Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Commitments and Contingencies:

On March 22, 2012, Sterling and its subsidiary Sterling Savings Bank were named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed by two Washington customers of Sterling Savings Bank in King County, Washington, Superior Court. The suit challenges the manner in which overdraft fees were charged and the disclosures related to posting order of debit card and ATM transactions, and alleges claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unconscionability, conversion, unjust enrichment, and a violation of state consumer protection laws. No class has been certified and there are significant uncertainties involved in any purported class action litigation. Sterling intends to vigorously defend the case. Failure by Sterling to obtain a favorable resolution of the claims set forth in the complaint could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Currently, a loss resulting from these claims is not considered probable or reasonably estimable in amount.