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INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011 investment Y | Dec. 31, 2010 investment | Dec. 31, 2009
INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS |  |  |
Minimum compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits (in years) | 15 |  |
Tax credit partnerships, Amount |  |  |
Equity method | $ 94,874,000 | $ 111,593,000 |
Cost method | 48,587,000 | 43,481,000 |
Total tax credit partnerships | 143,461,000 | 155,074,000 |
Tax exempt bonds | 984,000 |  |
Grand total | 144,445,000 | 155,074,000 |
Tax credit partnerships, Count |  |  |
Equity method (number of investments) | 26 | 29 |
Cost method (number of investments) | 17 | 17 |
Grand Total (number of investments) | 43 | 46 |
Notes payable | 52,434,000 | 49,690,000 |
Remaining tax credits | 183,186,000 | 168,521,000 |
Usage of federal tax credits | 11,100,000 | 12,400,000 | 7,100,000
Investment amortization | 14,600,000 | 9,400,000 | 7,000,000
Reduction in the UCB affordable housing investments |  | 3,000,000 |
Number of investments sold | 3 | 1 |
Amount of investments sold | 25,700,000 | 3,200,000 |
Loss on sale of investments in affordable housing partnerships | 3,700,000 | 1,200,000 |
Impairment charge | $ 1,300,000 |  |

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- Definition The amortization related to limited partnership interests in projects of affordable housing for lower income tenants. The investments in which the Company recorded using the cost method and are being amortized using the level-yield method over the life of the related tax credits. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Investments in limited partnership interests in projects of affordable housing for lower income tenants, which have related tax credits. The investments in which the Company has significant influence or has a limited partnership interest that exceeds 5% are recorded using the equity method of accounting. The remaining investments are recorded using the cost method and are being amortized using the level-yield method over the life of the related tax credits. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Remaining tax credits related to the investments in limited partnership interests in projects of affordable housing for lower income tenants. + References No definition available. + Details
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