Risks and Uncertainties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Nature of Operations - Arrow Financial Corporation, a New York corporation, was incorporated on March 21, 1983 and is registered as a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. Arrow derives most of its earnings from the ownership of two nationally chartered commercial banks and through the ownership of four insurance agencies. The two banks provide a full range of services to individuals and small to mid-size businesses in northeastern New York State from just north of Albany, the State's capitol, to the Canadian border. Both banks have trust departments which provide investment management and administrative services. The insurance agencies specialize in property and casualty insurance, group health insurance, sports accident and health insurance, and individual life insurance.

Management’s Use of Estimates - The preparation of the 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.  Our most significant estimates are the allowance for loan losses, the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, goodwill impairment, pension and other postretirement liabilities, analysis of a need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and other fair value calculations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term is the allowance for loan losses.  The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of probable loan losses incurred as of the balance sheet date.  While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.  

Concentrations of Credit - Virtually all of Arrow's loans are with customers in upstate New York.  Although the loan portfolios of the subsidiary banks are well diversified, tourism has a substantial impact on the northeastern New York economy.  The commitments to extend credit are fairly consistent with the distribution of loans presented in Note 5, generally have the same credit risk and are subject to normal credit policies.  Generally, the loans are secured by assets and are expected to be repaid from cash flow or the sale of selected assets of the borrowers.  Arrow evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by Arrow upon extension of credit, is based upon management's credit evaluation of the counterparty.  The nature of the collateral varies with the type of loan and may include:  residential real estate, cash and securities, inventory, accounts receivable, property, plant and equipment, income producing commercial properties and automobiles.