Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - 10Q	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES *Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation—*First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Company”) is a unitary holding company that owns all of the stock of First Federal Bank (the “Bank”). The Company, through its ownership of the Bank, is principally in the business of community banking and therefore is considered a banking operation with no separately reportable segments. The Bank provides a broad line of financial products to individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, First Harrison Service Corporation, which is inactive. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, such information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2012, contained in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation—First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Company”) is a unitary holding company that owns all of the stock of First Federal Bank (the “Bank”). The Company is substantially in the business of community banking and therefore is considered a banking operation with no separately reportable segments. The Bank provides a broad line of financial products to individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, First Harrison Service Corporation (“FHSC”), which is inactive. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates—The preparation of 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be significant. Valuation of real estate owned, fair value of financial instruments, valuation of deferred tax assets and the allowance for loan and lease losses are material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term. Significant Estimates and Concentrations—Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require disclosure of certain significant estimates and current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations. Estimates related to the allowance for loan and lease losses are reflected in the footnote regarding loans. Current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations of credit risk are discussed in the footnote on commitments and credit risk. Other significant estimates and concentrations not discussed in those footnotes include: Real Estate Owned. Real estate owned (“REO”) of $16.7 million includes commercial and residential lots and land in our market area with a carrying value of $6.6 million at December 31, 2012. The carrying values of these properties reflect management’s best estimate of the amount to be realized from the sale of the properties. There have been limited recent sales of comparable properties in the area to consider in estimating the values, and the market for such properties is limited. Therefore, the amount that the Bank realizes from the sale of these properties could differ materially in the near term from the carrying value reflected in these financial statements. Pension Benefits. The Bank is a participant in a noncontributory multiemployer defined benefit pension plan. The plan was frozen as of July 1, 2010, eliminating all future benefit accruals for participants in the plan and closing the plan to new participants as of that date. The Bank will continue to incur costs consisting of administration and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation insurance expenses as well as amortization charges based on the funding level of the plan. Costs for the plan year beginning July 1, 2012, are approximately $441,000 all of which was contributed as of December 31, 2012. The level of amortization charges is determined by the plan's funding shortfall, which is determined by comparing plan liabilities to plan assets. Based on factors that influence the levels of plan assets and liabilities, such as the level of interest rates and the performance of plan assets, it is reasonably possible that events could occur that would materially change the estimated amount of the Bank’s required contribution in the near term. Additionally, if the Bank were to terminate the plan, the Bank could incur a significant withdrawal liability. Cash and Cash Equivalents—For the purpose of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand and amounts due from depository institutions, which includes interest bearing amounts available upon demand. Investment Securities—The Company classifies investment securities into one of two categories: held to maturity or available for sale. The Company does not engage in trading activities. Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts. Investment securities that the Company intends to hold for indefinite periods of time are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported net of tax in other comprehensive income. Investment securities in the available for sale portfolio may be used as part of the Company’s asset and liability management practices and may be sold in response to changes in interest rate risk, prepayment risk, or other economic factors. Premiums are amortized into interest income using the interest method to the earlier of maturity or call date. Discounts are accreted into interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity. The specific identification method of accounting is used to compute gains or losses on the sales of investment securities. Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis. In estimating whether impairment is other than temporary, management considers whether the Company intends to sell the security, it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or the present values of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost. If the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Loans Receivable—The Bank originates and maintains loans receivable that are substantially concentrated in its lending territory (primarily Northwest, Northcentral and Central Arkansas). The majority of the Bank’s loans are residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans. The Bank’s policy generally calls for collateral or other forms of security to be received from the borrower at the time of loan origination. Such collateral or other form of security is subject to changes in economic value due to various factors beyond the control of the Bank. Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are stated at unpaid principal balances adjusted for any charge-offs, the allowance for loan and lease losses, and any deferred loan fees or costs. Deferred loan fees or costs and discounts on loans are amortized or accreted to income using the level-yield method over the remaining period to contractual maturity. Mortgage loans originated and committed for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market value in the aggregate. Such loans are generally carried at cost due to the short period of time between funding and sale, generally two to three weeks. The accrual of interest on loans is generally discontinued when the loan becomes 90 days past due, or, in management’s opinion, the borrower is judged to be unable to meet payments as they become due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual, except when doubt exists as to ultimate collectability of principal and interest. A loan is generally returned to accrual status when the loan is no longer past due and, in the opinion of management, collection of the remaining balance can be reasonably expected. The Company may continue to accrue interest on certain loans that are 90 days past due or more if such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses—The allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the ALLL when management believes it is likely that a loan balance is uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ALLL. The ALLL represents management’s estimate of incurred credit losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The estimation of the ALLL is based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss experience, the current credit profiles of the Company’s borrowers, adverse situations that have occurred that may affect borrowers’ ability to repay, the estimated value of underlying collateral, and general economic conditions, including unemployment, bankruptcy trends, vacancy rates, and the level and trend of home sales and prices. Losses are recognized when available information indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or conditions change. The methodology for estimating the ALLL consists of (1) an allocated allowance on identified impaired loans and leases (sometimes referred to as a specific allowance) and (2) a general allowance on the remainder of the loan and lease portfolio. Although the Bank determines the amount of each component of the ALLL separately, the entire allowance is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio. Allocated (Specific) Allowance Allocated, or specific, allowances represent impairment measurements on certain impaired loans as further described below. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the note. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the short fall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Classified loans where the borrower’s total loan relationship exceeds $250,000 are evaluated for impairment on a loan-by-loan basis quarterly. Nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) are considered to be impaired loans. TDRs are restructurings in which the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that the Bank would not otherwise consider. Impairment is measured quarterly on a loan-by-loan basis for all TDRs and impaired loans where the aggregate relationship balance exceeds $250,000 by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Impaired loans under this threshold are aggregated and included in loan pools with their ALLL calculated as described in the following paragraph. Groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Homogeneous loans are those that are considered to have common characteristics that provide for evaluation on an aggregate or pool basis. The Bank considers the characteristics of (1) one- to four-family residential mortgage loans; (2) unsecured consumer loans; and (3) collateralized consumer loans to permit consideration of the appropriateness of the allowance for losses of each group of loans on a pool basis. The primary methodology used to determine the appropriateness of the allowance for losses includes segregating certain specific, poorly performing loans based on their performance characteristics from the pools of loans as to type, valuing these loans, and then applying a loss factor to the remaining pool balance based on several factors including past loss experience, inherent risks, and economic conditions in the primary market areas. General Allowance The general component of the ALLL is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by loan segments and classes. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the applicable qualitative factors. The applied loss factors are reevaluated quarterly to ensure their relevance at each reporting period. Rate Lock Commitments—The Bank enters into commitments to originate loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (rate lock commitments) as well as corresponding commitments to sell such loans to investors. Rate lock commitments as well as the related sales commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold are considered to be derivatives. Accordingly, such commitments, along with any related fees received from potential borrowers, are recorded at fair value in derivative assets or liabilities, with changes in fair value recorded in the net gain or loss on sale of mortgage loans. Fair value is based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, and for fixed rate commitments also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. Real Estate Owned, Net—Real estate owned represents foreclosed assets held for sale and is initially recorded at estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, management periodically performs valuations and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Adjustments for losses are charged to operations when the estimated fair value falls below` the carrying value. Costs and expenses related to major additions and improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs that do not extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed. Office Properties and Equipment, Net—Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company computes depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets, which range from 3 to 40 years. Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance—Cash surrender value of life insurance represents life insurance purchased by the Bank on a qualifying group of officers with the Bank designated as owner and beneficiary of the policies. The yield on these policies is used to offset a portion of employment benefit costs. The policies are recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition at their cash surrender values with changes in cash surrender values reported in noninterest income. Death benefits in excess of the cash surrender value are recorded in noninterest income at the time of death. Income Taxes— The Company estimates its income taxes payable based on the amounts it expects to owe to the various taxing authorizes (i.e. federal, state and local). In estimating income taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the tax treatment of transactions, taking into account statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance in the context of the Company’s tax position. Management also relies on tax opinions, recent audits, and historical experience. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various statement of financial condition assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences related to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for tax credits. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for recoverability using a consistent approach that considers the relative impact of negative and positive evidence, including our historical profitability and projections of future taxable income. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is established if, based on available evidence at the time the determination is made, that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, future taxable income is estimated based on management-approved business plans and ongoing tax planning strategies. This process involves significant management judgment about assumptions that are subject to change from period to period based on changes in tax laws or variances between projected operating performance, actual results and other factors. The Company recognizes a tax position as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company has no uncertain tax positions. Interest Rate Risk—The Bank’s asset base is exposed to risk including the risk resulting from changes in interest rates and changes in the timing of cash flows. The Bank monitors the effect of such risks by considering the mismatch of the maturities of its assets and liabilities in the current interest rate environment and the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates. The Bank’s management has considered the effect of significant increases and decreases in interest rates and believes such changes, if they occurred, would be manageable and would not affect the ability of the Bank to hold its assets as planned. However, the Bank is exposed to significant market risk in the event of significant and prolonged interest rate changes. Earnings Per Common Share—Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options and warrants, and are determined using the treasury stock method. Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. The ASU expands ASC 820’s disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 inputs, including (1) a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used, (2) a description of the valuation process in place and (3) a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in unobservable inputs. The ASU was effective for the Company’s reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. As this ASU amended only the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. In December 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-12, which defers certain provisions of ASU 2011-05. One of ASU 2011-05’s provisions requires the Company to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. ASU 2011-12 deferred this requirement indefinitely. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 were not affected by ASU 2011-12, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. The ASU did not amend the components that must be reported in other comprehensive income. Both ASUs were effective for the Company’s reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this ASU beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2012. As this ASU amended only the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires disclosure, either in a single footnote or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, of the effect of significant items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to their respective line items in the statement of net income. The effective date of ASU 2013-02 is for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company does not expect that the adoption of these provisions will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Reclassifications—Various items within the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the previous years have been reclassified to conform to the classifications used for reporting in 2012. These reclassifications had no effect on net earnings.

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation—First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Company”) is a unitary holding company that owns all of the stock of First Federal Bank (the “Bank”). The Company is substantially in the business of community banking and therefore is considered a banking operation with no separately reportable segments. The Bank provides a broad line of financial products to individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, First Harrison Service Corporation (“FHSC”), which is inactive. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be significant. Valuation of real estate owned, fair value of financial instruments, valuation of deferred tax assets and the allowance for loan and lease losses are material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term.

Significant Estimates and Concentrations—Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require disclosure of certain significant estimates and current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations. Estimates related to the allowance for loan and lease losses are reflected in the footnote regarding loans. Current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations of credit risk are discussed in the footnote on commitments and credit risk. Other significant estimates and concentrations not discussed in those footnotes include:

Real Estate Owned. Real estate owned (“REO”) of $16.7 million includes commercial and residential lots and land in our market area with a carrying value of $6.6 million at December 31, 2012. The carrying values of these properties reflect management’s best estimate of the amount to be realized from the sale of the properties. There have been limited recent sales of comparable properties in the area to consider in estimating the values, and the market for such properties is limited. Therefore, the amount that the Bank realizes from the sale of these properties could differ materially in the near term from the carrying value reflected in these financial statements.

Pension Benefits. The Bank is a participant in a noncontributory multiemployer defined benefit pension plan. The plan was frozen as of July 1, 2010, eliminating all future benefit accruals for participants in the plan and closing the plan to new participants as of that date. The Bank will continue to incur costs consisting of administration and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation insurance expenses as well as amortization charges based on the funding level of the plan. Costs for the plan year beginning July 1, 2012, are approximately $441,000 all of which was contributed as of December 31, 2012. The level of amortization charges is determined by the plan's funding shortfall, which is determined by comparing plan liabilities to plan assets. Based on factors that influence the levels of plan assets and liabilities, such as the level of interest rates and the performance of plan assets, it is reasonably possible that events could occur that would materially change the estimated amount of the Bank’s required contribution in the near term. Additionally, if the Bank were to terminate the plan, the Bank could incur a significant withdrawal liability.

Investment Securities—The Company classifies investment securities into one of two categories: held to maturity or available for sale. The Company does not engage in trading activities. Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts.

Investment securities that the Company intends to hold for indefinite periods of time are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported net of tax in other comprehensive income. Investment securities in the available for sale portfolio may be used as part of the Company’s asset and liability management practices and may be sold in response to changes in interest rate risk, prepayment risk, or other economic factors.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis. In estimating whether impairment is other than temporary, management considers whether the Company intends to sell the security, it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or the present values of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost. If the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Loans Receivable—The Bank originates and maintains loans receivable that are substantially concentrated in its lending territory (primarily Northwest, Northcentral and Central Arkansas). The majority of the Bank’s loans are residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans. The Bank’s policy generally calls for collateral or other forms of security to be received from the borrower at the time of loan origination. Such collateral or other form of security is subject to changes in economic value due to various factors beyond the control of the Bank.

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are stated at unpaid principal balances adjusted for any charge-offs, the allowance for loan and lease losses, and any deferred loan fees or costs. Deferred loan fees or costs and discounts on loans are amortized or accreted to income using the level-yield method over the remaining period to contractual maturity.

The accrual of interest on loans is generally discontinued when the loan becomes 90 days past due, or, in management’s opinion, the borrower is judged to be unable to meet payments as they become due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual, except when doubt exists as to ultimate collectability of principal and interest. A loan is generally returned to accrual status when the loan is no longer past due and, in the opinion of management, collection of the remaining balance can be reasonably expected. The Company may continue to accrue interest on certain loans that are 90 days past due or more if such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection.

The ALLL represents management’s estimate of incurred credit losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The estimation of the ALLL is based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss experience, the current credit profiles of the Company’s borrowers, adverse situations that have occurred that may affect borrowers’ ability to repay, the estimated value of underlying collateral, and general economic conditions, including unemployment, bankruptcy trends, vacancy rates, and the level and trend of home sales and prices. Losses are recognized when available information indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or conditions change.

The methodology for estimating the ALLL consists of (1) an allocated allowance on identified impaired loans and leases (sometimes referred to as a specific allowance) and (2) a general allowance on the remainder of the loan and lease portfolio. Although the Bank determines the amount of each component of the ALLL separately, the entire allowance is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio.

Allocated, or specific, allowances represent impairment measurements on certain impaired loans as further described below. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the note. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the short fall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Classified loans where the borrower’s total loan relationship exceeds $250,000 are evaluated for impairment on a loan-by-loan basis quarterly. Nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) are considered to be impaired loans. TDRs are restructurings in which the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that the Bank would not otherwise consider. Impairment is measured quarterly on a loan-by-loan basis for all TDRs and impaired loans where the aggregate relationship balance exceeds $250,000 by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Impaired loans under this threshold are aggregated and included in loan pools with their ALLL calculated as described in the following paragraph.

Groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Homogeneous loans are those that are considered to have common characteristics that provide for evaluation on an aggregate or pool basis. The Bank considers the characteristics of (1) one- to four-family residential mortgage loans; (2) unsecured consumer loans; and (3) collateralized consumer loans to permit consideration of the appropriateness of the allowance for losses of each group of loans on a pool basis. The primary methodology used to determine the appropriateness of the allowance for losses includes segregating certain specific, poorly performing loans based on their performance characteristics from the pools of loans as to type, valuing these loans, and then applying a loss factor to the remaining pool balance based on several factors including past loss experience, inherent risks, and economic conditions in the primary market areas.

The general component of the ALLL is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by loan segments and classes. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the applicable qualitative factors. The applied loss factors are reevaluated quarterly to ensure their relevance at each reporting period.

Rate Lock Commitments—The Bank enters into commitments to originate loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (rate lock commitments) as well as corresponding commitments to sell such loans to investors. Rate lock commitments as well as the related sales commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold are considered to be derivatives. Accordingly, such commitments, along with any related fees received from potential borrowers, are recorded at fair value in derivative assets or liabilities, with changes in fair value recorded in the net gain or loss on sale of mortgage loans. Fair value is based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, and for fixed rate commitments also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.

Real Estate Owned, Net—Real estate owned represents foreclosed assets held for sale and is initially recorded at estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, management periodically performs valuations and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Adjustments for losses are charged to operations when the estimated fair value falls below` the carrying value. Costs and expenses related to major additions and improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs that do not extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance—Cash surrender value of life insurance represents life insurance purchased by the Bank on a qualifying group of officers with the Bank designated as owner and beneficiary of the policies. The yield on these policies is used to offset a portion of employment benefit costs. The policies are recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition at their cash surrender values with changes in cash surrender values reported in noninterest income. Death benefits in excess of the cash surrender value are recorded in noninterest income at the time of death.

Income Taxes— The Company estimates its income taxes payable based on the amounts it expects to owe to the various taxing authorizes (i.e. federal, state and local). In estimating income taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the tax treatment of transactions, taking into account statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance in the context of the Company’s tax position. Management also relies on tax opinions, recent audits, and historical experience.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various statement of financial condition assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences related to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for tax credits. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for recoverability using a consistent approach that considers the relative impact of negative and positive evidence, including our historical profitability and projections of future taxable income. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is established if, based on available evidence at the time the determination is made, that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, future taxable income is estimated based on management-approved business plans and ongoing tax planning strategies. This process involves significant management judgment about assumptions that are subject to change from period to period based on changes in tax laws or variances between projected operating performance, actual results and other factors.

The Company recognizes a tax position as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company has no uncertain tax positions.

Interest Rate Risk—The Bank’s asset base is exposed to risk including the risk resulting from changes in interest rates and changes in the timing of cash flows. The Bank monitors the effect of such risks by considering the mismatch of the maturities of its assets and liabilities in the current interest rate environment and the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates. The Bank’s management has considered the effect of significant increases and decreases in interest rates and believes such changes, if they occurred, would be manageable and would not affect the ability of the Bank to hold its assets as planned. However, the Bank is exposed to significant market risk in the event of significant and prolonged interest rate changes.

Earnings Per Common Share—Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options and warrants, and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. The ASU expands ASC 820’s disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 inputs, including (1) a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used, (2) a description of the valuation process in place and (3) a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in unobservable inputs. The ASU was effective for the Company’s reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. As this ASU amended only the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. In December 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-12, which defers certain provisions of ASU 2011-05. One of ASU 2011-05’s provisions requires the Company to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. ASU 2011-12 deferred this requirement indefinitely. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 were not affected by ASU 2011-12, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. The ASU did not amend the components that must be reported in other comprehensive income. Both ASUs were effective for the Company’s reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this ASU beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2012. As this ASU amended only the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires disclosure, either in a single footnote or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, of the effect of significant items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to their respective line items in the statement of net income. The effective date of ASU 2013-02 is for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company does not expect that the adoption of these provisions will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.