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 The accounting and reporting policies of Bar Harbor Bankshares (the "Company") and its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (the "Bank"), conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to general practice within the banking industry. The Company's principal business activity is retail and commercial banking and, to a lesser extent, financial services including trust, financial planning, investment management and third-party brokerage services. The Company's business is conducted through the Company's twelve banking offices located throughout downeast and midcoast Maine. The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company is also a Maine Financial Institution Holding Company for the purposes of the laws of the state of Maine, and as such is subject to the jurisdiction of the Superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions. The Bank is subject to the supervision, regulation, and examination of the FDIC and the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions. *Financial Statement Presentation:* The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bar Harbor Bankshares and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Whenever necessary, amounts in the prior years' financial statements are reclassified to conform to current presentation. Assets held in a fiduciary capacity are not assets of the Company and, accordingly, are not included in the consolidated balance sheets. In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, other-than temporary impairment on securities, income tax estimates, reviews of goodwill for impairment, and accounting for postretirement plans. *Cash and Cash Equivalents:* For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments with maturities less than 90 days. The Bank is required to maintain an average reserve balance with the Federal Reserve Bank or maintain such reserve balance in the form of cash on hand. The required reserve balance at December 31, 2011, and 2010 was $48 and $436, respectively, and was met by holding cash on hand. The Bank's clearing balance requirement was $150 at December 31, 2011, and 2010. In the normal course of business, the Bank has funds on deposit at other financial institutions in amounts in excess of the $250 that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. *Investment Securities:* All securities held at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were classified as available-for-sale ("AFS"). Available-for-sale securities primarily consist of debt securities and mortgage-backed securities, and are carried at estimated fair value. Changes in estimated fair value of AFS securities, net of applicable income taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of shareholders' equity. The Bank does not have a securities trading portfolio or securities held-to-maturity. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted over the term of the securities using the interest method. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recognized at the trade date using the specific-identification method and are shown separately in the consolidated statements of income. *Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Investment Securities: One of the significant estimates relating to securities is the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment. If a decline in the fair value of a debt security is judged to be other-than-temporary, and management does not intend to sell the security and believes it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery of cost or amortized cost, the portion of the total impairment attributable to the credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the remaining difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value is included in other comprehensive income. For impaired available-for-sale debt securities that management intends to sell, or where management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between fair value and cost or amortized cost basis of the security. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new cost basis. The evaluation of securities for impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of securities should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer's financial condition and/or future prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period of unrealized losses. The Company has a security monitoring process that identifies securities that, due to certain characteristics, as described below, are subjected to an enhanced analysis on a quarterly basis. Securities that are in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if they are other-than-temporarily impaired based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors and measures. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value of securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the cause of the impairment; (b) the financial condition, credit rating and future prospects of the issuer; (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments; (d) the volatility of the securities' fair value; (e) performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security including default rates, delinquency rates, percentage of non-performing assets, loan to collateral value ratios, third party guarantees, current levels of subordination, vintage, and geographic concentration and; (f) any other information and observable data considered relevant in determining whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, including the expectation of the receipt of all principal and interest due. For securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, such as private-label mortgage-backed securities, the Company periodically updates its best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. The Company's best estimate of cash flows is based upon assumptions consistent with the current economic recession, similar to those the Company believes market participants would use. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been an adverse change in timing or amount of anticipated future cash flows since the last revised estimate, to the extent that the Company does not expect to receive the entire amount of future contractual principal and interest, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized in earnings representing the estimated credit loss if management does not intend to sell the security and believes it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery of cost or amortized cost. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral. Federal Home Loan Bank Stock: The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of Boston. The FHLB of Boston is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank for housing and finance in the six New England States. As a requirement of membership in the FHLB of Boston, the Bank must own a minimum required amount of FHLB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLB. The Bank uses the FHLB of Boston for most of its wholesale funding needs. FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security and therefore is reported at cost, which equals par value. Shares held in excess of the minimum required amount are generally redeemable at par value; however, in 2009 the FHLB announced a moratorium on such redemptions in response to operating losses, declining capital levels and current market conditions, and this moratorium continued in effect through December 31, 2011. The minimum required shares are redeemable, subject to certain limitations, five years following termination of FHLB membership. The Bank has no intention of terminating its FHLB membership. The investment in FHLB of Boston stock is periodically evaluated for impairment based on, among other things, the capital adequacy of the FHLB of Boston and its overall financial condition. No impairment losses have been recorded through December 31, 2011. Loans:* Loans are carried at the principal amounts outstanding adjusted by partial charge-offs and net deferred loan origination costs or fees. Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income based on the principal amount of loans outstanding. Residential real estate and home equity loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when reaching 90 days past due, or in process of foreclosure, or sooner if judged appropriate by management. Consumer loans are generally placed on non-accrual when reaching 90 days or more past due, or sooner if judged appropriate by management, and any home equity line in the process of foreclosure is generally placed on non-accrual status, or sooner if judged appropriate by management. Secured consumer loans are written down to realizable value and unsecured consumer loans are charged-off upon reaching 120 days past due. Commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans that are 90 days or more past due are generally placed on non-accrual status, unless secured by sufficient cash or other assets immediately convertible to cash, and the loan is in the process of collection. Commercial real estate and commercial business loans may be placed on non-accrual status prior to the 90 days delinquency date if considered appropriate by management. When a loan has been placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest on loans. A loan can be returned to accrual status when collectibility of principal is reasonably assured and the loan has performed for a period of time, generally six months. Commercial real estate and commercial business loans are considered impaired when it becomes probable the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and collateral value. In considering loans for evaluation of impairment, management generally excludes smaller balance, homogeneous loans: residential mortgage loans, home equity loans, and all consumer loans, unless such loans were restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. These loans are collectively evaluated for risk of loss. Loan origination and commitment fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loans' yield, using the level yield method over the estimated lives of the related loans. *Allowance for Loan Losses:* The allowance for loan losses (the "allowance") is a significant accounting estimate used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements. The allowance is available to absorb losses inherent in the current loan portfolio and is maintained at a level that, in management's judgment, is appropriate for the amount of risk inherent in the loan portfolio, given past and present conditions. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and by recoveries on loans previously charged off, and is decreased by loans charged off as uncollectible. Arriving at an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of judgment. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance and provisioning for estimated losses is evaluated regularly based on review of loans, with particular emphasis on non-performing and other loans that management believes warrant special consideration. The ongoing evaluation process includes a formal analysis, which considers among other factors: the character and size of the loan portfolio, business and economic conditions, real estate market conditions, collateral values, changes in product offerings or loan terms, changes in underwriting and/or collection policies, loan growth, previous charge-off experience, delinquency trends, non-performing loan trends, the performance of individual loans in relation to contract terms, and estimated fair values of collateral. The allowance for loan losses consists of allowances established for specific loans including impaired loans; allowances for pools of loans based on historical charge-offs by loan types; and supplemental allowances that adjust historical loss experience to reflect current economic conditions, industry specific risks, and other observable data. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of the borrowers may necessitate future additions or reductions to the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance, which also may necessitate future additions or reductions to the allowance, based on information available to them at the time of their examination. Refer to Note 3 of these consolidated financial statements, Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, for further information on the allowance for loan losses, including the Company's loan loss estimation methodology. *Premises and Equipment:* Premises and equipment and related improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of related assets; generally 25 to 40 years for premises and three to seven years for furniture and equipment. *Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets:* In connection with acquisitions, the Company generally records as assets on its consolidated financial statements both goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, such as core deposit intangibles. The Company evaluates whether the carrying value of its goodwill has become impaired, in which case the value is reduced through a charge to its earnings. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually, or upon a triggering event using certain fair value techniques. The Company's annual measurement date is December 31. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the segment (or "reporting unit") level. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been assigned to the reporting units, it no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition, and all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or organically grown, are available to support the value of the goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in accordance with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We complete our annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31 of each year. The impairment testing process is conducted by assigning assets and goodwill to each reporting unit. Currently, our goodwill is evaluated at the entity level as there is only one reporting unit. The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, then the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the recorded book value "step one." If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and "step two" is not considered necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the impairment test continues ("step two") by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value is computed by adjusting all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to current fair value with the offset adjustment to goodwill. The adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value of the goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying fair value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. At December 31, 2011, there was no indication of impairment that led the Company to believe it needed to perform a two-step test. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not have any identifiable intangible assets on its consolidated balance sheet. Any changes in the estimates used by the Company to determine the carrying value of its goodwill, or which otherwise adversely affect their value or estimated lives, would adversely affect the Company's consolidated results of operations. *Bank-Owned Life Insurance:* Bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI") represents life insurance on the lives of certain retired employees who had provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received in excess of the cash value, are recorded in other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes. The cash surrender value is included in other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carrier prior to the purchase of BOLI and annually thereafter. *Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as separate assets when purchased or when retained in a sale of financial assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying value of the rights. Other Real Estate Owned: Real estate acquired in satisfaction of a loan is reported in other assets. Properties acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure are transferred to other real estate owned and recorded at the lower of cost or fair market value less estimated costs to sell based on appraised value at the date actually or constructively received. Loan losses arising from the acquisition of such property are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent reductions in market value below the carrying value are charged to other operating expenses. Derivative Financial Instruments:* The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative instrument is entered into, the Company designates whether the derivative is part of a hedging relationship (i.e., cash flow or fair value hedge). The Company formally documents relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are highly effective and qualify as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss. Any ineffective portion is recorded in earnings. For fair value hedges that are highly effective, the gain or loss on the derivative and the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are both recognized in earnings, with the differences (if any) representing hedge ineffectiveness. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes of the hedged risk on the hedged item, or management determines that the designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. *Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments: In the ordinary course of business the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or received. Stock Based Compensation:* The Company has stock option plans, which are described more fully in Note 12. The Company expenses the grant date fair value of options granted. The expense is recognized over the vesting periods of the grants. *Accounting for Retirement Benefit Plans:* The Company has non-qualified supplemental executive retirement agreements with certain retired officers. The agreements provide supplemental retirement benefits payable in installments over a period of years upon retirement or death. The Company recognized the net present value of payments associated with the agreements over the service periods of the participating officers. Interest costs continue to be recognized on the benefit obligations. The Company also has supplemental executive retirement agreements with certain current executive officers. These agreements provide a stream of future payments in accordance with individually defined vesting schedules upon retirement, termination, or in the event that the participating executive leaves the Company following a change of control event. The Company recognizes the net present value of payments associated with these agreements over the service periods of the participating executive officers. Upon retirement, interest costs will continue to be recognized on the benefit obligation. The Company recognizes the over-funded or under-funded status of postretirement benefit plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and recognizes changes in that funded status through other comprehensive income. Gains and losses, prior service costs and credits, and any remaining transition amounts that have not yet been recognized through net periodic benefit costs are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic cost. The measurement date, which is the date at which the benefit obligation and plan assets are measured, is the Company's fiscal year end. *Income Taxes:* The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If current available information indicates that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. 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 tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company performs an analysis of its tax positions and has not identified any uncertain tax positions for which tax benefits should not be recognized as of December 31, 2011. The Company's policy is to report interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company's income tax returns are currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2008 through 2010. *Earnings Per Share:* Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company, such as the Company's dilutive stock options. *Segment Reporting:* An operating segment is defined as a component of a business for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. The Company has determined that its operations are solely in the community banking industry and include traditional community banking services, including lending activities, acceptance of demand, savings and time deposits, business services, investment management, trust and third-party brokerage services. These products and services have similar distribution methods, types of customers and regulatory responsibilities. Accordingly, disaggregated segment information is not presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of Bar Harbor Bankshares (the "Company") and its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (the "Bank"), conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to general practice within the banking industry.

The Company's principal business activity is retail and commercial banking and, to a lesser extent, financial services including trust, financial planning, investment management and third-party brokerage services. The Company's business is conducted through the Company's twelve banking offices located throughout downeast and midcoast Maine.

The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company is also a Maine Financial Institution Holding Company for the purposes of the laws of the state of Maine, and as such is subject to the jurisdiction of the Superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions. The Bank is subject to the supervision, regulation, and examination of the FDIC and the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions.

Financial Statement Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bar Harbor Bankshares and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Whenever necessary, amounts in the prior years' financial statements are reclassified to conform to current presentation. Assets held in a fiduciary capacity are not assets of the Company and, accordingly, are not included in the consolidated balance sheets.

In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, other-than temporary impairment on securities, income tax estimates, reviews of goodwill for impairment, and accounting for postretirement plans.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments with maturities less than 90 days.

The Bank is required to maintain an average reserve balance with the Federal Reserve Bank or maintain such reserve balance in the form of cash on hand. The required reserve balance at December 31, 2011, and 2010 was $48 and $436, respectively, and was met by holding cash on hand. The Bank's clearing balance requirement was $150 at December 31, 2011, and 2010.

In the normal course of business, the Bank has funds on deposit at other financial institutions in amounts in excess of the $250 that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Investment Securities: All securities held at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were classified as available-for-sale ("AFS"). Available-for-sale securities primarily consist of debt securities and mortgage-backed securities, and are carried at estimated fair value. Changes in estimated fair value of AFS securities, net of applicable income taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of shareholders' equity. The Bank does not have a securities trading portfolio or securities held-to-maturity.

Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted over the term of the securities using the interest method. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recognized at the trade date using the specific-identification method and are shown separately in the consolidated statements of income.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Investment Securities: One of the significant estimates relating to securities is the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment. If a decline in the fair value of a debt security is judged to be other-than-temporary, and management does not intend to sell the security and believes it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery of cost or amortized cost, the portion of the total impairment attributable to the credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the remaining difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value is included in other comprehensive income.

For impaired available-for-sale debt securities that management intends to sell, or where management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between fair value and cost or amortized cost basis of the security. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new cost basis.

The evaluation of securities for impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of securities should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer's financial condition and/or future prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period of unrealized losses. The Company has a security monitoring process that identifies securities that, due to certain characteristics, as described below, are subjected to an enhanced analysis on a quarterly basis.

Securities that are in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if they are other-than-temporarily impaired based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors and measures. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value of securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the cause of the impairment; (b) the financial condition, credit rating and future prospects of the issuer; (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments; (d) the volatility of the securities' fair value; (e) performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security including default rates, delinquency rates, percentage of non-performing assets, loan to collateral value ratios, third party guarantees, current levels of subordination, vintage, and geographic concentration and; (f) any other information and observable data considered relevant in determining whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, including the expectation of the receipt of all principal and interest due.

For securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, such as private-label mortgage-backed securities, the Company periodically updates its best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. The Company's best estimate of cash flows is based upon assumptions consistent with the current economic recession, similar to those the Company believes market participants would use. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been an adverse change in timing or amount of anticipated future cash flows since the last revised estimate, to the extent that the Company does not expect to receive the entire amount of future contractual principal and interest, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized in earnings representing the estimated credit loss if management does not intend to sell the security and believes it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery of cost or amortized cost. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock: The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of Boston. The FHLB of Boston is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank for housing and finance in the six New England States. As a requirement of membership in the FHLB of Boston, the Bank must own a minimum required amount of FHLB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLB. The Bank uses the FHLB of Boston for most of its wholesale funding needs.

FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security and therefore is reported at cost, which equals par value. Shares held in excess of the minimum required amount are generally redeemable at par value; however, in 2009 the FHLB announced a moratorium on such redemptions in response to operating losses, declining capital levels and current market conditions, and this moratorium continued in effect through December 31, 2011. The minimum required shares are redeemable, subject to certain limitations, five years following termination of FHLB membership. The Bank has no intention of terminating its FHLB membership. The investment in FHLB of Boston stock is periodically evaluated for impairment based on, among other things, the capital adequacy of the FHLB of Boston and its overall financial condition. No impairment losses have been recorded through December 31, 2011.

Loans: Loans are carried at the principal amounts outstanding adjusted by partial charge-offs and net deferred loan origination costs or fees.

Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income based on the principal amount of loans outstanding. Residential real estate and home equity loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when reaching 90 days past due, or in process of foreclosure, or sooner if judged appropriate by management. Consumer loans are generally placed on non-accrual when reaching 90 days or more past due, or sooner if judged appropriate by management, and any home equity line in the process of foreclosure is generally placed on non-accrual status, or sooner if judged appropriate by management. Secured consumer loans are written down to realizable value and unsecured consumer loans are charged-off upon reaching 120 days past due. Commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans that are 90 days or more past due are generally placed on non-accrual status, unless secured by sufficient cash or other assets immediately convertible to cash, and the loan is in the process of collection. Commercial real estate and commercial business loans may be placed on non-accrual status prior to the 90 days delinquency date if considered appropriate by management. When a loan has been placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest on loans. A loan can be returned to accrual status when collectibility of principal is reasonably assured and the loan has performed for a period of time, generally six months.

Commercial real estate and commercial business loans are considered impaired when it becomes probable the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and collateral value. In considering loans for evaluation of impairment, management generally excludes smaller balance, homogeneous loans: residential mortgage loans, home equity loans, and all consumer loans, unless such loans were restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. These loans are collectively evaluated for risk of loss.

Loan origination and commitment fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loans' yield, using the level yield method over the estimated lives of the related loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (the "allowance") is a significant accounting estimate used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements. The allowance is available to absorb losses inherent in the current loan portfolio and is maintained at a level that, in management's judgment, is appropriate for the amount of risk inherent in the loan portfolio, given past and present conditions. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and by recoveries on loans previously charged off, and is decreased by loans charged off as uncollectible.

Arriving at an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of judgment. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance and provisioning for estimated losses is evaluated regularly based on review of loans, with particular emphasis on non-performing and other loans that management believes warrant special consideration. The ongoing evaluation process includes a formal analysis, which considers among other factors: the character and size of the loan portfolio, business and economic conditions, real estate market conditions, collateral values, changes in product offerings or loan terms, changes in underwriting and/or collection policies, loan growth, previous charge-off experience, delinquency trends, non-performing loan trends, the performance of individual loans in relation to contract terms, and estimated fair values of collateral.

The allowance for loan losses consists of allowances established for specific loans including impaired loans; allowances for pools of loans based on historical charge-offs by loan types; and supplemental allowances that adjust historical loss experience to reflect current economic conditions, industry specific risks, and other observable data.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of the borrowers may necessitate future additions or reductions to the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance, which also may necessitate future additions or reductions to the allowance, based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

Refer to Note 3 of these consolidated financial statements, Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, for further information on the allowance for loan losses, including the Company's loan loss estimation methodology.

Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment and related improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of related assets; generally 25 to 40 years for premises and three to seven years for furniture and equipment.

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets: In connection with acquisitions, the Company generally records as assets on its consolidated financial statements both goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, such as core deposit intangibles.

The Company evaluates whether the carrying value of its goodwill has become impaired, in which case the value is reduced through a charge to its earnings. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually, or upon a triggering event using certain fair value techniques. The Company's annual measurement date is December 31. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the segment (or "reporting unit") level. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been assigned to the reporting units, it no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition, and all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or organically grown, are available to support the value of the goodwill.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in accordance with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We complete our annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31 of each year. The impairment testing process is conducted by assigning assets and goodwill to each reporting unit. Currently, our goodwill is evaluated at the entity level as there is only one reporting unit. The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, then the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the recorded book value "step one." If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and "step two" is not considered necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the impairment test continues ("step two") by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value is computed by adjusting all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to current fair value with the offset adjustment to goodwill. The adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value of the goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying fair value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. At December 31, 2011, there was no indication of impairment that led the Company to believe it needed to perform a two-step test.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not have any identifiable intangible assets on its consolidated balance sheet.

Any changes in the estimates used by the Company to determine the carrying value of its goodwill, or which otherwise adversely affect their value or estimated lives, would adversely affect the Company's consolidated results of operations.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance: Bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI") represents life insurance on the lives of certain retired employees who had provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received in excess of the cash value, are recorded in other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes. The cash surrender value is included in other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carrier prior to the purchase of BOLI and annually thereafter.

Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as separate assets when purchased or when retained in a sale of financial assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying value of the rights.

Other Real Estate Owned: Real estate acquired in satisfaction of a loan is reported in other assets. Properties acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure are transferred to other real estate owned and recorded at the lower of cost or fair market value less estimated costs to sell based on appraised value at the date actually or constructively received. Loan losses arising from the acquisition of such property are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent reductions in market value below the carrying value are charged to other operating expenses.

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative instrument is entered into, the Company designates whether the derivative is part of a hedging relationship (i.e., cash flow or fair value hedge). The Company formally documents relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items.

Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are highly effective and qualify as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss. Any ineffective portion is recorded in earnings. For fair value hedges that are highly effective, the gain or loss on the derivative and the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are both recognized in earnings, with the differences (if any) representing hedge ineffectiveness. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes of the hedged risk on the hedged item, or management determines that the designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments: In the ordinary course of business the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or received.

Stock Based Compensation: The Company has stock option plans, which are described more fully in Note 12. The Company expenses the grant date fair value of options granted. The expense is recognized over the vesting periods of the grants.

Accounting for Retirement Benefit Plans: The Company has non-qualified supplemental executive retirement agreements with certain retired officers. The agreements provide supplemental retirement benefits payable in installments over a period of years upon retirement or death. The Company recognized the net present value of payments associated with the agreements over the service periods of the participating officers. Interest costs continue to be recognized on the benefit obligations. The Company also has supplemental executive retirement agreements with certain current executive officers. These agreements provide a stream of future payments in accordance with individually defined vesting schedules upon retirement, termination, or in the event that the participating executive leaves the Company following a change of control event. The Company recognizes the net present value of payments associated with these agreements over the service periods of the participating executive officers. Upon retirement, interest costs will continue to be recognized on the benefit obligation.

The Company recognizes the over-funded or under-funded status of postretirement benefit plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and recognizes changes in that funded status through other comprehensive income. Gains and losses, prior service costs and credits, and any remaining transition amounts that have not yet been recognized through net periodic benefit costs are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic cost. The measurement date, which is the date at which the benefit obligation and plan assets are measured, is the Company's fiscal year end.

Income Taxes: The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If current available information indicates that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. 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 tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company performs an analysis of its tax positions and has not identified any uncertain tax positions for which tax benefits should not be recognized as of December 31, 2011. The Company's policy is to report interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company's income tax returns are currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2008 through 2010.

Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company, such as the Company's dilutive stock options.

Segment Reporting: An operating segment is defined as a component of a business for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. The Company has determined that its operations are solely in the community banking industry and include traditional community banking services, including lending activities, acceptance of demand, savings and time deposits, business services, investment management, trust and third-party brokerage services. These products and services have similar distribution methods, types of customers and regulatory responsibilities. Accordingly, disaggregated segment information is not presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.