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Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation PulteGroup, Inc. is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States, and our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “PHM”. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "PulteGroup", the "Company", "we", "us", and "our" used herein refer to PulteGroup, Inc. and its subsidiaries. While our subsidiaries engage primarily in the homebuilding business, we also have mortgage banking operations, conducted principally through Pulte Mortgage LLC (“Pulte Mortgage”), and title operations. On August 18, 2009, we completed the acquisition of Centex Corporation (“Centex”) through the merger of PulteGroup’s merger subsidiary with and into Centex pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 7, 2009 among PulteGroup, Pi Nevada Building Company, and Centex. As a result of the merger, Centex became a wholly-owned subsidiary of PulteGroup. Accordingly, the results of Centex are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of the merger. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of PulteGroup, Inc. and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and variable interest entities in which PulteGroup, Inc. is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions, and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassification Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, including the reclassification to cash and equivalents of certain deposits in-transit previously classified separately as unfunded settlements (see Cash and equivalents below), the reclassification of certain accrued liabilities to self-insured liabilities (see Note 15), and a reclassification of our segment information (see Note 6). Subsequent events We evaluated subsequent events up until the time the financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Cash and equivalents Cash and equivalents include institutional money market investments and time deposits with a maturity of three months or less when acquired. Cash and equivalents at December 31, 2011 and 2010 also included $13.0 million and $12.8 million, respectively, of cash from home closings held in escrow for our benefit, typically for less than five days, which are considered deposits in-transit. Restricted cash We maintain certain cash balances that are restricted as to their use. Restricted cash consists primarily of deposits maintained with financial institutions under certain cash-collateralized letter of credit agreements (see Note 8). The remaining balances relate to certain other accounts with restrictions, including customer deposits on home sales that are temporarily restricted by regulatory requirements until title transfers to the homebuyer. Investments in unconsolidated entities We have investments in a number of unconsolidated entities, including joint ventures, with independent third parties. Many of these unconsolidated entities purchase, develop, and/or sell land and homes in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The equity method of accounting is used for unconsolidated entities over which we have significant influence; generally this represents ownership interests of at least 20% and not more than 50%. Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities. Certain of these entities sell land to us. In these situations, we defer the recognition of profits from such activities until the time the related homes are sold. The cost method of accounting is used for investments in which we have less than a 20% ownership interest and do not have the ability to exercise significant influence. We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated entities for recoverability in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 323, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”). If we determine that a loss in the value of the investment is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its estimated fair value. Any such losses are recorded to equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, each unconsolidated entity evaluates its long-lived assets, such as inventory, for recoverability in accordance with ASC 360-10, “Property, Plant, and Equipment – Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“ASC 360-10”). Our proportionate share of any such impairments is also recorded to equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Evaluations of recoverability under both ASC 323 and ASC 360-10 are primarily based on projected cash flows. Due to uncertainties in the estimation process and the significant volatility in demand for new housing, actual results could differ significantly from such estimates. See Note 7. Notes receivable In certain instances, we may accept consideration for land sales or other transactions in the form of a note receivable. The counterparties for these transactions are generally land developers or other real estate investors. We consider the creditworthiness of the counterparty when evaluating the relative risk and return involved in pursuing the applicable transaction. Due to the unique facts and circumstances surrounding each receivable, we actively monitor each individual receivable and assess the need for an allowance for each receivable on an individual basis. Factors considered as part of this assessment include the counterparty's payment history, the value of any underlying collateral, communications with the counterparty, knowledge of the counterparty's financial condition and plans, and the current and expected economic environment. Allowances are recorded in other expense (income), net when it becomes likely that some amount will not be collectible. Such receivables are reported net of allowance for credit losses within other assets. Notes receivable are written off when it is determined that collection efforts will no longer be pursued. Interest income is recognized as earned. The following represents our notes receivable and related allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2011 and 2010 ($000’s omitted):
| December 31, 2011 |  | December 31, 2010
Notes receivable, gross | $ | 78,834 |  |  | $ | 77,853 |
Allowance for credit losses | (41,647 | ) |  | (20,877 | )
Notes receivable, net | $ | 37,187 |  |  | $ | 56,976 |
The increase in the allowance for credit losses during 2011 relates primarily to the recording of additional reserves. We also record other receivables from various parties in the normal course of business, including amounts due from municipalities, insurance companies, and vendors. Such receivables are generally non-interest bearing and non-collateralized, payable either on demand or upon the occurrence of a specified event, and are generally reported in other assets. See Residential mortgage loans available-for-sale in Note 1 for a discussion of our receivables related to mortgage operations. Intangible assets Intangible assets consist of trademarks and tradenames acquired in connection with the 2009 acquisition of Centex and the 2001 acquisition of Del Webb. These intangible assets were valued at the acquisition date utilizing proven valuation procedures and are being amortized over 20-year lives. The acquired cost and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets were $259.0 million and $96.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011, and $259.0 million and $83.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010. Amortization expense totaled $13.1 million in 2011, $13.1 million in 2010, and $14.0 million in 2009 (including $4.0 million related to the fair value of customer backlog acquired with the Centex merger that was fully amortized as of December 31, 2009). Amortization expense for trademarks and tradenames is expected to be $13.1 million in each of the next five years. The ultimate realization of these assets is dependent upon estimates of future earnings and benefits that we expect to generate from their use. If we determine that the carrying values of intangible assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we use a projected undiscounted cash flow method to determine if impairment exists. If the carrying values of the intangible assets exceed the expected undiscounted cash flows, then we measure impairment as the difference between the fair value of the asset and the recorded carrying value. If our expectations of future results and cash flows decrease significantly or if our strategy related to the use of such intangible assets changes, the related intangible assets may be impaired. There were no impairments of intangible assets during 2011, 2010, or 2009. Goodwill Goodwill, which represents the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of the net assets of such companies at the acquisition date, had been recorded in connection with various acquisitions. All goodwill was written-off as of December 31, 2011. Recorded goodwill was allocated to our reporting units based on the relative fair value of each acquired reporting unit. In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”, we assessed the goodwill balance of each reporting unit for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and when events or changes in circumstances indicated the carrying amount might not be recoverable. See Note 3. Fixed assets and depreciation Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives as follows: vehicles, three to seven years, model and office furniture, two to three years, and equipment, three to ten years. Fixed assets are included in other assets and totaled $53.2 million net of accumulated depreciation of $203.4 million at December 31, 2011 and $59.3 million net of accumulated depreciation of $237.0 million at December 31, 2010. Depreciation expense totaled $19.0 million, $32.5 million, and $40.2 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Advertising costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $55.1 million, $54.9 million, and $47.1 million, in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Employee benefits We maintain defined contribution retirement plans that cover substantially all of our employees. Company contributions to these plans were suspended during 2009 but have been reestablished effective in 2012. Company contributions pursuant to the plans totaled $0.2 million and $5.7 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. There were no Company contributions during 2011. Other expense (income), net Other expense (income), net consists of the following ($000’s omitted):
| 2011 |  | 2010 |  | 2009
Write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs (Note 5) | $ | 10,002 |  |  | $ | 5,594 |  |  | $ | 54,256 |
Loss on debt retirements (Note 8) | 5,638 |  |  | 38,920 |  |  | 31,594 |
Lease exit and related costs (Note 4) (a) | 9,900 |  |  | 28,378 |  |  | 24,803 |
Amortization of intangible assets (Note 1) | 13,100 |  |  | 13,100 |  |  | 14,008 |
Goodwill impairments (Note 3) | 240,541 |  |  | 656,298 |  |  | 562,990 |
Miscellaneous expense (income), net | 13,921 |  |  | 95 |  |  | (1,822 | )
| $ | 293,102 |  |  | $ | 742,385 |  |  | $ | 685,829 |
(a) | Excludes lease exit costs classified within Financial Services expenses of $0.1 million, $2.9 million, and $0.7 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. See Note 4.
Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders (the “numerator”) by the weighted-average number of common shares, adjusted for non-vested shares of restricted stock (the “denominator”) for the period. Computing diluted earnings per share is similar to computing basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the dilutive effects of stock options, restricted stock units, and non-vested shares of restricted stock. Any stock options that have an exercise price greater than the average market price are considered to be anti-dilutive and are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation. Due to the net loss recorded during the periods, all stock options and non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units were excluded from the calculation for 2011, 2010, and 2009. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and, therefore, are included in computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents and their respective participation rights in undistributed earnings. Although our outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units are considered participating securities, there were no earnings attributable to restricted shareholders during 2011, 2010, or 2009. Stock-based compensation We measure compensation cost for our stock options at fair value on the date of grant and recognize compensation expense on the graded vesting method over the vesting period. The graded vesting method provides for vesting of portions of the overall awards at interim dates and results in greater expense in earlier years than the straight-line method. The fair value of our stock options is determined using primarily the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock. We recognize compensation expense for restricted stock grants, the majority of which cliff vest at the end of three years, ratably over the vesting period. Compensation expense related to our share-based awards is included in selling, general, and administrative expense, except for a small portion recognized in Financial Services expenses. See Note 10. Income taxes The provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized by identifying the temporary differences arising from the different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. In determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns, judgment is required. Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations or financial position. We follow the provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), which prescribes a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. Significant judgment is required to evaluate uncertain tax positions. Our evaluations of tax positions consider a variety of factors, including changes in facts or circumstances, changes in law, correspondence with taxing authorities, and effective settlements of audit issues. Changes in the recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions could result in material increases or decreases in income tax expense in the period in which the change is made. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in the consolidated financial statements as a component of income tax expense. See Note 11. Homebuilding revenue recognition Homebuilding revenue and related profit are generally recognized at the closing of the sale, when title to and possession of the property are transferred to the buyer. In situations where the buyer’s financing is originated by Pulte Mortgage and the buyer has not made an adequate initial or continuing investment as required by ASC 360-20, “Property, Plant, and Equipment - Real Estate Sales” (“ASC 360-20”), the profit on such sale is deferred until the sale of the related mortgage loan to a third-party investor has been completed, unless there is a loss on the sale in which case the loss on such sale is recognized at the time of closing. Such amounts were not material at either December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010. Sales incentives When sales incentives involve a discount on the selling price of the home, we record the discount as a reduction of revenue at the time of house closing. If the sales incentive requires us to provide a free product or service to the customer, the cost of the free product or service is recorded as cost of revenues at the time of house closing. This includes the cost related to optional upgrades and seller-paid financing or closing costs. Sales incentives in the form of seller-paid homeowners’ association fees or merchandise are also recorded to cost of revenues. Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of accumulated cost or fair value, as determined in accordance with ASC 360-10. Accumulated cost includes costs associated with land acquisition, land development, and home construction costs, including interest, real estate taxes, and certain direct and indirect overhead costs related to development and construction. For those communities for which construction and development activities have been idled, applicable interest and real estate taxes are expensed as incurred. Land acquisition and development costs are allocated to individual lots using an average lot cost determined based on the total expected land acquisition and development costs and the total expected home closings for the community. The specific identification method is used to accumulate home construction costs. Cost of revenues includes the construction cost, average lot cost, estimated warranty costs, and commissions and closing costs applicable to the home. The construction cost of the home includes amounts paid through the closing date of the home, plus an appropriate accrual for costs incurred but not yet paid, based on an analysis of budgeted construction costs. This accrual is reviewed for accuracy based on actual payments made after closing compared with the amount accrued, and adjustments are made if needed. Total community land acquisition and development costs are based on an analysis of budgeted costs compared with actual costs incurred to date and estimates to complete. The development cycles for our communities range from under one year to in excess of ten years for certain master planned communities. Adjustments to estimated total land acquisition and development costs for the community affect the amounts costed for the community’s remaining lots. See Note 5. Land, not owned, under option agreements In the ordinary course of business, we enter into land option agreements in order to procure land for the construction of homes in the future. Pursuant to these land option agreements, we generally provide a deposit to the seller as consideration for the right to purchase land at different times in the future, usually at predetermined prices. Under ASC 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”), if the entity holding the land under option is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), our deposit represents a variable interest in that entity. If we are determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, then we are required to consolidate the VIE. The VIE is generally protected from the first dollar of loss under our land option agreement due to our deposit. Likewise, the VIE's gains are generally capped based on the purchase price within the land option agreement. However, we generally have little control or influence over the operations of these VIEs due to our lack of an equity interest in them. Additionally, creditors of the VIE have no recourse against us, and we do not provide financial or other support to these VIEs other than as stipulated in the land option agreements. Our maximum exposure to loss related to these VIEs is generally limited to our deposits and pre-acquisition costs under the applicable land option agreements. In recent years, we have canceled a significant number of land option agreements, which has resulted in significant write-offs of the related deposits and pre-acquisition costs but did not expose us to the overall risks or losses of the applicable VIEs. No VIEs required consolidation under ASC 810 at either December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010. Additionally, we determined that certain land option agreements represent financing arrangements pursuant to ASC 470-40, “Accounting for Product Financing Arrangements” (“ASC 470-40”), even though we generally have no obligation to pay these future amounts. As a result, we recorded $24.9 million and $50.8 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, to land, not owned, under option agreements with a corresponding increase to accrued and other liabilities. Such amounts represent the remaining purchase price under the land option agreements, some of which are with VIEs, in the event we exercise the purchase rights under the agreements. The following provides a summary of our interests in land option agreements as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 ($000’s omitted):
| December 31, 2011 |  | December 31, 2010
| Deposits and Pre-acquisition Costs |  | Remaining Purchase Price |  | Land, Not Owned, Under Option Agreements |  | Deposits and Pre-acquisition Costs |  | Remaining Purchase Price |  | Land, Not Owned, Under Option Agreements
Consolidated VIEs | $ | 2,781 |  |  | $ | 5,957 |  |  | $ | 3,837 |  |  | $ | 41,813 |  |  | $ | 44,565 |  |  | $ | 42,401 |
Unconsolidated VIEs | 21,180 |  |  | 240,958 |  |  | — |  |  | 10,280 |  |  | 193,978 |  |  | — |
Other land option agreements | 33,086 |  |  | 451,079 |  |  | 21,068 |  |  | 42,970 |  |  | 431,999 |  |  | 8,380 |
| $ | 57,047 |  |  | $ | 697,994 |  |  | $ | 24,905 |  |  | $ | 95,063 |  |  | $ | 670,542 |  |  | $ | 50,781 |
Land held for sale Land held for sale is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. See Note 5. Start-up costs Costs and expenses associated with entry into new homebuilding markets and opening new communities in existing markets are expensed when incurred. Allowance for warranties Home purchasers are provided with a limited warranty against certain building defects. We estimate the costs to be incurred under these warranties and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product revenue is recognized. Self-insured risks We maintain, and require the majority of our subcontractors to maintain, general liability insurance coverage, including coverage for certain construction defects. We also maintain property, errors and omissions, workers compensation, and other business insurance coverage. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of the risk of loss from claims, subject to certain self-insured per occurrence and aggregate retentions, deductibles, and available policy limits. However, we retain a significant portion of the overall risk for such claims. We reserve for these costs on an undiscounted basis at the time product revenue is recognized for each home closing and evaluate the recorded liabilities based on actuarial analyses of our historical claims, which include estimates of claims incurred but not yet reported. Adjustments to estimated reserves are recorded in the period in which the change in estimate occurs. In certain instances, we have the ability to recover a portion of our costs under various insurance policies or from its subcontractors or other third parties. Estimates of such amounts are recorded when recovery is considered probable. See Note 15. Residential mortgage loans available-for-sale Substantially all of the loans originated by us are sold in the secondary mortgage market within a short period of time after origination. In accordance with ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“ASC 825”), we use the fair value option for residential mortgage loans available-for-sale. Election of the fair value option for these loans allows a better offset of the changes in fair values of the loans and the derivative instruments used to economically hedge them without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. We do not designate any derivative instruments as hedges or apply the hedge accounting provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Fair values for agency residential mortgage loans available-for-sale are determined based on quoted market prices for comparable instruments. Fair values for non-agency residential mortgage loans available-for-sale are determined based on purchase commitments from whole loan investors and other relevant market information available to management. See Note 15 for discussion of the risks retained related to mortgage loan originations. Expected gains and losses from the sale of residential mortgage loans and their related servicing rights are included in the measurement of written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through Financial Services revenues at the time of commitment. Subsequent changes in the fair value of these loans are reflected in Financial Services revenues as they occur. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, residential mortgage loans available-for-sale had an aggregate fair value of $258.1 million and $176.2 million, respectively, and an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $248.2 million and $175.9 million, respectively. The net gain (loss) resulting from changes in fair value of these loans totaled $(0.4) million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These changes in fair value were mostly offset by changes in fair value of the corresponding hedging instruments. Net gains from the sale of mortgages during 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $59.1 million, $66.0 million, and $59.5 million, respectively. Mortgage servicing rights We sell the servicing rights for the loans we originate on a flow basis through fixed price servicing sales contracts to reduce the risks and costs inherent in servicing loans. This strategy results in owning the servicing rights for only a short period of time. We recognize the fair value of our rights to service a mortgage loan as revenue at the time of entering into an interest rate lock commitment with a borrower. Due to the short period of time the servicing rights are held, we do not amortize the servicing asset. The servicing sales contracts provide for the reimbursement of payments made by the purchaser if loans prepay within specified periods of time, generally within 90 to 120 days after sale. We establish reserves for this liability at the time the sale is recorded. Such reserves were immaterial at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and are included in accrued and other liabilities. During 2011, 2010, and 2009, servicing rights recognized in Financial Services revenues totaled $16.0 million, $20.8 million, and $29.3 million, respectively. Loans held for investment We originate interim financing mortgage loans for certain customers and also have a portfolio of loans that either have been repurchased from investors or were not saleable upon closing. These loans are carried at cost and are reviewed for impairment when recoverability becomes doubtful. Loans held for investment are included in other assets and totaled $2.4 million and $3.1 million (net of reserves of $1.9 million and $3.1 million) at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest income on mortgage loans Interest income is recorded in Financial Services revenues, accrued from the date a mortgage loan is originated until the loan is sold, and totaled $5.0 million, $5.8 million, and $7.7 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Loans are placed on non-accrual status once they become greater than 90 days past due their contractual terms. Subsequent payments received are applied according to the contractual terms of the loan. Mortgage discounts are not amortized as interest income due to the short period the loans are held until sale to third party investors. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale at December 31, 2011 and 2010 reflects unamortized discounts of $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Mortgage servicing, origination, and commitment fees Mortgage servicing fees represent fees earned for servicing loans for various investors. Servicing fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal balance, or a contracted set fee in the case of certain sub-servicing arrangements, and are credited to income when related mortgage payments are received or the sub-servicing fees are earned. Loan origination costs related to residential mortgage loans available-for-sale are recognized as incurred in Financial Services expenses while the associated mortgage origination fees are recognized in Financial Services revenues as earned, generally upon loan closing. Title services Revenues associated with our title operations are recognized within Financial Services revenues as closing services are rendered and title insurance policies are issued, both of which generally occur as each home is closed. We have only limited risk associated with our title operations due to the low incidence of claims related to underwriting risk associated with issued title insurance policies and fiduciary risk resulting from closing services. Derivative instruments and hedging activities We are exposed to market risks from commitments to lend, movements in interest rates, and canceled or modified commitments to lend. A commitment to lend at a specific interest rate (an interest rate lock commitment) is a derivative financial instrument (interest rate is locked to the borrower). In order to reduce these risks, we use other derivative financial instruments to economically hedge the interest rate lock commitment, principally cash forward placement contracts on mortgage-backed securities and whole loan investor commitments. We do not use any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. We enter into one of the aforementioned derivative financial instruments upon accepting interest rate lock commitments. Changes in the fair value of interest rate lock commitments and other derivative financial instruments are recognized in Financial Services revenues and the fair values are reflected in other assets or other liabilities, as applicable. Fair values for interest rate lock commitments, including the value of servicing rights, are based on market prices for similar instruments. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had interest rate lock commitments in the total amount of $97.6 million and $99.0 million, respectively, which were originated at interest rates prevailing at the date of commitment. Since we can terminate a loan commitment if the borrower does not comply with the terms of the contract, and some loan commitments may expire without being drawn upon, these commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate the creditworthiness of these transactions through our normal credit policies. Forward contracts on mortgage-backed securities are commitments to either purchase or sell a specified financial instrument at a specified future date for a specified price and may be settled in cash, by offsetting the position, or through the delivery of the financial instrument. Whole loan investor commitments are obligations of the investor to buy loans at a specified price within a specified time period. Forward contracts on mortgage-backed securities are the predominant derivative financial instruments used to minimize the market risk during the period from the time we extend an interest rate lock to a loan applicant until the time the loan is sold to an investor. Forward contracts on mortgage-backed securities are valued based on market prices for similar instruments. Fair values for whole loan investor commitments are based on market prices for similar instruments from the specific whole loan investor. At December 31, 2011, we had unexpired forward contracts and whole loan investor commitments of $311.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, compared with cash forward contracts on mortgage-backed securities and whole loan investor commitments of $198.0 million and $59.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010. There are no credit-risk-related contingent features within our derivative agreements, and counterparty risk is considered minimal. Gains and losses on interest rate lock commitments are substantially offset by corresponding gains or losses on forward contracts on mortgage-backed securities and whole loan investor commitments. At December 31, 2011, the maximum length of time that we were exposed to the variability in future cash flows of derivative instruments was approximately 60 days. The fair value of derivative instruments and their location in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is summarized below ($000’s omitted):
| December 31, 2011 |  | December 31, 2010
| Other Assets |  | Other Liabilities |  | Other Assets |  | Other Liabilities
Interest rate lock commitments | $ | 3,552 |  |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | 2,756 |  |  | $ | 64 |
Forward contracts | 44 |  |  | 3,514 |  |  | 4,217 |  |  | 673 |
Whole loan commitments | 52 |  |  | 41 |  |  | 2,319 |  |  | — |
| $ | 3,648 |  |  | $ | 3,556 |  |  | $ | 9,292 |  |  | $ | 737 |
New accounting pronouncements In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2011-04”), which amends Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 to clarify existing guidance and minimize differences between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). ASU 2011-04 requires entities to provide information about valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements and provide a narrative description of the sensitivity of Level 3 measurements to changes in unobservable inputs. ASU 2011-04 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, “Statement of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”), which requires entities to present net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 will not impact our reported results of operations but will impact our financial statement presentation as we currently present items of other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity. ASU 2011-05 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012.

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