Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Merchants Bancshares, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary Merchants Bank and Merchants Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary Merchants Trust Company, which was merged into Merchants Bank in 2009 (collectively "Merchants", "we," "us, "our"). All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We offer a full range of deposit, loan, cash management, and trust services to meet the financial needs of individual consumers, businesses and municipalities at 34 full-service banking offices throughout the state of Vermont as of December 31, 2011. Management's Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements 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 income and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates include those used in determining the allowance for loan losses, income taxes, interest income recognition on loans and investments and analysis of other-than-temporary impairment of our investment securities portfolio. Operating results in the future may vary from the amounts derived from Management's estimates and assumptions. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal Funds sold and other short-term investments, with maturities at time of purchase of less than 90 days, in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Investment Securities We classify certain of our investments in debt securities as held to maturity, which are carried at amortized cost, if we have the positive intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Investments in debt securities that are not classified as held to maturity and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale securities or trading securities. Available for sale securities are investments not classified as trading or held to maturity. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value which is measured at each reporting date. The resulting unrealized gain or loss is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of the associated tax effects. Gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized through the statement of income using the specific identification method. Transfers from securities available for sale to securities held to maturity are recorded at the securities' fair values on the date of the transfer. Any net unrealized gains or losses continue to be included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), on a net of tax basis. As long as the securities are carried in the held to maturity portfolio, such amounts are amortized (accreted) over the estimated remaining life of the transferred securities as an adjustment to yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of premiums and discounts. Interest and dividend income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, are recorded in earnings for all categories of investment securities. Discounts and premiums related to debt securities are amortized using the level-yield method. Management reviews reductions in fair value below book value of investment securities to determine whether the impairment is other than temporary. When an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") has occurred, the amount of OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether we intend 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. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts when developing estimates of cash flows expected to be collected. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end, forecasted performance of the investee, and the general market condition in the geographic area or industry the investee operates in. If we intend 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 investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we 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 income taxes. Federal Home Loan Bank System We are a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston ("FHLBB") provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Member institutions are required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLBB in an amount at least equal to the sum of 0.35% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans and similar obligations at the beginning of each year. We are in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2011. Loans Loans are carried at the principal amounts outstanding net of the allowance for loan losses, and net of deferred loan costs and fees. Deferred loan costs and fees are amortized over the estimated lives of the loans using the interest method. Allowance for Credit Losses The Allowance for Credit Losses ("Allowance") is comprised of the Allowance for Loan Losses and the Reserve for Undisbursed Lines of Credit, and is based on Management's estimate of the amount required to reflect the known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio. Factors considered in evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance include previous loss experience, the size and composition of the portfolio, risk rating composition, current economic and real estate market conditions and their effect on the borrowers, the performance of individual loans in relation to contractual terms and estimated fair values of properties that secure impaired loans. The adequacy of the Allowance is determined using a consistent, systematic methodology, consisting of a review of both specific reserves for loans identified as impaired and general reserves for the various loan portfolio classifications. When a loan is impaired, we determine its impairment loss by comparing the excess, if any, of the loan's carrying amount over (1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate, (2) the observable market price of the impaired loan, or (3) the fair value of the collateral securing a collateral-dependent loan. When a loan is deemed to have an impairment loss, the loan is either charged down to its estimated net realizable value, or a specific reserve is established as part of the overall allowance for loan losses if Management needs more time to evaluate all of the facts and circumstances relevant to that particular loan. Income Recognition on Impaired and Nonaccrual Loans Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as nonaccrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of principal or interest for a period of more than 90 days. If a loan or a portion of a loan is internally classified as impaired or is partially charged-off, the loan is classified as nonaccrual. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as nonaccrual if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is in doubt. Income accruals are suspended on all nonaccruing loans, and all previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against current income. Loans may be returned to accrual status when there is a sustained period of repayment performance (generally a minimum of six months) by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms of the loans and all principal and interest amounts contractually due, including arrearages, are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time. While a loan is classified as nonaccrual and the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is uncertain, any payments received are generally applied to reduce the principal balance. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a nonaccrual loan had been partially charged-off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Interest collections in excess of that amount are recorded as a reduction of principal. Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") Loans are designated as a TDR when a concession is made on a credit as a result of financial difficulties of the borrower. Typically, such concessions consist of a reduction in interest rate to a below market rate, taking into account the credit quality of the note, or a deferment or reduction of payments, principal or interest, which materially alters the Bank's position or significantly extends the note's maturity date, such that the present value of cash flows to be received is materially less than those contractually established at the loan's origination. Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided using straight-line and accelerated methods at rates that depreciate the original cost of the premises and equipment over their estimated useful lives or the expected lease term in the case of leasehold improvements. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals of minor items are generally charged to expense as incurred. When premises and equipment are replaced, retired, or deemed no longer useful they are written down to estimated selling price less costs to sell by a charge to current earnings. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Low-income housing tax credits and historic rehabilitation credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense in the year in which they are earned. Penalties and/or interest were immaterial for 2011, 2010 and 2009 and were classified as other noninterest expense in our consolidated statements of income. Our policy is to reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Investments in Real Estate Limited Partnerships We have investments in various real estate limited partnerships that acquire, develop, own and operate low and moderate-income housing. Our ownership interest in these limited partnerships ranges from 3.3% to 99.9% as of December 31, 2011. We account for our investments in these limited partnerships, where we neither actively participate nor have a controlling interest, under the equity method of accounting. Management periodically reviews the results of operations of the various real estate limited partnerships to determine if the partnerships generate sufficient operating cash flow to fund their current obligations. In addition, we review the current value of the underlying property compared to the outstanding debt obligations. If it is determined that the investment suffers from a permanent impairment, the carrying value is written down to the estimated realizable value. The maximum exposure on these investments is the current carrying amount plus amounts obligated to be funded in the future. Other Real Estate Owned Collateral acquired through foreclosure is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell, at the time of acquisition. Any cost in excess of the estimated fair value on the transfer date is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent decreases in the fair value of other real estate owned ("OREO") are reflected as a write-down and charged to expense. Net operating income or expense related to foreclosed property is included in noninterest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured financing transactions since we maintain effective control over the transferred securities and the transfer meets the other criteria for such accounting. Obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The securities underlying the agreements are delivered to a custodial account for the benefit of the repurchase agreement holders. The repurchase agreement holders, who may sell, loan or otherwise dispose of such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations, agree to resell to us the same securities at the maturities of the agreements. Stock-Based Compensation The Amended and Restated Merchants Bancshares, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan ("Plan") provides grants of up to 600,000 stock options or restricted stock awards to certain key employees. We recognize compensation expense for services received in a share-based payment transaction over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. The compensation cost is based on the grant-date fair value of the award (as determined by quoted market prices). Stock awards are granted at fair market value on the date of the grant and vest based on a three year service period. The fair value of an option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that requires us to develop estimates for assumptions used in the model. The Black-Scholes valuation model uses the following assumptions: expected volatility, expected term of option, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Expected volatility estimates are developed by us based on historical volatility of our stock. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the grant date. Restricted stock provides grantees with rights to shares of common stock upon completion of the service period. During the service period, all shares are considered outstanding and dividends are paid on the restricted stock. Employee Benefit Costs Prior to 1995, we maintained a non-contributory pension plan covering substantially all employees that met eligibility requirements. The plan was curtailed in 1995. The cost of this plan, based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits, is charged to current operating expenses. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a single employer defined benefit post retirement plan as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets and recognize changes in the funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the change occurred. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed in a manner similar to that of basic earnings per share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares (such as stock options and unvested restricted stock awards) were issued during the period, computed using the treasury stock method. Shares held in rabbi trusts related to deferred compensation plans are considered outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative instruments utilized by us include interest rate floor, cap and swap agreements. We are an end-user of derivative instruments and do not conduct trading activities for derivatives. We recognize our derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income because they qualify for hedge accounting. We formally document our hedging relationships and our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument's effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method of measuring ineffectiveness. We also formally assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting cash flows of hedged items. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent that the derivative is effective as a hedge, until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. The ineffective portion, if any, of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument that qualifies as a cash-flow hedge is reported in earnings. Segment Reporting Our operations are solely in the financial services industry and include providing to our customers traditional banking and other financial services. We operate primarily in the state of Vermont. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of our consolidated financial results. Therefore, we have a single operating segment for financial reporting purposes. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants and such fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and Agency securities, liquid mortgage products, active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We do not adjust the quoted price for such instruments. The types of instruments valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, less liquid mortgage products, less liquid Agency securities, less liquid listed equities, state, municipal and provincial obligations, and certain physical commodities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions; valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, Management's best estimate will be used. Management's best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Subsequent to inception, Management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows. Reclassifications Reclassifications are made to prior years' consolidated financial statements whenever necessary to conform to the current year's presentation.

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Merchants Bancshares, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary Merchants Bank and Merchants Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary Merchants Trust Company, which was merged into Merchants Bank in 2009 (collectively "Merchants", "we," "us, "our"). All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We offer a full range of deposit, loan, cash management, and trust services to meet the financial needs of individual consumers, businesses and municipalities at 34 full-service banking offices throughout the state of Vermont as of December 31, 2011.

Management's Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

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 income and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates include those used in determining the allowance for loan losses, income taxes, interest income recognition on loans and investments and analysis of other-than-temporary impairment of our investment securities portfolio. Operating results in the future may vary from the amounts derived from Management's estimates and assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal Funds sold and other short-term investments, with maturities at time of purchase of less than 90 days, in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

Investment Securities

We classify certain of our investments in debt securities as held to maturity, which are carried at amortized cost, if we have the positive intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Investments in debt securities that are not classified as held to maturity and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale securities or trading securities. Available for sale securities are investments not classified as trading or held to maturity. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value which is measured at each reporting date. The resulting unrealized gain or loss is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of the associated tax effects. Gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized through the statement of income using the specific identification method.

Transfers from securities available for sale to securities held to maturity are recorded at the securities' fair values on the date of the transfer. Any net unrealized gains or losses continue to be included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), on a net of tax basis. As long as the securities are carried in the held to maturity portfolio, such amounts are amortized (accreted) over the estimated remaining life of the transferred securities as an adjustment to yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of premiums and discounts.

Interest and dividend income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, are recorded in earnings for all categories of investment securities. Discounts and premiums related to debt securities are amortized using the level-yield method.

Management reviews reductions in fair value below book value of investment securities to determine whether the impairment is other than temporary. When an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") has occurred, the amount of OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether we intend 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. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts when developing estimates of cash flows expected to be collected. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end, forecasted performance of the investee, and the general market condition in the geographic area or industry the investee operates in.

If we intend 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 investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we 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 income taxes.

Federal Home Loan Bank System

We are a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston ("FHLBB") provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Member institutions are required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLBB in an amount at least equal to the sum of 0.35% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans and similar obligations at the beginning of each year. We are in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2011.

Loans

Loans are carried at the principal amounts outstanding net of the allowance for loan losses, and net of deferred loan costs and fees. Deferred loan costs and fees are amortized over the estimated lives of the loans using the interest method.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Allowance for Credit Losses ("Allowance") is comprised of the Allowance for Loan Losses and the Reserve for Undisbursed Lines of Credit, and is based on Management's estimate of the amount required to reflect the known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio. Factors considered in evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance include previous loss experience, the size and composition of the portfolio, risk rating composition, current economic and real estate market conditions and their effect on the borrowers, the performance of individual loans in relation to contractual terms and estimated fair values of properties that secure impaired loans.

The adequacy of the Allowance is determined using a consistent, systematic methodology, consisting of a review of both specific reserves for loans identified as impaired and general reserves for the various loan portfolio classifications. When a loan is impaired, we determine its impairment loss by comparing the excess, if any, of the loan's carrying amount over (1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate, (2) the observable market price of the impaired loan, or (3) the fair value of the collateral securing a collateral-dependent loan. When a loan is deemed to have an impairment loss, the loan is either charged down to its estimated net realizable value, or a specific reserve is established as part of the overall allowance for loan losses if Management needs more time to evaluate all of the facts and circumstances relevant to that particular loan.

Income Recognition on Impaired and Nonaccrual Loans

Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as nonaccrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of principal or interest for a period of more than 90 days. If a loan or a portion of a loan is internally classified as impaired or is partially charged-off, the loan is classified as nonaccrual. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as nonaccrual if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is in doubt. Income accruals are suspended on all nonaccruing loans, and all previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against current income.

Loans may be returned to accrual status when there is a sustained period of repayment performance (generally a minimum of six months) by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms of the loans and all principal and interest amounts contractually due, including arrearages, are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time.

While a loan is classified as nonaccrual and the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is uncertain, any payments received are generally applied to reduce the principal balance. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a nonaccrual loan had been partially charged-off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Interest collections in excess of that amount are recorded as a reduction of principal.

Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR")

Loans are designated as a TDR when a concession is made on a credit as a result of financial difficulties of the borrower. Typically, such concessions consist of a reduction in interest rate to a below market rate, taking into account the credit quality of the note, or a deferment or reduction of payments, principal or interest, which materially alters the Bank's position or significantly extends the note's maturity date, such that the present value of cash flows to be received is materially less than those contractually established at the loan's origination.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided using straight-line and accelerated methods at rates that depreciate the original cost of the premises and equipment over their estimated useful lives or the expected lease term in the case of leasehold improvements. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals of minor items are generally charged to expense as incurred. When premises and equipment are replaced, retired, or deemed no longer useful they are written down to estimated selling price less costs to sell by a charge to current earnings.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Low-income housing tax credits and historic rehabilitation credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense in the year in which they are earned. Penalties and/or interest were immaterial for 2011, 2010 and 2009 and were classified as other noninterest expense in our consolidated statements of income. Our policy is to reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Investments in Real Estate Limited Partnerships

We have investments in various real estate limited partnerships that acquire, develop, own and operate low and moderate-income housing. Our ownership interest in these limited partnerships ranges from 3.3% to 99.9% as of December 31, 2011. We account for our investments in these limited partnerships, where we neither actively participate nor have a controlling interest, under the equity method of accounting.

Management periodically reviews the results of operations of the various real estate limited partnerships to determine if the partnerships generate sufficient operating cash flow to fund their current obligations. In addition, we review the current value of the underlying property compared to the outstanding debt obligations. If it is determined that the investment suffers from a permanent impairment, the carrying value is written down to the estimated realizable value. The maximum exposure on these investments is the current carrying amount plus amounts obligated to be funded in the future.

Other Real Estate Owned

Collateral acquired through foreclosure is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell, at the time of acquisition. Any cost in excess of the estimated fair value on the transfer date is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent decreases in the fair value of other real estate owned ("OREO") are reflected as a write-down and charged to expense. Net operating income or expense related to foreclosed property is included in noninterest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Repurchase Agreements

Repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured financing transactions since we maintain effective control over the transferred securities and the transfer meets the other criteria for such accounting. Obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The securities underlying the agreements are delivered to a custodial account for the benefit of the repurchase agreement holders. The repurchase agreement holders, who may sell, loan or otherwise dispose of such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations, agree to resell to us the same securities at the maturities of the agreements.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Amended and Restated Merchants Bancshares, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan ("Plan") provides grants of up to 600,000 stock options or restricted stock awards to certain key employees. We recognize compensation expense for services received in a share-based payment transaction over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. The compensation cost is based on the grant-date fair value of the award (as determined by quoted market prices). Stock awards are granted at fair market value on the date of the grant and vest based on a three year service period.

The fair value of an option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that requires us to develop estimates for assumptions used in the model. The Black-Scholes valuation model uses the following assumptions: expected volatility, expected term of option, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Expected volatility estimates are developed by us based on historical volatility of our stock. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the grant date.

Restricted stock provides grantees with rights to shares of common stock upon completion of the service period. During the service period, all shares are considered outstanding and dividends are paid on the restricted stock.

Employee Benefit Costs

Prior to 1995, we maintained a non-contributory pension plan covering substantially all employees that met eligibility requirements. The plan was curtailed in 1995. The cost of this plan, based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits, is charged to current operating expenses. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a single employer defined benefit post retirement plan as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets and recognize changes in the funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the change occurred.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed in a manner similar to that of basic earnings per share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares (such as stock options and unvested restricted stock awards) were issued during the period, computed using the treasury stock method. Shares held in rabbi trusts related to deferred compensation plans are considered outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative instruments utilized by us include interest rate floor, cap and swap agreements. We are an end-user of derivative instruments and do not conduct trading activities for derivatives. We recognize our derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income because they qualify for hedge accounting.

We formally document our hedging relationships and our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument's effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method of measuring ineffectiveness. We also formally assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting cash flows of hedged items. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent that the derivative is effective as a hedge, until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. The ineffective portion, if any, of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument that qualifies as a cash-flow hedge is reported in earnings.

Segment Reporting

Our operations are solely in the financial services industry and include providing to our customers traditional banking and other financial services. We operate primarily in the state of Vermont. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of our consolidated financial results. Therefore, we have a single operating segment for financial reporting purposes.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants and such fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and Agency securities, liquid mortgage products, active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We do not adjust the quoted price for such instruments.

The types of instruments valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, less liquid mortgage products, less liquid Agency securities, less liquid listed equities, state, municipal and provincial obligations, and certain physical commodities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions; valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, Management's best estimate will be used. Management's best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Subsequent to inception, Management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications are made to prior years' consolidated financial statements whenever necessary to conform to the current year's presentation.