Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Method Of Accounting

Method of Accounting:  The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and prevailing practices within the banking industry. The Company utilizes the accrual method of accounting which recognizes income and gains when earned and expenses and losses when incurred. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of income, gains, expenses, and losses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates include the allowance for loan losses (“Allowance”), valuation of goodwill and other intangibles, and valuation of other real estate owned (“OREO”).  The consolidated financial statements include the financial information for Northrim BanCorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries that include the Bank, Northrim Building LLC (“NBL”), and Northrim Investment Services Company (“NISC”).  All intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Company accounts for its investments in RML, ECCM, ECIA, and PWA using the equity method.  Noncontrolling interest relates to the minority ownership in NBG.

Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy

Variable interest entities (“VIEs”): The Company consolidates affiliates in which we have a controlling interest. To determine if we have a controlling financial interest in an entity we first evaluate if we are required to apply the variable interest entity model, otherwise the entity is evaluated under the voting interest model. The Company continuously evaluates its non-majority owned investments in affiliates to determine if they are VIEs. Where we hold current or potential rights that give us the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance combined with a variable interest that gives us the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses, we have a controlling financial interest in that VIE. Rights held by others to remove the party with power over the VIE are not considered unless one party can exercise those rights unilaterally. When changes occur to the design of an entity we reconsider whether it is subject to the VIE model. We continuously evaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE. We hold a controlling financial interest in other entities where we currently hold, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights or where we exercise control through substantive participating rights or as a general partner. Where we are a general partner we consider substantive removal rights held by other partners in determining if we hold a controlling financial interest. We reevaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in these entities when our voting or substantive participating rights change.

Affiliates are unconsolidated VIEs and other entities in which we do not have a controlling financial interest, but over which we have significant influence, most often because we hold a voting interest of 20% to 50%. Affiliates are accounted for as equity method investments.

The Company owns a 50.1% interest in NBG and consolidates NBG's balance sheet and income statement into its financial statements.

The Company does not consolidate the balance sheets and income statements of ECCM, ECIA, PWA, or RML into its financial statements.  The Company has determined that ECIA, PWA, and RML are not VIEs. The Company has determined that ECCM is a VIE.  However, the Company does not have a controlling interest in ECCM and therefore does not consolidate ECCM's balance sheet and income statement into its financial statements.  Results of affiliated companies that are not consolidated are presented on a one-line basis. Results of RML are reported in "Equity in earnings from RML", and results of ECCM, ECIA, and PWA are included in "Other income" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments in, and advances to, associated companies are presented on a one-line basis in the caption “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets".

Reclassifications

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to maintain consistency with the current year with no impact on net income or total shareholders’ equity

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events: The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2013 for potential recognition or disclosure.

Segments

Segments:Management has determined that the Company operates as a single operating segment.  This determination is based on the fact that management and the board reviews financial information and assesses resource allocation on a consolidated basis.  Additionally, the revenue earned through, and total assets of, the insurance brokerage, mortgage lending, and wealth management activities are each less than 10% of the Company’s consolidated total revenue and total assets.

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with other banks, banker’s acceptances, commercial paper, securities purchased under agreement to resell, federal funds sold, and securities with maturities of less than 90 days at acquisition.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities: Securities available for sale are stated at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income, unless an unrealized loss is deemed other than temporary.  Gains and losses on available for sale securities sold are determined on a specific identification basis.

Held to maturity securities are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount on a level-yield basis.  The Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity.

A decline in the market value of any available for sale or held to maturity security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Unrealized investment securities losses are evaluated at least quarterly on a specific identification basis to determine whether such declines in value should be considered "other than temporary" and therefore be subject to immediate loss recognition in income. Although these evaluations involve significant judgment, an unrealized loss in the fair value of a debt security is generally deemed to be temporary when the fair value of the security is below the carrying value primarily due to changes in interest rates and there has not been significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer.  The Company does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell, securities whose market value is less than carrying value.  Because it is more likely than not that the Company will hold these investments until a market price recovery or maturity, these investments are not considered other than temporarily impaired.  Other factors that may be considered in determining whether a decline in the value is "other than temporary" include the financial condition, capital strength, and near-term prospects of the issuer,; actions of commercial banks or other lenders relative to the continued extension of credit facilities to the issuer of the security; recommendations of investment advisors or market analysts; and ratings by recognized rating agencies.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock: The Company’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock is carried at par value because the shares can only be redeemed with the FHLB at par.  The Company is required to maintain a minimum level of investment in FHLB stock based on the Company’s capital stock and lending activity.  Stock redemptions are at the discretion of the FHLB or of the Company, upon five years’ prior notice for FHLB Class B stock.  FHLB stock is carried at cost and is subject to recoverability testing at least annually.

Loans Held For Sale

Loans held for sale:  Loans held for sale include mortgage loans and are reported at the lower of cost or market value.  Cost generally approximates market value, given the short duration of these assets.  Gains or losses on the sale of loans that are held for sale are recognized at the time of sale and determined by the difference between net sale proceeds and the net book value of the loans.

Loans

Loans: Loans are carried at their principal amount outstanding, net of unamortized fees and direct loan origination costs.  Interest income on loans is accrued and recognized on the principal amount outstanding except for loans in a nonaccrual status.  All classes of loans are placed on nonaccrual when management believes doubt exists as to the collectability of the interest or principal.  Cash payments received on nonaccrual loans are directly applied to the principal balance.  Generally, a loan may be returned to accrual status when the delinquent principal and interest is brought current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement and certain ongoing performance criteria have been met.

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Once a loan is determined to be impaired, the impairment is measured based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, unless the loan is collateral dependent, in which case the impairment is measured by using the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Nonperforming loans greater than $50,000 are individually evaluated for impairment based upon the borrower’s overall financial condition, resources, and payment record, and the prospects for support from any financially responsible guarantors.

The Company uses either in-house evaluations or external appraisals to estimate the fair value of collateral-dependent impaired loans as of each reporting date.  The Company’s determination of which method to use is based upon several factors.  The Company takes into account compliance with legal and regulatory guidelines, the amount of the loan, the estimated value of the collateral, the location and type of collateral to be valued, and how critical the timing of completion of the analysis is to the assessment of value.  Those factors are balanced with the level of internal expertise, internal experience, and market information available, versus external expertise available such as qualified appraisers, brokers, auctioneers, and equipment specialists.

The Company uses external appraisals to estimate fair value for projects that are not fully constructed as of the date of valuation.  These projects are generally valued as if complete, with an appropriate allowance for cost of completion, including contingencies developed from external sources such as vendors, engineers, and contractors.

The Company classifies fair value measurements using observable inputs, such as external appraisals, as level 2 valuations in the fair value hierarchy, and fair value measurements with unobservable inputs, such as in-house evaluations, as level 3 valuations in the fair value hierarchy.

When the fair value measurement of the impaired loan is less than the recorded amount of the loan, an impairment is recognized by recording a charge-off to the Allowance or by designating a specific reserve in accordance with GAAP.  The Company’s policy is to record cash payments received on impaired loans that are not also nonaccrual loans in the same manner that cash payments are applied to performing loans.

A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties that lead to a restructuring of the loan, and the Company grants concessions to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. These concessions may include interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extension of maturity date and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains on nonaccrual status for a period of at least six months to demonstrate that the borrower can meet the restructured terms. If the borrower's performance under the new terms is not reasonably assured, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan.

Loan origination fees received in excess of direct origination costs are deferred and accreted to interest income using a method approximating the level-yield method over the life of the loan.

Allowance For Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses:  The Company maintains an Allowance to reflect inherent losses from its loan portfolio.  The Allowance is decreased by loan charge-offs and increased by loan recoveries and provisions for loan losses.   The Company has identified the following segments: commercial, real estate construction one-to-four family, real estate construction other, real estate term owner occupied, real estate term non-owner occupied, real estate term other, consumer loans secured by 1st deeds of trust, and other consumer loans.  Then the Company further disaggregates each segment into the following classes, which are also known as asset quality ratings: pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss.

In determining its total Allowance, the Company first estimates a specific allocated allowance for impaired loans.  This analysis is based upon a specific analysis for each impaired loan, including appraisals and in-house evaluations on loans secured by real property, management’s assessment of the current market, recent payment history, and an evaluation of other sources of repayment.

The Company then estimates a general allocated allowance for all other loans that were not impaired as of the balance sheet date using a formula-based approach that includes average historical loss factors that are adjusted for quantitative and qualitative factors.  Qualitative factors are based on management’s assessment of current trends that may cause losses inherent in the current loan portfolio to differ significantly from historical losses.

Finally, the Company assesses the overall adequacy of the Allowance based on several factors including the level of the Allowance as compared to total loans and nonperforming loans in light of current economic conditions.  This portion of the Allowance is deemed “unallocated” because it is not allocated to any segment or class of the loan portfolio.  This portion of the Allowance provides for coverage of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio but not captured in the credit loss factors that are utilized in the risk rating-based component, or in the specific impairment component of the Allowance, and it acknowledges the inherent imprecision of all loss prediction models.  Due to the subjectivity involved in the determination of the unallocated portion of the Allowance, the relationship of the unallocated component to the total Allowance may fluctuate from period to period.

Based on our methodology and its components, management believes the resulting Allowance is adequate and appropriate for the risk identified in the Company's loan portfolio.  While management believes that it uses the best information available to determine the Allowance, unforeseen market conditions and other events could result in adjustment to the Allowance, and net income could be significantly affected if circumstances differed substantially from the assumptions used in making the final determination.  Our banking regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company's Allowance.  Our regulators may require the Company to recognize additions to the Allowance based on their judgments related to information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Reserve For Unfunded Loan Commitments And Letters Of Credit

Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments and Letters of Credit: The Company maintains a separate reserve for losses related to unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit.  The determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities including assessment of historical losses and current economic conditions.  The allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes to the balance charged against noninterest expense.

Purchased Receivables

Purchased Receivables: The Bank purchases accounts receivable at a discount from its customers.  The purchased receivables are carried at cost.  The discount and fees charged to the customer are earned while the balances of the purchases are outstanding, which is typically less than one year.  The Company maintains a separate reserve for losses related to purchased receivable assets.  The determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based on periodic evaluations of purchased receivable assets including an assessment of historical losses and current economic conditions.  The reserve for purchased receivable assets is included in the balance of these accounts on a net basis on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes to the balance charged against noninterest expense.

Premises And Equipment

Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes is computed using the straight-line method based upon the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets that vary according to the asset type and include; furniture and equipment ranging between 3 and 7 years, leasehold improvements ranging between 2 and 15 years, and buildings over 39 years.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to current operations, while renewals and betterments are capitalized.  Long-lived assets such as premises and equipment are reviewed for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the remaining useful life may warrant revision, or that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be fully recoverable.  If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value.  Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets: In 2007, the Company recorded $1.8 million of goodwill and $1.3 million of core deposit intangible ("CDI") as part of the acquisition of Alaska First Bank & Trust, N.A. (“Alaska First”) stock.  The Company amortizes the Alaska First CDI over its estimated useful life of ten years using an accelerated method.  Accumulated amortization related to the Alaska First CDI was $1.1 million, $983,000, and $846,000 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Management reviews goodwill at least annually for impairment by reviewing a number of key market indicators.  Finally, the Company recorded $1.1 million in intangible assets related to customer relationships purchased in the acquisition of an additional 40.1% of NBG in December 2005.  The Company amortizes this intangible over its estimated life of ten years.  Accumulated amortization related to the NBG intangible asset was $943,000, $829,000, and $714,000 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned represents properties acquired through foreclosure or its equivalent.  Prior to foreclosure, the carrying value is adjusted to the fair value, less cost to sell, of the real estate to be acquired by an adjustment to the Allowance.  Management’s evaluation of fair value is based on appraisals or discounted cash flows of anticipated sales.  The amount by which the fair value less cost to sell is greater than the carrying amount of the loan plus amounts previously charged off is recognized in earnings.  Any subsequent reduction in the carrying value is charged against earnings.   Operating expenses associated with other real estate owned are charged to earnings in the period they are incurred.

Other Short Term Assets

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Partnerships: The Company’s investments in five low-income housing partnerships are included in other assets.  These partnerships are all Delaware limited partnerships and include Centerline Corporate Partners XXII, L.P. (“Centerline XXII”) Centerline Corporate Partners XXXIII, L.P. (“Centerline XXXIII”), U.S.A. Institutional Tax Credit Fund LVII L.P. (“USA 57”), WNC Institutional Tax Credit Fund 37 L.P. (“WNC”), and R4 Frontier Housing Partners L.P. ("R4").  The Company earns a return on its investments in the form of tax credits and deductions that flow through to it as a limited partner in these partnerships.  The Company amortizes these investments in other operating expense over the period during which tax credits are used.

Other Assets: Other assets include purchased software and prepaid expenses.  Purchased software is carried at amortized cost and is amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life or the term of the agreement.  Also included in other assets is the net deferred tax asset and the Company’s investments in NBG, RML, ECCM, ECIA, and PWA.  All of these entities are affiliates of the Company.  The Company includes the income and loss from its affiliates in its financial statements on a one month lagged basis.

Derivatives, Policy

Derivatives: The Bank enters into interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting the interest rate swaps that the Bank executes with a third party, such that the Bank minimizes its net risk exposure. The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and requires measurement of those instruments at fair value through adjustments to current earnings. The Company offsets fair value adjustments recorded in current earnings. None of the Company’s derivatives are designated as hedging instruments. Rather, they are accounted for as free-standing derivatives, or economic hedges, and the Company reports changes in fair values of its derivatives in current period net income.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Policy

Transfers or sales of financial assets: For transfers of financial assets recorded as sales, we recognize and initially measure at fair value all assets obtained and liabilities incurred. We record a gain or loss in noninterest income for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets sold. Fair values are based on quoted market prices, quoted market prices for similar assets, or if market prices are not available, then the fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses with assumptions for credit losses, prepayments and discount rates that are corroborated by and verified against market observable data, where possible.

Advertising

Advertising: Advertising, promotion and marketing costs are expensed as incurred.  The Company reported total expenses in these areas of $1.9 million, $2.0 million, and $1.8 million for each of the periods ending December 31, 2013, 2012, and 201

Income Taxes

Income Taxes: The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the future consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share: Earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.  Stock options and restricted stock units, as described in Note 19, are considered to be common stock equivalents.  Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share if their effect is anti-dilutive.  There were no anti-dilutive shares outstanding related to options to acquire common stock in 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Information used to calculate earnings per share was as follows:

(In Thousands)	2013		2012		2011
Net income		$12,325		$12,946		$11,398
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	6,519		6,477		6,439
Dilutive effect of potential common shares from awards granted under equity incentive program	91		98		116
Total	6,610		6,575		6,555
Earnings per common share
Basic		$1.89		$2.00		$1.77
Dilutive		$1.87		$1.97		$1.74

Stock Option Plans

Stock Incentive Plans: The Company accounts for its stock incentive plans using a fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans.    The Company has elected the modified prospective method for recognition of compensation cost associated with stock-based employee compensation awards.  The Company amortizes stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period of each award.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale after tax effect and is presented in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income.

Concentrations

Concentrations: Substantially all of the Company’s business is derived from the Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and Fairbanks areas of Alaska.  As such, the Company’s growth and operations depend upon the economic conditions of Alaska and these specific markets.  These areas rely primarily upon the natural resources industries, particularly oil production, as well as tourism, government and U.S. military spending for their economic success.  A significant majority of the unrestricted revenues of the Alaska state government are currently funded through various taxes and royalties on the oil industry.  The Company’s business is and will remain sensitive to economic factors that relate to these industries and local and regional business conditions.  As a result, local or regional economic downturns, or downturns that disproportionately affect one or more of the key industries in regions served by the Company, may have a more pronounced effect upon its business than they might on an institution that is less geographically concentrated.  The extent of the future impact of these events on economic and business conditions cannot be predicted; however, prolonged or acute fluctuations could have a material and adverse impact upon the Company’s results of operation and financial condition.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $363.1 million and $327.1 million, respectively, in commercial and construction loans in Alaska.  Additionally, the Company continues to have a concentration in large borrowing relationships.  At December 31, 2013, 44% of the Company’s loan portfolio is attributable to 22 large borrowing relationships.  The Company has additional unfunded commitments to these borrowers of $128.9 million at December 31, 2013.