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, the borrower has demonstrated a period of sustained performance and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. A sustained period of repayment performance generally would be a minimum of six months.

 

Loans are considered restructured loans if concessions have been granted to borrowers that are experiencing financial difficulty. The concessions granted generally involve the modification of terms of the loan, such as changes in payment schedule or interest rate, which generally would not otherwise be considered. Restructured loans can involve loans remaining on nonaccrual, moving to nonaccrual, or continuing on accrual status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. Nonaccrual restructured loans are included and treated with all other nonaccrual loans. In addition, all accruing restructured loans are reported as troubled debt restructurings which are considered and accounted for as impaired loans. Generally, restructured loans remain on nonaccrual until the customer has attained a sustained period of repayment performance under the modified loan terms (generally a minimum of six months). However, performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and whether the loan should be returned to or maintained on accrual status. If the borrower's ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, the loan remains on nonaccrual. See Allowance for Loan Losses below for further policy discussion and see Note 3 for additional information on loans.

 

Loans Held for Sale

 

Loans held for sale, which consist generally of current production of certain fixed-rate, first-lien residential mortgage loans, are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value as determined on an aggregate basis. The amount by which cost exceeds estimated fair value is accounted for as a market valuation adjustment to the carrying value of the loans. Changes, if any, in the market valuation adjustment are included in mortgage banking, net, in the consolidated statements of income (loss). At December 31, 2011, there was no market valuation adjustment to loans held for sale, while at December 31, 2010, the carrying value of loans held for sale included a market valuation adjustment of $2 million. Holding costs are treated as period costs.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is a reserve for estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans determined to be impaired as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, and is based on quarterly evaluations of the collectability and historical loss experience of loans. Actual credit losses, net of recoveries, are deducted from the allowance for loan losses. A provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings, is recorded to bring the allowance for loan losses to a level that, in management's judgment, is appropriate to absorb probable losses in the loan portfolio.

 

The allocation methodology applied by the Corporation, designed to assess the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses, includes an allocation methodology, as well as management's ongoing review and grading of the loan portfolio into criticized loan categories (defined as specific loans warranting either specific allocation, or a criticized status of special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss). The allocation methodology focuses on evaluation of several factors, including but not limited to: evaluation of facts and issues related to specific loans, management's ongoing review and grading of the loan portfolio, consideration of historical loan loss and delinquency experience on each portfolio category, trends in past due and nonaccrual loans, the level of potential problem loans, the risk characteristics of the various classifications of loans, changes in the size and character of the loan portfolio, concentrations of loans to specific borrowers or industries, existing economic conditions, the fair value of underlying collateral, and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses. Because each of the criteria used is subject to change, the allocation of the allowance for loan losses is made for analytical purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the trend of future loan losses in any particular loan category. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any segment of the portfolio.

 

Management, judging current information and events regarding the borrowers' ability to repay their obligations, considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note agreement, including both principal and interest. Management has determined that commercial and consumer loan relationships that have nonaccrual status or have had their terms restructured in a troubled debt restructuring meet this impaired loan definition. When an individual loan is determined to be impaired, the allowance for loan losses attributable to the loan is allocated based on management's estimate of the borrower's ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flows, as well as evaluation of legal options available to the Corporation. The amount of impairment is measured based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the fair value of the underlying collateral less applicable selling costs, or the observable market price of the loan. If foreclosure is probable or the loan is collateral dependent, impairment is measured using the fair value of the loan's collateral, less costs to sell. Large groups of homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage, home equity and installment loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment. Interest income on impaired loans is recorded only to the extent that interest payments are subsequently received in cash and a determination has been made that the principal and interest of the loan is collectible.

 

Management believes that the level of the allowance for loan losses is appropriate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future changes to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance for loan losses or may require that certain loan balances be charged off or downgraded into criticized loan categories when their credit evaluations differ from those of management based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations. See Loans above for further policy discussion and see Note 3 for additional information on the allowance for loan losses.

 

Other Real Estate Owned

 

Other real estate owned is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets and 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 value, as well as gains and losses on disposition and revenues and expenses incurred in maintaining such properties, are treated as period costs. Other real estate owned also includes bank premises formerly but no longer used for banking. Banking premises are transferred at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs and any write-down is treated as a period cost. Other real estate owned totaled $42 million and $44 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments

 

A reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities (including unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit) and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The determination of the appropriate level of the reserve is based upon an evaluation of the unfunded credit facilities, including an assessment of historical commitment utilization experience and credit risk grading of the loan. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income (loss).

 

Premises and Equipment and Software

 

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets or the lease term. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while additions or major improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives of the assets range predominantly as follows: 3 to 15 years for land improvements, 5 to 39 years for buildings, 3 to 5 years for computers, and 3 to 15 years for furniture, fixtures, and other equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Software, included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the contract terms or the estimated useful life of the software. See Note 5 for additional information on premises and equipment.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: The excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired consists primarily of goodwill, core deposit intangibles, and other identifiable intangibles (primarily related to customer relationships acquired). Core deposit intangibles have estimated finite lives and are amortized on an accelerated basis to expense over a 10-year period. The other intangibles have estimated finite lives and are amortized on an accelerated basis to expense over their weighted average life (a weighted average life of 14 years for both 2011 and 2010). The Corporation reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, in which case an impairment charge would be recorded.

 

Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or earlier whenever an event occurs indicating that goodwill may be impaired. Any impairment of goodwill or other intangibles will be recognized as an expense in the period of impairment and such impairment could be material. The Corporation completes the annual goodwill impairment test by segment as of May 1 of each year. Note 4 includes a summary of the Corporation's goodwill, core deposit intangibles, and other intangibles.

 

Mortgage Servicing Rights: The Corporation sells residential mortgage loans in the secondary market and typically retains the right to service the loans sold. Upon sale, a mortgage servicing rights asset is capitalized, which represents the then current fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing servicing activities. Mortgage servicing rights, when purchased, are initially recorded at fair value. As the Corporation has not elected to subsequently measure any class of servicing assets under the fair value measurement method, the Corporation follows the amortization method. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, and assessed for impairment at each reporting date. Mortgage servicing rights are carried at the lower of the initial capitalized amount, net of accumulated amortization, or estimated fair value, and are included in other intangible assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Corporation periodically evaluates its mortgage servicing rights asset for impairment. Impairment is assessed based on fair value at each reporting date using estimated prepayment speeds of the underlying mortgage loans serviced and stratifications based on the risk characteristics of the underlying loans (predominantly loan type and note interest rate). As mortgage interest rates rise, prepayment speeds are usually slower and the value of the mortgage servicing rights asset generally increases, requiring less valuation reserve. A valuation allowance is established, through a charge to earnings, to the extent the amortized cost of the mortgage servicing rights exceeds the estimated fair value by stratification. If it is later determined that all or a portion of the temporary impairment no longer exists for a stratification, the valuation is reduced through a recovery to earnings. An other-than-temporary impairment (i.e., recoverability is considered remote when considering interest rates and loan pay off activity) is recognized as a write-down of the mortgage servicing rights asset and the related valuation allowance (to the extent a valuation allowance is available) and then against earnings. A direct write-down permanently reduces the carrying value of the mortgage servicing rights asset and valuation allowance, precluding subsequent recoveries. See Note 4 for additional information on mortgage servicing rights.

 

Income Taxes

 

Amounts provided for income tax expense are based on income reported for financial statement purposes and do not necessarily represent amounts currently payable under tax laws. Deferred income taxes, which arise principally from temporary differences between the amounts reported in the financial statements and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, are included in the amounts provided for income taxes. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and tax planning strategies which will create taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and, if necessary, tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

 

The Corporation files a consolidated federal income tax return and individual or consolidated state income tax returns. Accordingly, amounts equal to tax benefits of those subsidiaries having taxable federal losses or credits are offset by other subsidiaries that incur federal tax liabilities.

 

It is the Corporation's policy to provide for uncertain tax positions as a part of income tax expense and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Corporation believes it has appropriately accounted for any unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Corporation prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Corporation's effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be effected. See Note 12 for additional information on income taxes.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

Derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in the fair value recorded to earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income, as appropriate. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Corporation designates the derivative as a fair value hedge (i.e., a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability), a cash flow hedge (i.e., a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability), or a free-standing derivative instrument. For a derivative designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability are recognized in current period earnings as an increase or decrease to the carrying value of the hedged item on the balance sheet and in the related income statement account. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument are recognized in current period earnings as an adjustment to the related income statement account. Amounts within accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If a derivative is designated as a free-standing derivative instrument, changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings.

 

To qualify for and maintain hedge accounting, the Corporation must meet formal documentation and effectiveness evaluation requirements both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis. The application of the hedge accounting policy requires strict adherence to documentation and effectiveness testing requirements, judgment in the assessment of hedge effectiveness, identification of similar hedged item groupings, and measurement of changes in the fair value of hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Corporation discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. When hedge accounting is discontinued on a fair value hedge because it is determined that the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the Corporation continues to carry the derivative on the consolidated balance sheet at its fair value and no longer adjusts the hedged asset or liability for changes in fair value. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged asset or liability is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item, beginning no later than when hedge accounting ceases. When hedge accounting is discontinued on a cash flow hedge because it is determined that the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the Corporation records the changes in the fair value of the derivative in earnings rather than through accumulated other comprehensive income and when the cash flows associated with the hedged item are realized, the gain or loss is reclassified out of other comprehensive income and included in the same income statement account of the item being hedged.

 

The Corporation measures the effectiveness of its hedges, where applicable, at inception and each quarter on an on-going basis. For a fair value hedge, the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedge instrument attributable to the risk being hedged versus the cumulative fair value change of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged is considered to be the “ineffective” portion, which is recorded as an increase or decrease in the related income statement classification of the item being hedged (i.e., net interest income). For a cash flow hedge, the ineffective portions of changes in the fair value are recognized immediately in the related income statement account. See Note 14 for additional information on derivative financial instruments and hedging activities.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The fair value of stock options granted is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, while the fair value of restricted stock awards and salary shares is their fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options and restricted stock is amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the grants and the fair value of salary shares is recognized as compensation expense on the date of grant. Compensation expense recognized is included in personnel expense in the consolidated statements of income (loss). See Note 10 for additional information on stock-based compensation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are considered to include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions, and federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell.

 

Per Share Computations

 

Earnings per share are calculated utilizing the two-class method. Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock awards (outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock, and outstanding stock warrants). Also see Notes 9 and 18.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

 

In April 2011, the FASB issued clarifying guidance about which loan modifications constitute troubled debt restructurings. In evaluating whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring, the guidance maintains a creditor must separately conclude that the restructuring constitutes a concession and that the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The accounting standard provides further clarification whether a creditor has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The measurement guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011, while the disclosure guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011 with retrospective application to restructurings occurring on or after the beginning of the fiscal year. The Corporation adopted the accounting standard as of the beginning of the third quarter of 2011, as required, with no material impact on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. See Note 3 for additional disclosures required under this accounting standard.

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued guidance which modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. In accordance with the guidance, for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not if goodwill impairment exists, the guidance states an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The guidance was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The Corporation adopted the accounting standard as of January 1, 2011, as required, with no material impact on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. See Note 7 for disclosures concerning goodwill.

 

In July 2010, the FASB issued guidance for improving disclosures about an entity's allowance for loan losses and the credit quality of its loans. The guidance requires additional disclosure to facilitate financial statement users' evaluation of the following: (1) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity's loan portfolio, (2) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for loan losses, and (3) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for loan losses. The increased disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. Increased disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 31, 2010. The Corporation adopted the accounting standard as of December 31, 2010, with no material impact on the its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. See Note 3 for additional disclosures required under this accounting standard.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standard providing additional guidance relating to fair value measurement disclosures. Specifically, companies will be required to separately disclose significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 measurements in the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for those transfers. Significance should generally be based on earnings and total assets or liabilities, or when changes are recognized in other comprehensive income, based on total equity. Companies may take different approaches in determining when to recognize such transfers, including using the actual date of the event or change in circumstances causing the transfer, or using the beginning or ending of a reporting period. For Level 3 fair value measurements, the new guidance requires presentation of separate information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. Additionally, the FASB also clarified existing fair value measurement disclosure requirements relating to the level of disaggregation, inputs, and valuation techniques. This accounting standard was effective at the beginning of 2010, except for the detailed Level 3 disclosures, which were effective at the beginning of 2011. The Corporation adopted the accounting standard at the beginning of 2010, except for the detailed Level 3 disclosures which were adopted at the beginning of 2011, with no material impact on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. See Note 16 for additional disclosures required under this accounting standard.