Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant areas where First Defiance uses estimates are the valuation of certain investment securities, the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of mortgage servicing rights and goodwill, the determination of unrecognized income tax benefits, and the determination of post-retirement benefits.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shares (net income less dividend requirements for preferred stock, accretion of preferred stock discount and redemption of preferred stock) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for the calculation. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options, warrants, restricted stock awards or units and stock grants.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” The provisions of ASU No. 2012-02 permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test, as is currently required by GAAP. ASU No. 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2012-02 is expected to have no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.