10-Q

 UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended  March 31, 2012

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

 Commission file number 0-18630

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	95-4274680
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California	90012
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (213) 625-4700

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.Yes R No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes R No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	þ	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes ¨No R

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common stock, $.01 par value, 78,708,975 shares outstanding as of April 30, 2012.

1

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

1ST QUARTER 2012 REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION			5
	Item 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)	5
		NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)	8
	Item 2.	MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.	34
	Item 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	62
	Item 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.	63
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION			64
	Item 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.	64
	Item 1A.	RISK FACTORS.	64
	Item 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.	64
	Item 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.	65
	Item 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.	65
	Item 5.	OTHER INFORMATION.	65
	Item 6.	EXHIBITS.	65
SIGNATURES			66

2

Forward-Looking Statements

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, , the term “Bancorp” refers to Cathay General Bancorp and the term “Bank” refers to Cathay Bank. The terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Bancorp and the Bank collectively. The statements in this report include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the applicable provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding management’s beliefs, projections, and assumptions concerning future results and events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provision for forward-looking statements in these provisions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including statements about anticipated future operating and financial performance, financial position and liquidity, growth opportunities and growth rates, growth plans, acquisition and divestiture opportunities, business prospects, strategic alternatives, business strategies, financial expectations, regulatory and competitive outlook, investment and expenditure plans, financing needs and availability, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation and statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” “shall,” “should,” “will,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “possible,” “optimistic,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by us are based on estimates, beliefs, projections, and assumptions of management and are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Such risks and uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, adverse developments or conditions related to or arising from:

· U.S. and international business and economic conditions;

· credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality;

· current and potential future supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities;

· increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation and the current regulatory environment, including the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and the potential for substantial changes in the legal, regulatory, and enforcement framework and oversight applicable to financial institutions in reaction to recent adverse financial market events, including changes pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act;

· potential goodwill impairment;

· liquidity risk;

· fluctuations in interest rates;

· inflation and deflation;

· risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets;

· real estate market conditions and the value of real estate collateral;

· environmental liabilities;

· the effect of repeal of the federal prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposit accounts;

· our ability to compete with larger competitors;

3

· the possibility of higher capital requirements, including implementation of the Basel III capital standards of the Basel Committee;

· our ability to retain key personnel;

· successful management of reputational risk;

· natural disasters and geopolitical events;

· general economic or business conditions in California, Asia, and other regions where the Bank has operations;

· restrictions on compensation paid to our executives as a result of our participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program;

· failures, interruptions or security breaches of systems or data breaches;

· our ability to adapt our systems to technological changes, including successfully implementing our core system conversion;

· changes in accounting standards or tax laws and regulations;

· market disruption and volatility;

· restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure;

· successfully raising additional capital, if needed, and the resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; and

· the soundness of other financial institutions.

These and other factors are further described in Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (Item 1A in particular), other reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and other filings it makes with the SEC from time to time. Actual results in any future period may also vary from the past results discussed in this report. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak to the date of this report. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to publicly announce any revision of any forward-looking statement to reflect future developments or events, except as required by law.

Bancorp’s filings with the SEC are available at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by request directed to Cathay General Bancorp, 9650 Flair Drive, El Monte, California 91731, Attention: Investor Relations (626) 279-3286.

4

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	119,106		$	117,888
Short-term investments and interest bearing deposits		275,056			294,956
Securities purchased under agreements to resell		50,000			-
Securities held-to-maturity (market value of $1,131,524 in 2012 and $1,203,977 in 2011)		1,084,708			1,153,504
Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $1,361,571 in 2012 and $1,309,521 in 2011)		1,353,742			1,294,478
Trading securities		104,453			4,542
Loans held for sale		3,709			760
Loans		6,908,544			7,059,212
Less:  Allowance for loan losses		(194,743	)		(206,280	)
Unamortized deferred loan fees		(7,921	)		(8,449	)
Loans, net		6,705,880			6,844,483
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		50,456			52,989
Other real estate owned, net		87,806			92,713
Investments in affordable housing partnerships, net		80,789			78,358
Premises and equipment, net		105,157			105,961
Customers' liability on acceptances		29,790			37,300
Accrued interest receivable		31,544			32,226
Goodwill		316,340			316,340
Other intangible assets		10,314			11,598
Other assets		164,586			206,768
Total assets	$	10,573,436		$	10,644,864
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits	$	1,080,209		$	1,074,718
Interest-bearing accounts:
NOW accounts		490,173			451,541
Money market accounts		981,237			951,516
Savings accounts		434,899			420,030
Time deposits under $100,000		901,768			832,997
Time deposits of $100,000 or more		3,471,488			3,498,329
Total deposits		7,359,774			7,229,131
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,400,000			1,400,000
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		-			225,000
Other borrowings from financial institutions		-			880
Other borrowings for affordable housing investments		18,868			18,920
Long-term debt		171,136			171,136
Acceptances outstanding		29,790			37,300
Other liabilities		48,345			46,864
Total liabilities		9,027,913			9,129,231
Commitments and contingencies		-			-
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 258,000 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011		251,884			250,992
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 82,915,962 issued and 78,708,397 outstanding at March 31, 2012, and 82,860,122 issued and 78,652,557 outstanding at December 31, 2011		829			829
Additional paid-in-capital		766,435			765,641
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net		(4,537	)		(8,732	)
Retained earnings		648,201			624,192
Treasury stock, at cost (4,207,565 shares at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011)		(125,736	)		(125,736	)
Total Cathay General Bancorp stockholders' equity		1,537,076			1,507,186
Noncontrolling interest		8,447			8,447
Total equity		1,545,523			1,515,633
Total liabilities and equity	$	10,573,436		$	10,644,864

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

5

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

	Three months ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Loans receivable, including loan fees	$	90,701		$	90,558
Investment securities- taxable		17,723			21,854
Investment securities- nontaxable		1,052			1,056
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		66			47
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell		5			41
Deposits with banks		588			221
Total interest and dividend income		110,135			113,777
INTEREST EXPENSE
Time deposits of $100,000 or more		9,540			10,725
Other deposits		3,916			5,720
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		14,655			16,171
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		53			4,849
Long-term debt		1,320			1,206
Short-term borrowings		-			1
Total interest expense		29,484			38,672
Net interest income before provision for credit losses		80,651			75,105
Provision (credit) for loan losses		(4,000	)		6,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		84,651			69,105
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Securities gains, net		2,215			6,232
Letters of credit commissions		1,526			1,278
Depository service fees		1,389			1,361
Other operating income		3,701			3,755
Total non-interest income		8,831			12,626
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits		19,878			18,271
Occupancy expense		3,584			3,538
Computer and equipment expense		2,463			2,183
Professional services expense		4,742			3,729
FDIC and State assessments		2,489			4,317
Marketing expense		1,406			695
Other real estate owned expense		4,693			221
Operations of affordable housing investments, net		1,960			1,976
Amortization of core deposit intangibles		1,457			1,481
Cost associated with debt redemption		2,750			8,811
Other operating expense		2,449			2,561
Total non-interest expense		47,871			47,783
Income before income tax expense		45,611			33,948
Income tax expense		16,547			11,734
Net income		29,064			22,214
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		151			151
Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp		28,913			22,063
Dividends on preferred stock		(4,117	)		(4,105	)
Net income attributable to common stockholders		24,796			17,958
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Unrealized holding gain/(loss) arising during the period		5,479			(950	)
Less: reclassification adjustments included in net income		1,284			2,620
Total other comprehensive gain/(loss), net of tax		4,195			(3,570	)
Total comprehensive income	$	33,108		$	18,493
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.32		$	0.23
Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.23
Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.01		$	0.01
Average common shares outstanding
Basic		78,678,645			78,609,460
Diluted		78,690,132			78,635,620

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$	29,064		$	22,214
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:
Provision (credit) for loan losses		(4,000	)		6,000
Provision for losses on other real estate owned		2,740			1,979
Deferred tax liability		2,356			5,425
Depreciation		1,471			1,521
Net losses/(gains) on sale and transfer of other real estate owned		712			(3,605	)
Net gains on sale of loans		(278	)		-
Proceeds from sales of loans		25,140			-
Originations of loans held-for-sale		(24,836	)		-
Increase in trading securities, net		(99,930	)		-
Write-downs on venture capital investments		137			57
Gain on sales and calls of securities		(2,215	)		(6,232	)
Decrease in unrealized loss from interest rate swaps mark-to-market		(789	)		(874	)
Amortization/accretion of security premiums/discounts, net		1,314			1,236
Amortization of other intangible assets		1,491			1,498
Excess tax short-fall from share-based payment arrangements		565			234
Stock based compensation expense		546			463
(Decrease)/increase in deferred loan fees, net		(527	)		207
Decrease in accrued interest receivable		682			1,858
Decrease/(increase) in other assets, net		38,001			(7,148	)
Increase in other liabilities		2,316			298
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities		(26,040	)		25,131
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Decrease in short-term investments		19,900			36,360
(Increase)/decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell		(50,000	)		110,000
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale		(116,807	)		(7,768	)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities available-for-sale		200,000			-
Proceeds from sale of investment securities available-for-sale		30,550			217,261
Purchase of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale		(307,830	)		(100,496	)
Proceeds from repayment and sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale		143,757			356,931
Purchase of investment securities held-to-maturity		-			(419,460	)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities held-to-maturity		67,979			26,971
Redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		2,533			2,509
Net decrease/(increase) in loans		131,822			(47,686	)
Purchase of premises and equipment		(905	)		(1,069	)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned		10,186			16,064
Net increase in investment in affordable housing		(4,902	)		(265	)
Net cash provided by investing activities		126,283			189,352
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW accounts, money market and savings deposits		88,712			62,800
Net increase in time deposits		42,005			24,839
Net decrease in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase		-			(102,000	)
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		260,000			286,000
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		(485,000	)		(486,000	)
Dividends paid on common stock		(787	)		(786	)
Dividends paid on preferred stock		(3,225	)		(3,225	)
Proceeds from other borrowings		-			2,526
Repayment of other borrowings		(879	)
Proceeds from shares issued under Dividend Reinvestment Plan		67			54
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		647			1,307
Excess tax short-fall from share-based payment arrangements		(565	)		(234	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(99,025	)		(214,719	)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1,218			(236	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period		117,888			87,347
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	$	119,106		$	87,111
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period:
Interest	$	30,699		$	40,765
Income taxes (refunded)/paid	$	(20,424	)	$	21,600
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Net change in unrealized holding (loss)/gain on securities available-for-sale, net of tax	$	4,195		$	(3,571	)
Transfers to other real estate owned from loans held for investment	$	8,338		$	14,035
Transfers to other real estate owned from loans held for sale	$	-		$	2,874
Loans transferred from held for investment to held for sale	$	15,986		$	2,388
Loans to facilitate the sale of other real estate owned	$	-		$	4,625

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Unaudited)

1. Business

Cathay General Bancorp (“Bancorp”) is the holding company for Cathay Bank (the “Bank” and, together, the “Company”), six limited partnerships investing in affordable housing investments in which the Bank is the sole limited partner, and GBC Venture Capital, Inc.  The Bancorp also owns 100% of the common stock of five statutory business trusts created for the purpose of issuing capital securities.  The Bank was founded in 1962 and offers a wide range of financial services.  As of March 31, 2012, the Bank operated twenty branches in Southern California, eleven branches in Northern California, eight branches in New York State, three branches in Illinois, three branches in Washington State, two branches in Texas, one branch in Massachusetts, one branch in New Jersey, one branch in Hong Kong, and a representative office in Shanghai and in Taipei.  Deposit accounts at the Hong Kong branch are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

2. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.  For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates subject to change are the allowance for loan losses, goodwill impairment, and other-than-temporary impairment.

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2011-02 “A Creditor’s Determination  of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring.” ASU 2011-02 clarifies the guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring.  A restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring if it meets both of the following criteria: (a) the restructuring constitutes a concession; and (b) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties.  ASU 2011-02 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and was applied retrospectively to restructurings occurring on or after January 1, 2011.  Adoption of ASU 2011-02 did  not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

8

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-03 “Transfers and Servicing: Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.” ASU 2011-03 improves the accounting for repurchase agreements and other similar transactions by removing the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms even in the event of default by the transferee, and the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. ASU 2011-03 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, and applied prospectively.  Adoption of ASU 2011-03 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.”  The provisions of ASU 2011-04 result in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for the measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).  The changes to U.S. GAAP as a result of ASU 2011-04 are as follows: (1) The concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise are only relevant when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets (that is, it does not apply to financial assets or any liabilities); (2) U.S. GAAP currently prohibits application of a blockage factor in valuing financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets.  ASU 2011-04 extends that prohibition to all fair value measurements; (3) An exception is provided to the basic fair value measurement principles for an entity that holds a group of financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting positions in market risks or counterparty credit risk that are managed on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to either of those risks.  This exception allows the entity, if certain criteria are met, to measure the fair value of the net asset or liability position in a manner consistent with how market participants would price the net risk position; (4) Aligns the fair value measurement of instruments classified within an entity’s shareholders’ equity with the guidance for liabilities; and (5) Disclosure requirements have been enhanced for Level 3 fair value measurements to disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs and assumptions used, to describe the valuation processes used by the entity, and to qualitatively describe the sensitivity of fair value measurements to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those inputs.  In addition, entities must report the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of condition but whose fair value must be disclosed.  Adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08 “Intangibles -Goodwill and Other.” ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350. ASU 2011-08 was effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed after December 15, 2011.  Adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

4. Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share exclude dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock and resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings.  Potential dilution is excluded from computation of diluted per-share amounts when a net loss from operations exists.

9

Outstanding stock options with anti-dilutive effect were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.   The following table sets forth earnings per common stock share calculations:

	For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)	2012			2011
Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp	$	28,913		$	22,063
Dividends on preferred stock		(4,117	)		(4,105	)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	24,796		$	17,958
Weighted-average shares:
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		78,678,645			78,609,460
Dilutive effect of weighted-average outstanding common share equivalents
Stock options		11,487			26,160
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		78,690,132			78,635,620
Average stock options and warrants with anti-dilutive effect		6,227,224			6,198,286
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.32		$	0.23
Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.23

Options to purchase an additional 4.2 million shares, restricted stock units for an additional 218,539 shares, and warrants to purchase an additional 1.8 million shares at March 31, 2012, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

5. Stock-Based Compensation

Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, directors and eligible employees may be granted incentive or non-statutory stock options and/or restricted stock units, or awarded non-vested stock.As of March 31, 2012, the only options granted by the Company were non-statutory stock options to selected Bank officers and non-employee directors at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  Such options have a maximum ten-year term and vest in 20% annual increments (subject to early termination in certain events) except certain options granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 2005 and 2008.  If such options expire or terminate without having been exercised, any shares not purchased will again be available for future grants or awards.  There were no options granted during 2011 or during the first three months of 2012.

Option compensation expense totaled $194,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and $366,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Stock-based compensation is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards.  Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options totaled $710,000 at March 31, 2012, and is expected to be recognized over the next 10 months.

10

Stock options covering 39,784 shares were exercised in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 86,860 shares in the first quarter of 2011.  Cash received totaled $647,000 and the aggregate intrinsic value totaled $34,000 from the exercise of stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to cash received of $1.3 million and the aggregate intrinsic value of $172,000 from the exercise of stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The fair value of stock options for 108,027 shares that vested during the first quarter of 2012 was $745,000 compared to the fair value of $2.6 million for 247,842 stock option shares that vested during the first quarter of 2011.  The table below summarizes stock option activity for the periods indicated:

						Weighted-Average		Aggregate
				Weighted-Average		Remaining Contractual		Intrinsic
	Shares			Exercise Price		Life (in years)		Value (in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2011		4,356,985		$	28.86		3.0	$	37
Exercised		(39,784	)		16.28
Forfeited		(249,506	)		22.27
Balance, March 31, 2012		4,067,695		$	29.40		3.0	$	65
Exercisable, March 31, 2012		3,959,668		$	29.57		2.9	$	65

At March 31, 2012, 2,445,258 shares were available under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Plan for future grants.

In 2011, the Company granted restricted stock units for 147,661 shares.  On March 30, 2012, the Company granted 1,943 restricted stock units.  The restricted stock units granted in 2011 and 2012 are scheduled to vest two years from grant date.
 

The following table presents information relating to the restricted stock units as of March 31, 2012:

	Units
Balance at December 31, 2011		171,410
Granted		1,943
Forfeited		(122	)
Vested		(11,814	)
Balance at March 31, 2012		161,417

The compensation expense recorded related to the restricted stock units was $353,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $96,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units was $1.8 million at March 31, 2012, and is expected to be recognized over the next 1.4 years.

The following table summarizes the tax short-fall from share-based payment arrangements:

	For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
Short-fall of tax deductions in excess of grant-date fair value	$	(565	)	$	(234	)
Benefit of tax deductions on grant-date fair value		663			306
Total benefit of tax deductions	$	98		$	72

11

6. Investment  Securities

The following table reflects the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair values of investment securities as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	March 31, 2012
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	99,978	$	945	$	-	$	100,923
State and municipal securities		129,444		6,057		-		135,501
Mortgage-backed securities		845,314		39,860		-		885,174
Corporate debt securities		9,972		-		46		9,926
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	1,084,708	$	46,862	$	46	$	1,131,524
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. treasury securities	$	99,904	$	-	$	49	$	99,855
U.S. government sponsored entities		300,000		270		106		300,164
Mortgage-backed securities		493,043		9,889		537		502,395
Collateralized mortgage obligations		14,234		519		90		14,663
Asset-backed securities		164		-		5		159
Corporate debt securities		410,195		552		23,397		387,350
Mutual funds		6,000		40		16		6,024
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		569		1,056		-		1,625
Trust preferred securities		35,993		853		-		36,846
Other equity securities		1,469		3,192		-		4,661
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,361,571	$	16,371	$	24,200	$	1,353,742
Total investment securities	$	2,446,279	$	63,233	$	24,246	$	2,485,266

	December 31, 2011
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	99,966	$	1,406	$	-	$	101,372
State and municipal securities		129,577		7,053		-		136,630
Mortgage-backed securities		913,990		42,351		-		956,341
Corporate debt securities		9,971		-		337		9,634
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	1,153,504	$	50,810	$	337	$	1,203,977
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	500,007	$	1,226	$	7	$	501,226
State and municipal securities		1,869		59		-		1,928
Mortgage-backed securities		325,706		12,361		436		337,631
Collateralized mortgage obligations		16,184		540		238		16,486
Asset-backed securities		172		-		6		166
Corporate debt securities		412,045		113		31,729		380,429
Mutual funds		6,000		48		13		6,035
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		569		1,085		-		1,654
Trust preferred securities		45,501		486		24		45,963
Other equity securities		1,468		1,492		-		2,960
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,309,521	$	17,410	$	32,453	$	1,294,478
Total investment securities	$	2,463,025	$	68,220	$	32,790	$	2,498,455

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2012, by contractual maturities are shown below.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without call or repayment penalties.   

12

	Securities Available-for-Sale				Securities Held-to-Maturity
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	34,890	$	34,950	$	99,978	$	100,923
Due after one year through five years		225,252		224,709		-		-
Due after five years through ten years		631,327		614,458		39,105		40,722
Due after ten years (1)		470,102		479,625		945,625		989,879
Total	$	1,361,571	$	1,353,742	$	1,084,708	$	1,131,524

(1) Equity securities are reported in this category

Proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities were $117.6 million and repayments of mortgage-backed securities were $94.2 million during the first quarter of 2012 compared to proceeds from sales of $315.3 million and repayment of $41.6 million during the same quarter a year ago.  Proceeds from sales of other investment securities were $30.6 million during the first quarter of 2012 compared to $217.3 million during the same quarter a year ago.  Proceeds from maturity and calls of investment securities were $200.0 million during the first quarter of 2012 compared to $27.0 million during the same quarter a year ago.  Gains of $2.8 million and losses of $595,000 were realized on sales and calls of investment securities during the first quarter of 2012 compared to gains of $6.2 million  and no losses realized for the same quarter a year ago.

The Company's unrealized loss on investments in corporate bonds relates to a number of investments in bonds of financial institutions, all of which were investment grade at the date of acquisition and as of March 31, 2012.  The unrealized losses were primarily caused by the widening of credit spreads since the dates of acquisition. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuers to settle the security at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. The Company currently does not believe it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the investments. Therefore, it is expected that these bonds would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell and would not be required to sell these investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, it does not consider its investments in these corporate bonds to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012.

The temporarily impaired securities represent 25.1% of the fair value of investment securities as of March 31, 2012.  Unrealized losses for securities with unrealized losses for less than twelve months represent 2.1%, and securities with unrealized losses for twelve months or more represent 8.1%, of the historical cost of these securities.  Unrealized losses on these securities generally resulted from increases in interest rate spreads subsequent to the date that these securities were purchased.

At March 31, 2012, management believed the impairment was temporary and, accordingly, no impairment loss has been recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The Company expects to recover the amortized cost basis of its debt securities, and has no intent to sell and will not be required to sell available-for-sale debt securities that have declined below their cost before their anticipated recovery.

13

The table below shows the fair value, unrealized losses, and number of issuances of the temporarily impaired securities in our investment securities portfolio as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	As of March 31, 2012
	Temporarily Impaired Securities
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
Corporate debt securities	$	9,925	$	46		-		-	$	9,925	$	46
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	9,925	$	46	$	-	$	-	$	9,925	$	46
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. treasury securities	$	99,855	$	49	$	-	$	-	$	99,855	$	49
U.S. government sponsored entities		49,894		106		-		-		49,894		106
Mortgage-backed securities		154,114		532		535		3		154,649		535
Mortgage-backed securities-Non-agency		-		-		99		2		99		2
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		-		503		90		503		90
Asset-backed securities		-		-		158		5		158		5
Corporate debt securities		145,771		9,180		160,783		14,217		306,554		23,397
Mutual funds		1,983		16		-		-		1,983		16
Total securities available-for-sale	$	451,617	$	9,883	$	162,078	$	14,317	$	613,695	$	24,200
Total investment securities	$	461,542	$	9,929	$	162,078	$	14,317	$	623,620	$	24,246

	As of December 31, 2011
	Temporarily Impaired Securities
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
Corporate debt securities	$	9,635	$	337	$	-	$	-	$	9,635	$	337
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	9,635	$	337	$	-	$	-	$	9,635	$	337
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	49,993	$	7	$	-	$	-	$	49,993	$	7
Mortgage-backed securities		564		4		35		1		599		5
Mortgage-backed securities-Non-agency		-		-		6,719		431		6,719		431
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		-		570		238		570		238
Asset-backed securities		-		-		166		6		166		6
Corporate debt securities		185,577		14,201		172,857		17,528		358,434		31,729
Mutual funds		1,987		13		-		-		1,987		13
Trust preferred securities		5,674		24		-		-		5,674		24
Total securities available-for-sale	$	243,795	$	14,249	$	180,347	$	18,204	$	424,142	$	32,453
Total investment securities	$	253,430	$	14,586	$	180,347	$	18,204	$	433,777	$	32,790

14

Investment securities having a carrying value of $1.52 billion at March 31, 2012, and $1.68 billion at December 31, 2011, were pledged to secure public deposits, other borrowings, treasury tax and loan, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate swaps, and foreign exchange transactions. 

7. Loans

Most of the Company’s business activity is predominately with Asian customers located in Southern and Northern California; New York City; Houston and Dallas, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Edison, New Jersey; and Hong Kong.  The Company has no specific industry concentration, and generally its loans are collateralized with real property or other pledged collateral of the borrowers.  Loans are generally expected to be paid off from the operating profits of the borrowers, refinancing by another lender, or through sale by the borrowers of the secured collateral.

The components of loans in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, were as follows:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Type of Loans:
Commercial loans	$	1,844,849		$	1,868,275
Residential mortgage loans		985,105			972,262
Commercial mortgage loans		3,662,436			3,748,897
Equity lines		208,602			214,707
Real estate construction loans		188,081			237,372
Installment and other loans		19,471			17,699
Gross loans		6,908,544			7,059,212
Less:
Allowance for loan losses		(194,743	)		(206,280	)
Unamortized deferred loan fees		(7,921	)		(8,449	)
Total loans, net	$	6,705,880		$	6,844,483
Loans held for sale	$	3,709		$	760

Loans held for sale of $3.7 million at March 31, 2012, increased $3.0 million from $760,000 at December 31, 2011.  In the first quarter of 2012, we added three new loans of $16.0 million and sold three loans of $13.0 million for a net loss on sale of $26,000.  At March 31, 2012, loans held for sale were comprised of a residential construction loan of $500,000 and a commercial real estate loans of $3.2 million.

At March 31, 2012, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $275.2 million and was comprised of nonaccrual loans of $131.5 million, nonaccrual loans held for sale of $500,000, and accruing troubled debt restructured (“TDR”) loans of $143.2 million.  At December 31, 2011, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $322.0 million and was comprised of nonaccrual loans of $201.2 million, nonaccrual loans held for sale of $760,000, and accruing TDR’s of $120.0 million.  For impaired loans, the amounts previously charged off represent 22.4% at March 31, 2012, and 25.6% at December 31, 2011, of the contractual balances for impaired loans.  The following table presents the average balance and interest income recognized related to impaired loans for the periods  indicated:

15

	Impaired Loans
	Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized
	For the three months ended March 31,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	45,142	$	41,982	$	257	$	272
Real estate construction loans		66,455		86,024		176		330
Commercial mortgage loans		184,867		253,130		1,088		1,066
Residential mortgage and equity lines		17,715		16,519		40		25
Subtotal	$	314,179	$	397,655	$	1,561	$	1,693

The following table presents impaired loans and the related allowance for credit losses as of the dates indicated:
 

	Impaired Loans
	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Allowance
	(In thousands)
With no allocated allowance
Commercial loans	$	38,012	$	28,077	$	-	$	46,671	$	38,194	$	-
Real estate construction loans		65,839		43,426		-		134,836		78,767		-
Commercial mortgage loans		174,252		134,562		-		187,580		149,034		-
Residential mortgage and equity lines		4,347		4,273		-		8,555		7,987		-
Subtotal	$	282,450	$	210,338	$	-	$	377,642	$	273,982	$	-
With allocated allowance
Commercial loans	$	20,689	$	17,329	$	1,272	$	11,795	$	7,587	$	3,336
Commercial mortgage loans		36,200		34,191		2,529		29,722		28,023		2,969
Residential mortgage and equity lines		15,480		13,372		1,806		13,813		12,381		1,247
Subtotal	$	72,369	$	64,892	$	5,607	$	55,330	$	47,991	$	7,552
Total impaired loans	$	354,819	$	275,230	$	5,607	$	432,972	$	321,973	$	7,552

The following table presents the aging of the loan portfolio by type as of March 31, 2012 and as of December 31, 2011:

16

	As of March 31, 2012
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due		Non-accrual Loans		Total Past Due		Loans Not Past Due		Total
Type of Loans:	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	16,248	$	605	$	845	$	30,329	$	48,027	$	1,796,822	$	1,844,849
Real estate construction loans		22,674		3,553		-		10,711		36,938		151,143		188,081
Commercial mortgage loans		11,718		591		544		76,619		89,472		3,572,964		3,662,436
Residential mortgage and equity lines		6,175		668		-		13,838		20,681		1,173,026		1,193,707
Installment and other loans		-		-		-		-		-		19,471		19,471
Total loans	$	56,815	$	5,417	$	1,389	$	131,497	$	195,118	$	6,713,426	$	6,908,544

	As of December 31, 2011
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due		Non-accrual Loans		Total Past Due		Loans Not Past Due		Total
Type of Loans:	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,683	$	-	$	-	$	30,661	$	32,344	$	1,835,931	$	1,868,275
Real estate construction loans		20,326		-		-		46,012		66,338		171,034		237,372
Commercial mortgage loans		13,627		20,277		6,726		107,784		148,414		3,600,483		3,748,897
Residential mortgage and equity lines		5,871		-		-		16,740		22,611		1,164,358		1,186,969
Installment and other loans		-		-		-		-		-		17,699		17,699
Total loans	$	41,507	$	20,277	$	6,726	$	201,197	$	269,707	$	6,789,505	$	7,059,212

The determination of the amount of the allowance for credit losses for impaired loans is based on management’s current judgment about the credit quality of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration known relevant internal and external factors that affect collectibility when determining the appropriate level for the allowance for credit losses.   The nature of the process by which the Bank determines the appropriate allowance for credit losses requires the exercise of considerable judgment.   This allowance evaluation process is also applied to troubled debt restructurings since trouble debt restructurings are  considered  to be impaired loans.

A troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) is a formal modification of the terms of a loan when the lender, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower.  The concessions may be granted in various forms, including change in the stated interest rate, reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, or extension of the maturity date that causes significant delay in payment.

At March 31, 2012, accruing TDRs were $143.2 million and non-accrual TDRs were $21.5 million compared to accruing TDRs of $120.0 million and non-accrual TDRs of $50.9 million at December 31, 2011.  The Company has allocated specific reserves of $2.2 million to accruing TDRs and $288,000 to non-accrual TDRs at March 31, 2012, and $1.4 million to accruing TDRs and $1.6 million to non-accrual TDRs at December 31, 2011.  The following table presents TDRs that were modified during the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, their specific reserve at March 31, and charge-offs during the first quarters of 2012 and 2011:

17

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012								As of March 31, 2012
	No. of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Charge-offs		Specific Reserve
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans		5	$	1,988	$	1,988	$	-	$	68
Commercial mortgage loans		9		26,693		23,375		3,318		268
Residential mortgage and equity lines		2		1,587		1,587		-		-
Total		16	$	30,268	$	26,950	$	3,318	$	336

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011								As of March 31, 2011
	No. of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Charge-offs		Specific Reserve
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans		4	$	14,862	$	14,862	$	-	$	5
Commercial mortgage loans		2		1,930		1,929		1		1
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1		591		501		90		93
Total		7	$	17,383	$	17,292	$	91	$	99

Modifications of the loan terms during the first three months of 2012 and 2011 were in the form of changes in the stated interest rate, multiple note structure, or extensions of the maturity date.  Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate were for periods ranging from ten months to four years.  Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date were for periods ranging from ten months to four years. 

Accruing TDRs at March 31, 2012, were comprised of loans collateralized by thirteen retail shopping and commercial use buildings of $80.7 million, eleven office and commercial use buildings of $29.0 million, two hotels of $12.8 million, eleven single family residences of $19.3 million, two multi-family residences of $805,000,  one land of $537,000, and four commercial loans of $106,000.  We expect that the troubled debt restructuring loans on accruing status as of March 31, 2012, which were all performing in accordance with their restructured terms, will continue to comply with the restructured terms because of the reduced principal or interest payments on these loans. A summary of TDRs by type of concession, by type of loan as of March 31, 2012, and as of December 31, 2011, is shown below:

18

	As of March 31, 2012
Accruing TDRs	Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal			Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	12,911	$	1,738		$	-	$	427	$	15,076
Real estate construction loans		16,820		9,620			-		5,776		32,216
Commercial mortgage loans		14,275		37,600			1,506		38,753		92,134
Residential mortgage loans		1,291		1,032			-		1,484		3,807
Total accruing TDRs	$	45,297	$	49,990		$	1,506	$	46,440	$	143,233

	As of March 31, 2012
Non-accrual TDRs	Interest Deferral		Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	-	$	1,073	$	1,397	$	1,145	$	-	$	3,615
Commercial mortgage loans		2,614		6,859		1,167		-		5,006		15,646
Residential mortgage loans		302		1,349		-		-		631		2,282
Total non-accrual TDRs	$	2,916	$	9,281	$	2,564	$	1,145	$	5,637	$	21,543

	As of December 31, 2011
Accruing TDRs	Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	12,933	$	1,756	$	-	$	431	$	15,120
Real estate construction loans		16,820		9,659		-		5,776		32,255
Commercial mortgage loans		471		37,796		2,071		28,935		69,273
Residential mortgage loans		1,294		587		-		1,487		3,368
Total accruing TDRs	$	31,518	$	49,798	$	2,071	$	36,629	$	120,016

	As of December 31, 2011
Non-accrual TDRs	Interest Deferral		Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	-	$	616	$	1,859	$	1,506	$	-	$	3,981
Real estate construction loans		-		13,579		12,376		-		-		25,955
Commercial mortgage loans		2,633		9,727		-		-		5,076		17,436
Residential mortgage loans		311		2,427		449		-		311		3,498
Total non-accrual TDRs	$	2,944	$	26,349	$	14,684	$	1,506	$	5,387	$	50,870

The activity within our TDR loans for three months ended March 31, 2012, and  for the three months ended March 31, 2011, are shown below:

19

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Accruing TDRs	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	120,016		$	136,800
New restructurings		21,712			13,736
Restructured loans restored to accrual status		2,853			-
Payments		(1,348	)		(1,660	)
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		-			(12,816	)
Expiration of loan concession		-			(733	)
Ending balance	$	143,233		$	135,327

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Non-accrual TDRs	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	50,870		$	28,147
New restructurings		5,238			3,679
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		-			12,816
Charge-offs		(4,018	)		(1,104	)
Payments		(27,694	)		(408	)
Restructured loans restored to accrual status		(2,853	)		-
Ending balance	$	21,543		$	43,130

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 60 to 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.  Two commercial real estate TDRs of $6.4 million, three commercial TDRs of $1.4 million, and one land TDR of $1.2 million had payments defaults within the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.  The TDRs that subsequently defaulted incurred charge-off of $495,000 within the  twelve months ended March 31, 2012.

Under the Company’s internal underwriting policy, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification in order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty.

As of March 31, 2012, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to those borrowers whose loans have been restructured, were considered impaired, or were on non-accrual status.

As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of our loan portfolio, the Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each loan.  The risk rating categories can be generally described by the following grouping for non-homogeneous loans: 

· Pass/Watch – These loans range from minimal credit risk to lower than average, but still acceptable, credit risk.

· Special Mention – Borrower is fundamentally sound and loan is currently protected but adverse trends are apparent that, if not corrected, may affect ability to repay.  Primary source of loan repayment remains viable but there is increasing reliance on collateral or guarantor support.

· Substandard – These loans are inadequately protected by current sound net worth, paying capacity or pledged collateral.  Well-defined weaknesses exist that could jeopardize repayment of debt.  Loss may not be imminent, but if weaknesses are not corrected, there is a good possibility of some loss.

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· Doubtful – The possibility of loss is extremely high, but due to identifiable and important pending events (which may strengthen the loan) a loss classification is deferred until the situation is better defined.

· Loss – These loans are considered uncollectible and of such little value that to continue to carry the loan as an active asset is no longer warranted.

The following table presents loan portfolio by risk rating as of March 31, 2012, and as of December 31, 2011:

	As of March 31, 2012
	Pass/Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,697,108	$	66,297	$	74,643	$	6,801	$	1,844,849
Real estate construction loans		110,965		21,718		48,280		7,118		188,081
Commercial mortgage loans		3,245,353		112,335		304,748		-		3,662,436
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1,173,660		403		19,500		144		1,193,707
Installment and other loans		19,405		66		-		-		19,471
Total gross loans	$	6,246,491	$	200,819	$	447,171	$	14,063	$	6,908,544
Loans held for sale	$	3,209	$	-	$	-	$	500	$	3,709

	As of December 31, 2011
	Pass/Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,689,842	$	64,290	$	108,858	$	5,285	$	1,868,275
Real estate construction loans		115,538		23,555		90,132		8,147		237,372
Commercial mortgage loans		3,275,431		69,925		403,541		-		3,748,897
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1,149,225		4,439		33,160		145		1,186,969
Installment and other loans		17,636		63		-		-		17,699
Total gross loans	$	6,247,672	$	162,272	$	635,691	$	13,577	$	7,059,212
Loans held for sale	$	-	$	-	$	260	$	500	$	760

The allowance for loan losses and the reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments are significant estimates that can and do change based on management’s process in analyzing the loan portfolio and on management’s assumptions about specific borrowers, underlying collateral, and applicable economic and environmental conditions, among other factors.

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of March 31, 2012, and as of December 31, 2011.

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			Real Estate		Commercial		Residential
	Commercial		Construction		Mortgage		Mortgage Loans		Consumer and
	Loans		Loans		Loans		and Equity Lines		Other Loans		Total
	(In thousands)
March 31, 2012
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	1,272	$	-	$	2,529	$	1,806	$	-	$	5,607
Balance	$	45,406	$	43,426	$	168,753	$	17,645	$	-	$	275,230
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	59,119	$	17,993	$	103,657	$	8,317	$	50	$	189,136
Balance	$	1,799,443	$	144,655	$	3,493,683	$	1,176,062	$	19,471	$	6,633,314
Total allowance	$	60,391	$	17,993	$	106,186	$	10,123	$	50	$	194,743
Total balance	$	1,844,849	$	188,081	$	3,662,436	$	1,193,707	$	19,471	$	6,908,544
December 31, 2011
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	3,336	$	-	$	2,969	$	1,247	$	-	$	7,552
Balance	$	45,781	$	78,766	$	177,058	$	20,368	$	-	$	321,973
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	62,322	$	21,749	$	105,052	$	9,548	$	57	$	198,728
Balance	$	1,822,494	$	158,606	$	3,571,839	$	1,166,601	$	17,699	$	6,737,239
Total allowance	$	65,658	$	21,749	$	108,021	$	10,795	$	57	$	206,280
Total balance	$	1,868,275	$	237,372	$	3,748,897	$	1,186,969	$	17,699	$	7,059,212

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.

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For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

	Commercial Loans			Real Estate Construction Loans			Commercial Mortgage Loans			Residential Mortgage and Equity Line			Installment and Other Loans			Total
	(In thousands)
2012 Beginning Balance	$	65,658		$	21,749		$	108,021		$	10,795		$	57		$	206,280
Provision for possible credit losses		(1,041	)		(6,439	)		4,318			(260	)		15			(3,407	)
Charge-offs		(4,959	)		(875	)		(8,222	)		(779	)		(25	)		(14,860	)
Recoveries		746			3,557			2,058			366			3			6,730
Net charge-offs		(4,213	)		2,682			(6,164	)		(413	)		(22	)		(8,130	)
March 31, 2012 Ending Balance	$	60,404		$	17,992		$	106,175		$	10,122		$	50		$	194,743
Reserve for impaired loans	$	1,272		$	-		$	2,529		$	1,806		$	-		$	5,607
Reserve for non-impaired loans	$	59,119		$	17,993		$	103,657		$	8,317		$	50		$	189,136
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	$	720		$	635		$	84		$	34		$	2		$	1,475
2011 Beginning Balance	$	63,919		$	43,261		$	128,347		$	9,668		$	36		$	245,231
Provision for possible credit losses		(122	)		4,654			1,218			423			(10	)		6,163
Charge-offs		(1,378	)		(6,248	)		(5,123	)		(226	)		-			(12,975	)
Recoveries		775			887			853			84			12			2,611
Net charge-offs		(603	)		(5,361	)		(4,270	)		(142	)		12			(10,364	)
March 31, 2011 Ending Balance	$	63,194		$	42,554		$	125,295		$	9,949		$	38		$	241,030
Reserve for impaired loans	$	2,953		$	7,569		$	3,664		$	1,106		$	-		$	15,292
Reserve for non-impaired loans	$	60,241		$	34,985		$	121,631		$	8,843		$	38		$	225,738
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	$	689		$	1,355		$	93		$	35		$	2		$	2,174

8. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans, or through commercial or standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees.  These instruments represent varying degrees of exposure to risk in excess of the amounts included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The contractual or notional amount of these instruments indicates a level of activity associated with a particular class of financial instrument and is not a reflection of the level of expected losses, if any.

9. Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $1.4 billion with a weighted average rate of 4.14% at March 31, 2012, compared to $1.4 billion with a weighted average rate of 4.14% at December 31, 2011.  In May 2011, the Company prepaid a security sold under agreement to repurchase of $50 million with a rate of 4.83% and incurred a prepayment penalty of $1.7 million.  Fourteen floating-to-fixed rate agreements totaling $750.0 million have initial floating rates for a period of time ranging from six months to one year, with floating rates ranging from the three-month LIBOR minus 100 basis points to three-month LIBOR minus 340 basis points. Thereafter, the rates are fixed for the remainder of the term, with interest rates ranging from 4.29% to 5.07%.  After the initial floating rate term, the counter parties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the fixed rate reset date and quarterly thereafter. Thirteen fixed-to-floating rate agreements totaling $650.0 million have initial fixed rates ranging from 1.00% to 3.50% with initial fixed rate terms ranging from six months to 18 months.  For the remainder of the seven year term, the rates float at 8% minus the three-month LIBOR rate with a maximum rate ranging from 3.25% to 3.75% and minimum rate of 0.0%.  After the initial fixed rate term, the counter parties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the floating rate reset date and quarterly thereafter.The table below provides summary data for long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of March 31, 2012:

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(Dollars in millions)	Fixed-to-floating																		Floating-to-fixed							Total
Callable Rate type	All callable at March 31, 2012 Float Rate																			All callable at March 31, 2012
Rate index	8% minus 3 month LIBOR																			Fixed Rate
Maximum rate		3.75	%		3.53	%		3.50	%		3.50	%		3.53	%		3.25	%
Minimum rate		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
No. of agreements		3			1			4			3			1			1				10			4			27
Amount	$	150.0		$	50.0		$	200.0		$	150.0		$	50.0		$	50.0			$	550.0		$	200.0		$	1,400.0
Weighted average rate		3.75	%		3.53	%		3.50	%		3.50	%		3.53	%		3.25	%			4.54	%		5.00	%		4.14	%
Final maturity		2014			2014			2014			2015			2015			2015				2014			2017

These transactions are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold. The Company may have to provide additional collateral for the repurchase agreements, as necessary.  The underlying collateral pledged for the repurchase agreements consists of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency security debt, and mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2012, and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2011.

10. Income Taxes

Income tax expense totaled $16.5 million, or an effective tax rate of 36.4%, for the first quarter of 2012, compared to an income tax expense of $11.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 34.7%, for the same quarter a year ago.  The effective tax rate includes the impact of the utilization of low income housing tax credits.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had income tax receivables of approximately $39.3 million, of which $11.2 million relates to the carryback of the Company’s net operating loss for 2009 to the 2007 tax year and $9.1 million relates to the carryback of the Company’s low income housing tax credits for 2009 to the 2008 tax year.  The refunds receivable from the carryback of the Company’s net operating loss for 2009 were issued in January 2012.  These income tax receivables are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company’s tax returns are open for audits by the Internal Revenue Service back to 2010 and by the California Franchise Tax Board back to 2003.  The Company is under audit by the CaliforniaFranchise Tax Board for the years 2003 to 2007.  As the Company is presently under audit by a number of tax authorities, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could change significantly over the next twelve months. The Company does not expect that any such changes would have a material impact on its annual effective tax rate.

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11. Fair Value Measurements

The Company adopted ASC Topic 820 on January 1, 2008, and determined the fair values of our financial instruments based on the following:

· Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

· Level 2 - Observable prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; directly observable market inputs for substantially the full term of the asset and liability; market inputs that are not directly observable but are derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

· Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions that a market participant would use.

The Company uses the following methodologies to measure the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities on a recurring basis:

Securities Available for Sale. For certain actively traded agency preferred stocks, mutual funds, and U.S. Treasury securities, the Company measures the fair value based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement.  The Company also measures securities by using quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.  This category generally includes U.S. Government agency securities, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), commercial MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, corporate bonds and trust preferred securities.

Trading Securities. The Company measures the fair value of trading securities based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement. The Company also measures the fair value for other trading securities based on quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.

Warrants. The Company measures the fair value of warrants based on unobservable inputs based on assumption and management judgment, a Level 3 measurement.

Currency Option and Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Company measures the fair value of currency option and foreign exchange contracts based on dealer quotes on a recurring basis, a Level 2 measurement.

Interest Rate Swaps. Fair value of interest rate swaps is derived from observable market prices for similar assets on a recurring basis, a Level 2 measurement.

The valuation techniques for the assets and liabilities valued on a nonrecurring basis are as follows:

Impaired Loans. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded based on either the current appraised value of the collateral, a Level 2 measurement, or management’s judgment and estimation of value reported on old appraisals which are then adjusted based on recent market trends, a Level 3 measurement.

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Loans Held for Sale.  The Company records loans held for sale at fair value based on quoted prices from third party sale analyses, existing sale agreements or appraisal reports adjusted by sales commission assumptions, a Level 3 measurement.

Goodwill.  The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350.  The two-step impairment testing process conducted by us, if needed, begins by assigning net assets and goodwill to our three reporting units- Commercial Lending, Retail Banking, and East Coast Operations.  The Company then completes “step one” of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit (as determined based on the discussion below) with the recorded book value (or “carrying amount”) of its net assets, with goodwill included in the computation of the carrying amount.  If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired, and “step two” of the impairment test is not necessary.  If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, step two of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of impairment.  Step two of the impairment test compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the “implied fair value” of that goodwill.  The implied fair value of goodwill is computed by assuming that all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit would be adjusted to the current fair value, with the offset as an adjustment to goodwill.  This adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value used in step two.  An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. In connection with the determination of fair value, certain data and information is utilized, including earnings forecasts at the reporting unit level for the next four years.  Other key assumptions include terminal values based on future growth rates and discount rates for valuing the cash flows, which have inputs for the risk-free rate, market risk premium and adjustments to reflect inherent risk and required market returns.  Because of the significance of unobservable inputs in the valuation of goodwill impairment, goodwill subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments is classified as a Level 3 measurement.

Core Deposit Intangibles. Core deposit intangibles is initially recorded at fair value based on a valuation of the core deposits acquired and is amortized over its estimated useful life to its residual value in proportion to the economic benefits consumed.  The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset on a nonrecurring basis using the core deposits remaining at the assessment date and the fair value of cash flows expected to be generated from the core deposits, a Level 3 measurement.

Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired in the settlement of loans is initially recorded at fair value based on the appraised value of the property on the date of transfer, less estimated costs to sell, a Level 2 measurement.  From time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments are made to other real estate owned based on the current updated appraised value of the property, also a Level 2 measurement, or management’s judgment and estimation of value reported on old appraisals which are then adjusted based on recent market trends, a Level 3 measurement.

Investments in Venture Capital.  The Company periodically reviews its investments in venture capital for other-than-temporary impairment on a nonrecurring basis.  Investments in venture capital were written down to their fair value based on available financial reports from venture capital partnerships and management’s judgment and estimation, a Level 3 measurement.

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Equity Investments. The Company records equity investments at fair value on a nonrecurring basis based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement.

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011:

As of March 31, 2012	Fair Value Measurements Using						Total at
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets	(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
U.S. Treasury securities	$	99,855	$	-	$	-	$	99,855
U.S. government sponsored entities		-		300,164		-		300,164
State and municipal securities		-		-		-		-
Mortgage-backed securities		-		502,395		-		502,395
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		14,663		-		14,663
Asset-backed securities		-		158		-		158
Corporate debt securities		-		387,351		-		387,351
Mutual funds		6,024		-		-		6,024
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		-		1,625		-		1,625
Trust preferred securities		-		36,846		-		36,846
Other equity securities		4,661		-		-		4,661
Total securities available-for-sale		110,540		1,243,202		-		1,353,742
Trading securities		2		104,451		-		104,453
Warrants		-		-		163		163
Option contracts		-		25		-		25
Foreign exchange contracts		-		1,680		-		1,680
Total assets	$	110,542	$	1,349,358	$	163	$	1,460,063
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	-	$	1,845	$	-	$	1,845
Option contracts		-		1		-		1
Foreign exchange contracts		-		1,353		-		1,353
Total liabilities	$	-	$	3,199	$	-	$	3,199

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As of December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurements Using						Total at
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets	(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	-	$	501,226	$	-	$	501,226
State and municipal securities		-		1,928		-		1,928
Mortgage-backed securities		-		337,631		-		337,631
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		16,486		-		16,486
Asset-backed securities		-		166		-		166
Corporate debt securities		-		380,429		-		380,429
Mutual funds		6,035		-		-		6,035
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		-		1,654		-		1,654
Trust preferred securities		-		45,963		-		45,963
Other equity securities		2,960		-		-		2,960
Total securities available-for-sale		8,995		1,285,483		-		1,294,478
Trading securities		2		4,540		-		4,542
Warrants		-		-		218		218
Option contracts		-		34		-		34
Foreign exchange contracts		-		2,151		-		2,151
Total assets	$	8,997	$	1,292,208	$	218	$	1,301,423
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	-	$	2,634	$	-	$	2,634
Option contracts		-		5		-		5
Foreign exchange contracts		-		486		-		486
Total liabilities	$	-	$	3,125	$	-	$	3,125

The Company measured the fair value of its warrants on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs.  The fair value of warrants was $163,000 at March 31, 2012, compared to $218,000 at December 31, 2011.  The fair value adjustment of warrants was included in other operating income in the first quarter of 2012.

For financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were still reflected in the balance sheet at March 31, 2012, the following table provides the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related individual assets  at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011, and the total losses for the periods indicated:

	As of March 31, 2012								Total Losses
	Fair value measurements using						Total at		For the three months ended
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		fair value		March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Assets	(In thousands)
Impaired loans by type:
Commercial loans	$	-	$	-	$	16,056	$	16,056	$	859	$	675
Real estate loans		-		-		30,470		30,470		1,357		1,191
Land loans		-		-		1,191		1,191		-		84
Residential mortgage loans		-		-		11,566		11,566		526		142
Total impaired loans		-		-		59,283		59,283		2,742		2,092
Loans held-for-sale		-		-		3,709		3,709		-		-
Other real estate owned (1)		-		80,732		5,073		85,805		2,824		294
Investments in venture capital		-		-		8,822		8,822		137		273
Equity investments		323		-		-		323		-		-
Total assets	$	323	$	80,732	$	76,887	$	157,942	$	5,703	$	2,659

(1) Other real estate owned balance of $87.8 million in the condensed consolidated balance sheet is net of estimated disposal costs.

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	As of December 31, 2011								Total Losses
	Fair value measurements using						Total		For the Twelve months ended
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		at Fair Value		December 31, 2011		December 31, 2010
Assets	(In thousands)
Impaired loans by type:
Commercial loans	$	-	$	-	$	4,251	$	4,251	$	877	$	3,411
Construction- residential		-		-		-		-		-		1,295
Real estate loans		-		-		35,576		35,576		820		1,407
Land loans		-		-		611		611		46		1,003
Total impaired loans		-		-		40,438		40,438		1,743		7,116
Loans held-for-sale		-		-		760		760		-		3,160
Other real estate owned (1)		-		79,029		1,093		80,122		7,003		20,139
Investments in venture capital		-		-		8,693		8,693		379		760
Equity investments		323		-		-		323		200		304
Total assets	$	323	$	79,029	$	50,984	$	130,336	$	9,325	$	31,479

(1) Other real estate owned balance of $77.7 million in the condensed consolidated balance sheet is net of estimated disposal costs.

The significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs used in the fair value measurement of collateral for collateral-dependent impaired loans was primarily based on the appraised value of collateral adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions.  The Company generally obtains new appraisal reports every six months.  As the Company’s primary objective in the event of default would be to monetize the collateral to settle the outstanding balance of the loan, less marketable collateral would receive a larger discount. During the reported periods, collateral discounts ranged from 45% in the case of accounts receivable collateral to 65% in the case of inventory collateral.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of loan held for sale was primarily based on the quoted price or sale price adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions.  The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of OREO was primarily based on the appraised value of OREO adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions.

The company applies estimated sales cost and commission ranging from 3% to 6% to collateral value of impaired loans, quoted price or loan sale price of loans held for sale, and appraised value of OREOs.

The significant unobservable input in Black-Scholes option pricing model for fair value of warrants are expected life of warrant ranging from 1 to 5 years, risk-free interest rate from 0.34% to 1.01%, stock volatility of the Company from 18.1% to 23.6%.

12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.

      Cash and Cash Equivalents.  For cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount was assumed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value and a Level 1 measurement.

      Short-term Investments.  For short-term investments, the carrying amount was assumed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value and a Level 1 measurement.

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Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell. The fair value of securities purchased under agreements to resell is based on dealer quotes and a Level 2 measurement.

      Securities.  For securities, including securities held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and for trading, fair values were based on quoted market prices at the reporting date.  If a quoted market price was not available, fair value was estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes.  For certain actively traded agency preferred stocks and U.S. Treasury securities, the Company measures the fair value based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement.  The Company also measures securities by using quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.  This category generally includes U.S. Government agency securities, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), commercial MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, and corporate bonds.

Loans Held for Sale.  The Company records loans held for sale at fair value based on quoted prices from third party sources, or appraisal reports adjusted by sales commission assumptions and a Level 3 measurement.

      Loans.  Fair values were estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics.  Each loan category was further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and non-performing categories.

      The fair value of performing loans was calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan and a Level 3 measurement.

The fair value of impaired loans was calculated based on the net realized fair value of the collateral or the observable market price of the most recent sale or quoted price from loans held for sale.  The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  Nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded based on the current appraised value of the collateral and a Level 2 measurement.

      Deposit Liabilities.  The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits was assumed to be the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.  The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit was estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities and a Level 3 measurement.

      Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase.  The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase is based on dealer quotes and a Level 2 measurement.

      Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank.  The fair value of the advances is based on quotes from the FHLB to settle the advances and a Level 2 measurement.

Other Borrowings.  This category includes federal funds purchased, revolving lines of credit, and other short-term borrowings.  The fair value of other borrowings is based on current market rates for borrowings with similar remaining maturities and a Level 1 measurement.

Long-term Debt.  The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices or dealer quotes and a Level 2 measurement.

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Currency Option and Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Company measures the fair value of currency option and foreign exchange contracts based on dealer quotes and a Level 2 measurement.

Interest Rate Swaps. Fair value of interest rate swaps was derived from observable market prices for similar assets and a Level 2 measurement.

Off-Balance-Sheet Financial Instruments.  The fair value of commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees written were estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counter parties.  The fair value of guarantees and letters of credit was based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counter parties at the reporting date.  Off-balance-sheet financial instruments were fair valued based on the assumptions that a market participant would use and a Level 3 measurement.

Fair value was estimated in accordance with ASC Topic 825, formerly SFAS 107.  Fair value estimates were made at specific points in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Bank’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.  Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Bank’s financial instruments, fair value estimates were based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.  These estimates were subjective in nature and involved uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.  The following table presents the estimated fair value of financial instruments at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011:

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

	As of March 31, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	119,106	$	119,106	$	117,888	$	117,888
Short-term investments		275,056		275,056		294,956		294,956
Securities purchased under agreements to resell		50,000		50,000		-		-
Securities held-to-maturity		1,084,708		1,131,524		1,153,504		1,203,977
Securities available-for-sale		1,353,742		1,353,742		1,294,478		1,294,478
Trading securities		104,453		104,453		4,542		4,542
Loans held-for-sale		3,709		3,709		760		760
Loans, net		6,705,880		6,681,964		6,844,483		6,825,571
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock		50,456		50,456		52,989		52,989
Warrants		163		163		218		218

	Notional				Notional
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Option contracts	$	4,595	$	25	$	3,026	$	34
Foreign exchange contracts		159,241		1,680		238,581		2,151

	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Financial Liabilities
Deposits	$	7,359,774	$	7,370,498	$	7,229,131	$	7,240,857
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,400,000		1,541,580		1,400,000		1,547,900
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		-		-		225,000		227,825
Other borrowings		18,868		18,868		19,800		19,801
Long-term debt		171,136		94,970		171,136		98,676

	Notional				Notional
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Option contracts	$	932	$	1	$	1,282	$	5
Interest rate swaps		300,000		1,845		300,000		2,634
Foreign exchange contracts		171,359		1,353		128,215		486

	Notional					Notional
	Amount		Fair Value			Amount		Fair Value
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
Commitments to extend credit	$	1,727,202	$	(1,162	)	$	1,626,523	$	(1,253	)
Standby letters of credit		58,820		(279	)		62,076		(367	)
Other letters of credit		67,753		(43	)		64,233		(38	)
Bill of lading guarantees		849		(3	)		187		-

13. Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment

The Company’s policy is to assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or between annual assessments if a triggering event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  Impairment is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.  Accounting standards require management to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit in making the assessment of impairment at least annually.  

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The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350.  The two-step impairment testing process conducted by us, if needed, begins by assigning net assets and goodwill to our three reporting units- Commercial Lending, Retail Banking, and East Coast Operations.  The Company then completes “step one” of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit (as determined based on the discussion below) with the recorded book value (or “carrying amount”) of its net assets, with goodwill included in the computation of the carrying amount.  If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired, and “step two” of the impairment test is not necessary.  If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, step two of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of impairment.  Step two of the impairment test compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the “implied fair value” of that goodwill.  The implied fair value of goodwill is computed by assuming that all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit would be adjusted to the current fair value, with the offset as an adjustment to goodwill.  This adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value used in step two.  An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

At March 31, 2012, the Company’s market capitalization was above book value and there was no triggering event that required the Company to assess goodwill for impairment as of an interim date.

14. Financial Derivatives

It is the policy of the Company not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates.  However, the Company enters into financial derivatives in order to seek mitigation of exposure to interest rate risks related to our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  We believe that these transactions, when properly structured and managed, may provide a hedge against inherent interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities and against risk in specific transactions.  In such instances, the Company may protect its position through the purchase or sale of interest rate futures contracts for a specific cash or interest rate risk position.  Other hedge transactions may be implemented using interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, floors, financial futures, forward rate agreements, and options on futures or bonds.  Prior to considering any hedging activities, we seek to analyze the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to other viable alternative strategies.  All hedges will require an assessment of basis risk and must be approved by the Bank’s Investment Committee.

The Company follows ASC Topic 815 which establishes accounting and reporting standards for financial derivatives, including certain financial derivatives embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. It requires the recognition of all financial derivatives as assets or liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and measurement of those financial derivatives at fair value.  The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a financial derivative is designated as a hedge and, if so, the type of hedge.

As of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we had entered into five interest rate swap agreements with two major financial institutions in the notional amount of $300.0 million for a period of three years.  These interest rate swaps were not structured to hedge against inherent interest rate risks related to our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  At March 31, 2012, the Company paid a fixed rate at a weighted average of 1.95% and received a floating 3-month LIBOR rate at a weighted average of 0.48% on these agreements.  The net amount accrued on these interest rate swaps was recorded as a reduction to other non-interest income in the amount of $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to $1.2 million in the same quarter a year ago.  At March 31, 2012, the Company recorded $1.8 million within other liabilities to recognize the negative fair value of these interest rate swaps compared to the $2.6 million negative fair value at December 31, 2011.

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The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with various counter parties to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for foreign exchange certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts, or foreign currency option contracts entered into with our clients. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of these contracts as well as the related foreign exchange certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts or foreign currency option contracts are recognized immediately in net income as a component of non-interest income. Period end gross positive fair values are recorded in other assets and gross negative fair values are recorded in other liabilities.  At March 31, 2012, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $5.5 million with a net negative fair value of $23,000. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $159.2 million had a positive fair value of $1.7 million at March 31, 2012.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $171.4 million had a negative fair value of $1.4 million at March 31, 2012. At December 31, 2011, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $4.3 million with a net positive fair value of $29,000.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $238.6 million had a positive fair value, in the amount of $2.2 million, at December 31, 2011.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $128.2 million had a negative fair value, in the amount of $486,000, at December 31, 2011.

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion is given based on the assumption that the reader has access to and has read the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and results of operations are based upon its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Management of the Company considers the following to be critical accounting policies:

Accounting for the allowance for credit losses involves significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have a material impact on the carrying value of net loans.  The judgments and assumptions used by management are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances as described under the heading “Accounting for the Allowance for Loan Losses” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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Accounting for investment securities involves significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have a material impact on the carrying value of securities and the recognition of any “other-than-temporary” impairment to our investment securities. The judgments and assumptions used by management are described under the heading “Investment Securities” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Accounting for income taxes involves significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have a material impact on the amount of taxes currently payable and the income tax expense recorded in the financial statements.  The judgments and assumptions used by management are described under the heading “Income Taxes” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Accounting for goodwill and goodwill impairment involves significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have a material impact on the amount of goodwill and noninterest expense recorded in the financial statements.  The judgments and assumptions used by management are described under the heading “Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Accounting for other real estate owned involves significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have a material impact on the value of other real estate owned and noninterest expense recorded in the financial statements.  The judgments and assumptions used by management are described under the heading “Valuation of Other Real Estate Owned” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Highlights

· Decrease in non-accrual loans – Non-accrual loans decreased $69.7 million, or 34.6%, to $131.5 million at March 31, 2012, from $201.2 million at December 31, 2011, and decreased $143.0 million, or 52.1%, from $274.5 million at March 31, 2011.

· Improved profitability – First quarter net income was $28.9 million compared to net income of $27.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 and net income of $22.1 million in the same quarter a year ago.

Statement of Operations Review

Net Income

Net income available to common stockholders for the first quarter of 2012, was $24.8 million, an increase of $6.8 million, or 38.1%, compared to a net income available to common stockholders of $18.0 million for the same quarter a year ago.  Diluted earnings per share available to common stockholders for the first quarter of 2012, was $0.32 compared to $0.23 for the same quarter a year ago due primarily to decreases in the provision for credit losses, decreases in prepayment penalties on the repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, increases in net interest income, and decreases in FDIC assessments which were partially offset by decreases in gains on sales of securities, increases in other real estate owned (“OREO”) expense, increases in salaries and employee benefits, and increases in professional service expenses.

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Return on average stockholders’ equity was 7.62% and return on average assets was 1.10% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, compared to a return on average stockholders’ equity of 6.20% and a return on average assets of 0.83% for the same quarter a year ago.

Financial Performance

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012	2011
Net income	$28.9 million	$22.1 million
Net income available to common stockholders	$24.8 million	$18.0 million
Basic earnings per common share	$0.32	$0.23
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.32	$0.23
Return on average assets	1.10%	0.83%
Return on average total stockholders' equity	7.62%	6.20%
Efficiency ratio	53.50%	54.47%

Net Interest Income Before Provision for Credit Losses

Net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $5.6 million, or 7.4%, to $80.7 million during the first quarter of 2012 compared to $75.1 million during the same quarter a year ago.  The increase was due primarily to the decrease in rates paid on time certificates of deposit and the prepayment of FHLB advances and maturities of securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

The net interest margin, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, was 3.33% for the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 5 basis points from 3.28% for the fourth quarter of 2011, and an increase of 27 basis points from 3.06% for the first quarter of 2011.  The decrease in the rate on interest bearing deposits and the prepayment of FHLB advances and decreases in securities sold under agreements to repurchase contributed to the increase in the net interest margin from the same quarter a year ago.

For the first quarter of 2012, the yield on average interest-earning assets was 4.54%, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities equaled 1.51%, and the cost of interest bearing deposits was 0.86%.  In comparison, for the first quarter of 2011, the yield on average interest-earning assets was 4.63%, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities equaled 1.90%, and the cost of interest bearing deposits was 1.10%. The interest spread, defined as the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities, increased 30 basis points to 3.03% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, from 2.73% for the same quarter a year ago, primarily due to the reasons discussed above.

Average daily balances for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and March 31, 2011, together with the total dollar amounts, on a taxable-equivalent basis, of interest income and interest expense, and the weighted-average interest rate and net interest margin are as follows:

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Interest-Earning Assets and Interest-Bearing Liabilities
	Three months ended March 31,
	2012								2011
				Interest		Average						Interest		Average
	Average			Income/		Yield/			Average			Income/		Yield/
(Dollars in thousands)	Balance			Expense		Rate (1)(2)			Balance			Expense		Rate (1)(2)
Interest earning assets:
Commercial loans	$	1,857,339		$	19,366		4.19	%	$	1,491,335		$	16,360		4.45	%
Residential mortgage loans		1,183,518			15,030		5.08			1,084,392			13,635		5.03
Commercial mortgage loans		3,701,953			53,412		5.80			3,922,616			55,894		5.78
Real estate construction loans		235,771			2,802		4.78			381,337			4,543		4.83
Other loans and leases		19,005			91		1.93			17,429			126		2.93
Total loans and leases (1)		6,997,586			90,701		5.21			6,897,109			90,558		5.32
Taxable securities		2,323,166			17,723		3.07			2,671,826			21,854		3.32
Tax-exempt securities (3)		133,094			1,619		4.89			133,516			1,625		4.94
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		52,627			66		0.50			63,789			47		0.30
Interest bearing deposits		267,157			588		0.88			168,492			221		0.53
Federal funds sold & securities purchased
under agreements to resell		22,802			5		0.09			81,889			41		0.20
Total interest-earning assets		9,796,432			110,702		4.54			10,016,621			114,346		4.63
Non-interest earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		115,447								97,992
Other non-earning assets		853,392								869,405
Total non-interest earning assets		968,839								967,397
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(206,241	)							(248,746	)
Deferred loan fees		(7,860	)							(7,539	)
Total assets	$	10,551,170							$	10,727,733
Interest bearing liabilities:
Interest bearing demand accounts	$	465,921		$	175		0.15		$	412,990		$	201		0.20
Money market accounts		976,109			1,395		0.57			1,026,770			2,131		0.84
Savings accounts		424,198			88		0.08			380,344			135		0.14
Time deposits		4,395,102			11,798		1.08			4,267,781			13,978		1.33
Total interest-bearing deposits		6,261,330			13,456		0.86			6,087,885			16,445		1.10
Federal funds purchased		-			-		-			111			0		1.27
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,400,000			14,655		4.21			1,548,600			16,171		4.23
Other borrowings		30,117			53		0.71			465,649			4,850		4.22
Long-term debt		171,136			1,320		3.10			171,136			1,206		2.86
Total interest-bearing liabilities		7,862,583			29,484		1.51			8,273,381			38,672		1.90
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits		1,071,387								937,650
Other liabilities		82,227								65,663
Total equity		1,534,973								1,451,039
Total liabilities and  equity	$	10,551,170							$	10,727,733
Net interest spread (4)							3.03	%							2.73	%
Net interest income (4)				$	81,218							$	75,674
Net interest margin (4)							3.33	%							3.06	%

(1)   Yields and amounts of interest earned include loan fees. Non-accrual loans are included in the average balance.

(2)   Calculated by dividing net interest income by average outstanding interest-earning assets.

(3)   The average yield has been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis for certain securities of states and political subdivisions and other securities held using a statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.

(4)   Net interest income, net interest spread, and net interest margin on interest-earning assets have been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis using a statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%.

The following table summarizes the changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume and changes in interest rates:

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Taxable-Equivalent Net Interest Income — Changes Due to Rate and Volume(1)
	Three months ended March 31,
	2012-2011
	Increase (Decrease) in
	Net Interest Income Due to:
(Dollars in thousands)	Changes in Volume			Changes in Rate			Total Change
Interest-earning assets:
Loans and leases		1,637			(1,494	)		143
Taxable securities		(2,623	)		(1,508	)		(4,131	)
Tax-exempt securities (2)		(2	)		(4	)		(6	)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		(9	)		28			19
Deposits with other banks		172			195			367
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell		(20	)		(16	)		(36	)
Total decrease in interest income		(845	)		(2,799	)		(3,644	)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest bearing demand accounts		25			(51	)		(26	)
Money market accounts		(99	)		(637	)		(736	)
Savings accounts		15			(62	)		(47	)
Time deposits		430			(2,610	)		(2,180	)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		(1,429	)		(87	)		(1,516	)
Other borrowed funds		(2,538	)		(2,259	)		(4,797	)
Long-term debts		-			114			114
Total decrease in interest expense		(3,596	)		(5,592	)		(9,188	)
Changes in net interest income	$	2,751		$	2,793		$	5,544

(1)   Changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to changes due to volume and changes due to rate.

(2)   The amount of interest earned on certain securities of states and political subdivisions and other securities held has been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis using a statutory federal income tax rate of 35%.

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses was a credit of $4.0 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to a charge of $2.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 and a charge of $6.0 million in the same quarter a year ago.  The provision for credit losses was based on the review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2012. The provision for credit losses represents the charge against current earnings that is determined by management, through a credit review process, as the amount needed to establish an allowance that management believes to be sufficient to absorb credit losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio, including unfunded commitments.  The following table summarizes the charge-offs and recoveries for the periods indicated:

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	For the three months ended
	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Charge-offs:
Commercial loans	$	4,959	$	530	$	1,378
Construction loans- residential		140		2,452		2,885
Construction loans- other		735		654		3,363
Real estate loans (1)		8,927		3,208		4,945
Real estate- land loans		74		46		404
Installment and other loans		25		-		-
Total charge-offs		14,860		6,890		12,975
Recoveries:
Commercial loans		746		206		775
Construction loans- residential		1,899		141		660
Construction loans- other		1,658		36		227
Real estate loans (1)		1,631		1,874		932
Real estate- land loans		793		3		5
Installment and other loans		3		-		12
Total recoveries		6,730		2,260		2,611
Net charge-offs	$	8,130	$	4,630	$	10,364

(1) Real estate loans include commercial mortgage loans, residential mortgage loans and equity lines.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income, which includes revenues from depository service fees, letters of credit commissions, securities gains (losses), gains (losses) on loan sales, wire transfer fees, and other sources of fee income, was $8.8 million for the first quarter of 2012, a decrease of $3.8 million, or 30.1%, compared to $12.6 million for the first quarter of 2011. The decrease in non-interest income in the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to decreases of $4.0 million from gains on sale of securities and increases of $697,000 in trading security losses offset by a $304,000 increase in venture capital income, a $278,000 increase in gains on sale of loans, and a $248,000 increase in letters of credit commissions.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense decreased $88,000, or 0.2%, to $47.9 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $47.8 million in the same quarter a year ago.  The efficiency ratio was 53.50% in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 54.47% for the same quarter a year ago due primarily to increases in OREO expenses and lower gains on sale of securities.

Prepayment penalties from prepaying $100.0 million of FHLB advances were $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to prepaying $200.0 million of FHLB advances with penalties of $8.8 million in the same quarter a year ago.  FDIC assessments decreased $1.8 million, or 42.3%, to $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2012 from $4.3 million for the same quarter a year ago.

Offsetting the above decreases were the increases of $4.5 million in other real estate owned (“OREO”) expenses to $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $221,000 in the same quarter a year ago primarily due to decreases of $4.3 million in gains from OREO in the prior year.  Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.6 million, or 8.7% in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same quarter a year ago primarily due to increases in incentive compensation and the hiring of new employees.  Professional service expense increased $1.0 million, or 27.1%, primarily due to increases in legal collection expenses and consulting expenses related to the upcoming core system conversion.  Marketing expense increased $711,000 primarily due to increases in media and promotion expenses, and contributions to Cathay Bank Foundation.

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Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2012 was 36.4% compared to 34.7% in the first quarter of 2011.  The effective tax rate includes the impact of the utilization of low income housing tax credits.

Balance Sheet Review

Assets

Total assets were $10.57 billion at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $71.4 million, or 0.7%, from $10.64 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily due to the decrease of $144.8 million in gross loans and the decrease of $40.3 million in tax refund receivable and deferred tax assets offset by increases of $99.9 million in trading securities.

Investment Securities

Investment securities represented 23.06% of total assets at March 31, 2012, compared with 23.00% of total assets at December 31, 2011. The carrying value of investment securities at March 31, 2012, was $2.44 billion compared with $2.45 billion at December 31, 2011.  Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value and had a net unrealized loss of $7.8 million at March 31, 2012, compared with a net unrealized loss of $15.0 million at December 31, 2011.  Book value for securities held-to-maturity was $1.08 billion at March 31, 2012, compared to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2011.

The following table reflects the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair values of investment securities as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	March 31, 2012
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	99,978	$	945	$	-	$	100,923
State and municipal securities		129,444		6,057		-		135,501
Mortgage-backed securities		845,314		39,860		-		885,174
Corporate debt securities		9,972		-		46		9,926
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	1,084,708	$	46,862	$	46	$	1,131,524
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. treasury securities	$	99,904	$	-	$	49	$	99,855
U.S. government sponsored entities		300,000		270		106		300,164
Mortgage-backed securities		493,043		9,889		537		502,395
Collateralized mortgage obligations		14,234		519		90		14,663
Asset-backed securities		164		-		5		159
Corporate debt securities		410,195		552		23,397		387,350
Mutual funds		6,000		40		16		6,024
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		569		1,056		-		1,625
Trust preferred securities		35,993		853		-		36,846
Other equity securities		1,469		3,192		-		4,661
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,361,571	$	16,371	$	24,200	$	1,353,742
Total investment securities	$	2,446,279	$	63,233	$	24,246	$	2,485,266

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	December 31, 2011
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Securities Held-to-Maturity	(In thousands)
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	99,966	$	1,406	$	-	$	101,372
State and municipal securities		129,577		7,053		-		136,630
Mortgage-backed securities		913,990		42,351		-		956,341
Corporate debt securities		9,971		-		337		9,634
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	1,153,504	$	50,810	$	337	$	1,203,977
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	500,007	$	1,226	$	7	$	501,226
State and municipal securities		1,869		59		-		1,928
Mortgage-backed securities		325,706		12,361		436		337,631
Collateralized mortgage obligations		16,184		540		238		16,486
Asset-backed securities		172		-		6		166
Corporate debt securities		412,045		113		31,729		380,429
Mutual funds		6,000		48		13		6,035
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		569		1,085		-		1,654
Trust preferred securities		45,501		486		24		45,963
Other equity securities		1,468		1,492		-		2,960
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,309,521	$	17,410	$	32,453	$	1,294,478
Total investment securities	$	2,463,025	$	68,220	$	32,790	$	2,498,455

For complete discussion and disclosure see Note 6 to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.

Investment securities having a carrying value of $1.52 billion at March 31, 2012, and $1.68 billion at December 31, 2011, were pledged to secure public deposits, other borrowings, treasury tax and loan, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate swaps, and foreign exchange transactions. 

Loans

Gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, were $6.9 billion at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $150.7 million, or 2.1%, from $7.1 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily due to a decrease of $86.5 million, or 2.3%, in commercial real estate loans, a decrease of $49.3 million, or 20.8%, in construction loans, and a decrease of $23.4 million, or 1.3%, in commercial loans.  The following table sets forth the classification of loans by type, mix, and percentage change as of the dates indicated:

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	March 31, 2012			% of Gross Loans			December 31, 2011			% of Gross Loans			% Change
Type of Loans	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,844,849			26.7	%	$	1,868,275			26.5	%		-1.3	%
Residential mortgage loans		985,105			14.3			972,262			13.8			1.3
Commercial mortgage loans		3,662,436			53.0			3,748,897			53.1			(2.3	)
Equity lines		208,602			3.0			214,707			3.0			(2.8	)
Real estate construction loans		188,081			2.7			237,372			3.4			(20.8	)
Installment and other loans		19,471			0.3			17,699			0.2			10.0
Gross loans	$	6,908,544			100	%	$	7,059,212			100	%		-2.1	%
Allowance for loan losses		(194,743	)					(206,280	)					(5.6	)
Unamortized deferred loan fees		(7,921	)					(8,449	)					(6.2	)
Total loans, net	$	6,705,880					$	6,844,483						-2.0	%
Loans held for sale	$	3,709					$	760						388.0	%

Non-performing Assets

Non-performing assets include loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, non-accrual loans, and other real estate owned.   The Company’s policy is to place loans on non-accrual status if interest and/or principal is past due 90 days or more, or in cases where management deems the full collection of principal and interest unlikely.  After a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed and charged against current income and subsequent  payments received are generally first applied towards the outstanding principal balance of the loan.  Depending on the circumstances, management may elect to continue the accrual of interest on certain past due loans if partial payment is received and/or the loan is well collateralized and in the process of collection.   The loan is generally returned to accrual status when the borrower has brought the past due principal and interest payments current and, in the opinion of management, the borrower has demonstrated the ability to make future payments of principal and interest as scheduled.

Management reviews the loan portfolio regularly for problem loans.  During the ordinary course of business, management becomes aware of borrowers that may not be able to meet the contractual requirements of the loan agreements.  Such loans are placed under closer supervision with consideration given to placing the loans on non-accrual status, the need for an additional allowance for loan losses, and (if appropriate) partial or full charge-off.

The ratio of non-performing assets, excluding non-accrual loans held for sale, to total assets was 2.1% at March 31, 2012, compared to 2.8% at December 31, 2011.  Total non-performing portfolio assets decreased $79.9 million, or 26.6%, to $220.7 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $300.6 million at December 31, 2011, primarily due to a $69.7 million decrease in non-accrual loans, a $5.3 million decrease in accruing loans past due 90 days or more and a $4.9 million decrease in OREO.

As a percentage of gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, plus other real estate owned, our non-performing assets decreased to 3.15% at March 31, 2012, from 4.20% at December 31, 2011. The non-performing portfolio loan coverage ratio, defined as the allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans, increased to 147.7% at March 31, 2012, from 100.2% at December 31, 2011.

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The following table presents the breakdown of non-performing assets by category as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011			% Change			March 31, 2011			% Change
Non-performing assets
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more	$	1,389		$	6,726			(79	)	$	8			100
Non-accrual loans:
Construction loans- residential		3,593			25,288			(86	)		23,682			(85	)
Construction loans- non-residential		7,118			20,724			(66	)		32,856			(78	)
Land loans		9,688			10,975			(12	)		21,121			(54	)
Commercial real estate loans, excluding land loans		66,931			96,809			(31	)		148,872			(55	)
Commercial loans		30,329			30,661			(1	)		32,306			(6	)
Residential mortgage loans		13,838			16,740			(17	)		15,653			(12	)
Total non-accrual loans:	$	131,497		$	201,197			(35	)	$	274,490			(52	)
Total non-performing loans		132,886			207,923			(36	)		274,498			(52	)
Other real estate owned		87,806			92,713			(5	)		75,585			16
Other assets		-			-			-			365			(100	)
Total non-performing assets	$	220,692		$	300,636			(27	)	$	350,448			(37	)
Accruing troubled debt restructurings (TDRs)	$	143,233		$	120,016			19		$	135,327			6
Non-accrual TDRs (included in non-accrual loans above)	$	21,543		$	50,870			(58	)	$	43,130			(50	)
Non-accrual loans held for sale	$	500		$	760			(34	)	$	2,388			(79	)
Allowance for loan losses	$	194,743		$	206,280			(6	)	$	241,030			(19	)
Allowance for off-balance sheet credit commitments		1,475			2,069			(29	)		2,174			(32	)
Allowance for credit losses	$	196,218		$	208,349			(6	)	$	243,204			(19	)
Total gross loans outstanding, at period-end (1)	$	6,908,544		$	7,059,212			(2	)	$	6,894,311			0
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, at period-end (2)		146.55	%		99.21	%					87.81	%
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans, at period-end (1)		2.82	%		2.92	%					3.50	%

(1) Excludes loans held for sale at period-end.

(2) Excludes non-accrual loans held for sale at period-end.

Non-accrual Loans

At March 31, 2012, total non-accrual portfolio loans, excluding loans held for sale, were $131.5 million, a decrease of $69.7 million, or 34.6%, from $201.2 million at December 31, 2011, and a decrease of $143.0 million, or 52.1%, from $274.5 million at March 31, 2011.  The allowance for the collateral-dependent loans is calculated based on the difference between the outstanding loan balance and the value of the collateral as determined by recent appraisals, sales contracts, or other available market price information. The allowance for collateral-dependent loans varies from loan to loan based on the collateral coverage of the loan at the time of designation as non-performing. We continue to monitor the collateral coverage, based on recent appraisals, of these loans on a quarterly basis and adjust the allowance accordingly.  Non-accrual loans also include those troubled debt restructurings that do not qualify for accrual status.

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Loans held for sale of $3.7 million at March 31, 2012, increased $3.0 million from $760,000 at December 31, 2011.  In the first quarter of 2012, we added three new loans of $16.0 million and sold three loans of $13.0 million for a net loss on sale of $26,000.  At March 31, 2012, loans held for sale were comprised of a residential construction loan of $500,000 and a commercial real estate loan of $3.2 million.

The following tables present the type of properties securing the non-accrual portfolio loans and the type of businesses the borrowers engaged in as of the dates indicated:

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Real				Real
	Estate (1)		Commercial		Estate (1)		Commercial
	(In thousands)
Type of Collateral
Single/multi-family residence	$	20,925	$	2,494	$	52,896	$	3,078
Commercial real estate		70,554		1,480		106,665		1,929
Land		9,688		-		10,975		-
Personal property (UCC)		-		26,356		-		25,654
Total	$	101,167	$	30,330	$	170,536	$	30,661

(1)Real estate includes commercial mortgage loans, real estate construction loans, residential mortgage loans and equity lines.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Real				Real
	Estate (1)		Commercial		Estate (1)		Commercial
	(In thousands)
Type of Business
Real estate development	$	72,871	$	991	$	120,623	$	1,518
Wholesale/retail		14,001		6,232		33,675		5,833
Food/restaurant		457		817		-		817
Import/export		-		22,290		-		22,493
Other		13,838		-		16,238		-
Total	$	101,167	$	30,330	$	170,536	$	30,661

(1)Real estate includes commercial mortgage loans, real estate construction loans, residential mortgage loans and equity lines.

Other Real Estate Owned

At March 31, 2012, other real estate owned totaled $87.8 million which decreased $4.9 million, or 5.3%, compared to $92.7 million at December 31, 2011, and increased $12.2 million, or 16.2%, compared to $75.6 million at March 31, 2011.

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Troubled Debt Restructurings

A troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) is a formal modification of the terms of a loan when the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower.  The concessions may be granted in various forms, including changes in the stated interest rate, reductions in the loan balance or accrued interest, or extensions of the maturity date that causes significant delay in payment.

At March 31, 2012, accruing TDRs were $143.2 million and non-accrual TDRs were $21.5 million compared to accruing TDRs of $120.0 million and non-accrual TDRs of $50.9 million at December 31, 2011.  The Company has allocated specific reserves of $2.2 million to accruing TDRs and $288,000 to non-accrual TDRs at March 31, 2012, and $1.4 million to accruing TDRs and $1.6 million to non-accrual TDRs at December 31, 2011.  The following table presents TDRs that were modified during the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, their specific reserve at March 31, and charge-offs during the first quarters of 2012 and 2011:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012								As of March 31, 2012
	No. of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Charge-offs		Specific Reserve
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans		5	$	1,988	$	1,988	$	-	$	68
Commercial mortgage loans		9		26,693		23,375		3,318		268
Residential mortgage and equity lines		2		1,587		1,587		-		-
Total		16	$	30,268	$	26,950	$	3,318	$	336

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011								As of March 31, 2011
	No. of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Charge-offs		Specific Reserve
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans		4	$	14,862	$	14,862	$	-	$	5
Commercial mortgage loans		2		1,930		1,929		1		1
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1		591		501		90		93
Total		7	$	17,383	$	17,292	$	91	$	99

Modifications of the loan terms during the first three months of 2012 were in the form of changes in the stated interest rate, multiple note structure, or extensions of the maturity date.  Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate were for periods ranging from ten months to four years.  Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date were for periods ranging from ten months to four years. 

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Accruing TDRs at March 31, 2012, were comprised of loans collateralized by thirteen retail shopping and commercial use buildings of $80.7 million, eleven office and commercial use buildings of $29.0 million, two hotels of $12.8 million, eleven single family residences of $19.3 million, two multi-family residences of $805,000,  one land loan of $537,000, and four commercial loans of $106,000.  We expect that the troubled debt restructuring loans on accruing status as of March 31, 2012, which were all performing in accordance with their restructured terms, will continue to comply with the restructured terms because of the reduced principal or interest payments on these loans.A summary of TDRs by type of concession, by type of loan, as of March 31, 2012, and as of December 31, 2011, is shown below:

	As of March 31, 2012
Accruing TDRs	Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal			Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	12,911	$	1,738		$	-	$	427	$	15,076
Real estate construction loans		16,820		9,620			-		5,776		32,216
Commercial mortgage loans		14,275		37,600			1,506		38,753		92,134
Residential mortgage loans		1,291		1,032			-		1,484		3,807
Total accruing TDRs	$	45,297	$	49,990		$	1,506	$	46,440	$	143,233

	As of March 31, 2012
Non-accrual TDRs	Interest Deferral		Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	-	$	1,073	$	1,397	$	1,145	$	-	$	3,615
Commercial mortgage loans		2,614		6,859		1,167		-		5,006		15,646
Residential mortgage loans		302		1,349		-		-		631		2,282
Total non-accrual TDRs	$	2,916	$	9,281	$	2,564	$	1,145	$	5,637	$	21,543

	As of December 31, 2011
Accruing TDRs	Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	12,933	$	1,756	$	-	$	431	$	15,120
Real estate construction loans		16,820		9,659		-		5,776		32,255
Commercial mortgage loans		471		37,796		2,071		28,935		69,273
Residential mortgage loans		1,294		587		-		1,487		3,368
Total accruing TDRs	$	31,518	$	49,798	$	2,071	$	36,629	$	120,016

	As of December 31, 2011
Non-accrual TDRs	Interest Deferral		Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	-	$	616	$	1,859	$	1,506	$	-	$	3,981
Real estate construction loans		-		13,579		12,376		-		-		25,955
Commercial mortgage loans		2,633		9,727		-		-		5,076		17,436
Residential mortgage loans		311		2,427		449		-		311		3,498
Total non-accrual TDRs	$	2,944	$	26,349	$	14,684	$	1,506	$	5,387	$	50,870

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The activity within our TDR loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and  for the three months ended March 31, 2011, are shown below:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Accruing TDRs	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	120,016		$	136,800
New restructurings		21,712			13,736
Restructured loans restored to accrual status		2,853			-
Payments		(1,348	)		(1,660	)
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		-			(12,816	)
Expiration of loan concession		-			(733	)
Ending balance	$	143,233		$	135,327

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Non-accrual TDRs	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	50,870		$	28,147
New restructurings		5,238			3,556
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		-			12,816
Charge-offs		(4,018	)		(1,104	)
Payments		(27,694	)		(285	)
Restructured loans restored to accrual status		(2,853	)		-
Ending balance	$	21,543		$	43,130

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 60 to 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.  Two commercial real estate TDRs of $6.4 million, three commercial TDRs of $1.4 million, and one land TDR of $1.2 million had payments defaults within the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.  The TDRs that subsequently defaulted incurred charge-off of $495,000 within the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.

Under the Company’s internal underwriting policy, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification in order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty.

As of March 31, 2012, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to those borrowers whose loans have been restructured, were considered impaired, or were on non-accrual status.

Troubled debt restructurings on accrual status are comprised of the loans that have, pursuant to the Bank’s policy, performed under the restructured terms and have demonstrated sustained performance under the modified terms for six months before being returned to accrual status.  The sustained performance considered by management pursuant to its policy includes the periods prior to the modification if the prior performance met or exceeded the modified terms.  This would include cash paid by the borrower prior to the restructure to set up interest reserves.

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Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement based on current circumstances and events.  The assessment for impairment occurs when and while such loans are on non-accrual as a result of delinquency status of over 90 days or receipt of information indicating that full collection of principal is doubtful, or when the loan has been restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. Those loans with a balance less than our defined selection criteria, generally a loan amount less than $500,000  (less than $100,000 for prior quarters before March 31, 2011), are treated as a homogeneous portfolio.  If loans meeting the defined criteria are not collateral dependent, we measure the impairment based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate.  If loans meeting the defined criteria are collateral dependent, we measure the impairment by using the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral.  We obtain an appraisal to determine the amount of impairment at the date that the loan becomes impaired.  The appraisals are based on “as is” or bulk sale valuations.  To ensure that appraised values remain current, we generally obtain an updated appraisal every six months from qualified independent appraisers.  Furthermore, if the most current appraisal is dated more than three months prior to the effective date of the impairment test, we validate the most current value with third party market data appropriate to the location and property type of the collateral.  If the third party market data indicates that the value of our collateral property values has declined since the most recent valuation date, we adjust downward the value of the property to reflect current market conditions.  If the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, is less than the recorded amount of the loan, we then recognize impairment by creating or adjusting an existing valuation allowance with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses.  If an impaired loan is expected to be collected through liquidation of the collateral, the amount of impairment, excluding disposal costs, which range between 3% to 6% of the fair value, depending on the size of the impaired loan, is charged off against the allowance for loan losses.  Non-accrual impaired loans, including troubled debt restructurings, are not returned to accrual status unless the unpaid interest has been brought current and full repayment of the recorded balance is expected or if the borrower has made six consecutive monthly payments of the scheduled amounts due, and troubled debt restructurings are reviewed for continued impairment until they are no longer reported as troubled debt restructurings.

At March 31, 2012, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $275.2 million and was comprised of non-accrual loans of $131.5 million, non-accrual loans held for sale of $500,000, and accruing TDR’s of $143.2 million.  At December 31, 2011, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $322.0 million and was comprised of non-accrual loans of $201.2 million, non-accrual loans held for sale of $760,000, and accruing TDR’s of $120.0 million.  As of March 31, 2012, $101.2 million, or 76.9%, of the $131.5 million of non-accrual loans were secured by real estate compared to $170.5 million, or 84.8%, of the $201.2 million of non-accrual loans that were secured by real estate at December 31, 2011. In light of declining property values in the current economic downturn affecting the real estate markets, the Bank has obtained current appraisals, sales contracts, or other available market price information which provide updated factors in evaluating potential loss.

At March 31, 2012, $5.6 million of the $194.7 million allowance for loan losses was allocated for impaired loans and $189.2 million was allocated to the general allowance.  At December 31, 2011, $7.6 million of the $206.3 million allowance for loan losses was allocated for impaired loans and $198.7 million was allocated to the general allowance.  The amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated to impaired loans at March 31, 2012 remained essentially the same as December 31, 2011.   For the first quarter of 2012, net loan charge-offs were $8.1 million, or 0.47%, of average loans compared to $10.4 million, or 0.61%, of average loans in the same quarter of 2011.

The allowance for credit losses to non-accrual loans increased to 149.2% at March 31, 2012, from 103.6% at December 31, 2011 primarily due to decreases in non-accrual loans.  Non-accrual loans also include those troubled debt restructurings that do not qualify for accrual status.

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The following table presents impaired loans and the related allowance as of the dates indicated:

	Impaired Loans
	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Allowance
	(In thousands)
With no allocated allowance
Commercial loans	$	38,012	$	28,077	$	-	$	46,671	$	38,194	$	-
Real estate construction loans		65,839		43,426		-		134,836		78,767		-
Commercial mortgage loans		174,252		134,562		-		187,580		149,034		-
Residential mortgage and equity lines		4,347		4,273		-		8,555		7,987		-
Subtotal	$	282,450	$	210,338	$	-	$	377,642	$	273,982	$	-
With allocated allowance
Commercial loans	$	20,689	$	17,329	$	1,272	$	11,795	$	7,587	$	3,336
Commercial mortgage loans		36,200		34,191		2,529		29,722		28,023		2,969
Residential mortgage and equity lines		15,480		13,372		1,806		13,813		12,381		1,247
Subtotal	$	72,369	$	64,892	$	5,607	$	55,330	$	47,991	$	7,552
Total impaired loans	$	354,819	$	275,230	$	5,607	$	432,972	$	321,973	$	7,552

Loan Interest Reserves

In accordance with customary banking practice, construction loans and land development loans are originated where interest on the loan is disbursed from pre-established interest reserves included in the total original loan commitment.  Our construction and land development loans generally include optional renewal terms after the maturity of the initial loan term.  New appraisals are obtained prior to extension or renewal of these loans in part to determine the appropriate interest reserve to be established for the new loan term.  Loans with interest reserves are underwritten to the same criteria, including loan to value and, if applicable, pro forma debt service coverage ratios, as loans without interest reserves.  Construction loans with interest reserves are monitored on a periodic basis to gauge progress towards completion.  Interest reserves are frozen if it is determined that additional draws would result in a loan to value ratio that exceeds policy maximums based on collateral property type.  Our policy limits in this regard are consistent with supervisory limits and range from 65% in the case of land to 85% in the case of one to four family residential construction projects.

As of March 31, 2012, construction loans of $30.6 million were disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $3.2 million compared to $16.8 million of such loans disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $3.2 million at December 31, 2011.  The balance for construction loans with interest reserves which have been extended was $6.4 million at March 31, 2012, compared to zero at December 31, 2011.  Land loans of $10.8 million  were disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $460,000 at March 31, 2012, compared to $10.8 million such loans disbursed with pre-established interest reserves of $223,000 at December 31, 2011.  The balance for land loans with interest reserves which have been extended was $9.5 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $9.5 million at December 31, 2011.

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At March 31, 2012, the Bank had no loans on non-accrual status with available interest reserves.  At March 31, 2012, $4.1 million of non-accrual residential construction loans, $7.1 million of non-accrual non-residential construction loans, and $7.9 million of non-accrual land loans had been originated with pre-established interest reserves.  At December 31, 2011, $13.4 million of non-accrual residential construction loans, $20.7 million of non-accrual non-residential construction loans, and $7.9 million of non-accrual land loans had been originated with pre-established interest reserves.While loans with interest reserves are typically expected to be repaid in full according to the original contractual terms, some loans require one or more extensions beyond the original maturity.  Typically, these extensions are required due to construction delays, delays in sales or lease of property, or some combination of these two factors.

Loan Concentration

Most of the Company’s business activities are with customers located in the predominantly Asian areas of Southern and Northern California; New York City, New York; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois, Edison, New Jersey; and Hong Kong.  The Company has no specific industry concentration, and generally its loans are collateralized with real property or other pledged collateral of the borrowers.  Loans are generally expected to be paid off from the operating profits of the borrowers, refinancing by another lender, or through sale by the borrowers of the secured collateral. There were no loan concentrations to multiple borrowers in similar activities which exceeded 10% of total loans as of March 31, 2012, and as of December 31, 2011.

The federal banking regulatory agencies issued final guidance on December 6, 2006, regarding risk management practices for financial institutions with high or increasing concentrations of commercial real estate ("CRE") loans on their balance sheets. The regulatory guidance reiterates the need for sound internal risk management practices for those institutions that have experienced rapid growth in CRE lending, have notable exposure to specific types of CRE, or are approaching or exceeding the supervisory criteria used to evaluate the CRE concentration risk, but the guidance is not to be construed as a limit for CRE exposure. The supervisory criteria are: (1) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 100% of the institution's total risk-based capital, and (2) both total CRE loans represent 300% or more of the institution's total risk-based capital and the institution's CRE loan portfolio has increased 50% or more within the last thirty-six months. Total loans for construction, land development, and other land represented 19% of total risk-based capital as of March 31, 2012, and 23% as of December 31, 2011.  Total CRE loans represented 216% of total risk-based capital as of March 31, 2012, and 236% as of December 31, 2011 and were below the Bank’s internal limit for CRE loans of 300% of total capital at both dates.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Bank maintains the allowance for credit losses at a level that is considered adequate to absorb the estimated and known risks in the loan portfolio and off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments.  Allowance for credit losses is comprised of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments.  With this risk management objective, the Bank’s management has an established monitoring system that is designed to identify impaired and potential problem loans, and to permit periodic evaluation of impairment and the adequacy level of the allowance for credit losses in a timely manner.

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In addition, the Bank’s Board of Directors has established a written credit policy that includes a  credit review and control system which it believes should be effective in ensuring that the Bank maintains an adequate allowance for credit losses.   The Board of Directors provides oversight for the allowance evaluation process, including quarterly evaluations, and determines whether the allowance is adequate to absorb losses in the credit portfolio.  The determination of the amount of the allowance for credit losses and the provision for credit losses is based on management’s current judgment about the credit quality of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration known relevant internal and external factors that affect collectibility when determining the appropriate level for the allowance for credit losses.   The nature of the process by which the Bank determines the appropriate allowance for credit losses requires the exercise of considerable judgment.   Additions to the allowance for credit losses are made by charges to the provision for credit losses.  While management utilizes its best judgment based on the information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Bank’s control, including the performance of the Bank’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates, and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. Identified credit exposures that are determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for credit losses.   Recoveries of previously charged off amounts, if any, are credited to the allowance for credit losses.  A weakening of the economy or other factors that adversely affect asset quality could result in an increase in the number of delinquencies, bankruptcies, or defaults, and a higher level of non-performing assets, net charge-offs, and provision for credit losses in future periods.

The allowance for loan losses was $194.7 million and the allowance for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments was $1.5 million at March 31, 2012, and represented the amount believed by management to be sufficient to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, including unfunded commitments.  The allowance for credit losses, the sum of allowance for loan losses and for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments, was $196.2 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $208.3 million at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $12.1 million, or 5.8%.  The allowance for credit losses represented 2.84% of period-end gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, and 147.7% of non-performing portfolio loans at March 31, 2012.  The comparable ratios were 2.95% of period-end gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, and 100.2% of non-performing portfolio loans at December 31, 2011.  The following table sets forth information relating to the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated:

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	For the three months ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011			December 31, 2011
Allowance for Loan Losses	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	206,280		$	245,231		$	209,116
Provision for credit losses		(4,000	)		6,000			2,000
Transfers from/(to) reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments		593			163			(206	)
Charge-offs :
Commercial loans		(4,959	)		(1,378	)		(530	)
Construction loans-residential		(140	)		(2,885	)		(2,452	)
Construction loans-other		(735	)		(3,363	)		(654	)
Real estate loans		(8,927	)		(4,945	)		(3,208	)
Land loans		(74	)		(404	)		(46	)
Installment loans and other loans		(25	)		-			-
Total charge-offs		(14,860	)		(12,975	)		(6,890	)
Recoveries:
Commercial loans		746			775			206
Construction loans-residential		1,899			660			141
Construction loans-other		1,658			227			36
Real estate loans		1,631			932			1,874
Land loans		793			5			3
Installment loans and other loans		3			12			-
Total recoveries		6,730			2,611			2,260
Balance at end of period	$	194,743		$	241,030		$	206,280
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments
Balance at beginning of period	$	2,069		$	2,337		$	1,863
Provision/(reversal) for credit losses/transfers		(594	)		(163	)		206
Balance at end of period	$	1,475		$	2,174		$	2,069
Average loans outstanding during period ended (1)	$	6,995,821		$	6,896,220		$	7,061,140
Total gross loans outstanding, at period-end (1)	$	6,908,544		$	6,894,311		$	7,059,212
Total non-performing loans, at period-end (1)	$	132,886		$	274,498		$	207,923
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period		0.47	%		0.61	%		0.26	%
Provision for loan losses to average loans outstanding during the period		-0.23	%		0.35	%		0.11	%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans at period-end		146.55	%		87.81	%		99.21	%
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans at period-end		2.82	%		3.50	%		2.92	%

(1) Excludes loans held for sale at period end.

Our allowance for loan losses consists of the following:

 •  Specific allowance: For impaired loans, we provide specific allowances for loans that are not collateral dependent based on an evaluation of the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate and for loans that are collateral dependent based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, which is determined based on the most recent valuation information received, which may be adjusted based on factors such as changes in market conditions from the time of valuation.  If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the deficiency will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses or, alternatively, a specific allocation will be established.

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• General allowance: The unclassified portfolio is segmented on a group basis. Segmentation is determined by loan type and common risk characteristics.  The non-impaired loans are grouped into 23 segments: two commercial segments, ten commercial real estate segments, three residential construction segments, three non-residential construction segments, one SBA segment, one installment loans segment, one residential mortgage segment, one equity lines of credit segment, and one overdrafts segment.  The allowance is provided for each segmented group based on the group’s historical loan loss experience aggregated based on loan risk classifications which takes into account the current financial condition of the borrowers and guarantors, the prevailing value of the underlying collateral if collateral dependent, charge-off history, management’s knowledge of the portfolio, general economic conditions, and environmental factors which include the trends in delinquency and non-accrual, and other significant factors, such as the national and local economy, volume and composition of the portfolio, strength of management and loan staff, underwriting standards, and concentration of credit. In addition, management reviews reports on past-due loans to ensure appropriate classifications.  During the first quarter of 2011, we combined the number of segments for construction loans from nine to two by consolidating the previous three geographic groups of East Coast, Texas and all other regions into one bankwide region in light of the convergence of credit quality for construction loans of the three separate regions, which increased the allowance for loan losses by $4.8 million.  During the first quarter of 2012, a minimum loss rate of 12.5% was assigned to loans graded Substandard if the minimum loss rate was higher than the loss rates calculated by the migration analysis.  This change increased the allowance for loan losses by $9.3 million.

 The table set forth below reflects management’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the ratio of each loan category to the total average loans as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2012					December 31, 2011
			Percentage of					Percentage of
			Loans in Each					Loans in Each
			Category					Category
			to Average					to Average
Type of Loan:	Amount		Gross Loans			Amount		Gross Loans
Commercial loans	$	60,391		26.5	%	$	65,658		23.9	%
Residential mortgage loans (1)		10,123		16.9			10,795		16.4
Commercial mortgage loans		106,186		52.9			108,021		54.9
Real estate construction loans		17,993		3.4			21,749		4.5
Installment and other loans		50		0.3			57		0.3
Total	$	194,743		100	%	$	206,280		100	%

(1) Residential mortgage loans includes equity lines.

The allowance allocated to commercial loans was $60.4 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $65.7 million at December 31, 2011.  The decrease in the allowance allocated to commercial loans was primarily due to the decrease in classified commercial loans from $114.1 million at December 31, 2011 to $81.4 million at March 31, 2012.

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The allowance allocated to commercial mortgage loans decreased from $108.0 million at December 31, 2011, to $106.2 million at March 31, 2012, which was primarily due to the decrease in classified  commercial mortgage loans from $403.5 million at December 31, 2011 to $304.7 million at March 31, 2012.  The overall allowance for total commercial mortgage loans was 2.9% at March 31, 2012, and 2.9% at December 31, 2011.

The allowance allocated for construction loans decreased to $18.0 million, or 9.6%, of construction loans at March 31, 2012, compared to $21.7 million, or 9.2%, of construction loans at December 31, 2011, primarily due to the decrease in classified construction loans from $98.7 million at December 31, 2011 to $55.4 million at March 31, 2012.

Deposits

Total deposits were $7.4 billion at March 31, 2012, an increase of $130.6 million, or 1.8%, from $7.2 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily due to a $68.8 million, or 8.3%, increase in time deposits under $100,000, a $38.6 million, or 8.6%, increase in NOW deposits, and a $29.7 million, or 3.1% increase in money market deposits offset primarily by a $26.8 million, or 0.8%, decrease in time deposits of $100,000 or more.  The following table displays the deposit mix as of the dates indicated:

	March 31, 2012		% of Total			December 31, 2011		% of Total
Deposits	(Dollars in thousands)
Non-interest-bearing demand	$	1,080,209		14.7	%	$	1,074,718		14.9	%
NOW		490,173		6.7			451,541		6.2
Money market		981,237		13.3			951,516		13.2
Savings		434,899		5.9			420,030		5.8
Time deposits under $100,000		901,768		12.2			832,997		11.5
Time deposits of $100,000 or more		3,471,488		47.2			3,498,329		48.4
Total deposits	$	7,359,774		100.0	%	$	7,229,131		100.0	%

Borrowings

Borrowings include Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, funds obtained as advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco, and borrowings from other financial institutions.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $1.4 billion with a weighted average rate of 4.14% at March 31, 2012, compared to $1.4 billion with a weighted average rate of 4.14% at December 31, 2011.  In May 2011, the Company prepaid a security sold under agreement to repurchase of $50 million with a rate of 4.83% and incurred a prepayment penalty of $1.7 million.  Fourteen floating-to-fixed rate agreements totaling $750.0 million have initial floating rates for a period of time ranging from six months to one year, with floating rates ranging from the three-month LIBOR minus 100 basis points to three-month LIBOR minus 340 basis points. Thereafter, the rates are fixed for the remainder of the term, with interest rates ranging from 4.29% to 5.07%.  After the initial floating rate term, the counter parties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the fixed rate reset date and quarterly thereafter. Thirteen fixed-to-floating rate agreements totaling $650.0 million have initial fixed rates ranging from 1.00% to 3.50% with initial fixed rate terms ranging from six months to 18 months.  For the remainder of the seven year term, the rates float at 8% minus the three-month LIBOR rate with a maximum rate ranging from 3.25% to 3.75% and minimum rate of 0.0%.  After the initial fixed rate term, the counter parties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the floating rate reset date and quarterly thereafter.The table below provides summary data for long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of March 31, 2012:

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(Dollars in millions)	Fixed-to-floating																		Floating-to-fixed						Total
Callable	All callable at March 31, 2012																		All callable at March 31, 2012
Rate type	Floating Rate																		Fixed Rate
Rate index	8% minus 3 month LIBOR
Maximum rate		3.75	%		3.53	%		3.50	%		3.50	%		3.53	%		3.25	%
Minimum rate		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
No. of agreements		3			1			4			3			1			1			10			4			27
Amount	$	150.0		$	50.0		$	200.0		$	150.0		$	50.0		$	50.0		$	550.0		$	200.0		$	1,400.0
Weighted average rate		3.75	%		3.53	%		3.50	%		3.50	%		3.53	%		3.25	%		4.54	%		5.00	%		4.14	%
Final maturity		2014			2014			2014			2015			2015			2015			2014			2017

These transactions are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold. The Company may have to provide additional collateral for the repurchase agreements, as necessary.  The underlying collateral pledged for the repurchase agreements consists of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency security debt, and mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2012, and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2011.

There were no advances from the FHLB at March 31, 2012, compared to $225.0 million at December 31, 2011.  The Company prepaid advances from the FHLB of $100.0 million with a rate of 4.60% in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $200.0 million with a weighted average rate of 4.29% during the first quarter of 2011.  Prepayment penalties incurred were $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $8.8 million in the same quarter a year ago.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt was $171.1 million at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  Long-term debt is comprised of subordinated debt, which qualifies as Tier II capital for regulatory purposes, and Junior Subordinated Notes, which qualifies as Tier I capital for regulatory purposes, issued in connection with our various pooled trust preferred securities offerings.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations to make future payments as of March 31, 2012.   Payments for deposits and borrowings do not include interest.   Payments related to leases are based on actual payments specified in the underlying contracts.

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.

	Payment Due by Period
			More than		3 years or
			1 year but		more but
	1 year		less than		less than		5 years
	or less		3 years		5 years		or more		Total
	(In thousands)
Contractual obligations:
Deposits with stated maturity dates	$	3,924,594	$	441,434	$	7,228	$	-	$	4,373,256
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (1)		-		1,150,000		250,000		-		1,400,000
Other borrowings		-		-		-		18,868		18,868
Long-term debt		-		-		-		171,136		171,136
Operating leases		5,772		8,291		3,236		149		17,448
Total contractual obligations and other commitments	$	3,930,366	$	1,599,725	$	260,464	$	190,153	$	5,980,708

(1)   These repurchase agreements have a final maturity of 5-year, 7-year and 10-year from origination date but are callable on a quarterly basis after six months, one year, or 18 months for the 7-year term and one year for the 5-year and 10-year term.

In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions, which, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, are not included in our consolidated balance sheets.   We enter into these transactions to meet the financing needs of our customers.  These transactions include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Loan Commitments.   We enter into contractual commitments to extend credit, normally with fixed expiration dates or termination clauses, at specified rates and for specific purposes.   Substantially all of our commitments to extend credit are contingent upon customers maintaining specific credit standards at the time of loan funding.  We minimize our exposure to loss under these commitments by subjecting them to credit approval and monitoring procedures.  Management assesses the credit risk associated with certain commitments to extend credit in determining the level of the allowance for credit losses.

Standby Letters of Credit.   Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments issued by us to secure the obligations of a customer to a third party.  In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of an agreement with the third party, we would be required to fund the commitment.  The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment.  If the commitment is funded, we would be entitled to seek reimbursement from the customer.  Our policies generally require that standby letter of credit arrangements contain security and debt covenants similar to those contained in loan agreements.

Capital Resources

Total equity was $1.55 billion at March 31, 2012, an increase of $29.9 million, or 2.0%, from $1.52 billion at December 31, 2011.  The following table summarizes the activity in total equity:

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	Three months ended
(In thousands)	March 31, 2012
Net income	$	29,064
Proceeds from shares issued through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan		67
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		647
Tax short-fall from stock-based compensation expense		(466	)
Share-based compensation		546
Other comprehensive income		4,195
Preferred stock dividends		(3,376	)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders		(787	)
Net increase in total equity	$	29,890

Capital Adequacy Review

Management seeks to maintain the Company's capital at a level sufficient to support future growth, protect depositors and stockholders, and comply with various regulatory requirements.

Both the Bancorp’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital continued to exceed the regulatory minimum requirements as of March 31, 2012.  In addition, the capital ratios of the Bank place it in the “well capitalized” category which is defined as institutions with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio equal to or greater than 6.0%, total risk-based capital ratio equal to or greater than 10.0%, and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio equal to or greater than 5.0%.

The following table presents Bancorp’s and the Bank’s capital and leverage ratios as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	Cathay General Bancorp								Cathay Bank
	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011				March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Balance		%		Balance		%		Balance		%		Balance		%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	1,345,263		16.71	$	1,318,948		15.97	$	1,320,668		16.42	$	1,289,747		15.64
Tier 1 capital minimum requirement		322,055		4.00		330,355		4.00		321,658		4.00		329,928		4.00
Excess	$	1,023,208		12.71	$	988,593		11.97	$	999,010		12.42	$	959,819		11.64
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	1,498,846		18.62	$	1,474,496		17.85	$	1,472,378		18.31	$	1,444,165		17.51
Total capital minimum requirement		644,110		8.00		660,710		8.00		643,316		8.00		659,855		8.00
Excess	$	854,736		10.62	$	813,786		9.85	$	829,062		10.31	$	784,310		9.51
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
– Leverage ratio	$	1,345,263		13.14	$	1,318,948		12.93	$	1,320,668		12.91	$	1,289,747		12.66
Minimum leverage requirement		409,576		4.00		408,146		4.00		409,082		4.00		407,643		4.00
Excess	$	935,687		9.14	$	910,802		8.93	$	911,586		8.91	$	882,104		8.66
Risk-weighted assets	$	8,051,377			$	8,258,878			$	8,041,453			$	8,248,190
Total average assets (1)	$	10,239,401			$	10,203,647			$	10,227,054			$	10,191,078

(1)   The quarterly total average assets reflect all debt securities at amortized cost, equity security with readily determinable fair values at the lower of cost or fair value, and equity securities without readily determinable fair values at historical cost.

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Dividend Policy

Holders of common stock are entitled to dividends as and when declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so. Commencing with the second quarter of 2009, our board of directors reduced our common stock dividend to $.08 per share and to $.01 per share thereafter. The amount of future dividends will depend on earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors, and will be determined by our board of directors.  As discussed in the “Regulatory Matters” section below, we are to consult with our regulators before paying any dividends.  On November 17, 2010, the Federal Reserve issued guidance that bank holding companies participating in government capital programs still outstanding should not increase dividend payouts. There can be no assurance that our regulators will not object to the payment of such dividends. In our February 27, 2012 three-year capital and strategic plan submitted to our regulators, we indicated that, subject to regulatory approval, the Bank expects to pay a dividend of $23.9 million to Bancorp during the second quarter of 2012 to increase Bancorp’s cash balance to equal at least two years of Bancorp’s operating expenses and then additional quarterly dividends beginning in the third quarter of 2012 in an amount which would maintain cash balances at Bancorp equal to at least two years of Bancorp’s operating expenses.  The terms of our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, and Junior Subordinated Notes also limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. If we are not current in our payment of dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock or in our payment of interest on our Junior Subordinated Notes, we may not pay dividends on our common stock.

The Company declared a cash dividend of $.01 per share for distribution to holders of our common stock on March 1, 2012, on 78,704,660 shares outstanding.  Total cash dividends of $787,000 were paid for the three months ended March 12, 2012.

Country Risk Exposures

The Company’s total assets were $10.6 billion and total foreign country risk net exposures were $734.1 million at March 31, 2012.  Total foreign country risk net exposures at March 31, 2012, were comprised primarily of $209.5 million from Hong Kong, $181.4 million from China, $141.4 million from England, $61.9 million from Australia, $60.0 million from France, $44.8 million from Switzerland, $16.1 million from Japan, and $11.1 million from Canada.  Risk is determined based on location of the borrowers, issuers, and counter parties.

All foreign country risk net exposures were to non-sovereign counterparties except $25.4 million due from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority at March 31, 2012.

Unfunded exposures were $24.3 million at March 31, 2012, and were comprised of primarily $24.0 million of unfunded loans to two financial institutions in China and a $200,000 of unfunded loan to a borrower in Taiwan.

Financial Derivatives

It is the policy of the Company not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates.  However, the Company enters into financial derivatives in order to seek mitigation of exposure to interest rate risks related to our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  We believe that these transactions, when properly structured and managed, may provide a hedge against inherent interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities and against risk in specific transactions.  In such instances, the Company may protect its position through the purchase or sale of interest rate futures contracts for a specific cash or interest rate risk position.  Other hedge transactions may be implemented using interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, floors, financial futures, forward rate agreements, and options on futures or bonds.  Prior to considering any hedging activities, we seek to analyze the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to other viable alternative strategies.  All hedges will require an assessment of basis risk and must be approved by the Bank’s Investment Committee.

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The Company follows ASC Topic 815 which established accounting and reporting standards for financial derivatives, including certain financial derivatives embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. It requires the recognition of all financial derivatives as assets or liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet and measurement of those financial derivatives at fair value. The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a financial derivative is designated as a hedge and, if so, the type of hedge.

As of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we had entered into five interest rate swap agreements with two major financial institutions in the notional amount of $300.0 million for a period of three years.  These interest rate swaps were not structured to hedge against inherent interest rate risks related to our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  At March 31, 2012, the Company paid a fixed rate at a weighted average of 1.95% and received a floating 3-month LIBOR rate at a weighted average of 0.48% on these agreements.  The net amount accrued on these interest rate swaps was recorded as a reduction to other non-interest income in the amount of $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to $1.2 million in the same quarter a year ago.  At March 31, 2012, the Company recorded $1.8 million within other liabilities to recognize the negative fair value of these interest rate swaps compared to the $2.6 million negative fair value at December 31, 2011.

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with various counter parties to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for foreign exchange certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts, or foreign currency option contracts entered into with our clients. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of these contracts as well as the related foreign exchange certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts or foreign currency option contracts are recognized immediately in net income as a component of non-interest income. Period end gross positive fair values are recorded in other assets and gross negative fair values are recorded in other liabilities.  At March 31, 2012, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $5.5 million with a net negative fair value of $23,000. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $159.2 million had a positive fair value of $1.7 million at March 31, 2012.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $171.4 million had a negative fair value of $1.4 million at March 31, 2012. At December 31, 2011, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $4.3 million with a net positive fair value of $29,000.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $238.6 million had a positive fair value, in the amount of $2.2 million, at December 31, 2011.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $128.2 million had a negative fair value, in the amount of $486,000, at December 31, 2011.

Liquidity

Liquidity is our ability to maintain sufficient cash flow to meet maturing financial obligations and customer credit needs, and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they are presented in the marketplace.  Our principal sources of liquidity are growth in deposits, proceeds from the maturity or sale of securities and other financial instruments, repayments from securities and loans, federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and advances from the FHLB.  At March 31, 2012, our liquidity ratio (defined as net cash plus short-term and marketable securities to net deposits and short-term liabilities) was 18.5% compared to 15.8% at December 31, 2011.

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The Bank is a shareholder of the FHLB of San Francisco, enabling it to have access to lower cost FHLB financing when necessary.  As of March 31, 2012, the Bank had an approved credit line with the FHLB of San Francisco totaling $1.54 billion, all of which was unused.  The Bank expects to be able to access this source of funding, if required, in the near term.  The Bank has pledged a portion of its commercial and real estate loans to the Federal Reserve Bank’s Discount Window under the Borrower-in-Custody program to secure these borrowings.  At March 31, 2012, the borrowing capacity under the Borrower-in-Custody program was $220.7 million.

Liquidity can also be provided through the sale of liquid assets, which consist of federal funds sold, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and unpledged investment securities. At March 31, 2012, investment securities and trading securities totaled $2.54 billion, with $1.61 billion pledged as collateral for borrowings and other commitments. The remaining $928.0 million was available as additional liquidity or to be pledged as collateral for additional borrowings.

Approximately 90% of the Company’s time deposits mature within one year or less as of March 31, 2012.  Management anticipates that there may be some outflow of these deposits upon maturity due to the keen competition in the Bank’s marketplace.  However, based on our historical run-off experience, we expect that the outflow will be minimal and can be replenished through our normal growth in deposits.  Management believes the above-mentioned sources will provide adequate liquidity to the Bank to meet its daily operating needs.

The Bancorp obtains funding for its activities primarily through dividend income contributed by the Bank and the issuance of additional common stock and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from issuance of  Bancorp common stock through our Dividend Reinvestment Plan and exercise of stock options.  Dividends paid to the Bancorp by the Bank are subject to regulatory limitations and approval.  In light of the uncertain economic times and the regulatory considerations described under “Dividend Policy” and “Regulatory Matters,” the Bank did not pay a dividend to Bancorp during 2009, 2010 or 2011, but subject to regulatory approval, the Bank expects to pay a dividend of $23.9 million to Bancorp during the second quarter of 2012 to increase Bancorp’s cash balance, which was $16.0 million at March 31, 2012, to equal at least two years of Bancorp’s operating expenses as of June 30, 2012 and then additional quarterly dividends beginning in the third quarter of 2012 in an amount which would maintain cash balances at Bancorp equal to at least two years of Bancorp’s operating expenses.  The business activities of Bancorp consist primarily of the operation of the Bank and limited activities in other investments.

Regulatory Matters

On December 17, 2009, the Bancorp entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (FRB SF) under which we agreed that we will not, without the FRB SF’s prior written approval, (i) receive any dividends or any other form of payment or distribution representing a reduction of capital from the Bank, or (ii) declare or pay any dividends, make any payments on trust preferred securities, or make any other capital distributions.   We do not believe that this agreement regarding dividends from the Bank will have a material adverse effect on our operations.  We had retained a portion of the proceeds from our common stock offerings to be used, for among other things, payments of future dividends on our common and preferred stock and payments on trust preferred securities.  In our February 27, 2012 three-year capital and strategic plan submitted to our regulators, we indicated that, subject to regulatory approval, the Bank expects to pay a dividend of $23.9 million to Bancorp during the second quarter of 2012 to increase Bancorp’s cash balance to equal at least two years of Bancorp’s operating expenses and then additional quarterly dividends beginning in the third quarter of 2012 in an amount which would maintain cash balances at Bancorp equal to at least two years of Bancorp’s operating expenses.

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Under the memorandum, we also agreed to submit to the FRB SF for review and approval a plan to maintain sufficient capital at the Company on a consolidated basis and at the Bank, a dividend policy for the Bancorp, a plan to improve management of our liquidity position and funds management practices, and a liquidity policy and contingency funding plan for the Bancorp. As part of our compliance with the memorandum, on January 22, 2010, we submitted to the FRB SF a Three-Year Capital and Strategic Plan that updates a previously submitted plan and establishes, among other things, targets for our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, total risk-based capital ratio, Tier 1 leverage capital ratio, and tangible common risk-based ratio, each of which, where applicable, are above the minimum requirements for a well-capitalized institution. In addition, we agreed to notify the FRB SF prior to effecting certain changes to our senior executive officers and board of directors and we are limited and/or prohibited, in certain circumstances, in our ability to enter into contracts to pay and to make golden parachute severance and indemnification payments. We also agreed in the memorandum that we will not, without the prior written approval of the FRB SF, directly or indirectly, (i) incur, renew, increase or guaranty any debt, (ii) issue any trust preferred securities, or (iii) purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire any of our stock. The target and actual capital levels of the Three-Year Capital and Strategic Plan submitted to the FRB SF, with any excess or deficiency of the actual over the target levels, are as follows as of March 31, 2012:

	Tier 1 risk-based			Total risk-based			Tier 1 leverage			Tangible common
	capital ratio			capital ratio			capital ratio			risk-based ratio *
Actual		16.71	%		18.62	%		13.14	%		11.97	%
Target Levels		11.50	%		13.50	%		9.50	%		5.00	%
Excess/(deficiency)		5.21	%		5.12	%		3.64	%		6.97	%

* Tier 1 risk-based capital excluding preferred stock, trust preferred stock and REIT preferred stock divided by total risk-weighted assets.

On March 1, 2010, the Bank entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the FDIC pursuant to which we are required to develop and implement, within specified time periods, plans satisfactory to the DFI and the FDIC to reduce commercial real estate concentrations, to enhance and to improve the quality of our stress testing of the Bank’s loan portfolio, and to revise our loan policy in connection therewith; to develop and adopt a strategic plan addressing improved profitability and capital ratios and to reduce the Bank’s overall risk profile; to develop and adopt a capital plan; to develop and implement a plan to improve asset quality, including the methodology for calculating the loss reserve allocation and evaluating its adequacy; and to develop and implement a plan to reduce dependence on wholesale funding. In addition, we are required to report our progress to the DFI and FDIC on a quarterly basis.  As part of our compliance with the Bank memorandum, on April 30, 2010, we submitted to the DFI and the FDIC a Three-Year Capital Plan that updated the Three-Year Capital and Strategic Plan previously submitted to the FRB SF on January 22, 2010 and established, among other things, targets for our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and total risk-based capital ratio, each of which are above the minimum requirements for a well-capitalized institution, and effective March 31, 2011, a target Tier 1 to total tangible assets ratio. The target and actual capital levels of the Three-Year Capital Plan submitted to the DFI and FDIC, and any excess or deficiency of the actual over target levels, are as follows as of March 31, 2012:

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	Tier 1 risk-based			Total risk-based			Tier 1 Capital to total
	capital ratio			capital ratio			tangible assets ratio
Actual		16.42	%		18.31	%		12.90	%
Target Levels		11.50	%		13.50	%		9.50	%
Excess/(deficiency)		4.92	%		4.81	%		3.40	%

Under the memorandum of understanding with the DFI and the FDIC, we are also subject to a restriction on dividends from the Bank to Bancorp, a requirement to maintain an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses, and restrictions on any new branches and business lines without prior approval.  We are currently required to notify the FDIC prior to effecting certain changes to our senior executive officers and board of directors and are limited and/or prohibited, in certain circumstances, in our ability to enter into contracts to pay and to make golden parachute severance and indemnification payments; and we are required to retain management and directors acceptable to the DFI and the FDIC.

The Bancorp and the Bank believe that they have taken appropriate steps to comply with the terms of their respective memorandums of understanding and we believe we are in compliance with the memoranda.  In particular, on January 21, 2010 the Board of Directors of the Bank appointed the Compliance Committee to review the Company’s management and governance and consider making recommendations based on such review and, on February 18, 2010, authorized the Company’s Audit Committee to oversee compliance with the two memoranda.  We do not believe that the memoranda or our compliance activities will have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition, including liquidity. If we fail to comply with the terms of the memoranda, that failure could lead to additional enforcement action by regulators that could have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition.

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

We use a net interest income simulation model to measure the extent of the differences in the behavior of the lending and funding rates to changing interest rates, so as to project future earnings or market values under alternative interest rate scenarios.  Interest rate risk arises primarily through the Company’s traditional business activities of extending loans and accepting deposits.  Many factors, including economic and financial conditions, movements in interest rates and consumer preferences affect the spread between interest earned on assets and interest paid on liabilities.  The net interest income simulation model is designed to measure the volatility of net interest income and net portfolio value, defined as net present value of assets and liabilities, under immediate rising or falling interest rate scenarios in 100 basis point increments.

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Although the modeling is very helpful in managing interest rate risk, it does require significant assumptions for the projection of loan prepayment rates on mortgage related assets, loan volumes and pricing, and deposit and borrowing volume and pricing, that might prove inaccurate.  Because these assumptions are inherently uncertain, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income, or precisely predict the effect of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income.  Actual results will differ from simulated results due to the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes, the differences between actual experience and the assumed volume, changes in market conditions, and management strategies, among other factors.  The Company monitors its interest rate sensitivity and attempts to reduce the risk of a significant decrease in net interest income caused by a change in interest rates.

We have established a tolerance level in our policy to define and limit net interest income volatility to a change of plus or minus 15% when the hypothetical rate change is plus or minus 200 basis points. When the net interest rate simulation projects that our tolerance level will be met or exceeded, we seek corrective action after considering, among other things, market conditions, customer reaction, and the estimated impact on profitability.  The Company’s simulation model also projects the net economic value of our portfolio of assets and liabilities.  We have established a tolerance level in our policy to value the net economic value of our portfolio of assets and liabilities to a change of plus or minus 15% when the hypothetical rate change is plus or minus 200 basis points.

The table below shows the estimated impact of changes in interest rate on net interest income and market value of equity as of March 31, 2012:

	Net Interest		Market Value
	Income		of Equity
Change in Interest Rate (Basis Points)	Volatility (1)		Volatility (2)
+200		7.2		4.5
+100		2.5		2.6
-100		-0.3		-0.5
-200		-0.3		-1.1

(1)   The percentage change in this column represents net interest income of the Company for 12 months in a stable interest rate environment versus the net interest income in the various rate scenarios.

(2)   The percentage change in this column represents net portfolio value of the Company in a stable interest rate environment versus the net portfolio value in the various rate scenarios.

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.  Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first fiscal quarter of 2012 that has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.            LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Bancorp’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Cathay Bank, is a party to ordinary routine litigation from time to time incidental to various aspects of its operations.  Management does not believe that any such litigation is expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A.         RISK FACTORS.

There is no material change in the risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, in response to Item 1A in Part I of Form 10-K.

Item 2.            UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period	(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased	(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)	(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Month #1 (January 1, 2012 - January 31, 2012)	0	$0	0	622,500
Month #2 (February 1, 2012 - February 29, 2012)	0	$0	0	622,500
Month #3 (March 1, 2012 - March 31, 2012)	0	$0	0	622,500
Total	0	$0	0	622,500

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Item 3.                      DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

Not applicable.

Item 4.                      MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

Item 5.                      OTHER INFORMATION.

Not applicable.

Item 6.                      EXHIBITS.

(i) Exhibit 31.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(ii) Exhibit 31.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(iii) Exhibit 32.1  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(iv) Exhibit 32.2  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(v) Exhibit 101.INS XBRL Instance Document **

(vi) Exhibit 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document**

(vii) Exhibit 101.CAL XBRLTaxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document**

(viii) Exhibit 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document**

(ix) Exhibit 101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document**

(x) Exhibit 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document**

____________________

*           Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

** XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information shall not be deemed to be filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise shall not be subject to liability under these sections, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Cathay General Bancorp

(Registrant)

Date: May 8, 2012 /s/ Dunson K. Cheng Dunson K. Cheng Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 8, 2012 /s/ Heng W. Chen Heng W. Chen Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

I, Dunson K. Cheng, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cathay General Bancorp;

2.           Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.           Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.           The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Dunson K. Cheng                                                            

Dunson K. Cheng

President and

Chief  Executive Officer

Date: May 8, 2012

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

I, Heng W. Chen, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cathay General Bancorp;

2.           Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.           Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.           The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Heng W. Chen                                                                      

Heng W. Chen

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 8, 2012

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CEO CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Cathay General Bancorp (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Dunson K. Cheng, chief executive officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)      The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)      The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Dunson K. Cheng                                               

Dunson K. Cheng

President and

Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 8, 2012

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CFO CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Cathay General Bancorp (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Heng W. Chen, chief financial officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)      The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)      The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Heng W. Chen                                                           

Heng W. Chen

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 8, 2012

XML

Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Schedule of Components of Loans in Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Type of Loans:
Gross Loans	$ 6,908,544,000	$ 7,059,212,000
Allowance for loan losses	(194,743,000)	(206,280,000)
Unamortized deferred loan fees	(7,921,000)	(8,449,000)
Total loans, net	6,705,880,000	6,844,483,000
Loans held for sale	3,709,000	760,000
Commercial Loans Member
Type of Loans:
Gross Loans	1,844,849,000	1,868,275,000
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Type of Loans:
Gross Loans	985,105,000	972,262,000
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Type of Loans:
Gross Loans	3,662,436,000	3,748,897,000
Equity Lines [Member]
Type of Loans:
Gross Loans	208,602,000	214,707,000
Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Type of Loans:
Gross Loans	188,081,000	237,372,000
Installment And Other Loans Member
Type of Loans:
Gross Loans	$ 19,471,000	$ 17,699,000

XML

Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	$ 1,353,742	$ 1,294,478
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	99,855
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	99,855
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	99,855
U.S. Government Sponsored Entities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
U.S. Government Sponsored Entities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	300,164	501,226
U.S. Government Sponsored Entities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
U.S. Government Sponsored Entities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	300,164	501,226
U.S. Government Sponsored Entities [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	300,164	501,226
State and Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
State and Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	1,928
State and Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
State and Municipal Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	1,928
State and Municipal Securities [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale		1,928
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	502,395	337,631
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	502,395	337,631
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	502,395	337,631
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	14,663	16,486
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	14,663	16,486
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	14,663	16,486
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	158	166
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	158	166
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	159	166
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	387,351	380,429
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	387,351	380,429
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	387,350	380,429
Mutual Funds Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	6,024	6,035
Mutual Funds Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Mutual Funds Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Mutual Funds Member | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	6,024	6,035
Mutual Funds Member
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	6,024	6,035
Preferred Stock Of Government Sponsored Entities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Preferred Stock Of Government Sponsored Entities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	1,625	1,654
Preferred Stock Of Government Sponsored Entities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Preferred Stock Of Government Sponsored Entities Member | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	1,625	1,654
Preferred Stock Of Government Sponsored Entities Member
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	1,625	1,654
Trust Preferred Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	36,846	45,963
Trust Preferred Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Trust Preferred Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	36,846	45,963
Trust Preferred Securities [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	36,846	45,963
Other Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	4,661	2,960
Other Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Other Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Other Equity Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	4,661	2,960
Other Equity Securities [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	4,661	2,960
Trading Securities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	2	2
Trading Securities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	104,451	4,540
Trading Securities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	0	0
Trading Securities Member | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	104,453	4,542
Warrant [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	0	0
Warrant [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	0	0
Warrant [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	163	218
Warrant [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	163	218
Option Contracts Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Option Contracts Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	25	34
Total Liabilities	1	5
Option Contracts Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Option Contracts Member | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	25	34
Total Liabilities	1	5
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	1,680	2,151
Total Liabilities	1,353	486
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Assets	1,680	2,151
Total Liabilities	1,353	486
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Liabilities	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Liabilities	1,845	2,634
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Liabilities	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Total Liabilities	1,845	2,634
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	110,540	8,995
Total Assets	110,542	8,997
Total Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	1,243,202	1,285,483
Total Assets	1,349,358	1,292,208
Total Liabilities	3,199	3,125
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	0	0
Total Assets	163	218
Total Liabilities	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Securities available-for-sale
Securities Available-for-Sale	1,353,742	1,294,478
Total Assets	1,460,063	1,301,423
Total Liabilities	$ 3,199	$ 3,125

XML

Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Schedule of Allowance for Loan Losses by Portfolio Segment and Based on Impairment Method (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment	$ 5,607	$ 198,728
Balance collectively evaluated for impairment	275,230	6,737,239
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance individually evaluated for impairment	189,136	7,552
Balance individually evaluated for impairment	6,633,314	321,973
Total allowance	194,743	206,280
Total balance	6,908,544	7,059,212
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment	1,272	62,322
Balance collectively evaluated for impairment	45,406	1,822,494
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance individually evaluated for impairment	59,119	3,336
Balance individually evaluated for impairment	1,799,443	45,781
Total allowance	60,391	65,658
Total balance	1,844,849	1,868,275
Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment	0	21,749
Balance collectively evaluated for impairment	43,426	158,606
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance individually evaluated for impairment	17,993	0
Balance individually evaluated for impairment	144,655	78,766
Total allowance	17,993	21,749
Total balance	188,081	237,372
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment	2,529	105,052
Balance collectively evaluated for impairment	168,753	3,571,839
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance individually evaluated for impairment	103,657	2,969
Balance individually evaluated for impairment	3,493,683	177,058
Total allowance	106,186	108,021
Total balance	3,662,436	3,748,897
Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment	1,806	9,548
Balance collectively evaluated for impairment	17,645	1,166,601
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance individually evaluated for impairment	8,317	1,247
Balance individually evaluated for impairment	1,176,062	20,368
Total allowance	10,123	10,795
Total balance	1,193,707	1,186,969
Consumer And Other Member
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment	0	57
Balance collectively evaluated for impairment	0	17,699
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance individually evaluated for impairment	50	0
Balance individually evaluated for impairment	19,471
Total allowance	50	57
Total balance	$ 19,471	$ 17,699

XML

Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - Schedule of Level of Valuation Assumptions Used to Determine Each Adjustment and The Carrying Value of the Related Individual Assets and Total Losses on a Non-Recurring Basis (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Commercial Loans Member | Current Period [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	$ 859		$ 877
Commercial Loans Member | Prior Year [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	675		3,411
Commercial Loans Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0		0
Commercial Loans Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0		0
Commercial Loans Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	16,056		4,251
Commercial Loans Member | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	16,056		4,251
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Current Period [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	1,357		820
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Prior Year [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	1,191		1,407
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0		0
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	30,470		35,576
Real Estate Loans [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	30,470		35,576
Land Loans Member | Current Period [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	0		46
Land Loans Member | Prior Year [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	84		1,003
Land Loans Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0		0
Land Loans Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0		0
Land Loans Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	1,191		611
Land Loans Member | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	1,191		611
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Current Period [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	526
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Prior Year [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	142
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	11,566
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	11,566
Construction Residential Member | Current Period [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses			0
Construction Residential Member | Prior Year [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses			1,295
Construction Residential Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value			0
Construction Residential Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value			0
Construction Residential Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value			0
Construction Residential Member | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value			0
Current Period [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	2,742		1,743
Loans held-for-sale - Total losses	0		0
Other real estate owned (1) - Total losses	2,824	[1]	7,003	[1]
Investments in venture capital - Total losses	137		379
Equity investments - Total losses	0		200
Total assets - Total losses	5,703		9,325
Prior Year [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Total losses	2,092		7,116
Loans held-for-sale - Total losses	0		3,160
Other real estate owned (1) - Total losses	294	[1]	20,139	[1]
Investments in venture capital - Total losses	273		760
Equity investments - Total losses	0		304
Total assets - Total losses	2,659		31,479
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0		0
Loans held-for-sale - Fair value	0		0
Other real estate owned (1) - Fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Investments in venture capital - Fair value	0		0
Equity investments - Fair value	323		323
Total assets - Fair value	323		323
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	0		0
Loans held-for-sale - Fair value	0		0
Other real estate owned (1) - Fair value	80,732	[1]	79,029	[1]
Investments in venture capital - Fair value	0		0
Equity investments - Fair value	0		0
Total assets - Fair value	80,732		79,029
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	59,283		40,438
Loans held-for-sale - Fair value	3,709		760
Other real estate owned (1) - Fair value	5,073	[1]	1,093	[1]
Investments in venture capital - Fair value	8,822		8,693
Equity investments - Fair value	0		0
Total assets - Fair value	76,887		50,984
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Impaired loans by type:
Impaired loans - Fair value	59,283		40,438
Loans held-for-sale - Fair value	3,709		760
Other real estate owned (1) - Fair value	85,805	[1]	80,122	[1]
Investments in venture capital - Fair value	8,822		8,693
Equity investments - Fair value	323		323
Total assets - Fair value	$ 157,942		$ 130,336

[1] Other real estate owned balance of $87.8 million in the condensed consolidated balance sheet is net of estimated disposal costs.

XML

Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Activity Within the Troubled Debt Resturing Loans (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Charge-offs	$ (495,000,000)
Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member
Beginning balance	120,016	136,800
New restructurings	21,712	13,736
Restructured loans restored to accrual status	2,853
Payments	(1,348)	(1,660)
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		(12,816)
Expiration of loan concession		(733)
Ending balance	143,233	135,327
Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member
Beginning balance	50,870	28,147
New restructurings	5,238	3,679
Restructured loans restored to accrual status	(2,853)
Payments	(27,694)	(408)
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		12,816
Charge-offs	(4,018)	(1,104)
Ending balance	$ 21,543	$ 43,130

XML

Note 5 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Tax Short-Fall From Share-Based Payment Arrangements (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Short-fall of tax deductions in excess of grant-date fair value	$ (565)	$ (234)
Benefit of tax deductions on grant-date fair value	663	306
Total benefit of tax deductions	$ 98	$ 72

XML

Note 14 - Financial Derivatives (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012 Negative Fair Value Member	Dec. 31, 2010 Negative Fair Value Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Negative Fair Value Member	Sep. 30, 2011 Positive Fair Value Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Positive Fair Value Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Positive Fair Value Member
Number Of Swap Agreements	5		5
Interest Rate Swaps Notional Amount	$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Period Of Interest Rate Swap Agreements	3		3
Pay Weighted Average Fixed Rate	1.95%
Receive Weighted Average Variable Rate	0.48%
Net Accrued On Interest Rate Swaps	1,100,000	1,200,000
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	1,800,000		2,600,000
Notional Amount Of Option Contract				5,500,000				4,300,000
Open Option Contracts Written, at Fair Value				23,000				29,000
Sum of Spot and Forward Contract Notional Amount				171,400,000		128,200,000		238,600,000	159,200,000
Increase Decrease in Fair Value				$ 1,400,000	$ 486,000,000,000		$ 1,700,000	$ 2,200,000

XML

Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

As of March 31, 2012	Fair Value Measurements Using						Total at
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets	(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
U.S. Treasury securities	$	99,855	$	-	$	-	$	99,855
U.S. government sponsored entities		-		300,164		-		300,164
State and municipal securities		-		-		-		-
Mortgage-backed securities		-		502,395		-		502,395
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		14,663		-		14,663
Asset-backed securities		-		158		-		158
Corporate debt securities		-		387,351		-		387,351
Mutual funds		6,024		-		-		6,024
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		-		1,625		-		1,625
Trust preferred securities		-		36,846		-		36,846
Other equity securities		4,661		-		-		4,661
Total securities available-for-sale		110,540		1,243,202		-		1,353,742
Trading securities		2		104,451		-		104,453
Warrants		-		-		163		163
Option contracts		-		25		-		25
Foreign exchange contracts		-		1,680		-		1,680
Total assets	$	110,542	$	1,349,358	$	163	$	1,460,063
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	-	$	1,845	$	-	$	1,845
Option contracts		-		1		-		1
Foreign exchange contracts		-		1,353		-		1,353
Total liabilities	$	-	$	3,199	$	-	$	3,199

As of December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurements Using						Total at
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets	(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	-	$	501,226	$	-	$	501,226
State and municipal securities		-		1,928		-		1,928
Mortgage-backed securities		-		337,631		-		337,631
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		16,486		-		16,486
Asset-backed securities		-		166		-		166
Corporate debt securities		-		380,429		-		380,429
Mutual funds		6,035		-		-		6,035
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		-		1,654		-		1,654
Trust preferred securities		-		45,963		-		45,963
Other equity securities		2,960		-		-		2,960
Total securities available-for-sale		8,995		1,285,483		-		1,294,478
Trading securities		2		4,540		-		4,542
Warrants		-		-		218		218
Option contracts		-		34		-		34
Foreign exchange contracts		-		2,151		-		2,151
Total assets	$	8,997	$	1,292,208	$	218	$	1,301,423
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	-	$	2,634	$	-	$	2,634
Option contracts		-		5		-		5
Foreign exchange contracts		-		486		-		486
Total liabilities	$	-	$	3,125	$	-	$	3,125

Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]

	As of March 31, 2012								Total Losses
	Fair value measurements using						Total at		For the three months ended
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		fair value		March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Assets	(In thousands)
Impaired loans by type:
Commercial loans	$	-	$	-	$	16,056	$	16,056	$	859	$	675
Real estate loans		-		-		30,470		30,470		1,357		1,191
Land loans		-		-		1,191		1,191		-		84
Residential mortgage loans		-		-		11,566		11,566		526		142
Total impaired loans		-		-		59,283		59,283		2,742		2,092
Loans held-for-sale		-		-		3,709		3,709		-		-
Other real estate owned (1)		-		80,732		5,073		85,805		2,824		294
Investments in venture capital		-		-		8,822		8,822		137		273
Equity investments		323		-		-		323		-		-
Total assets	$	323	$	80,732	$	76,887	$	157,942	$	5,703	$	2,659

	As of December 31, 2011								Total Losses
	Fair value measurements using						Total		For the Twelve months ended
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		at Fair Value		December 31, 2011		December 31, 2010
Assets	(In thousands)
Impaired loans by type:
Commercial loans	$	-	$	-	$	4,251	$	4,251	$	877	$	3,411
Construction- residential		-		-		-		-		-		1,295
Real estate loans		-		-		35,576		35,576		820		1,407
Land loans		-		-		611		611		46		1,003
Total impaired loans		-		-		40,438		40,438		1,743		7,116
Loans held-for-sale		-		-		760		760		-		3,160
Other real estate owned (1)		-		79,029		1,093		80,122		7,003		20,139
Investments in venture capital		-		-		8,693		8,693		379		760
Equity investments		323		-		-		323		200		304
Total assets	$	323	$	79,029	$	50,984	$	130,336	$	9,325	$	31,479

XML

Note 9 - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2011 Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase Minimum [Member]	May 31, 2018 Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase Maximum Initial Rate [Member]	May 31, 2011 Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase Maximum Initial Rate [Member]	May 31, 2018 Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase Minimum Interest Rate [Member]	May 31, 2018 Minimum [Member]	May 31, 2011 Minimum [Member]	May 31, 2018 Maximum [Member]	May 31, 2011 Maximum [Member]
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase (in Dollars)	$ 1,400,000,000	$ 1,400,000,000
Weighted Average Rate Of Securities Sold Under Agreements	4.14%	4.14%
Prepaid Security Sold Under Repurchase Agreement (in Dollars)			50,000,000
Rate of Prepaid Security Sold Under Repurchase Agreements			4.83%
Prepayment Penalty Security Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase (in Dollars)			1,700,000
Number Of Floating-To-Fixed Rate Agreements	14
Total Floating To Fixed Rate (in Dollars)	750,000,000
Initial Floating Rate Period On Floating-To-Fixed Rate Agreements, Months	6
Initial Floating Rate Period On Floating-To-Fixed Rate Agreements Years	1
LIBOR Minus Hundred Basis Point			LIBOR minus 100
LIBOR Minus Three Hundred and Forty Basis Points			LIBOR minus 340
Current Lowest Rate Long Term Initial Floating To Fix Security Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase									4.29%		5.07%
Number Of Fixed-To-Floating Security Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase			13
Total Fixed To Floating Rate Agreements (in Dollars)			650,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				1.00%	8.00%	3.50%
Initial Fixed Rate Period									6		18
Remainder Of Long Term Securities			7
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate								3.25%		3.75%
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate							0.00%
Pledged Mortgage Backed Securities for Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (in Dollars)	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 1,600,000,000

XML

Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Schedule of Aging of Loan Portfolio (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Total	$ 6,908,544	$ 7,059,212
Commercial Loans Member
30-59 Days Past Due	16,248	1,683
60-89 Days Past Due	605	0
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	845	0
Non-accrual Loans	30,329	30,661
Total Past Due	48,027	32,344
Loans Not Past Due	1,796,822	1,835,931
Total	1,844,849	1,868,275
Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
30-59 Days Past Due	22,674	20,326
60-89 Days Past Due	3,553	0
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Non-accrual Loans	10,711	46,012
Total Past Due	36,938	66,338
Loans Not Past Due	151,143	171,034
Total	188,081	237,372
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
30-59 Days Past Due	11,718	13,627
60-89 Days Past Due	591	20,277
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	544	6,726
Non-accrual Loans	76,619	107,784
Total Past Due	89,472	148,414
Loans Not Past Due	3,572,964	3,600,483
Total	3,662,436	3,748,897
Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
30-59 Days Past Due	6,175	5,871
60-89 Days Past Due	668	0
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Non-accrual Loans	13,838	16,740
Total Past Due	20,681	22,611
Loans Not Past Due	1,173,026	1,164,358
Total	1,193,707	1,186,969
Installment And Other Loans Member
30-59 Days Past Due	0	0
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Non-accrual Loans	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Loans Not Past Due	19,471	17,699
Total	19,471	17,699
Total [Member]
30-59 Days Past Due	56,815	41,507
60-89 Days Past Due	5,417	20,277
Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,389	6,726
Non-accrual Loans	131,497	201,197
Total Past Due	195,118	269,707
Loans Not Past Due	6,713,426	6,789,505
Total	$ 6,908,544	$ 7,059,212

XML

Note 6 - Investment Securities (Detail) - Temporarily Impaired Securities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	$ 461,542	$ 253,430
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	9,929	14,586
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	162,078,000	180,347,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	14,317	18,204
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	623,620	433,777
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	24,246,000	32,790,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	461,542	253,430
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	9,929	14,586
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	162,078,000	180,347,000
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	14,317	18,204
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	623,620	433,777
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	24,246,000	32,790,000
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Securities Held-to-maturity - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	9,925	9,635
Securities Held-to-maturity - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	46	337
Securities Held-to-maturity - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	0	0
Securities Held-to-maturity - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	9,925	9,635
Securities Held-to-maturity - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	46,000	337,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	145,771	185,577
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	9,180	14,201
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	160,783,000	172,857,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	14,217	17,528
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	306,554	358,434
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	23,397,000	31,729,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	145,771	185,577
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	9,180	14,201
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	160,783,000	172,857,000
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	14,217	17,528
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	306,554	358,434
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	23,397,000	31,729,000
Total [Member]
Securities Held-to-maturity - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	9,925	9,635
Securities Held-to-maturity - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	46	337
Securities Held-to-maturity - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value		0
Securities Held-to-maturity - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	9,925	9,635
Securities Held-to-maturity - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	46,000	337,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	451,617	243,795
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	9,883	14,249
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	162,078,000	180,347,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	14,317	18,204
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	613,695	424,142
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	24,200,000	32,453,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	451,617	243,795
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	9,883	14,249
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	162,078,000	180,347,000
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	14,317	18,204
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	613,695	424,142
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	24,200,000	32,453,000
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	99,855
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	49
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	0
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	99,855
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	49,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	99,855
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	49
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	0
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	99,855
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	49,000
U.S. Government Sponsored Entities [Member]
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	49,894	49,993
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	106	7
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	0	0
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	49,894	49,993
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	106,000	7,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	49,894	49,993
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	106	7
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	0	0
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	49,894	49,993
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	106,000	7,000
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	154,114	564
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	532	4
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	535,000	35,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	3	1
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	154,649	599
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	535,000	5,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	154,114	564
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	532	4
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	535,000	35,000
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	3	1
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	154,649	599
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	535,000	5,000
Mortgage Backed Securities Non Agency Member
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	0	0
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	0	0
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	99,000	6,719,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	2	431
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	99	6,719
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	2,000	431,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	0	0
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	0	0
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	99,000	6,719,000
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	2	431
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	99	6,719
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	2,000	431,000
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	0	0
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	0	0
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	503,000	570,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	90	238
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	503	570
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	90,000	238,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	0	0
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	0	0
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	503,000	570,000
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	90	238
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	503	570
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	90,000	238,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value		0
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses		0
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	158,000	166,000
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	5	6
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	158	166
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	5,000	6,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value		0
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses		0
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - No of Issuances	158,000	166,000
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value	5	6
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	158	166
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	5,000	6,000
Mutual Funds Member
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	1,983	1,987
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	16	13
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value		0
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	1,983	1,987
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	16,000	13,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value	1,983	1,987
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	16	13
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value		0
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses	1,983	1,987
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances	16,000	13,000
Trust Preferred Securities [Member]
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value		5,674
Securities Available-for-Sale - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses		24
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value		0
Securities Available-for-Sale - 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses		5,674
Securities Available-for-Sale- 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances		24,000
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Fair Value		5,674
Investment Securities - Less than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses		24
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - Fair Value		0
Investment Securities- 12 Months or longer - Unrealized Losses		$ 5,674
Investment Securities - 12 Months or longer - No. of Issuances		24,000

XML

Note 10 - Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 16,547,000	$ 11,734,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate	36.40%	34.70%
Income Tax Receivables, Total			39,300,000
Net Operating Loss For Two Thousand Nine To Two Thousand Seven Tax Years Member
Income Tax Receivables, Total			11,200,000
Low Income Housing Tax Credits For Two Thousand Nine To Two Thousand Eight Tax Years Member
Income Tax Receivables, Total			$ 9,100,000

XML

Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Schedule of Portfolio by Risk Rating (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Gross Loans	$ 6,908,544	$ 7,059,212
Loans held for sale	3,709	760
Pass [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Gross Loans	1,697,108	1,689,842
Pass [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	110,965	115,538
Pass [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	3,245,353	3,275,431
Pass [Member] | Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Gross Loans	1,173,660	1,149,225
Pass [Member] | Installment And Other Loans Member
Gross Loans	19,405	17,636
Pass [Member] | Total [Member]
Gross Loans	6,246,491	6,247,672
Pass [Member]
Loans held for sale	3,209
Special Mention [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Gross Loans	66,297	64,290
Special Mention [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	21,718	23,555
Special Mention [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	112,335	69,925
Special Mention [Member] | Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Gross Loans	403	4,439
Special Mention [Member] | Installment And Other Loans Member
Gross Loans	66	63
Special Mention [Member] | Total [Member]
Gross Loans	200,819	162,272
Special Mention [Member]
Loans held for sale	0
Substandard [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Gross Loans	74,643	108,858
Substandard [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	48,280	90,132
Substandard [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	304,748	403,541
Substandard [Member] | Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Gross Loans	19,500	33,160
Substandard [Member] | Installment And Other Loans Member
Gross Loans	0
Substandard [Member] | Total [Member]
Gross Loans	447,171	635,691
Substandard [Member]
Loans held for sale	0	260
Doubtful [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Gross Loans	6,801	5,285
Doubtful [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	7,118	8,147
Doubtful [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	0
Doubtful [Member] | Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Gross Loans	144	145
Doubtful [Member] | Installment And Other Loans Member
Gross Loans	0
Doubtful [Member] | Total [Member]
Gross Loans	14,063	13,577
Doubtful [Member]
Loans held for sale	500	500
Total [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Gross Loans	1,844,849	1,868,275
Total [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	188,081	237,372
Total [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	3,662,436	3,748,897
Total [Member] | Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Gross Loans	1,193,707	1,186,969
Total [Member] | Installment And Other Loans Member
Gross Loans	19,471	17,699
Total [Member] | Total [Member]
Gross Loans	6,908,544	7,059,212
Total [Member]
Loans held for sale	3,709	760
Commercial Loans Member
Gross Loans	1,844,849	1,868,275
Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	188,081	237,372
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Gross Loans	3,662,436	3,748,897
Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Gross Loans	1,193,707	1,186,969
Installment And Other Loans Member
Gross Loans	19,471	17,699
Total [Member]
Gross Loans	$ 6,908,544	$ 7,059,212

XML

Note 4 - Earnings per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

4. Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share exclude dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock and resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings.  Potential dilution is excluded from computation of diluted per-share amounts when a net loss from operations exists.

Outstanding stock options with anti-dilutive effect were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.   The following table sets forth earnings per common stock share calculations:

	For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)	2012			2011
Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp	$	28,913		$	22,063
Dividends on preferred stock		(4,117	)		(4,105	)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	24,796		$	17,958
Weighted-average shares:
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		78,678,645			78,609,460
Dilutive effect of weighted-average outstanding common share equivalents
Stock options		11,487			26,160
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		78,690,132			78,635,620
Average stock options and warrants with anti-dilutive effect		6,227,224			6,198,286
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.32		$	0.23
Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.23

Options to purchase an additional 4.2 million shares, restricted stock units for an additional 218,539 shares, and warrants to purchase an additional 1.8 million shares at March 31, 2012, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

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Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Troubled Debt Restructurings Modified (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012 Commercial Loans Member Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Commercial Loans Member Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Commercial Loans Member Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Commercial Loans Member Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member] Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member] Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member] Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member] Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Total [Member] Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Total [Member] Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Total [Member] Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Total [Member] Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2011 Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2010 Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2012 Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Mar. 31, 2011 Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2011 Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member	Dec. 31, 2010 Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member
No. of Loans		5	4			9	2			2	1		16	7
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		$ 1,988	$ 14,862			$ 26,693	$ 1,930			$ 1,587	$ 591		$ 30,268	$ 17,383
Post-Modification Recorded Investment		1,988	14,862			23,375	1,929			1,587	501		26,950	17,292			143,233	120,016	135,327	136,800	21,543	43,130	50,870	28,147
Charge-Off	495,000,000							3,318	1			90			3,318	91					4,018	1,104
Specific Reserve				$ 68	$ 5			$ 268	$ 1			$ 93			$ 336	$ 99

XML

Note 4 - Earnings per Share (Detail) - Outstanding Stock Options - Antidilutive (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp (in Dollars)	$ 28,913	$ 22,063
Dividends on preferred stock (in Dollars)	(4,117)	(4,105)
Net income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)	$ 24,796	$ 17,958
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	78,678,645	78,609,460
Stock options	11,487	26,160
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	78,690,132	78,635,620
Average stock options and warrants with anti-dilutive effect	6,227,224	6,198,286
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.23
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.23

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Note 4 - Earnings per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4,200,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	218,539
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,800,000

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Note 12 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified							3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012 Carrying Amount [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Carrying Amount [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fair Value [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$ 119,106	$ 117,888	$ 87,111	$ 87,347	$ 119,106	$ 117,888
Cash and due from banks							119,106	117,888
Short-term investments					275,056	294,956	275,056	294,956
Short-term investments					275,056	294,956	275,056	294,956
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	50,000				50,000	0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell							50,000	0
Securities held-to-maturity	1,084,708	1,153,504			1,084,708	1,153,504
Securities held-to-maturity							1,131,524	1,203,977
Securities available-for-sale	1,353,742	1,294,478			1,353,742	1,294,478
Securities available-for-sale	1,353,742						1,353,742	1,294,478
Trading securities					104,453	4,542
Trading securities							104,453	4,542
Loans held-for-sale	3,709	760			3,709	760
Loans held-for-sale							3,709	760
Loans, net					6,705,880	6,844,483
Loans, net							6,681,964	6,825,571
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock	50,456	52,989			50,456	52,989
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock							50,456	52,989
Warrants					163	218
Warrants							163	218
Option contracts					4,595	3,026
Option contracts							25	34
Foreign exchange contracts					159,241	238,581
Foreign exchange contracts							1,680	2,151
Financial Liabilities
Deposits	7,359,774	7,229,131			7,359,774	7,229,131
Deposits							7,370,498	7,240,857
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	1,400,000	1,400,000			1,400,000	1,400,000	1,541,580	1,547,900
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		225,000				225,000
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank								227,825
Other borrowings					18,868	19,800	18,868	19,801
Other borrowings					18,868	19,800	18,868	19,801
Long-term debt					171,136	171,136	94,970	98,676
Option contracts					932	1,282
Option contracts							1	5
Interest rate swaps					300,000	300,000
Interest rate swaps	1,800	2,600					1,845	2,634
Foreign exchange contracts					171,359	128,215
Foreign exchange contracts							1,353	486
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
Commitments to extend credit					1,727,202	1,626,523
Commitments to extend credit							(1,162)	(1,253)
Standby letters of credit					58,820	62,076
Standby letters of credit							(279)	(367)
Other letters of credit					67,753	64,233
Other letters of credit							(43)	(38)
Bill of lading guarantees					849	187
Bill of lading guarantees							$ (3)	$ 0

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Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Schedule of Troubled Debt Restructuring by Type of Concession and Type of Loans (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Principal Deferral [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Accruing TDRs	$ 12,911,000	$ 12,933,000
Principal Deferral [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	16,820,000	16,820,000
Principal Deferral [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	14,275,000	471,000
Principal Deferral [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	1,291,000	1,294,000
Principal Deferral [Member] | Total [Member]
Accruing TDRs	45,297,000	31,518,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Accruing TDRs	1,738,000	1,756,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	9,620,000	9,659,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	37,600,000	37,796,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	1,032,000	587,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Total [Member]
Accruing TDRs	49,990,000	49,798,000
Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	1,506,000	2,071,000
Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal [Member] | Total [Member]
Accruing TDRs	1,506,000	2,071,000
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Accruing TDRs	427,000	431,000
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	5,776,000	5,776,000
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	38,753,000	28,935,000
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	1,484,000	1,487,000
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Total [Member]
Accruing TDRs	46,440,000	36,629,000
Total Accruing TDR's [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Accruing TDRs	15,076,000	15,120,000
Total Accruing TDR's [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	32,216,000	32,255,000
Total Accruing TDR's [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	92,134,000	69,273,000
Total Accruing TDR's [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Accruing TDRs	3,807,000	3,368,000
Total Accruing TDR's [Member] | Total [Member]
Accruing TDRs	$ 143,233,000	$ 120,016,000

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Note 5 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 30, 2012	Mar. 02, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Maximum Period Of Common Stock Granted	10
Annual Increments To Be Vested In Common Stock Units	20.00%
Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense	$ 194,000	$ 366,000			$ 353,000	$ 96,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	710,000,000,000				1,800,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	10 months				1 year 5 months
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross (in Shares)	39,784	86,860
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	647,000	1,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	34,000	172,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number (in Shares)	108,027,000,000	247,842
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Total Fair Value	$ 745,000,000,000	$ 2,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)		2,445,258
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Restricted Stock Granted (in Shares)			1,943	147,661
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period					2 years

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Note 5 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Stock Options (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Balance, December 31, 2011	4,356,985
Balance, December 31, 2011 (in Dollars per share)	$ 28.86
Balance, December 31, 2011	3 years
Balance, December 31, 2011 (in Dollars)	$ 37
Balance, March 31, 2012	4,067,695
Balance, March 31, 2012 (in Dollars per share)	$ 29.40
Balance, March 31, 2012	3 years
Balance, March 31, 2012 (in Dollars)	65
Exercisable, March 31, 2012	3,959,668
Exercisable, March 31, 2012 (in Dollars per share)	$ 29.57
Exercisable, March 31, 2012	2 years 11 months
Exercisable, March 31, 2012 (in Dollars)	$ 65
Exercised	(39,784)
Exercised (in Dollars per share)	$ 16.28
Forfeited	(249,506)
Forfeited (in Dollars per share)	$ 22.27

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Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2011-02 “A Creditor’s Determination  of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring.” ASU 2011-02 clarifies the guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring.  A restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring if it meets both of the following criteria: (a) the restructuring constitutes a concession; and (b) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties.  ASU 2011-02 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and was applied retrospectively to restructurings occurring on or after January 1, 2011.  Adoption of ASU 2011-02 did  not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-03 “Transfers and Servicing: Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.” ASU 2011-03 improves the accounting for repurchase agreements and other similar transactions by removing the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms even in the event of default by the transferee, and the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. ASU 2011-03 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, and applied prospectively.  Adoption of ASU 2011-03 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.”  The provisions of ASU 2011-04 result in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for the measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).  The changes to U.S. GAAP as a result of ASU 2011-04 are as follows: (1) The concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise are only relevant when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets (that is, it does not apply to financial assets or any liabilities); (2) U.S. GAAP currently prohibits application of a blockage factor in valuing financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets.  ASU 2011-04 extends that prohibition to all fair value measurements; (3) An exception is provided to the basic fair value measurement principles for an entity that holds a group of financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting positions in market risks or counterparty credit risk that are managed on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to either of those risks.  This exception allows the entity, if certain criteria are met, to measure the fair value of the net asset or liability position in a manner consistent with how market participants would price the net risk position; (4) Aligns the fair value measurement of instruments classified within an entity’s shareholders’ equity with the guidance for liabilities; and (5) Disclosure requirements have been enhanced for Level 3 fair value measurements to disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs and assumptions used, to describe the valuation processes used by the entity, and to qualitatively describe the sensitivity of fair value measurements to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those inputs.  In addition, entities must report the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of condition but whose fair value must be disclosed.  Adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08 “Intangibles -Goodwill and Other.” ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350. ASU 2011-08 was effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed after December 15, 2011.  Adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Note 5 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Balance at December 31, 2011	171,410
Balance at March 31, 2012	161,417
Granted	1,943
Forfeited	(122)
Vested	(11,814)

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Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Schedule of Average Balance And Interest Income Recognized Related To Impaired Loans (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Impaired Loans - Average Recorded Investment	$ 314,179	$ 397,655
Impaired Loans - Interest Income Recognized	1,561	1,693
Commercial Loans Member
Impaired Loans - Average Recorded Investment	45,142	41,982
Impaired Loans - Interest Income Recognized	257	272
Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Impaired Loans - Average Recorded Investment	66,455	86,024
Impaired Loans - Interest Income Recognized	176	330
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Impaired Loans - Average Recorded Investment	184,867	253,130
Impaired Loans - Interest Income Recognized	1,088	1,066
Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Impaired Loans - Average Recorded Investment	17,715	16,519
Impaired Loans - Interest Income Recognized	$ 40	$ 25

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Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012 Warrants Outstanding [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Warrants Outstanding [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Accounts Receivable Collateral [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Inventory Collateral [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Warrants (in Dollars)	$ 163,000	$ 218,000
Other Real Estate, Foreclosed Assets, and Repossessed Assets (in Dollars)	$ 87,806,000	$ 92,713,000							$ 77,700,000
Collateral Discount Rates					45.00%	65.00%
Estimated Sales Cost Applied To Collateral							3.00%	6.00%
Expected Life of Warrants							1	5
Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate			0.34%	1.01%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate			18.10%	23.60%

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$ 119,106	$ 117,888
Short-term investments and interest bearing deposits	275,056	294,956
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	50,000
Securities held-to-maturity (market value of $1,131,524 in 2012 and $1,203,977 in 2011)	1,084,708	1,153,504
Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $1,361,571 in 2012 and $1,309,521 in 2011)	1,353,742	1,294,478
Trading securities	104,453	4,542
Loans held for sale	3,709	760
Loans	6,908,544	7,059,212
Less: Allowance for loan losses	(194,743)	(206,280)
Unamortized deferred loan fees	(7,921)	(8,449)
Loans, net	6,705,880	6,844,483
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	50,456	52,989
Other real estate owned, net	87,806	92,713
Investments in affordable housing partnerships, net	80,789	78,358
Premises and equipment, net	105,157	105,961
Customers' liability on acceptances	29,790	37,300
Accrued interest receivable	31,544	32,226
Goodwill	316,340	316,340
Other intangible assets	10,314	11,598
Other assets	164,586	206,768
Total assets	10,573,436	10,644,864
Deposits
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits	1,080,209	1,074,718
Interest-bearing accounts:
NOW accounts	490,173	451,541
Money market accounts	981,237	951,516
Savings accounts	434,899	420,030
Time deposits under $100,000	901,768	832,997
Time deposits of $100,000 or more	3,471,488	3,498,329
Total deposits	7,359,774	7,229,131
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	1,400,000	1,400,000
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		225,000
Other borrowings from financial institutions		880
Other borrowings for affordable housing investments	18,868	18,920
Long-term debt	171,136	171,136
Acceptances outstanding	29,790	37,300
Other liabilities	48,345	46,864
Total liabilities	9,027,913	9,129,231
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 258,000 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011	251,884	250,992
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 82,915,962 issued and 78,708,397 outstanding at March 31, 2012, and 82,860,122 issued and 78,652,557 outstanding at December 31, 2011	829	829
Additional paid-in-capital	766,435	765,641
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(4,537)	(8,732)
Retained earnings	648,201	624,192
Treasury stock, at cost (4,207,565 shares at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011)	(125,736)	(125,736)
Total Cathay General Bancorp stockholders' equity	1,537,076	1,507,186
Noncontrolling interest	8,447	8,447
Total equity	1,545,523	1,515,633
Total liabilities and equity	$ 10,573,436	$ 10,644,864

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Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Non-accrual Troubled Debt Restructurings (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest Deferral [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Non-Accrual TDRs	$ 0	$ 0
Interest Deferral [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	2,614,000	2,633,000
Interest Deferral [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	302,000	311,000
Interest Deferral [Member] | Total [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	2,916,000	2,944,000
Interest Deferral [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs		0
Principal Deferral [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Non-Accrual TDRs	1,073,000	616,000
Principal Deferral [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	6,859,000	9,727,000
Principal Deferral [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	1,349,000	2,427,000
Principal Deferral [Member] | Total [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	9,281,000	26,349,000
Principal Deferral [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs		13,579,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Non-Accrual TDRs	1,397,000	1,859,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	1,167,000	0
Rate Reduction [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	0	449,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Total [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	2,564,000	14,684,000
Rate Reduction [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs		12,376,000
Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Non-Accrual TDRs	1,145,000	1,506,000
Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	0	0
Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	0	0
Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal [Member] | Total [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	1,145,000	1,506,000
Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs		0
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Non-Accrual TDRs	0	0
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	5,006,000	5,076,000
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	631,000	311,000
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Total [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	5,637,000	5,387,000
Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs		0
Total Non-Accrual TDRs [Member] | Commercial Loans Member
Non-Accrual TDRs	3,615,000	3,981,000
Total Non-Accrual TDRs [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	15,646,000	17,436,000
Total Non-Accrual TDRs [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	2,282,000	3,498,000
Total Non-Accrual TDRs [Member] | Total [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs	21,543,000	50,870,000
Total Non-Accrual TDRs [Member] | Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Non-Accrual TDRs		$ 25,955,000

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Note 1 - Business

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Nature of Operations [Text Block]

1. Business

Cathay General Bancorp (“Bancorp”) is the holding company for Cathay Bank (the “Bank” and, together, the “Company”), six limited partnerships investing in affordable housing investments in which the Bank is the sole limited partner, and GBC Venture Capital, Inc.  The Bancorp also owns 100% of the common stock of five statutory business trusts created for the purpose of issuing capital securities.  The Bank was founded in 1962 and offers a wide range of financial services.  As of March 31, 2012, the Bank operated twenty branches in Southern California, eleven branches in Northern California, eight branches in New York State, three branches in Illinois, three branches in Washington State, two branches in Texas, one branch in Massachusetts, one branch in New Jersey, one branch in Hong Kong, and a representative office in Shanghai and in Taipei.  Deposit accounts at the Hong Kong branch are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

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Note 6 - Investment Securities (Detail) - Schedule of Investment Securities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	$ 1,084,708	$ 1,153,504
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	46,862	50,810
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	46	337
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	1,131,524	1,203,977
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	1,361,571	1,309,521
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	16,371	17,410
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	24,200	32,453
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	1,353,742	1,294,478
Total investment securities - Amortized Cost	2,446,279	2,463,025
Total investment securities - Gross Unrealized Gains	63,233	68,220
Total investment securities - Gross Unrealized Losses	24,246	32,790
Total investment securities - Fair Value	2,485,266	2,498,455
U.S. Government Sponsored Entities [Member]
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	99,978	99,966
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	945	1,406
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	100,923	101,372
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	300,000	500,007
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	270	1,226
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	106	7
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	300,164	501,226
State and Municipal Securities [Member]
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	129,444	129,577
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	6,057	7,053
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	135,501	136,630
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost		1,869
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains		59
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value		1,928
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	845,314	913,990
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	39,860	42,351
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	885,174	956,341
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	493,043	325,706
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	9,889	12,361
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	537	436
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	502,395	337,631
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	9,972	9,971
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	46	337
Securities Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	9,926	9,634
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	410,195	412,045
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	552	113
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	23,397	31,729
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	387,350	380,429
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	99,904
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	49
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	99,855
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	14,234	16,184
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	519	540
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	90	238
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	14,663	16,486
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	164	172
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	5	6
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	159	166
Mutual Funds Member
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	6,000	6,000
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	40	48
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	16	13
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	6,024	6,035
Preferred Stock Of Government Sponsored Entities Member
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	569	569
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,056	1,085
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	1,625	1,654
Trust Preferred Securities [Member]
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	35,993	45,501
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	853	486
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses		24
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	36,846	45,963
Other Equity Securities [Member]
Securities Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	1,469	1,468
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	3,192	1,492
Securities Available-for-sale, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value	$ 4,661	$ 2,960

XML

Note 6 - Investment Securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

	March 31, 2012
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	99,978	$	945	$	-	$	100,923
State and municipal securities		129,444		6,057		-		135,501
Mortgage-backed securities		845,314		39,860		-		885,174
Corporate debt securities		9,972		-		46		9,926
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	1,084,708	$	46,862	$	46	$	1,131,524
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. treasury securities	$	99,904	$	-	$	49	$	99,855
U.S. government sponsored entities		300,000		270		106		300,164
Mortgage-backed securities		493,043		9,889		537		502,395
Collateralized mortgage obligations		14,234		519		90		14,663
Asset-backed securities		164		-		5		159
Corporate debt securities		410,195		552		23,397		387,350
Mutual funds		6,000		40		16		6,024
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		569		1,056		-		1,625
Trust preferred securities		35,993		853		-		36,846
Other equity securities		1,469		3,192		-		4,661
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,361,571	$	16,371	$	24,200	$	1,353,742
Total investment securities	$	2,446,279	$	63,233	$	24,246	$	2,485,266

	December 31, 2011
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	99,966	$	1,406	$	-	$	101,372
State and municipal securities		129,577		7,053		-		136,630
Mortgage-backed securities		913,990		42,351		-		956,341
Corporate debt securities		9,971		-		337		9,634
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	1,153,504	$	50,810	$	337	$	1,203,977
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	500,007	$	1,226	$	7	$	501,226
State and municipal securities		1,869		59		-		1,928
Mortgage-backed securities		325,706		12,361		436		337,631
Collateralized mortgage obligations		16,184		540		238		16,486
Asset-backed securities		172		-		6		166
Corporate debt securities		412,045		113		31,729		380,429
Mutual funds		6,000		48		13		6,035
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		569		1,085		-		1,654
Trust preferred securities		45,501		486		24		45,963
Other equity securities		1,468		1,492		-		2,960
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,309,521	$	17,410	$	32,453	$	1,294,478
Total investment securities	$	2,463,025	$	68,220	$	32,790	$	2,498,455

	Securities Available-for-Sale				Securities Held-to-Maturity
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	34,890	$	34,950	$	99,978	$	100,923
Due after one year through five years		225,252		224,709		-		-
Due after five years through ten years		631,327		614,458		39,105		40,722
Due after ten years (1)		470,102		479,625		945,625		989,879
Total	$	1,361,571	$	1,353,742	$	1,084,708	$	1,131,524

	As of March 31, 2012
	Temporarily Impaired Securities
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
Corporate debt securities	$	9,925	$	46		-		-	$	9,925	$	46
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	9,925	$	46	$	-	$	-	$	9,925	$	46
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. treasury securities	$	99,855	$	49	$	-	$	-	$	99,855	$	49
U.S. government sponsored entities		49,894		106		-		-		49,894		106
Mortgage-backed securities		154,114		532		535		3		154,649		535
Mortgage-backed securities-Non-agency		-		-		99		2		99		2
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		-		503		90		503		90
Asset-backed securities		-		-		158		5		158		5
Corporate debt securities		145,771		9,180		160,783		14,217		306,554		23,397
Mutual funds		1,983		16		-		-		1,983		16
Total securities available-for-sale	$	451,617	$	9,883	$	162,078	$	14,317	$	613,695	$	24,200
Total investment securities	$	461,542	$	9,929	$	162,078	$	14,317	$	623,620	$	24,246

	As of December 31, 2011
	Temporarily Impaired Securities
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
Corporate debt securities	$	9,635	$	337	$	-	$	-	$	9,635	$	337
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	9,635	$	337	$	-	$	-	$	9,635	$	337
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	49,993	$	7	$	-	$	-	$	49,993	$	7
Mortgage-backed securities		564		4		35		1		599		5
Mortgage-backed securities-Non-agency		-		-		6,719		431		6,719		431
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		-		570		238		570		238
Asset-backed securities		-		-		166		6		166		6
Corporate debt securities		185,577		14,201		172,857		17,528		358,434		31,729
Mutual funds		1,987		13		-		-		1,987		13
Trust preferred securities		5,674		24		-		-		5,674		24
Total securities available-for-sale	$	243,795	$	14,249	$	180,347	$	18,204	$	424,142	$	32,453
Total investment securities	$	253,430	$	14,586	$	180,347	$	18,204	$	433,777	$	32,790

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Note 6 - Investment Securities (Detail) - Schedule of Investments by Contractual Maturity Date (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Due in one year or less	$ 34,890
Due in one year or less	34,950
Due in one year or less	99,978
Due in one year or less	100,923
Due after one year through five years	225,252
Due after one year through five years	224,709
Due after one year through five years	0
Due after one year through five years	0
Due after five years through ten years	631,327
Due after five years through ten years	614,458
Due after five years through ten years	39,105
Due after five years through ten years	40,722
Due after ten years (1)	470,102
Due after ten years (1)	479,625
Due after ten years (1)	945,625
Due after ten years (1)	989,879
Total	1,361,571	1,309,521
Total	1,353,742
Total	1,084,708
Total	$ 1,131,524

XML

Note 9 - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]

(Dollars in millions)	Fixed-to-floating																		Floating-to-fixed							Total
Callable Rate type	All callable at March 31, 2012 Float Rate																			All callable at March 31, 2012
Rate index	8% minus 3 month LIBOR																			Fixed Rate
Maximum rate		3.75	%		3.53	%		3.50	%		3.50	%		3.53	%		3.25	%
Minimum rate		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
No. of agreements		3			1			4			3			1			1				10			4			27
Amount	$	150.0		$	50.0		$	200.0		$	150.0		$	50.0		$	50.0			$	550.0		$	200.0		$	1,400.0
Weighted average rate		3.75	%		3.53	%		3.50	%		3.50	%		3.53	%		3.25	%			4.54	%		5.00	%		4.14	%
Final maturity		2014			2014			2014			2015			2015			2015				2014			2017

XML

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

2. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.  For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates subject to change are the allowance for loan losses, goodwill impairment, and other-than-temporary impairment.

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Market value on securities held-to-maturity (in Dollars)	$ 1,131,524	$ 1,203,977
Amortized cost on securities available-for-sale (in Dollars)	$ 1,361,571	$ 1,309,521
Preferred stock shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock shares issued	258,000	258,000
Preferred stock shares outstanding	258,000	258,000
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock shares issued	82,915,962	82,860,122
Common stock shares outstanding	78,708,397	78,652,557
Treasury stock shares	4,207,565	4,207,565

XML

Note 12 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.

      Cash and Cash Equivalents.  For cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount was assumed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value and a Level 1 measurement.

      Short-term Investments.  For short-term investments, the carrying amount was assumed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value and a Level 1 measurement.

Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell. The fair value of securities purchased under agreements to resell is based on dealer quotes and a Level 2 measurement.

      Securities.  For securities, including securities held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and for trading, fair values were based on quoted market prices at the reporting date.  If a quoted market price was not available, fair value was estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes.  For certain actively traded agency preferred stocks and U.S. Treasury securities, the Company measures the fair value based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement.  The Company also measures securities by using quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.  This category generally includes U.S. Government agency securities, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), commercial MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, and corporate bonds.

Loans Held for Sale.  The Company records loans held for sale at fair value based on quoted prices from third party sources, or appraisal reports adjusted by sales commission assumptions and a Level 3 measurement.

      Loans.  Fair values were estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics.  Each loan category was further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and non-performing categories.

      The fair value of performing loans was calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan and a Level 3 measurement.

The fair value of impaired loans was calculated based on the net realized fair value of the collateral or the observable market price of the most recent sale or quoted price from loans held for sale.  The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  Nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded based on the current appraised value of the collateral and a Level 2 measurement.

      Deposit Liabilities.  The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits was assumed to be the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.  The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit was estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities and a Level 3 measurement.

      Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase.  The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase is based on dealer quotes and a Level 2 measurement.

      Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank.  The fair value of the advances is based on quotes from the FHLB to settle the advances and a Level 2 measurement.

Other Borrowings.  This category includes federal funds purchased, revolving lines of credit, and other short-term borrowings.  The fair value of other borrowings is based on current market rates for borrowings with similar remaining maturities and a Level 1 measurement.

Long-term Debt.  The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices or dealer quotes and a Level 2 measurement.

Currency Option and Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Company measures the fair value of currency option and foreign exchange contracts based on dealer quotes and a Level 2 measurement.

Interest Rate Swaps. Fair value of interest rate swaps was derived from observable market prices for similar assets and a Level 2 measurement.

Off-Balance-Sheet Financial Instruments.  The fair value of commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees written were estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counter parties.  The fair value of guarantees and letters of credit was based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counter parties at the reporting date.  Off-balance-sheet financial instruments were fair valued based on the assumptions that a market participant would use and a Level 3 measurement.

Fair value was estimated in accordance with ASC Topic 825, formerly SFAS 107.  Fair value estimates were made at specific points in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Bank’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.  Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Bank’s financial instruments, fair value estimates were based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.  These estimates were subjective in nature and involved uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.  The following table presents the estimated fair value of financial instruments at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011:

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

	As of March 31, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	119,106	$	119,106	$	117,888	$	117,888
Short-term investments		275,056		275,056		294,956		294,956
Securities purchased under agreements to resell		50,000		50,000		-		-
Securities held-to-maturity		1,084,708		1,131,524		1,153,504		1,203,977
Securities available-for-sale		1,353,742		1,353,742		1,294,478		1,294,478
Trading securities		104,453		104,453		4,542		4,542
Loans held-for-sale		3,709		3,709		760		760
Loans, net		6,705,880		6,681,964		6,844,483		6,825,571
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock		50,456		50,456		52,989		52,989
Warrants		163		163		218		218

	Notional				Notional
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Option contracts	$	4,595	$	25	$	3,026	$	34
Foreign exchange contracts		159,241		1,680		238,581		2,151

	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Financial Liabilities
Deposits	$	7,359,774	$	7,370,498	$	7,229,131	$	7,240,857
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,400,000		1,541,580		1,400,000		1,547,900
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		-		-		225,000		227,825
Other borrowings		18,868		18,868		19,800		19,801
Long-term debt		171,136		94,970		171,136		98,676

	Notional				Notional
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Option contracts	$	932	$	1	$	1,282	$	5
Interest rate swaps		300,000		1,845		300,000		2,634
Foreign exchange contracts		171,359		1,353		128,215		486

	Notional					Notional
	Amount		Fair Value			Amount		Fair Value
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
Commitments to extend credit	$	1,727,202	$	(1,162	)	$	1,626,523	$	(1,253	)
Standby letters of credit		58,820		(279	)		62,076		(367	)
Other letters of credit		67,753		(43	)		64,233		(38	)
Bill of lading guarantees		849		(3	)		187		-

XML

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		78,708,975
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000861842
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

XML

Note 13 - Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

13. Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment

The Company’s policy is to assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or between annual assessments if a triggering event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  Impairment is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.  Accounting standards require management to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit in making the assessment of impairment at least annually.  

The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350.  The two-step impairment testing process conducted by us, if needed, begins by assigning net assets and goodwill to our three reporting units- Commercial Lending, Retail Banking, and East Coast Operations.  The Company then completes “step one” of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit (as determined based on the discussion below) with the recorded book value (or “carrying amount”) of its net assets, with goodwill included in the computation of the carrying amount.  If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired, and “step two” of the impairment test is not necessary.  If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, step two of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of impairment.  Step two of the impairment test compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the “implied fair value” of that goodwill.  The implied fair value of goodwill is computed by assuming that all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit would be adjusted to the current fair value, with the offset as an adjustment to goodwill.  This adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value used in step two.  An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

At March 31, 2012, the Company’s market capitalization was above book value and there was no triggering event that required the Company to assess goodwill for impairment as of an interim date.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Loans receivable, including loan fees	$ 90,701	$ 90,558
Investment securities- taxable	17,723	21,854
Investment securities- nontaxable	1,052	1,056
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	66	47
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell	5	41
Deposits with banks	588	221
Total interest and dividend income	110,135	113,777
INTEREST EXPENSE
Time deposits of $100,000 or more	9,540	10,725
Other deposits	3,916	5,720
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	14,655	16,171
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	53	4,849
Long-term debt	1,320	1,206
Short-term borrowings		1
Total interest expense	29,484	38,672
Net interest income before provision for credit losses	80,651	75,105
Provision (credit) for loan losses	(4,000)	6,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	84,651	69,105
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Securities gains, net	2,215	6,232
Letters of credit commissions	1,526	1,278
Depository service fees	1,389	1,361
Other operating income	3,701	3,755
Total non-interest income	8,831	12,626
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits	19,878	18,271
Occupancy expense	3,584	3,538
Computer and equipment expense	2,463	2,183
Professional services expense	4,742	3,729
FDIC and State assessments	2,489	4,317
Marketing expense	1,406	695
Other real estate owned expense	4,693	221
Operations of affordable housing investments, net	1,960	1,976
Amortization of core deposit intangibles	1,457	1,481
Cost associated with debt redemption	2,750	8,811
Other operating expense	2,449	2,561
Total non-interest expense	47,871	47,783
Income before income tax expense	45,611	33,948
Income tax expense	16,547	11,734
Net income	29,064	22,214
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	151	151
Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp	28,913	22,063
Dividends on preferred stock	(4,117)	(4,105)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	24,796	17,958
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Unrealized holding gain/(loss) arising during the period	5,479	(950)
Less: reclassification adjustments included in net income	1,284	2,620
Total other comprehensive gain/(loss), net of tax	4,195	(3,570)
Total comprehensive income	$ 33,108	$ 18,493
Net income per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.23
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.23
Cash dividends paid per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Average common shares outstanding
Basic (in Shares)	78,678,645	78,609,460
Diluted (in Shares)	78,690,132	78,635,620

XML

Note 7 - Loans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]

7. Loans

Most of the Company’s business activity is predominately with Asian customers located in Southern and Northern California; New York City; Houston and Dallas, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Edison, New Jersey; and Hong Kong.  The Company has no specific industry concentration, and generally its loans are collateralized with real property or other pledged collateral of the borrowers.  Loans are generally expected to be paid off from the operating profits of the borrowers, refinancing by another lender, or through sale by the borrowers of the secured collateral.

The components of loans in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, were as follows:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Type of Loans:
Commercial loans	$	1,844,849		$	1,868,275
Residential mortgage loans		985,105			972,262
Commercial mortgage loans		3,662,436			3,748,897
Equity lines		208,602			214,707
Real estate construction loans		188,081			237,372
Installment and other loans		19,471			17,699
Gross loans		6,908,544			7,059,212
Less:
Allowance for loan losses		(194,743	)		(206,280	)
Unamortized deferred loan fees		(7,921	)		(8,449	)
Total loans, net	$	6,705,880		$	6,844,483
Loans held for sale	$	3,709		$	760

Loans held for sale of $3.7 million at March 31, 2012, increased $3.0 million from $760,000 at December 31, 2011.  In the first quarter of 2012, we added three new loans of $16.0 million and sold three loans of $13.0 million for a net loss on sale of $26,000.  At March 31, 2012, loans held for sale were comprised of a residential construction loan of $500,000 and a commercial real estate loans of $3.2 million.

At March 31, 2012, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $275.2 million and was comprised of nonaccrual loans of $131.5 million, nonaccrual loans held for sale of $500,000, and accruing troubled debt restructured (“TDR”) loans of $143.2 million.  At December 31, 2011, recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $322.0 million and was comprised of nonaccrual loans of $201.2 million, nonaccrual loans held for sale of $760,000, and accruing TDR’s of $120.0 million.  For impaired loans, the amounts previously charged off represent 22.4% at March 31, 2012, and 25.6% at December 31, 2011, of the contractual balances for impaired loans.  The following table presents the average balance and interest income recognized related to impaired loans for the periods  indicated:

	Impaired Loans
	Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized
	For the three months ended March 31,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	45,142	$	41,982	$	257	$	272
Real estate construction loans		66,455		86,024		176		330
Commercial mortgage loans		184,867		253,130		1,088		1,066
Residential mortgage and equity lines		17,715		16,519		40		25
Subtotal	$	314,179	$	397,655	$	1,561	$	1,693

The following table presents impaired loans and the related allowance for credit losses as of the dates indicated:
 

	Impaired Loans
	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Allowance
	(In thousands)
With no allocated allowance
Commercial loans	$	38,012	$	28,077	$	-	$	46,671	$	38,194	$	-
Real estate construction loans		65,839		43,426		-		134,836		78,767		-
Commercial mortgage loans		174,252		134,562		-		187,580		149,034		-
Residential mortgage and equity lines		4,347		4,273		-		8,555		7,987		-
Subtotal	$	282,450	$	210,338	$	-	$	377,642	$	273,982	$	-
With allocated allowance
Commercial loans	$	20,689	$	17,329	$	1,272	$	11,795	$	7,587	$	3,336
Commercial mortgage loans		36,200		34,191		2,529		29,722		28,023		2,969
Residential mortgage and equity lines		15,480		13,372		1,806		13,813		12,381		1,247
Subtotal	$	72,369	$	64,892	$	5,607	$	55,330	$	47,991	$	7,552
Total impaired loans	$	354,819	$	275,230	$	5,607	$	432,972	$	321,973	$	7,552

The following table presents the aging of the loan portfolio by type as of March 31, 2012 and as of December 31, 2011:

	As of March 31, 2012
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due		Non-accrual Loans		Total Past Due		Loans Not Past Due		Total
Type of Loans:	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	16,248	$	605	$	845	$	30,329	$	48,027	$	1,796,822	$	1,844,849
Real estate construction loans		22,674		3,553		-		10,711		36,938		151,143		188,081
Commercial mortgage loans		11,718		591		544		76,619		89,472		3,572,964		3,662,436
Residential mortgage and equity lines		6,175		668		-		13,838		20,681		1,173,026		1,193,707
Installment and other loans		-		-		-		-		-		19,471		19,471
Total loans	$	56,815	$	5,417	$	1,389	$	131,497	$	195,118	$	6,713,426	$	6,908,544

	As of December 31, 2011
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due		Non-accrual Loans		Total Past Due		Loans Not Past Due		Total
Type of Loans:	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,683	$	-	$	-	$	30,661	$	32,344	$	1,835,931	$	1,868,275
Real estate construction loans		20,326		-		-		46,012		66,338		171,034		237,372
Commercial mortgage loans		13,627		20,277		6,726		107,784		148,414		3,600,483		3,748,897
Residential mortgage and equity lines		5,871		-		-		16,740		22,611		1,164,358		1,186,969
Installment and other loans		-		-		-		-		-		17,699		17,699
Total loans	$	41,507	$	20,277	$	6,726	$	201,197	$	269,707	$	6,789,505	$	7,059,212

The determination of the amount of the allowance for credit losses for impaired loans is based on management’s current judgment about the credit quality of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration known relevant internal and external factors that affect collectibility when determining the appropriate level for the allowance for credit losses.   The nature of the process by which the Bank determines the appropriate allowance for credit losses requires the exercise of considerable judgment.   This allowance evaluation process is also applied to troubled debt restructurings since trouble debt restructurings are  considered  to be impaired loans.

A troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) is a formal modification of the terms of a loan when the lender, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower.  The concessions may be granted in various forms, including change in the stated interest rate, reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, or extension of the maturity date that causes significant delay in payment.

At March 31, 2012, accruing TDRs were $143.2 million and non-accrual TDRs were $21.5 million compared to accruing TDRs of $120.0 million and non-accrual TDRs of $50.9 million at December 31, 2011.  The Company has allocated specific reserves of $2.2 million to accruing TDRs and $288,000 to non-accrual TDRs at March 31, 2012, and $1.4 million to accruing TDRs and $1.6 million to non-accrual TDRs at December 31, 2011.  The following table presents TDRs that were modified during the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, their specific reserve at March 31, and charge-offs during the first quarters of 2012 and 2011:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012								As of March 31, 2012
	No. of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Charge-offs		Specific Reserve
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans		5	$	1,988	$	1,988	$	-	$	68
Commercial mortgage loans		9		26,693		23,375		3,318		268
Residential mortgage and equity lines		2		1,587		1,587		-		-
Total		16	$	30,268	$	26,950	$	3,318	$	336

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011								As of March 31, 2011
	No. of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Charge-offs		Specific Reserve
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans		4	$	14,862	$	14,862	$	-	$	5
Commercial mortgage loans		2		1,930		1,929		1		1
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1		591		501		90		93
Total		7	$	17,383	$	17,292	$	91	$	99

Modifications of the loan terms during the first three months of 2012 and 2011 were in the form of changes in the stated interest rate, multiple note structure, or extensions of the maturity date.  Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate were for periods ranging from ten months to four years.  Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date were for periods ranging from ten months to four years. 

Accruing TDRs at March 31, 2012, were comprised of loans collateralized by thirteen retail shopping and commercial use buildings of $80.7 million, eleven office and commercial use buildings of $29.0 million, two hotels of $12.8 million, eleven single family residences of $19.3 million, two multi-family residences of $805,000,  one land of $537,000, and four commercial loans of $106,000.  We expect that the troubled debt restructuring loans on accruing status as of March 31, 2012, which were all performing in accordance with their restructured terms, will continue to comply with the restructured terms because of the reduced principal or interest payments on these loans. A summary of TDRs by type of concession, by type of loan as of March 31, 2012, and as of December 31, 2011, is shown below:

	As of March 31, 2012
Accruing TDRs	Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal			Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	12,911	$	1,738		$	-	$	427	$	15,076
Real estate construction loans		16,820		9,620			-		5,776		32,216
Commercial mortgage loans		14,275		37,600			1,506		38,753		92,134
Residential mortgage loans		1,291		1,032			-		1,484		3,807
Total accruing TDRs	$	45,297	$	49,990		$	1,506	$	46,440	$	143,233

	As of March 31, 2012
Non-accrual TDRs	Interest Deferral		Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	-	$	1,073	$	1,397	$	1,145	$	-	$	3,615
Commercial mortgage loans		2,614		6,859		1,167		-		5,006		15,646
Residential mortgage loans		302		1,349		-		-		631		2,282
Total non-accrual TDRs	$	2,916	$	9,281	$	2,564	$	1,145	$	5,637	$	21,543

	As of December 31, 2011
Accruing TDRs	Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	12,933	$	1,756	$	-	$	431	$	15,120
Real estate construction loans		16,820		9,659		-		5,776		32,255
Commercial mortgage loans		471		37,796		2,071		28,935		69,273
Residential mortgage loans		1,294		587		-		1,487		3,368
Total accruing TDRs	$	31,518	$	49,798	$	2,071	$	36,629	$	120,016

	As of December 31, 2011
Non-accrual TDRs	Interest Deferral		Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	-	$	616	$	1,859	$	1,506	$	-	$	3,981
Real estate construction loans		-		13,579		12,376		-		-		25,955
Commercial mortgage loans		2,633		9,727		-		-		5,076		17,436
Residential mortgage loans		311		2,427		449		-		311		3,498
Total non-accrual TDRs	$	2,944	$	26,349	$	14,684	$	1,506	$	5,387	$	50,870

The activity within our TDR loans for three months ended March 31, 2012, and  for the three months ended March 31, 2011, are shown below:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Accruing TDRs	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	120,016		$	136,800
New restructurings		21,712			13,736
Restructured loans restored to accrual status		2,853			-
Payments		(1,348	)		(1,660	)
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		-			(12,816	)
Expiration of loan concession		-			(733	)
Ending balance	$	143,233		$	135,327

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Non-accrual TDRs	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	50,870		$	28,147
New restructurings		5,238			3,679
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		-			12,816
Charge-offs		(4,018	)		(1,104	)
Payments		(27,694	)		(408	)
Restructured loans restored to accrual status		(2,853	)		-
Ending balance	$	21,543		$	43,130

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 60 to 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.  Two commercial real estate TDRs of $6.4 million, three commercial TDRs of $1.4 million, and one land TDR of $1.2 million had payments defaults within the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.  The TDRs that subsequently defaulted incurred charge-off of $495,000 within the  twelve months ended March 31, 2012.

Under the Company’s internal underwriting policy, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification in order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty.

As of March 31, 2012, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to those borrowers whose loans have been restructured, were considered impaired, or were on non-accrual status.

As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of our loan portfolio, the Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each loan.  The risk rating categories can be generally described by the following grouping for non-homogeneous loans: 

· Pass/Watch – These loans range from minimal credit risk to lower than average, but still acceptable, credit risk.

· Special Mention – Borrower is fundamentally sound and loan is currently protected but adverse trends are apparent that, if not corrected, may affect ability to repay.  Primary source of loan repayment remains viable but there is increasing reliance on collateral or guarantor support.

· Substandard – These loans are inadequately protected by current sound net worth, paying capacity or pledged collateral.  Well-defined weaknesses exist that could jeopardize repayment of debt.  Loss may not be imminent, but if weaknesses are not corrected, there is a good possibility of some loss.

· Doubtful – The possibility of loss is extremely high, but due to identifiable and important pending events (which may strengthen the loan) a loss classification is deferred until the situation is better defined.

· Loss – These loans are considered uncollectible and of such little value that to continue to carry the loan as an active asset is no longer warranted.

The following table presents loan portfolio by risk rating as of March 31, 2012, and as of December 31, 2011:

	As of March 31, 2012
	Pass/Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,697,108	$	66,297	$	74,643	$	6,801	$	1,844,849
Real estate construction loans		110,965		21,718		48,280		7,118		188,081
Commercial mortgage loans		3,245,353		112,335		304,748		-		3,662,436
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1,173,660		403		19,500		144		1,193,707
Installment and other loans		19,405		66		-		-		19,471
Total gross loans	$	6,246,491	$	200,819	$	447,171	$	14,063	$	6,908,544
Loans held for sale	$	3,209	$	-	$	-	$	500	$	3,709

	As of December 31, 2011
	Pass/Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,689,842	$	64,290	$	108,858	$	5,285	$	1,868,275
Real estate construction loans		115,538		23,555		90,132		8,147		237,372
Commercial mortgage loans		3,275,431		69,925		403,541		-		3,748,897
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1,149,225		4,439		33,160		145		1,186,969
Installment and other loans		17,636		63		-		-		17,699
Total gross loans	$	6,247,672	$	162,272	$	635,691	$	13,577	$	7,059,212
Loans held for sale	$	-	$	-	$	260	$	500	$	760

The allowance for loan losses and the reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments are significant estimates that can and do change based on management’s process in analyzing the loan portfolio and on management’s assumptions about specific borrowers, underlying collateral, and applicable economic and environmental conditions, among other factors.

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of March 31, 2012, and as of December 31, 2011.

			Real Estate		Commercial		Residential
	Commercial		Construction		Mortgage		Mortgage Loans		Consumer and
	Loans		Loans		Loans		and Equity Lines		Other Loans		Total
	(In thousands)
March 31, 2012
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	1,272	$	-	$	2,529	$	1,806	$	-	$	5,607
Balance	$	45,406	$	43,426	$	168,753	$	17,645	$	-	$	275,230
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	59,119	$	17,993	$	103,657	$	8,317	$	50	$	189,136
Balance	$	1,799,443	$	144,655	$	3,493,683	$	1,176,062	$	19,471	$	6,633,314
Total allowance	$	60,391	$	17,993	$	106,186	$	10,123	$	50	$	194,743
Total balance	$	1,844,849	$	188,081	$	3,662,436	$	1,193,707	$	19,471	$	6,908,544
December 31, 2011
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	3,336	$	-	$	2,969	$	1,247	$	-	$	7,552
Balance	$	45,781	$	78,766	$	177,058	$	20,368	$	-	$	321,973
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	62,322	$	21,749	$	105,052	$	9,548	$	57	$	198,728
Balance	$	1,822,494	$	158,606	$	3,571,839	$	1,166,601	$	17,699	$	6,737,239
Total allowance	$	65,658	$	21,749	$	108,021	$	10,795	$	57	$	206,280
Total balance	$	1,868,275	$	237,372	$	3,748,897	$	1,186,969	$	17,699	$	7,059,212

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

	Commercial Loans			Real Estate Construction Loans			Commercial Mortgage Loans			Residential Mortgage and Equity Line			Installment and Other Loans			Total
	(In thousands)
2012 Beginning Balance	$	65,658		$	21,749		$	108,021		$	10,795		$	57		$	206,280
Provision for possible credit losses		(1,041	)		(6,439	)		4,318			(260	)		15			(3,407	)
Charge-offs		(4,959	)		(875	)		(8,222	)		(779	)		(25	)		(14,860	)
Recoveries		746			3,557			2,058			366			3			6,730
Net charge-offs		(4,213	)		2,682			(6,164	)		(413	)		(22	)		(8,130	)
March 31, 2012 Ending Balance	$	60,404		$	17,992		$	106,175		$	10,122		$	50		$	194,743
Reserve for impaired loans	$	1,272		$	-		$	2,529		$	1,806		$	-		$	5,607
Reserve for non-impaired loans	$	59,119		$	17,993		$	103,657		$	8,317		$	50		$	189,136
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	$	720		$	635		$	84		$	34		$	2		$	1,475
2011 Beginning Balance	$	63,919		$	43,261		$	128,347		$	9,668		$	36		$	245,231
Provision for possible credit losses		(122	)		4,654			1,218			423			(10	)		6,163
Charge-offs		(1,378	)		(6,248	)		(5,123	)		(226	)		-			(12,975	)
Recoveries		775			887			853			84			12			2,611
Net charge-offs		(603	)		(5,361	)		(4,270	)		(142	)		12			(10,364	)
March 31, 2011 Ending Balance	$	63,194		$	42,554		$	125,295		$	9,949		$	38		$	241,030
Reserve for impaired loans	$	2,953		$	7,569		$	3,664		$	1,106		$	-		$	15,292
Reserve for non-impaired loans	$	60,241		$	34,985		$	121,631		$	8,843		$	38		$	225,738
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	$	689		$	1,355		$	93		$	35		$	2		$	2,174

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Note 6 - Investment Securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Investment  Securities

The following table reflects the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair values of investment securities as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	March 31, 2012
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	99,978	$	945	$	-	$	100,923
State and municipal securities		129,444		6,057		-		135,501
Mortgage-backed securities		845,314		39,860		-		885,174
Corporate debt securities		9,972		-		46		9,926
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	1,084,708	$	46,862	$	46	$	1,131,524
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. treasury securities	$	99,904	$	-	$	49	$	99,855
U.S. government sponsored entities		300,000		270		106		300,164
Mortgage-backed securities		493,043		9,889		537		502,395
Collateralized mortgage obligations		14,234		519		90		14,663
Asset-backed securities		164		-		5		159
Corporate debt securities		410,195		552		23,397		387,350
Mutual funds		6,000		40		16		6,024
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		569		1,056		-		1,625
Trust preferred securities		35,993		853		-		36,846
Other equity securities		1,469		3,192		-		4,661
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,361,571	$	16,371	$	24,200	$	1,353,742
Total investment securities	$	2,446,279	$	63,233	$	24,246	$	2,485,266

	December 31, 2011
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	99,966	$	1,406	$	-	$	101,372
State and municipal securities		129,577		7,053		-		136,630
Mortgage-backed securities		913,990		42,351		-		956,341
Corporate debt securities		9,971		-		337		9,634
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	1,153,504	$	50,810	$	337	$	1,203,977
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	500,007	$	1,226	$	7	$	501,226
State and municipal securities		1,869		59		-		1,928
Mortgage-backed securities		325,706		12,361		436		337,631
Collateralized mortgage obligations		16,184		540		238		16,486
Asset-backed securities		172		-		6		166
Corporate debt securities		412,045		113		31,729		380,429
Mutual funds		6,000		48		13		6,035
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		569		1,085		-		1,654
Trust preferred securities		45,501		486		24		45,963
Other equity securities		1,468		1,492		-		2,960
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,309,521	$	17,410	$	32,453	$	1,294,478
Total investment securities	$	2,463,025	$	68,220	$	32,790	$	2,498,455

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2012, by contractual maturities are shown below.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without call or repayment penalties.   

	Securities Available-for-Sale				Securities Held-to-Maturity
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	34,890	$	34,950	$	99,978	$	100,923
Due after one year through five years		225,252		224,709		-		-
Due after five years through ten years		631,327		614,458		39,105		40,722
Due after ten years (1)		470,102		479,625		945,625		989,879
Total	$	1,361,571	$	1,353,742	$	1,084,708	$	1,131,524

(1) Equity securities are reported in this category

Proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities were $117.6 million and repayments of mortgage-backed securities were $94.2 million during the first quarter of 2012 compared to proceeds from sales of $315.3 million and repayment of $41.6 million during the same quarter a year ago.  Proceeds from sales of other investment securities were $30.6 million during the first quarter of 2012 compared to $217.3 million during the same quarter a year ago.  Proceeds from maturity and calls of investment securities were $200.0 million during the first quarter of 2012 compared to $27.0 million during the same quarter a year ago.  Gains of $2.8 million and losses of $595,000 were realized on sales and calls of investment securities during the first quarter of 2012 compared to gains of $6.2 million  and no losses realized for the same quarter a year ago.

The Company's unrealized loss on investments in corporate bonds relates to a number of investments in bonds of financial institutions, all of which were investment grade at the date of acquisition and as of March 31, 2012.  The unrealized losses were primarily caused by the widening of credit spreads since the dates of acquisition. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuers to settle the security at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. The Company currently does not believe it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the investments. Therefore, it is expected that these bonds would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell and would not be required to sell these investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, it does not consider its investments in these corporate bonds to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012.

The temporarily impaired securities represent 25.1% of the fair value of investment securities as of March 31, 2012.  Unrealized losses for securities with unrealized losses for less than twelve months represent 2.1%, and securities with unrealized losses for twelve months or more represent 8.1%, of the historical cost of these securities.  Unrealized losses on these securities generally resulted from increases in interest rate spreads subsequent to the date that these securities were purchased.

At March 31, 2012, management believed the impairment was temporary and, accordingly, no impairment loss has been recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The Company expects to recover the amortized cost basis of its debt securities, and has no intent to sell and will not be required to sell available-for-sale debt securities that have declined below their cost before their anticipated recovery.

The table below shows the fair value, unrealized losses, and number of issuances of the temporarily impaired securities in our investment securities portfolio as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	As of March 31, 2012
	Temporarily Impaired Securities
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
Corporate debt securities	$	9,925	$	46		-		-	$	9,925	$	46
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	9,925	$	46	$	-	$	-	$	9,925	$	46
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. treasury securities	$	99,855	$	49	$	-	$	-	$	99,855	$	49
U.S. government sponsored entities		49,894		106		-		-		49,894		106
Mortgage-backed securities		154,114		532		535		3		154,649		535
Mortgage-backed securities-Non-agency		-		-		99		2		99		2
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		-		503		90		503		90
Asset-backed securities		-		-		158		5		158		5
Corporate debt securities		145,771		9,180		160,783		14,217		306,554		23,397
Mutual funds		1,983		16		-		-		1,983		16
Total securities available-for-sale	$	451,617	$	9,883	$	162,078	$	14,317	$	613,695	$	24,200
Total investment securities	$	461,542	$	9,929	$	162,078	$	14,317	$	623,620	$	24,246

	As of December 31, 2011
	Temporarily Impaired Securities
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Securities Held-to-Maturity
Corporate debt securities	$	9,635	$	337	$	-	$	-	$	9,635	$	337
Total securities held-to-maturity	$	9,635	$	337	$	-	$	-	$	9,635	$	337
Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	49,993	$	7	$	-	$	-	$	49,993	$	7
Mortgage-backed securities		564		4		35		1		599		5
Mortgage-backed securities-Non-agency		-		-		6,719		431		6,719		431
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		-		570		238		570		238
Asset-backed securities		-		-		166		6		166		6
Corporate debt securities		185,577		14,201		172,857		17,528		358,434		31,729
Mutual funds		1,987		13		-		-		1,987		13
Trust preferred securities		5,674		24		-		-		5,674		24
Total securities available-for-sale	$	243,795	$	14,249	$	180,347	$	18,204	$	424,142	$	32,453
Total investment securities	$	253,430	$	14,586	$	180,347	$	18,204	$	433,777	$	32,790

Investment securities having a carrying value of $1.52 billion at March 31, 2012, and $1.68 billion at December 31, 2011, were pledged to secure public deposits, other borrowings, treasury tax and loan, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate swaps, and foreign exchange transactions. 

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Note 7 - Loans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Type of Loans:
Commercial loans	$	1,844,849		$	1,868,275
Residential mortgage loans		985,105			972,262
Commercial mortgage loans		3,662,436			3,748,897
Equity lines		208,602			214,707
Real estate construction loans		188,081			237,372
Installment and other loans		19,471			17,699
Gross loans		6,908,544			7,059,212
Less:
Allowance for loan losses		(194,743	)		(206,280	)
Unamortized deferred loan fees		(7,921	)		(8,449	)
Total loans, net	$	6,705,880		$	6,844,483
Loans held for sale	$	3,709		$	760

Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	Impaired Loans
	Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized
	For the three months ended March 31,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	45,142	$	41,982	$	257	$	272
Real estate construction loans		66,455		86,024		176		330
Commercial mortgage loans		184,867		253,130		1,088		1,066
Residential mortgage and equity lines		17,715		16,519		40		25
Subtotal	$	314,179	$	397,655	$	1,561	$	1,693

	Impaired Loans
	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Allowance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Allowance
	(In thousands)
With no allocated allowance
Commercial loans	$	38,012	$	28,077	$	-	$	46,671	$	38,194	$	-
Real estate construction loans		65,839		43,426		-		134,836		78,767		-
Commercial mortgage loans		174,252		134,562		-		187,580		149,034		-
Residential mortgage and equity lines		4,347		4,273		-		8,555		7,987		-
Subtotal	$	282,450	$	210,338	$	-	$	377,642	$	273,982	$	-
With allocated allowance
Commercial loans	$	20,689	$	17,329	$	1,272	$	11,795	$	7,587	$	3,336
Commercial mortgage loans		36,200		34,191		2,529		29,722		28,023		2,969
Residential mortgage and equity lines		15,480		13,372		1,806		13,813		12,381		1,247
Subtotal	$	72,369	$	64,892	$	5,607	$	55,330	$	47,991	$	7,552
Total impaired loans	$	354,819	$	275,230	$	5,607	$	432,972	$	321,973	$	7,552

Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	As of March 31, 2012
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due		Non-accrual Loans		Total Past Due		Loans Not Past Due		Total
Type of Loans:	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	16,248	$	605	$	845	$	30,329	$	48,027	$	1,796,822	$	1,844,849
Real estate construction loans		22,674		3,553		-		10,711		36,938		151,143		188,081
Commercial mortgage loans		11,718		591		544		76,619		89,472		3,572,964		3,662,436
Residential mortgage and equity lines		6,175		668		-		13,838		20,681		1,173,026		1,193,707
Installment and other loans		-		-		-		-		-		19,471		19,471
Total loans	$	56,815	$	5,417	$	1,389	$	131,497	$	195,118	$	6,713,426	$	6,908,544

	As of December 31, 2011
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due		Non-accrual Loans		Total Past Due		Loans Not Past Due		Total
Type of Loans:	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,683	$	-	$	-	$	30,661	$	32,344	$	1,835,931	$	1,868,275
Real estate construction loans		20,326		-		-		46,012		66,338		171,034		237,372
Commercial mortgage loans		13,627		20,277		6,726		107,784		148,414		3,600,483		3,748,897
Residential mortgage and equity lines		5,871		-		-		16,740		22,611		1,164,358		1,186,969
Installment and other loans		-		-		-		-		-		17,699		17,699
Total loans	$	41,507	$	20,277	$	6,726	$	201,197	$	269,707	$	6,789,505	$	7,059,212

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012								As of March 31, 2012
	No. of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Charge-offs		Specific Reserve
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans		5	$	1,988	$	1,988	$	-	$	68
Commercial mortgage loans		9		26,693		23,375		3,318		268
Residential mortgage and equity lines		2		1,587		1,587		-		-
Total		16	$	30,268	$	26,950	$	3,318	$	336

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011								As of March 31, 2011
	No. of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Charge-offs		Specific Reserve
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans		4	$	14,862	$	14,862	$	-	$	5
Commercial mortgage loans		2		1,930		1,929		1		1
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1		591		501		90		93
Total		7	$	17,383	$	17,292	$	91	$	99

Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	As of March 31, 2012
Accruing TDRs	Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal			Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	12,911	$	1,738		$	-	$	427	$	15,076
Real estate construction loans		16,820		9,620			-		5,776		32,216
Commercial mortgage loans		14,275		37,600			1,506		38,753		92,134
Residential mortgage loans		1,291		1,032			-		1,484		3,807
Total accruing TDRs	$	45,297	$	49,990		$	1,506	$	46,440	$	143,233

	As of December 31, 2011
Accruing TDRs	Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	12,933	$	1,756	$	-	$	431	$	15,120
Real estate construction loans		16,820		9,659		-		5,776		32,255
Commercial mortgage loans		471		37,796		2,071		28,935		69,273
Residential mortgage loans		1,294		587		-		1,487		3,368
Total accruing TDRs	$	31,518	$	49,798	$	2,071	$	36,629	$	120,016

Non Accrual Troubled Debt Restructurings [Table Text Block]

	As of March 31, 2012
Non-accrual TDRs	Interest Deferral		Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	-	$	1,073	$	1,397	$	1,145	$	-	$	3,615
Commercial mortgage loans		2,614		6,859		1,167		-		5,006		15,646
Residential mortgage loans		302		1,349		-		-		631		2,282
Total non-accrual TDRs	$	2,916	$	9,281	$	2,564	$	1,145	$	5,637	$	21,543

	As of December 31, 2011
Non-accrual TDRs	Interest Deferral		Principal Deferral		Rate Reduction		Rate Reduction and Forgiveness of Principal		Rate Reduction and Payment Deferral		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	-	$	616	$	1,859	$	1,506	$	-	$	3,981
Real estate construction loans		-		13,579		12,376		-		-		25,955
Commercial mortgage loans		2,633		9,727		-		-		5,076		17,436
Residential mortgage loans		311		2,427		449		-		311		3,498
Total non-accrual TDRs	$	2,944	$	26,349	$	14,684	$	1,506	$	5,387	$	50,870

Activity Within The Troubled Debt Resturings [Table Text Block]

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Accruing TDRs	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	120,016		$	136,800
New restructurings		21,712			13,736
Restructured loans restored to accrual status		2,853			-
Payments		(1,348	)		(1,660	)
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		-			(12,816	)
Expiration of loan concession		-			(733	)
Ending balance	$	143,233		$	135,327

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Non-accrual TDRs	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	50,870		$	28,147
New restructurings		5,238			3,679
Restructured loans placed on nonaccrual		-			12,816
Charge-offs		(4,018	)		(1,104	)
Payments		(27,694	)		(408	)
Restructured loans restored to accrual status		(2,853	)		-
Ending balance	$	21,543		$	43,130

Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]

	As of March 31, 2012
	Pass/Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,697,108	$	66,297	$	74,643	$	6,801	$	1,844,849
Real estate construction loans		110,965		21,718		48,280		7,118		188,081
Commercial mortgage loans		3,245,353		112,335		304,748		-		3,662,436
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1,173,660		403		19,500		144		1,193,707
Installment and other loans		19,405		66		-		-		19,471
Total gross loans	$	6,246,491	$	200,819	$	447,171	$	14,063	$	6,908,544
Loans held for sale	$	3,209	$	-	$	-	$	500	$	3,709

	As of December 31, 2011
	Pass/Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(In thousands)
Commercial loans	$	1,689,842	$	64,290	$	108,858	$	5,285	$	1,868,275
Real estate construction loans		115,538		23,555		90,132		8,147		237,372
Commercial mortgage loans		3,275,431		69,925		403,541		-		3,748,897
Residential mortgage and equity lines		1,149,225		4,439		33,160		145		1,186,969
Installment and other loans		17,636		63		-		-		17,699
Total gross loans	$	6,247,672	$	162,272	$	635,691	$	13,577	$	7,059,212
Loans held for sale	$	-	$	-	$	260	$	500	$	760

			Real Estate		Commercial		Residential
	Commercial		Construction		Mortgage		Mortgage Loans		Consumer and
	Loans		Loans		Loans		and Equity Lines		Other Loans		Total
	(In thousands)
March 31, 2012
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	1,272	$	-	$	2,529	$	1,806	$	-	$	5,607
Balance	$	45,406	$	43,426	$	168,753	$	17,645	$	-	$	275,230
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	59,119	$	17,993	$	103,657	$	8,317	$	50	$	189,136
Balance	$	1,799,443	$	144,655	$	3,493,683	$	1,176,062	$	19,471	$	6,633,314
Total allowance	$	60,391	$	17,993	$	106,186	$	10,123	$	50	$	194,743
Total balance	$	1,844,849	$	188,081	$	3,662,436	$	1,193,707	$	19,471	$	6,908,544
December 31, 2011
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	3,336	$	-	$	2,969	$	1,247	$	-	$	7,552
Balance	$	45,781	$	78,766	$	177,058	$	20,368	$	-	$	321,973
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Allowance	$	62,322	$	21,749	$	105,052	$	9,548	$	57	$	198,728
Balance	$	1,822,494	$	158,606	$	3,571,839	$	1,166,601	$	17,699	$	6,737,239
Total allowance	$	65,658	$	21,749	$	108,021	$	10,795	$	57	$	206,280
Total balance	$	1,868,275	$	237,372	$	3,748,897	$	1,186,969	$	17,699	$	7,059,212

Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

	Commercial Loans			Real Estate Construction Loans			Commercial Mortgage Loans			Residential Mortgage and Equity Line			Installment and Other Loans			Total
	(In thousands)
2012 Beginning Balance	$	65,658		$	21,749		$	108,021		$	10,795		$	57		$	206,280
Provision for possible credit losses		(1,041	)		(6,439	)		4,318			(260	)		15			(3,407	)
Charge-offs		(4,959	)		(875	)		(8,222	)		(779	)		(25	)		(14,860	)
Recoveries		746			3,557			2,058			366			3			6,730
Net charge-offs		(4,213	)		2,682			(6,164	)		(413	)		(22	)		(8,130	)
March 31, 2012 Ending Balance	$	60,404		$	17,992		$	106,175		$	10,122		$	50		$	194,743
Reserve for impaired loans	$	1,272		$	-		$	2,529		$	1,806		$	-		$	5,607
Reserve for non-impaired loans	$	59,119		$	17,993		$	103,657		$	8,317		$	50		$	189,136
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	$	720		$	635		$	84		$	34		$	2		$	1,475
2011 Beginning Balance	$	63,919		$	43,261		$	128,347		$	9,668		$	36		$	245,231
Provision for possible credit losses		(122	)		4,654			1,218			423			(10	)		6,163
Charge-offs		(1,378	)		(6,248	)		(5,123	)		(226	)		-			(12,975	)
Recoveries		775			887			853			84			12			2,611
Net charge-offs		(603	)		(5,361	)		(4,270	)		(142	)		12			(10,364	)
March 31, 2011 Ending Balance	$	63,194		$	42,554		$	125,295		$	9,949		$	38		$	241,030
Reserve for impaired loans	$	2,953		$	7,569		$	3,664		$	1,106		$	-		$	15,292
Reserve for non-impaired loans	$	60,241		$	34,985		$	121,631		$	8,843		$	38		$	225,738
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	$	689		$	1,355		$	93		$	35		$	2		$	2,174

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Note 14 - Financial Derivatives

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

14. Financial Derivatives

It is the policy of the Company not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates.  However, the Company enters into financial derivatives in order to seek mitigation of exposure to interest rate risks related to our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  We believe that these transactions, when properly structured and managed, may provide a hedge against inherent interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities and against risk in specific transactions.  In such instances, the Company may protect its position through the purchase or sale of interest rate futures contracts for a specific cash or interest rate risk position.  Other hedge transactions may be implemented using interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, floors, financial futures, forward rate agreements, and options on futures or bonds.  Prior to considering any hedging activities, we seek to analyze the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to other viable alternative strategies.  All hedges will require an assessment of basis risk and must be approved by the Bank’s Investment Committee.

The Company follows ASC Topic 815 which establishes accounting and reporting standards for financial derivatives, including certain financial derivatives embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. It requires the recognition of all financial derivatives as assets or liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and measurement of those financial derivatives at fair value.  The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a financial derivative is designated as a hedge and, if so, the type of hedge.

As of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we had entered into five interest rate swap agreements with two major financial institutions in the notional amount of $300.0 million for a period of three years.  These interest rate swaps were not structured to hedge against inherent interest rate risks related to our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  At March 31, 2012, the Company paid a fixed rate at a weighted average of 1.95% and received a floating 3-month LIBOR rate at a weighted average of 0.48% on these agreements.  The net amount accrued on these interest rate swaps was recorded as a reduction to other non-interest income in the amount of $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to $1.2 million in the same quarter a year ago.  At March 31, 2012, the Company recorded $1.8 million within other liabilities to recognize the negative fair value of these interest rate swaps compared to the $2.6 million negative fair value at December 31, 2011.

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with various counter parties to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for foreign exchange certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts, or foreign currency option contracts entered into with our clients. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of these contracts as well as the related foreign exchange certificates of deposit, foreign exchange contracts or foreign currency option contracts are recognized immediately in net income as a component of non-interest income. Period end gross positive fair values are recorded in other assets and gross negative fair values are recorded in other liabilities.  At March 31, 2012, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $5.5 million with a net negative fair value of $23,000. Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $159.2 million had a positive fair value of $1.7 million at March 31, 2012.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $171.4 million had a negative fair value of $1.4 million at March 31, 2012. At December 31, 2011, the notional amount of option contracts totaled $4.3 million with a net positive fair value of $29,000.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $238.6 million had a positive fair value, in the amount of $2.2 million, at December 31, 2011.  Spot and forward contracts in the total notional amount of $128.2 million had a negative fair value, in the amount of $486,000, at December 31, 2011.

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Note 10 - Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

10. Income Taxes

Income tax expense totaled $16.5 million, or an effective tax rate of 36.4%, for the first quarter of 2012, compared to an income tax expense of $11.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 34.7%, for the same quarter a year ago.  The effective tax rate includes the impact of the utilization of low income housing tax credits.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had income tax receivables of approximately $39.3 million, of which $11.2 million relates to the carryback of the Company’s net operating loss for 2009 to the 2007 tax year and $9.1 million relates to the carryback of the Company’s low income housing tax credits for 2009 to the 2008 tax year.  The refunds receivable from the carryback of the Company’s net operating loss for 2009 were issued in January 2012.  These income tax receivables are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company’s tax returns are open for audits by the Internal Revenue Service back to 2010 and by the California Franchise Tax Board back to 2003.  The Company is under audit by the CaliforniaFranchise Tax Board for the years 2003 to 2007.  As the Company is presently under audit by a number of tax authorities, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could change significantly over the next twelve months. The Company does not expect that any such changes would have a material impact on its annual effective tax rate.

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Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

8. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans, or through commercial or standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees.  These instruments represent varying degrees of exposure to risk in excess of the amounts included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The contractual or notional amount of these instruments indicates a level of activity associated with a particular class of financial instrument and is not a reflection of the level of expected losses, if any.

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Note 9 - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Repurchase Agreements, Resale Agreements, Securities Borrowed, and Securities Loaned Disclosure [Text Block]

9. Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $1.4 billion with a weighted average rate of 4.14% at March 31, 2012, compared to $1.4 billion with a weighted average rate of 4.14% at December 31, 2011.  In May 2011, the Company prepaid a security sold under agreement to repurchase of $50 million with a rate of 4.83% and incurred a prepayment penalty of $1.7 million.  Fourteen floating-to-fixed rate agreements totaling $750.0 million have initial floating rates for a period of time ranging from six months to one year, with floating rates ranging from the three-month LIBOR minus 100 basis points to three-month LIBOR minus 340 basis points. Thereafter, the rates are fixed for the remainder of the term, with interest rates ranging from 4.29% to 5.07%.  After the initial floating rate term, the counter parties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the fixed rate reset date and quarterly thereafter. Thirteen fixed-to-floating rate agreements totaling $650.0 million have initial fixed rates ranging from 1.00% to 3.50% with initial fixed rate terms ranging from six months to 18 months.  For the remainder of the seven year term, the rates float at 8% minus the three-month LIBOR rate with a maximum rate ranging from 3.25% to 3.75% and minimum rate of 0.0%.  After the initial fixed rate term, the counter parties have the right to terminate the transaction at par at the floating rate reset date and quarterly thereafter.The table below provides summary data for long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of March 31, 2012:

(Dollars in millions)	Fixed-to-floating																		Floating-to-fixed							Total
Callable Rate type	All callable at March 31, 2012 Float Rate																			All callable at March 31, 2012
Rate index	8% minus 3 month LIBOR																			Fixed Rate
Maximum rate		3.75	%		3.53	%		3.50	%		3.50	%		3.53	%		3.25	%
Minimum rate		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
No. of agreements		3			1			4			3			1			1				10			4			27
Amount	$	150.0		$	50.0		$	200.0		$	150.0		$	50.0		$	50.0			$	550.0		$	200.0		$	1,400.0
Weighted average rate		3.75	%		3.53	%		3.50	%		3.50	%		3.53	%		3.25	%			4.54	%		5.00	%		4.14	%
Final maturity		2014			2014			2014			2015			2015			2015				2014			2017

These transactions are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold. The Company may have to provide additional collateral for the repurchase agreements, as necessary.  The underlying collateral pledged for the repurchase agreements consists of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency security debt, and mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2012, and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2011.

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Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]

11. Fair Value Measurements

The Company adopted ASC Topic 820 on January 1, 2008, and determined the fair values of our financial instruments based on the following:

· Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

· Level 2 - Observable prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; directly observable market inputs for substantially the full term of the asset and liability; market inputs that are not directly observable but are derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

· Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions that a market participant would use.

The Company uses the following methodologies to measure the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities on a recurring basis:

Securities Available for Sale. For certain actively traded agency preferred stocks, mutual funds, and U.S. Treasury securities, the Company measures the fair value based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement.  The Company also measures securities by using quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.  This category generally includes U.S. Government agency securities, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), commercial MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, corporate bonds and trust preferred securities.

Trading Securities. The Company measures the fair value of trading securities based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement. The Company also measures the fair value for other trading securities based on quoted market prices for similar securities or dealer quotes, a Level 2 measurement.

Warrants. The Company measures the fair value of warrants based on unobservable inputs based on assumption and management judgment, a Level 3 measurement.

Currency Option and Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Company measures the fair value of currency option and foreign exchange contracts based on dealer quotes on a recurring basis, a Level 2 measurement.

Interest Rate Swaps. Fair value of interest rate swaps is derived from observable market prices for similar assets on a recurring basis, a Level 2 measurement.

The valuation techniques for the assets and liabilities valued on a nonrecurring basis are as follows:

Impaired Loans. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded based on either the current appraised value of the collateral, a Level 2 measurement, or management’s judgment and estimation of value reported on old appraisals which are then adjusted based on recent market trends, a Level 3 measurement.

Loans Held for Sale.  The Company records loans held for sale at fair value based on quoted prices from third party sale analyses, existing sale agreements or appraisal reports adjusted by sales commission assumptions, a Level 3 measurement.

Goodwill.  The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350.  The two-step impairment testing process conducted by us, if needed, begins by assigning net assets and goodwill to our three reporting units- Commercial Lending, Retail Banking, and East Coast Operations.  The Company then completes “step one” of the impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit (as determined based on the discussion below) with the recorded book value (or “carrying amount”) of its net assets, with goodwill included in the computation of the carrying amount.  If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired, and “step two” of the impairment test is not necessary.  If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, step two of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of impairment.  Step two of the impairment test compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the “implied fair value” of that goodwill.  The implied fair value of goodwill is computed by assuming that all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit would be adjusted to the current fair value, with the offset as an adjustment to goodwill.  This adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value used in step two.  An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. In connection with the determination of fair value, certain data and information is utilized, including earnings forecasts at the reporting unit level for the next four years.  Other key assumptions include terminal values based on future growth rates and discount rates for valuing the cash flows, which have inputs for the risk-free rate, market risk premium and adjustments to reflect inherent risk and required market returns.  Because of the significance of unobservable inputs in the valuation of goodwill impairment, goodwill subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments is classified as a Level 3 measurement.

Core Deposit Intangibles. Core deposit intangibles is initially recorded at fair value based on a valuation of the core deposits acquired and is amortized over its estimated useful life to its residual value in proportion to the economic benefits consumed.  The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset on a nonrecurring basis using the core deposits remaining at the assessment date and the fair value of cash flows expected to be generated from the core deposits, a Level 3 measurement.

Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired in the settlement of loans is initially recorded at fair value based on the appraised value of the property on the date of transfer, less estimated costs to sell, a Level 2 measurement.  From time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments are made to other real estate owned based on the current updated appraised value of the property, also a Level 2 measurement, or management’s judgment and estimation of value reported on old appraisals which are then adjusted based on recent market trends, a Level 3 measurement.

Investments in Venture Capital.  The Company periodically reviews its investments in venture capital for other-than-temporary impairment on a nonrecurring basis.  Investments in venture capital were written down to their fair value based on available financial reports from venture capital partnerships and management’s judgment and estimation, a Level 3 measurement.

Equity Investments. The Company records equity investments at fair value on a nonrecurring basis based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets at the reporting date, a Level 1 measurement.

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011:

As of March 31, 2012	Fair Value Measurements Using						Total at
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets	(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
U.S. Treasury securities	$	99,855	$	-	$	-	$	99,855
U.S. government sponsored entities		-		300,164		-		300,164
State and municipal securities		-		-		-		-
Mortgage-backed securities		-		502,395		-		502,395
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		14,663		-		14,663
Asset-backed securities		-		158		-		158
Corporate debt securities		-		387,351		-		387,351
Mutual funds		6,024		-		-		6,024
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		-		1,625		-		1,625
Trust preferred securities		-		36,846		-		36,846
Other equity securities		4,661		-		-		4,661
Total securities available-for-sale		110,540		1,243,202		-		1,353,742
Trading securities		2		104,451		-		104,453
Warrants		-		-		163		163
Option contracts		-		25		-		25
Foreign exchange contracts		-		1,680		-		1,680
Total assets	$	110,542	$	1,349,358	$	163	$	1,460,063
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	-	$	1,845	$	-	$	1,845
Option contracts		-		1		-		1
Foreign exchange contracts		-		1,353		-		1,353
Total liabilities	$	-	$	3,199	$	-	$	3,199

As of December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurements Using						Total at
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets	(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
U.S. government sponsored entities	$	-	$	501,226	$	-	$	501,226
State and municipal securities		-		1,928		-		1,928
Mortgage-backed securities		-		337,631		-		337,631
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		16,486		-		16,486
Asset-backed securities		-		166		-		166
Corporate debt securities		-		380,429		-		380,429
Mutual funds		6,035		-		-		6,035
Preferred stock of government sponsored entities		-		1,654		-		1,654
Trust preferred securities		-		45,963		-		45,963
Other equity securities		2,960		-		-		2,960
Total securities available-for-sale		8,995		1,285,483		-		1,294,478
Trading securities		2		4,540		-		4,542
Warrants		-		-		218		218
Option contracts		-		34		-		34
Foreign exchange contracts		-		2,151		-		2,151
Total assets	$	8,997	$	1,292,208	$	218	$	1,301,423
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	-	$	2,634	$	-	$	2,634
Option contracts		-		5		-		5
Foreign exchange contracts		-		486		-		486
Total liabilities	$	-	$	3,125	$	-	$	3,125

The Company measured the fair value of its warrants on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs.  The fair value of warrants was $163,000 at March 31, 2012, compared to $218,000 at December 31, 2011.  The fair value adjustment of warrants was included in other operating income in the first quarter of 2012.

For financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were still reflected in the balance sheet at March 31, 2012, the following table provides the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related individual assets  at March 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011, and the total losses for the periods indicated:

	As of March 31, 2012								Total Losses
	Fair value measurements using						Total at		For the three months ended
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		fair value		March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Assets	(In thousands)
Impaired loans by type:
Commercial loans	$	-	$	-	$	16,056	$	16,056	$	859	$	675
Real estate loans		-		-		30,470		30,470		1,357		1,191
Land loans		-		-		1,191		1,191		-		84
Residential mortgage loans		-		-		11,566		11,566		526		142
Total impaired loans		-		-		59,283		59,283		2,742		2,092
Loans held-for-sale		-		-		3,709		3,709		-		-
Other real estate owned (1)		-		80,732		5,073		85,805		2,824		294
Investments in venture capital		-		-		8,822		8,822		137		273
Equity investments		323		-		-		323		-		-
Total assets	$	323	$	80,732	$	76,887	$	157,942	$	5,703	$	2,659

(1) Other real estate owned balance of $87.8 million in the condensed consolidated balance sheet is net of estimated disposal costs.

	As of December 31, 2011								Total Losses
	Fair value measurements using						Total		For the Twelve months ended
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		at Fair Value		December 31, 2011		December 31, 2010
Assets	(In thousands)
Impaired loans by type:
Commercial loans	$	-	$	-	$	4,251	$	4,251	$	877	$	3,411
Construction- residential		-		-		-		-		-		1,295
Real estate loans		-		-		35,576		35,576		820		1,407
Land loans		-		-		611		611		46		1,003
Total impaired loans		-		-		40,438		40,438		1,743		7,116
Loans held-for-sale		-		-		760		760		-		3,160
Other real estate owned (1)		-		79,029		1,093		80,122		7,003		20,139
Investments in venture capital		-		-		8,693		8,693		379		760
Equity investments		323		-		-		323		200		304
Total assets	$	323	$	79,029	$	50,984	$	130,336	$	9,325	$	31,479

(1) Other real estate owned balance of $77.7 million in the condensed consolidated balance sheet is net of estimated disposal costs.

The significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs used in the fair value measurement of collateral for collateral-dependent impaired loans was primarily based on the appraised value of collateral adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions.  The Company generally obtains new appraisal reports every six months.  As the Company’s primary objective in the event of default would be to monetize the collateral to settle the outstanding balance of the loan, less marketable collateral would receive a larger discount. During the reported periods, collateral discounts ranged from 45% in the case of accounts receivable collateral to 65% in the case of inventory collateral.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of loan held for sale was primarily based on the quoted price or sale price adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions.  The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of OREO was primarily based on the appraised value of OREO adjusted by estimated sales cost and commissions.

The company applies estimated sales cost and commission ranging from 3% to 6% to collateral value of impaired loans, quoted price or loan sale price of loans held for sale, and appraised value of OREOs.

The significant unobservable input in Black-Scholes option pricing model for fair value of warrants are expected life of warrant ranging from 1 to 5 years, risk-free interest rate from 0.34% to 1.01%, stock volatility of the Company from 18.1% to 23.6%.

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Note 6 - Investment Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Proceeds from Sale of Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) categorized as Available-for-sale	$ 117,600,000	$ 315,300,000
Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS)	94,200,000	41,600,000
Proceeds From Sales and Repayments of Other Investment Securities	30,600,000	217,300,000
Proceeds from Maturities, Repayments and Calls of Trading Securities Held-for-investment	200,000,000	27,000,000,000
Trading Securities, Realized Gain	2,800,000	6,200,000
Trading Securities, Realized Loss	595,000	0
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Other, Percentage of Nonperforming Assets	25.10%
Percentage of Unrealized Losses for Securities with Unrealized Losses for Less Than Twelve Months	2.10%
Percentage of Unrealized Losses for Securities with Unrealized Losses for Greater than Twelve Months	8.10%
Pledged Investment Securities	$ 1,520,000,000		$ 1,680,000,000

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Note 9 - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (Detail) - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
No. of agreements	27
Amount (in Dollars)	$ 1,400,000
Weighted average rate	4.14%
Fixed To Floating One Hundred And Fifty Million With Three Agreements At Three Point Seven Five Percent Member
Maximum rate	3.75%
Minimum rate	0.00%
No. of agreements	3
Amount (in Dollars)	150,000
Weighted average rate	3.75%
Final maturity	2,014
Fixed To Floating Fifty Million With One Agreement At Three Point Five Three Percent Member
Maximum rate	3.53%
Minimum rate	0.00%
No. of agreements	1
Amount (in Dollars)	50,000
Weighted average rate	3.53%
Final maturity	2,014
Fixed To Floating Two Hundred Million Member
Maximum rate	3.50%
Minimum rate	0.00%
No. of agreements	4
Amount (in Dollars)	200,000
Weighted average rate	3.50%
Final maturity	2,014
Fixed To Floating One Hundred And Fifty Million With Three Agreements At Three Point Five Percent Member
Maximum rate	3.50%
Minimum rate	0.00%
No. of agreements	3
Amount (in Dollars)	150,000
Weighted average rate	3.50%
Final maturity	2,015
Fixed to Floating Fifty Million at Three Point Five Three Percent Maturing in 2015 [Member]
Maximum rate	3.53%
Minimum rate	0.00%
No. of agreements	1
Amount (in Dollars)	50,000
Weighted average rate	3.53%
Final maturity	2,015
Fixed To Floating Fifty Million With One Agreement At Three Point Two Five Percent Member
Maximum rate	3.25%
Minimum rate	0.00%
No. of agreements	1
Amount (in Dollars)	50,000
Weighted average rate	3.25%
Final maturity	2,015
Floating To Fixed Five Hundred And Fifty Million Member
No. of agreements	10
Amount (in Dollars)	550,000
Weighted average rate	4.54%
Final maturity	2,014
Floating To Fixed Two Hundred Million Member
No. of agreements	4
Amount (in Dollars)	$ 200,000
Weighted average rate	5.00%
Final maturity	2,017

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Note 5 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

						Weighted-Average		Aggregate
				Weighted-Average		Remaining Contractual		Intrinsic
	Shares			Exercise Price		Life (in years)		Value (in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2011		4,356,985		$	28.86		3.0	$	37
Exercised		(39,784	)		16.28
Forfeited		(249,506	)		22.27
Balance, March 31, 2012		4,067,695		$	29.40		3.0	$	65
Exercisable, March 31, 2012		3,959,668		$	29.57		2.9	$	65

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]

	Units
Balance at December 31, 2011		171,410
Granted		1,943
Forfeited		(122	)
Vested		(11,814	)
Balance at March 31, 2012		161,417

	For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
Short-fall of tax deductions in excess of grant-date fair value	$	(565	)	$	(234	)
Benefit of tax deductions on grant-date fair value		663			306
Total benefit of tax deductions	$	98		$	72

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Note 12 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]

	As of March 31, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	119,106	$	119,106	$	117,888	$	117,888
Short-term investments		275,056		275,056		294,956		294,956
Securities purchased under agreements to resell		50,000		50,000		-		-
Securities held-to-maturity		1,084,708		1,131,524		1,153,504		1,203,977
Securities available-for-sale		1,353,742		1,353,742		1,294,478		1,294,478
Trading securities		104,453		104,453		4,542		4,542
Loans held-for-sale		3,709		3,709		760		760
Loans, net		6,705,880		6,681,964		6,844,483		6,825,571
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock		50,456		50,456		52,989		52,989
Warrants		163		163		218		218

	Notional				Notional
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Option contracts	$	4,595	$	25	$	3,026	$	34
Foreign exchange contracts		159,241		1,680		238,581		2,151

	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Financial Liabilities
Deposits	$	7,359,774	$	7,370,498	$	7,229,131	$	7,240,857
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		1,400,000		1,541,580		1,400,000		1,547,900
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		-		-		225,000		227,825
Other borrowings		18,868		18,868		19,800		19,801
Long-term debt		171,136		94,970		171,136		98,676

	Notional				Notional
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Option contracts	$	932	$	1	$	1,282	$	5
Interest rate swaps		300,000		1,845		300,000		2,634
Foreign exchange contracts		171,359		1,353		128,215		486

	Notional					Notional
	Amount		Fair Value			Amount		Fair Value
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
Commitments to extend credit	$	1,727,202	$	(1,162	)	$	1,626,523	$	(1,253	)
Standby letters of credit		58,820		(279	)		62,076		(367	)
Other letters of credit		67,753		(43	)		64,233		(38	)
Bill of lading guarantees		849		(3	)		187		-

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Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Schedule of Allowance for Loan Losses by Portfolio Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Provision for possible credit losses	$ 2,740	$ 1,979
Commercial Loans Member
Beginning Balance	65,658	63,919
Provision for possible credit losses	(1,041)	(122)
Charge-offs	(4,959)	(1,378)
Recoveries	746	775
Net charge-offs	(4,213)	(603)
Ending Balance	60,404	63,194
Reserve for impaired loans	1,272	2,953
Reserve for non-impaired loans	59,119	60,241
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	720	689
Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
Beginning Balance	21,749	43,261
Provision for possible credit losses	(6,439)	4,654
Charge-offs	(875)	(6,248)
Recoveries	3,557	887
Net charge-offs	2,682	(5,361)
Ending Balance	17,992	42,554
Reserve for impaired loans	0	7,569
Reserve for non-impaired loans	17,993	34,985
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	635	1,355
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Beginning Balance	108,021	128,347
Provision for possible credit losses	4,318	1,218
Charge-offs	(8,222)	(5,123)
Recoveries	2,058	853
Net charge-offs	(6,164)	(4,270)
Ending Balance	106,175	125,295
Reserve for impaired loans	2,529	3,664
Reserve for non-impaired loans	103,657	121,631
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	84	93
Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
Beginning Balance	10,795	9,668
Provision for possible credit losses	(260)	423
Charge-offs	(779)	(226)
Recoveries	366	84
Net charge-offs	(413)	(142)
Ending Balance	10,122	9,949
Reserve for impaired loans	1,806	1,106
Reserve for non-impaired loans	8,317	8,843
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	34	35
Installment And Other Loans Member
Beginning Balance	57	36
Provision for possible credit losses	15	(10)
Charge-offs	(25)
Recoveries	3	12
Net charge-offs	(22)	12
Ending Balance	50	38
Reserve for impaired loans	0
Reserve for non-impaired loans	50	38
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	2	2
Total [Member]
Beginning Balance	206,280	245,231
Provision for possible credit losses	(3,407)	6,163
Charge-offs	(14,860)	(12,975)
Recoveries	6,730	2,611
Net charge-offs	(8,130)	(10,364)
Ending Balance	194,743	241,030
Reserve for impaired loans	5,607	15,292
Reserve for non-impaired loans	189,136	225,738
Reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments	$ 1,475	$ 2,174

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Note 7 - Loans (Detail) - Schedule of Impaired Loans and Related Allowance For Credit Losses (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
With no allocated allowance
Recorded Investment	$ 275,200,000	$ 322,000,000
Total [Member]
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	354,819,000	432,972,000
Recorded Investment	275,230,000	321,973,000
Allowance	5,607,000	7,552,000
Commercial Loans Member
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	38,012,000	46,671,000
Recorded Investment	28,077,000	38,194,000
Real Estate Construction Loans [Member]
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	65,839,000	134,836,000
Recorded Investment	43,426,000	78,767,000
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	174,252,000	187,580,000
Recorded Investment	134,562,000	149,034,000
Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	4,347,000	8,555,000
Recorded Investment	4,273,000	7,987,000
With No Allocated Allowance Member
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	282,450,000	377,642,000
Recorded Investment	210,338,000	273,982,000
Commercial Loans Member
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	20,689,000	11,795,000
Recorded Investment	17,329,000	7,587,000
Allowance	1,272,000	3,336,000
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	36,200,000	29,722,000
Recorded Investment	34,191,000	28,023,000
Allowance	2,529,000	2,969,000
Residential Mortgage And Equity Lines Member
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	15,480,000	13,813,000
Recorded Investment	13,372,000	12,381,000
Allowance	1,806,000	1,247,000
With Allocated Allowance Member
With no allocated allowance
Unpaid Principal Balance	72,369,000	55,330,000
Recorded Investment	64,892,000	47,991,000
Allowance	$ 5,607,000	$ 7,552,000

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 29,064	$ 22,214
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:
Provision (credit) for loan losses	(4,000)	6,000
Provision for losses on other real estate owned	2,740	1,979
Deferred tax liability	2,356	5,425
Depreciation	1,471	1,521
Net losses/(gains) on sale and transfer of other real estate owned	712	(3,605)
Net gains on sale of loans	(278)
Proceeds from sales of loans	25,140
Originations of loans held-for-sale	(24,836)
Increase in trading securities, net	(99,930)
Write-downs on venture capital investments	137	57
Gain on sales and calls of securities	(2,215)	(6,232)
Decrease in unrealized loss from interest rate swaps mark-to-market	(789)	(874)
Amortization/accretion of security premiums/discounts, net	1,314	1,236
Amortization of other intangible assets	1,491	1,498
Excess tax short-fall from share-based payment arrangements	565	234
Stock based compensation expense	546	463
(Decrease)/increase in deferred loan fees, net	(527)	207
Decrease in accrued interest receivable	682	1,858
Decrease/(increase) in other assets, net	38,001	(7,148)
Increase in other liabilities	2,316	298
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	(26,040)	25,131
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Decrease in short-term investments	19,900	36,360
(Increase)/decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell	(50,000)	110,000
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale	(116,807)	(7,768)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities available-for-sale	200,000
Proceeds from sale of investment securities available-for-sale	30,550	217,261
Purchase of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	(307,830)	(100,496)
Proceeds from repayment and sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	143,757	356,931
Purchase of investment securities held-to-maturity		(419,460)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities held-to-maturity	67,979	26,971
Redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	2,533	2,509
Net decrease/(increase) in loans	131,822	(47,686)
Purchase of premises and equipment	(905)	(1,069)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned	10,186	16,064
Net increase in investment in affordable housing	(4,902)	(265)
Net cash provided by investing activities	126,283	189,352
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW accounts, money market and savings deposits	88,712	62,800
Net increase in time deposits	42,005	24,839
Net decrease in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase		(102,000)
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	260,000	286,000
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	(485,000)	(486,000)
Dividends paid on common stock	(787)	(786)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(3,225)	(3,225)
Proceeds from other borrowings		2,526
Repayment of other borrowings	(879)
Proceeds from shares issued under Dividend Reinvestment Plan	67	54
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	647	1,307
Excess tax short-fall from share-based payment arrangements	(565)	(234)
Net cash used in financing activities	(99,025)	(214,719)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,218	(236)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	117,888	87,347
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	119,106	87,111
Cash paid during the period:
Interest	30,699	40,765
Income taxes (refunded)/paid	(20,424)	21,600
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Net change in unrealized holding (loss)/gain on securities available-for-sale, net of tax	4,195	(3,571)
Transfers to other real estate owned from loans held for investment	8,338	14,035
Transfers to other real estate owned from loans held for sale		2,874
Loans transferred from held for investment to held for sale	15,986	2,388
Loans to facilitate the sale of other real estate owned		$ 4,625

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Note 5 - Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

5. Stock-Based Compensation

Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, directors and eligible employees may be granted incentive or non-statutory stock options and/or restricted stock units, or awarded non-vested stock.As of March 31, 2012, the only options granted by the Company were non-statutory stock options to selected Bank officers and non-employee directors at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  Such options have a maximum ten-year term and vest in 20% annual increments (subject to early termination in certain events) except certain options granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 2005 and 2008.  If such options expire or terminate without having been exercised, any shares not purchased will again be available for future grants or awards.  There were no options granted during 2011 or during the first three months of 2012.

Option compensation expense totaled $194,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and $366,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Stock-based compensation is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards.  Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options totaled $710,000 at March 31, 2012, and is expected to be recognized over the next 10 months.

Stock options covering 39,784 shares were exercised in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 86,860 shares in the first quarter of 2011.  Cash received totaled $647,000 and the aggregate intrinsic value totaled $34,000 from the exercise of stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to cash received of $1.3 million and the aggregate intrinsic value of $172,000 from the exercise of stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The fair value of stock options for 108,027 shares that vested during the first quarter of 2012 was $745,000 compared to the fair value of $2.6 million for 247,842 stock option shares that vested during the first quarter of 2011.  The table below summarizes stock option activity for the periods indicated:

						Weighted-Average		Aggregate
				Weighted-Average		Remaining Contractual		Intrinsic
	Shares			Exercise Price		Life (in years)		Value (in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2011		4,356,985		$	28.86		3.0	$	37
Exercised		(39,784	)		16.28
Forfeited		(249,506	)		22.27
Balance, March 31, 2012		4,067,695		$	29.40		3.0	$	65
Exercisable, March 31, 2012		3,959,668		$	29.57		2.9	$	65

At March 31, 2012, 2,445,258 shares were available under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Plan for future grants.

In 2011, the Company granted restricted stock units for 147,661 shares.  On March 30, 2012, the Company granted 1,943 restricted stock units.  The restricted stock units granted in 2011 and 2012 are scheduled to vest two years from grant date.
 

The following table presents information relating to the restricted stock units as of March 31, 2012:

	Units
Balance at December 31, 2011		171,410
Granted		1,943
Forfeited		(122	)
Vested		(11,814	)
Balance at March 31, 2012		161,417

The compensation expense recorded related to the restricted stock units was $353,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $96,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units was $1.8 million at March 31, 2012, and is expected to be recognized over the next 1.4 years.

The following table summarizes the tax short-fall from share-based payment arrangements:

	For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
Short-fall of tax deductions in excess of grant-date fair value	$	(565	)	$	(234	)
Benefit of tax deductions on grant-date fair value		663			306
Total benefit of tax deductions	$	98		$	72

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Note 1 - Business (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2011
Number of Limited Partnerships in Housing Investments	6
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	100.00%
Number of Business Trust	5
Southern California Member
Number Of Branch Locations	20
Northern California Member
Number Of Branch Locations	11
New York State Member
Number Of Branch Locations	8
Illinois Member
Number Of Branch Locations	3
Washington State Member
Number Of Branch Locations	3
Texas Member
Number Of Branch Locations	2
Massachusetts Member
Number Of Branch Locations	1
New Jersey Member
Number Of Branch Locations	1
Hong Kong Member
Number Of Branch Locations	1

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Note 7 - Loans (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Loans Receivable Held-for-sale, Amount	$ 3,709,000		$ 760,000
Increase (Decrease) in Loans Held-for-sale	3,000,000
Transfer of Portfolio Loans and Leases to Held-for-sale	16,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Loans and Leases	(278,000)
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	275,200,000		322,000,000
Percentage Of Charge-Off To Contractual Balances For Impaired Loans	22.40%		25.60%
Financing Receivables, Impaired, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Write-down	495,000,000,000
Loans Sold [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Loans Held-for-sale	13,000,000
Held For Sale [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Loans and Leases	26,000
Construction Residential Member
Loans Receivable Held-for-sale, Amount	500,000
Commercial Real Estate Other Receivable [Member]
Loans Receivable Held-for-sale, Amount	3,200,000
Nonaccrual Loans [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	131,500,000		201,200,000
Nonaccrual Loans Held For Sale [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	500,000,000,000		760,000
Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	143,200,000		120,000,000
Reduction Of Stated Interest Rate Member | Minimum [Member]
Periods Range For Modifications Involving Reduction Of Stated Interest Rate Of Accruing Troubled Debt Restructurings	ten
Reduction Of Stated Interest Rate Member | Maximum [Member]
Periods Range For Modifications Involving Reduction Of Stated Interest Rate Of Accruing Troubled Debt Restructurings	four
Extension of Maturity Date [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Periods Range For Modifications Involving Reduction Of Stated Interest Rate Of Accruing Troubled Debt Restructurings	ten
Extension of Maturity Date [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Periods Range For Modifications Involving Extension Of Maturity Date Of Accruing Troubled Debt Restructurings	4
Commercial Real Estate Other Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable Modification, Number Of Contracts	2
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	6.4
Commercial Loans Member | Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	5		4
Commercial Loans Member
Financing Receivable Modification, Number Of Contracts	3
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	1,400,000
Land Loan Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	1,200,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	1
Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	143,200,000		120,000,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Modifications, Related Allowance	2,200,000		1,400,000
Non Accruing Troubled Debt Restructuring Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	21,500,000		50,900,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Modifications, Related Allowance	288,000,000,000		1,600,000
Financing Receivables, Impaired, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Write-down	4,018,000	1,104,000
Retail Shopping And Commercial Use Building Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	80,700,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	13
Office And Commercial Use Building Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	29,000,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	11
Hotel Loan Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	12,800,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	2
Single Family Residential Loan Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	19,300,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	11
Multi-Family Residences [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	805,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	2
Land Loan Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	537,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	1
Commercial Loans Member
Troubled Debt Restructurings, Total	$ 106,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts	4
Minimum [Member]
Period Loan Is In Payment Default	60
Maximum [Member]
Period Loan Is In Payment Default	90

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Note 4 - Earnings per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

	For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)	2012			2011
Net income attributable to Cathay General Bancorp	$	28,913		$	22,063
Dividends on preferred stock		(4,117	)		(4,105	)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	24,796		$	17,958
Weighted-average shares:
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		78,678,645			78,609,460
Dilutive effect of weighted-average outstanding common share equivalents
Stock options		11,487			26,160
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		78,690,132			78,635,620
Average stock options and warrants with anti-dilutive effect		6,227,224			6,198,286
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.32		$	0.23
Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.23