Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]

Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-01 (ASU 2014-01), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. This standard permits an entity to elect the proportional amortization method of accounting for limited liability investments in qualified affordable housing projects if certain criteria are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax benefits received and the net investment performance is reported as a component of income tax expense. ASU 2014-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. If elected, the proportional amortization method is required to be applied retrospectively. The Company has assessed the effects of this standard and it does not have an impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The guidance in ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. ASU 2014-09 applies to most contracts with customers. Insurance and leasing contracts are excluded from the scope. ASU 2014-09 prescribes a five step framework in accounting for revenues from contracts within its scope, including (a) identification of the contract, (b) identification of the performance obligation under the contract, (c) determination of the transaction price, (d) allocation of the transaction price to the identified performance obligation and (e) recognition of revenue as the identified performance obligation is satisfied. ASU 2014-09 also prescribes additional disclosures and financial statement presentations. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. The Company has assessed the effects of this standard and does not expect it to have a material impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company will adopt the guidance and include appropriate disclosures related to revenue recognition in accordance with ASU 2014-09 in its interim report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2017.