XML 106 R18.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER TAX CREDIT INVESTMENTS | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER TAX CREDIT INVESTMENTS |
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER TAX CREDIT INVESTMENTS | NOTE 10 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER TAX CREDIT INVESTMENTS The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) encourages banks to meet the credit needs of their communities for housing and other purposes, particularly in neighborhoods with low or moderate incomes. The Company invests in certain affordable housing limited partnerships that qualify for CRA credits. Such limited partnerships are formed to develop and operate apartment complexes designed as high-quality affordable housing for lower income tenants throughout the United States. Each of the partnerships must meet the regulatory requirements for affordable housing for a minimum 15-year compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits. The Company also invests in other investments that qualify for CRA credits. In addition, the Company invests in eligible projects that qualify for historic and energy tax credits. Investments in these other tax credits help promote the development of renewable energy sources and rehabilitation of historic buildings and economic revitalization of the surrounding areas. The Company is not the primary beneficiary in these partnerships and, therefore, is not required to consolidate these entities on its financial statements. Depending on the ownership percentage and the influence the Company has on the limited partnership, the Company uses either the equity method or cost method of accounting. As of December 31, 2014, a majority of these investments are accounted under the equity method. If the partnerships cease to qualify during the compliance period, the credits may be denied for any period in which the projects are not in compliance and a portion of the credits previously taken may be subject to recapture with interest. Investments in affordable housing partnerships, net were $178.7 million and $164.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. CRA and other tax credit investments were $110.1 million and $70.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has unfunded commitments related to the affordable housing and other tax credit investments that are payable on demand. Total unfunded commitments for these investments were $114.7 million and $73.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company's usage of affordable housing partnerships and other tax credit investments' federal tax credits totaled $84.8 million, $34.2 million and $18.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Affordable housing and other tax credit investments amortization was $75.7 million, $27.3 million and $18.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company's remaining tax credits approximated $193.8 million as of December 31, 2014.

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for affordable housing programs and other tax credit investments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ewbc_AffordableHousingProgramAndOtherTaxCreditInvestmentsTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ewbc_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | ewbc_InvestmentsInAffordableHousingPartnershipsAndOtherTaxCreditInvestmentsDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ewbc_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration