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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 10, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	M&T BANK CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000036270
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 9,926,718,437
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		126,406,098

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$ 1,449,547	$ 908,755
Interest-bearing deposits at banks	154,960	101,222
Federal funds sold	2,850	25,000
Trading account	561,834	523,834
Investment securities (includes pledged securities that can be sold or repledged of $1,826,011 at December 31, 2011; $1,937,817 at December 31, 2010)
Available for sale (cost: $6,312,423 at December 31, 2011; $5,494,377 at December 31, 2010)	6,228,560	5,413,492
Held to maturity (fair value: $1,012,562 at December 31, 2011; $1,225,253 at December 31, 2010)	1,077,708	1,324,339
Other (fair value: $366,886 at December 31, 2011; $412,709 at December 31, 2010)	366,886	412,709
Total investment securities	7,673,154	7,150,540
Loans and leases	60,377,875	52,315,942
Unearned discount	(281,870)	(325,560)
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	60,096,005	51,990,382
Allowance for credit losses	(908,290)	(902,941)
Loans and leases, net	59,187,715	51,087,441
Premises and equipment	581,435	435,837
Goodwill	3,524,625	3,524,625
Core deposit and other intangible assets	176,394	125,917
Accrued interest and other assets	4,611,773	4,138,092
Total assets	77,924,287	68,021,263
Liabilities
Noninterest-bearing deposits	20,017,883	14,557,568
NOW accounts	1,912,226	1,393,349
Savings deposits	31,001,083	26,431,281
Time deposits	6,107,530	5,817,170
Deposits at Cayman Islands office	355,927	1,605,916
Total deposits	59,394,649	49,805,284
Federal funds purchased and agreements to repurchase securities	732,059	866,555
Other short-term borrowings	50,023	80,877
Accrued interest and other liabilities	1,790,121	1,070,701
Long-term borrowings	6,686,226	7,840,151
Total liabilities	68,653,078	59,663,568
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, $1.00 par, 1,000,000 shares authorized; Issued and outstanding: Liquidation preference of $1,000 per share: 381,500 shares at December 31, 2011; 778,000 shares at December 31, 2010; Liquidation preference of $10,000 per share: 50,000 shares at December 31, 2011; none at December 31, 2010	864,585	740,657
Common stock, $.50 par, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 125,683,398 shares issued at December 31, 2011; 120,396,611 shares issued at December 31, 2010	62,842	60,198
Common stock issuable, 68,220 shares at December 31, 2011; 71,345 shares at December 31, 2010 .	4,072	4,189
Additional paid-in capital	2,828,986	2,398,615
Retained earnings	5,867,165	5,426,701
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	(356,441)	(205,220)
Treasury stock - common, at cost - none at December 31, 2011; 693,974 shares at December 31, 2010	0	(67,445)
Total shareholders' equity	9,271,209	8,357,695
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 77,924,287	$ 68,021,263

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Pledged securities that can be sold or repledged	$ 1,826,011	$ 1,937,817
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	6,312,423	5,494,377
Investment securities, held to maturity, fair value	1,012,562	1,225,253
Other debt securities, fair value	$ 366,886	$ 412,709
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	381,500	778,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	50,000	0
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Liquidation preference, per share	10,000	10,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.50	$ 0.50
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	125,683,398	120,396,611
Common stock issuable, shares	68,220	71,345
Treasury stock - common, shares	0	693,974

Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Interest income
Loans and leases, including fees	$ 2,522,567	$ 2,394,082	$ 2,326,748
Deposits at banks	2,934	88	34
Federal funds sold	57	42	63
Agreements to resell securities	132	404	66
Trading account	1,198	615	534
Investment securities
Fully taxable	256,057	324,695	389,268
Exempt from federal taxes	9,142	9,869	8,484
Total interest income	2,792,087	2,729,795	2,725,197
Interest expense
NOW accounts	1,145	850	1,122
Savings deposits	84,314	85,226	112,550
Time deposits	71,014	100,241	206,220
Deposits at Cayman Islands office	962	1,368	2,391
Short-term borrowings	1,030	3,006	7,129
Long-term borrowings	243,866	271,578	340,037
Total interest expense	402,331	462,269	669,449
Net interest income	2,389,756	2,267,526	2,055,748
Provision for credit losses	270,000	368,000	604,000
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	2,119,756	1,899,526	1,451,748
Other income
Mortgage banking revenues	166,021	184,625	207,561
Service charges on deposit accounts	455,095	478,133	469,195
Trust income	332,385	122,613	128,568
Brokerage services income	56,470	49,669	57,611
Trading account and foreign exchange gains	27,224	27,286	23,125
Gain on bank investment securities	150,187	2,770	1,165
Total other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses	(72,915)	(115,947)	(264,363)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)	(4,120)	29,666	126,066
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(77,035)	(86,281)	(138,297)
Equity in earnings of Bayview Lending Group LLC	(24,231)	(25,768)	(25,898)
Other revenues from operations	496,796	355,053	325,076
Total other income	1,582,912	1,108,100	1,048,106
Other expense
Salaries and employee benefits	1,203,993	999,709	1,001,873
Equipment and net occupancy	249,514	216,064	211,391
Printing, postage and supplies	40,917	33,847	38,216
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets	61,617	58,103	64,255
FDIC assessments	100,230	79,324	96,519
Other costs of operations	821,797	527,790	568,309
Total other expense	2,478,068	1,914,837	1,980,563
Income before taxes	1,224,600	1,092,789	519,291
Income taxes	365,121	356,628	139,400
Net income	859,479	736,161	379,891
Net income available to common shareholders
Basic	781,743	675,826	332,006
Diluted	$ 781,765	$ 675,853	$ 332,006
Net income per common share
Basic	$ 6.37	$ 5.72	$ 2.90
Diluted	$ 6.35	$ 5.69	$ 2.89

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 859,479	$ 736,161	$ 379,891
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Provision for credit losses	270,000	368,000	604,000
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment	80,304	67,677	64,398
Amortization of capitalized servicing rights	55,859	56,582	62,268
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets	61,617	58,103	64,255
Provision for deferred income taxes	33,924	51,068	82,501
Asset write-downs	170,632	101,106	171,225
Net gain on sales of assets	(187,120)	(10,426)	(88)
Net change in accrued interest receivable, payable	(27,508)	(9,942)	(38,920)
Net change in other accrued income and expense	147,465	144,705	(154,992)
Net change in loans originated for sale	238,156	202,089	(57,105)
Net change in trading account assets and liabilities	69,438	(89,476)	11,956
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,772,246	1,675,647	1,189,389
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of investment securities, Available for sale	1,909,829	23,310	9,427
Proceeds from sales of investment securities, Other	116,410	107,320	137,577
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities Available for sale	1,307,567	1,539,591	2,187,553
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities, Held to maturity	272,841	248,087	125,466
Purchases of investment securities, Available for sale	(3,491,759)	(440,560)	(651,549)
Purchases of investment securities, Held to maturity	(28,454)	(1,003,796)	(37,453)
Purchase of investment securities, Other	(30,727)	(7,647)	(21,088)
Net decrease in agreements to resell securities	15,000		90,000
Net (increase) decrease in loans and leases	(2,233,600)	(201,854)	657,458
Net (increase) decrease in interest-bearing deposits at banks	2,552,527	32,113	(123,051)
Other investments, net	(29,306)	(52,179)	(35,934)
Capital expenditures, net	(70,008)	(70,458)	(58,967)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Banks and bank holding companies	178,940	213,204	202,993
Purchase of Wilmington Trust Corporation preferred stock	(330,000)
Proceeds from the sales of real estate acquired and settlement of loans	208,546	89,206	90,241
Other, net	21,126	(927)	(70,978)
Net cash provided by investing activities	368,932	475,410	2,501,695
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	742,653	1,879,491	(528,964)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings	(313,050)	(1,522,646)	(745,251)
Payments on long-term borrowings	(1,809,984)	(2,514,342)	(2,390,182)
Dividends paid - common	(350,129)	(335,303)	(325,706)
Dividends paid - preferred	(48,203)	(40,225)	(31,946)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	495,000
Redemption of preferred stock	(370,000)
Other, net	31,177	69,381	9,156
Net cash used by financing activities	(1,622,536)	(2,463,644)	(4,012,893)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	518,642	(312,587)	(321,809)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	933,755	1,246,342	1,568,151
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	1,452,397	933,755	1,246,342
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest received during the year	2,807,071	2,765,101	2,748,880
Interest paid during the year	440,810	490,767	704,173
Income taxes paid (refunded) during the year	251,810	287,740	(19,549)
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans	81,588	199,285	102,392
Acquisitions, Fair value of:
Assets acquired (noncash)	10,666,102	342,443	6,581,433
Liabilities assumed	10,044,555	528,108	6,318,998
Preferred stock issued			155,779
Common stock issued	405,557		272,824
Retirement of Wilmington Trust Corporation preferred stock	$ 330,000
Common stock options			1,367
Common stock warrants			6,467
Increase (decrease) from consolidation of securitization trusts
Loans		423,865
Investment securities - available for sale		(360,471)
Long-term borrowings		65,419
Accrued interest and other		$ 2,025
Securitization of residential mortgage loans allocated to: Available for sale investment securities			140,942
Securitization of residential mortgage loans allocated to: Capitalized servicing rights			$ 788

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock Issuable	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net	Treasury Stock
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 6,784,731	$ 567,463	$ 60,198	$ 4,617	$ 2,897,907	$ 5,062,754	$ (736,881)	$ (1,071,327)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	379,891					379,891
Other comprehensive income, net of tax and reclassification adjustments:
Unrealized gains on investment securities	337,043						337,043
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment	57,284						57,284
Unrealized gains (losses) on terminated cash flow hedges	6,557						6,557
Total Comprehensive Income	780,775
Acquisition of companies
Preferred stock issued	155,779	155,779
Common stock options	1,367				1,367
Common stock warrants	6,467				6,467
Issuance of common stock to defined benefit pension plan	44,289				(51,417)			95,706
Common stock issued - acquisition	272,824				(348,080)			620,904
Preferred stock cash dividends	(31,946)					(31,946)
Amortization of preferred stock discount		6,993				(6,993)
Repayment of management stock ownership program receivable	195				195
Stock-based compensation plans:
Compensation expense, net	53,505				(21,773)			75,278
Exercises of stock options, net	10,234				(39,936)			50,170
Directors' stock plan	1,251				(1,280)			2,531
Deferred compensation plans, net, including dividend equivalents	53			(275)	(503)	(205)		1,036
Common stock cash dividends - $2.80 per share in 2009, 2010 and 2011	(326,617)					(326,617)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	7,752,907	730,235	60,198	4,342	2,442,947	5,076,884	(335,997)	(225,702)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	736,161					736,161
Other comprehensive income, net of tax and reclassification adjustments:
Unrealized gains on investment securities	134,904						134,904
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment	(3,846)						(3,846)
Unrealized gains (losses) on terminated cash flow hedges	(281)						(281)
Total Comprehensive Income	866,938
Acquisition of companies
Preferred stock cash dividends	(40,225)					(40,225)
Amortization of preferred stock discount		10,422				(10,422)
Repayment of management stock ownership program receivable	3,783				3,783
Stock-based compensation plans:
Compensation expense, net	48,576				5,491			43,085
Exercises of stock options, net	49,326				(46,248)			95,574
Directors' stock plan	1,117				(362)			1,479
Deferred compensation plans, net, including dividend equivalents	(14)			(153)	(305)	(195)		639
Stock purchase plan	8,998				(8,482)			17,480
Other	1,791				1,791
Common stock cash dividends - $2.80 per share in 2009, 2010 and 2011	(335,502)					(335,502)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	8,357,695	740,657	60,198	4,189	2,398,615	5,426,701	(205,220)	(67,445)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	859,479					859,479
Other comprehensive income, net of tax and reclassification adjustments:
Unrealized gains on investment securities	6,687						6,687
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment	(156,824)						(156,824)
Unrealized gains (losses) on terminated cash flow hedges	(281)						(281)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(803)						(803)
Total Comprehensive Income	708,258
Acquisition of companies
Common stock issued - acquisition	405,557		2,348		403,209
Partial redemption of Series A preferred stock	(370,000)	(370,000)
Conversion of Series B preferred stock into 433,144 shares of common stock		(26,500)	192		21,754			4,554
Issuance of Series D preferred stock	495,000	500,000			(5,000)
Preferred stock cash dividends	(48,203)					(48,203)
Amortization of preferred stock discount		20,428				(20,428)
Repayment of management stock ownership program receivable	0				0
Stock-based compensation plans:
Compensation expense, net	43,912		50		12,196			31,666
Exercises of stock options, net	25,854		48		(4,300)			30,106
Directors' stock plan	1,431		6		813			612
Deferred compensation plans, net, including dividend equivalents	38			(117)	(164)	(188)		507
Stock purchase plan	0				0			0
Other	1,863				1,863
Common stock cash dividends - $2.80 per share in 2009, 2010 and 2011	(350,196)					(350,196)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 9,271,209	$ 864,585	$ 62,842	$ 4,072	$ 2,828,986	$ 5,867,165	$ (356,441)	$ 0

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Common stock per share dividend amount	$ 2.80	$ 2.80	$ 2.80
Preferred Stock
Shares of common stock issued upon conversion of Series B preferred stock	433,144
Common Stock
Shares of common stock issued upon conversion of Series B preferred stock	433,144
Additional Paid-in Capital
Shares of common stock issued upon conversion of Series B preferred stock	433,144
Treasury Stock
Shares of common stock issued upon conversion of Series B preferred stock	433,144
Retained Earnings
Common stock per share dividend amount	$ 2.80	$ 2.80	$ 2.80

- Definition

Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of convertible securities.

+ References

+ Details

Significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Significant accounting policies [Abstract]

Significant accounting policies

1. Significant accounting policies

M&T Bank Corporation (“M&T”) is a bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Through subsidiaries, M&T provides individuals, corporations and other businesses, and institutions with commercial and retail banking services, including loans and deposits, trust, mortgage banking, asset management, insurance and other financial services. Banking activities are largely focused on consumers residing in New York State, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia and on small and medium-size businesses based in those areas. Banking services are also provided in West Virginia and New Jersey, while certain subsidiaries also conduct activities in other areas.

The accounting and reporting policies of M&T and subsidiaries (“the Company”) conform to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and to general practices within the banking industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The more significant accounting policies are as follows:

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include M&T and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions of consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements of M&T included in note 26 report investments in subsidiaries under the equity method. Information about some limited purpose entities that are affiliates of the Company but are not included in the consolidated financial statements appears in note 19.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For purposes of this statement, cash and due from banks and federal funds sold are considered cash and cash equivalents.

Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at amounts equal to the cash or other consideration exchanged. It is generally the Company’s policy to take possession of collateral pledged to secure agreements to resell.

Trading account

Financial instruments used for trading purposes are stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses and unrealized changes in fair value of financial instruments utilized in trading activities are included in “trading account and foreign exchange gains” in the consolidated statement of income.

Investment securities

Investments in debt securities are classified as held to maturity and stated at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Investments in other debt securities and equity securities having readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale and stated at estimated fair value. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts for investment securities available for sale and held to maturity are included in interest income. Except for investment securities for which the Company has entered into a related fair value hedge, unrealized gains or losses on investment securities available for sale are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes.

Other securities are stated at cost and include stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of New York.

The cost basis of individual securities is written down through a charge to earnings when declines in value below amortized cost are considered to be other than temporary. In cases where fair value is less than amortized cost and the Company intends to sell a debt security, it is more likely than not to be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of a debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. If the Company intends to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings while the amount related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Subsequently, the Company accounts for the other-than-temporarily impaired debt security as if the security had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. The cost basis of individual equity securities is written down to estimated fair value through a charge to earnings when declines in value below cost are considered to be other than temporary. Realized gains and losses on the sales of investment securities are determined using the specific identification method.

Loans and leases

The Company’s accounting methods for loans depends on whether the loans were originated by the Company or were acquired in a business combination.

Originated loans and leases

Interest income on loans is accrued on a level yield method. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status and previously accrued interest thereon is charged against income when principal or interest is delinquent 90 days, unless management determines that the loan status clearly warrants other treatment. Nonaccrual commercial loans and commercial real estate loans are returned to accrual status when borrowers have demonstrated an ability to repay their loans and there are no delinquent principal and interest payments. Consumer loans not secured by residential real estate are returned to accrual status when all past due principal and interest payments have been paid by the borrower. Loans secured by residential real estate are returned to accrual status when they are deemed to have an insignificant delay in payments of 90 days or less. Loan balances are charged off when it becomes evident that such balances are not fully collectible. For commercial loans and commercial real estate loans, charge-offs are recognized after an assessment by credit personnel of the capacity and willingness of the borrower to repay, the estimated value of any collateral, and any other potential sources of repayment. A charge-off is recognized when, after such assessment, it becomes evident that the loan balance is not fully collectible. For loans secured by residential real estate, the excess of the loan balances over the net realizable value of the property collateralizing the loan is charged-off when the loan becomes 150 days delinquent. Consumer loans are generally charged-off when the loans are 91 to 180 days past due, depending on whether the loan is collateralized and the status of repossession activities with respect to such collateral. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized as an interest yield adjustment over the life of the loan. Net deferred fees have been included in unearned discount as a reduction of loans outstanding. Commitments to sell real estate loans are utilized by the Company to hedge the exposure to changes in fair value of real estate loans held for sale. The carrying value of hedged real estate loans held for sale recorded in the consolidated balance sheet includes changes in estimated fair market value during the hedge period, typically from the date of close through the sale date. Valuation adjustments made on these loans and commitments are included in “mortgage banking revenues.”

Except for consumer and residential mortgage loans that are considered smaller balance homogenous loans and are evaluated collectively, the Company considers a loan to be impaired for purposes of applying GAAP when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or the loan is delinquent 90 days. Regardless of loan type, the Company considers a loan to be impaired if it qualifies as a troubled debt restructuring. Impaired loans are classified as either nonaccrual or as loans renegotiated at below market rates which continue to accrue interest, provided that a credit assessment of the borrower’s financial condition results in an expectation of full repayment under the modified contractual terms. Certain loans greater than 90 days delinquent are not considered impaired if they are both well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans less than 90 days delinquent are deemed to have an insignificant delay in payment and are generally not considered impaired. Impairment of a loan is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. Interest received on impaired loans placed on nonaccrual status is generally applied to reduce the carrying value of the loan or, if principal is considered fully collectible, recognized as interest income.

Residual value estimates for commercial leases are generally determined through internal or external reviews of the leased property. The Company reviews commercial lease residual values at least annually and recognizes residual value impairments deemed to be other than temporary.

Loans and leases acquired in a business combination

Due to changes in GAAP, loans acquired in a business combination subsequent to December 31, 2008 are recorded at fair value with no carry-over of an acquired entity’s previously established allowance for credit losses. The excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value of acquired loans is recognized as interest income over the remaining lives of the loans. Subsequent decreases in the expected principal cash flows require the Company to evaluate the need for additions to the Company’s allowance for credit losses. Subsequent improvements in expected cash flows result first in the recovery of any applicable allowance for credit losses and then in recognition of additional interest income over the then remaining lives of the loans.

Purchased impaired loans represent specifically identified loans with evidence of credit deterioration for which it was probable at acquisition that the Company would be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments.

Allowance for credit losses

The allowance for credit losses represents, in management’s judgment, the amount of losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is determined by management’s evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio based on such factors as the differing economic risks associated with each loan category, the current financial condition of specific borrowers, the economic environment in which borrowers operate, the level of delinquent loans, the value of any collateral and, where applicable, the existence of any guarantees or indemnifications. The effects of probable decreases in expected principal cash flows on acquired loans are also considered in the establishment of the allowance for credit losses.

Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans

Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans are primarily comprised of commercial and residential real property and are included in “other assets” in the consolidated balance sheet. Upon acquisition of assets taken in satisfaction of a defaulted loan, the excess of the remaining loan balance over the asset’s estimated fair value less costs to sell is charged off against the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent declines in value of the assets are recognized as “other expense” in the consolidated statement of income.

Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Capitalized servicing rights

Capitalized servicing assets are included in “other assets” in the consolidated balance sheet. Separately recognized servicing assets are initially measured at fair value. The Company uses the amortization method to subsequently measure servicing assets. Under that method, capitalized servicing assets are charged to expense in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income.

To estimate the fair value of servicing rights, the Company considers market prices for similar assets and the present value of expected future cash flows associated with the servicing rights calculated using assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future servicing income and expense. Such assumptions include estimates of the cost of servicing loans, loan default rates, an appropriate discount rate, and prepayment speeds. For purposes of evaluating and measuring impairment of capitalized servicing rights, the Company stratifies such assets based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying financial instruments that are expected to have the most impact on projected prepayments, cost of servicing and other factors affecting future cash flows associated with the servicing rights. Such factors may include financial asset or loan type, note rate and term. The amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the capitalized servicing rights for a stratum exceeds estimated fair value. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance.

Sales and securitizations of financial assets

Due to changes in GAAP, transfers of financial assets that occur on or after January 1, 2010 for which the Company has surrendered control of the financial assets are accounted for as sales. Interests in a sale of financial assets that continue to be held by the Company, including servicing rights, are measured at fair value. Prior to January 1, 2010, transfers of financial assets for which the Company had surrendered control of the financial assets were accounted for as sales to the extent that consideration other than beneficial interests in the transferred assets was received in exchange. Interests in a sale or securitization of financial assets that continued to be held by the Company, other than servicing rights which were initially measured at fair value, were measured at the date of transfer by allocating the previous carrying amount between the assets transferred and the retained interests based on their relative estimated fair values. The fair values of retained debt securities are generally determined through reference to independent pricing information. The fair values of retained servicing rights and any other retained interests are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows associated with those interests and by reference to market prices for similar assets.

Also due to changes in GAAP, for transfers of financial assets that occur on or after January 1, 2010 the exception that permitted sale accounting for certain mortgage securitizations when a transferor has not surrendered control over the transferred assets was eliminated. The change in GAAP also eliminated the concept of qualifying special-purpose entities. As a result, beginning January 1, 2010, all formerly qualifying special-purpose entities had to be re-evaluated in accordance with the applicable consolidation guidance. Additional information on the effects of this accounting change and changes in the accounting guidance relating to the consolidation of variable interest entities is included in note 19.

Goodwill and core deposit and other intangible assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level, which is either at the same level or one level below an operating segment. Other acquired intangible assets with finite lives, such as core deposit intangibles, are initially recorded at estimated value and are amortized over their estimated lives. Core deposit and other intangible assets are generally amortized using accelerated methods over estimated useful lives of five to ten years. The Company periodically assesses whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of core deposit and other intangible assets may be impaired.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available for sale security, or a foreign currency denominated forecasted transaction.

The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of the management of interest rate risk to modify the repricing characteristics of certain portions of its portfolios of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. For such agreements, amounts receivable or payable are recognized as accrued under the terms of the agreement and the net differential is recorded as an adjustment to interest income or expense of the related asset or liability. Interest rate swap agreements may be designated as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. In a fair value hedge, the fair values of the interest rate swap agreements and changes in the fair values of the hedged items are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the corresponding gain or loss recognized in current earnings. The difference between changes in the fair values of interest rate swap agreements and the hedged items represents hedge ineffectiveness and is recorded in “other revenues from operations” in the consolidated statement of income. In a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s unrealized gain or loss is initially recorded as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the unrealized gain or loss is reported in “other revenues from operations” immediately.

The Company utilizes commitments to sell real estate loans to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of real estate loans held for sale. Commitments to originate real estate loans to be held for sale and commitments to sell real estate loans are generally recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at estimated fair market value.

Derivative instruments not related to mortgage banking activities, including financial futures commitments and interest rate swap agreements, that do not satisfy the hedge accounting requirements are recorded at fair value and are generally classified as trading account assets or liabilities with resultant changes in fair value being recognized in “trading account and foreign exchange gains” in the consolidated statement of income.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the stock-based grant based on the estimated grant date value of the stock-based compensation that is expected to vest, except that the recognition of compensation costs is accelerated for stock-based awards granted to retirement-eligible employees and employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to full vesting of the award because the Company’s incentive compensation plan allows for vesting at the time an employee retires.

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax effects attributable to differences between the financial statement value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws.

The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions using the two-step process required by GAAP. The first step requires a determination of whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Under the second step, a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Earnings per common share

Basic earnings per common share exclude dilution and are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (exclusive of shares represented by the unvested portion of restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants) and common shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect shares represented by the unvested portion of restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants and the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings. Proceeds assumed to have been received on such exercise or conversion are assumed to be used to purchase shares of M&T common stock at the average market price during the period, as required by the “treasury stock method” of accounting.

GAAP requires that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) shall be considered participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per common share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company has issued stock-based compensation awards in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units that contain such rights and, accordingly, the Company’s earnings per common share are calculated using the two-class method.

Treasury stock

Repurchases of shares of M&T common stock are recorded at cost as a reduction of shareholders’ equity. Reissuances of shares of treasury stock are recorded at average cost.

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

2. Acquisitions

On May 16, 2011, M&T acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Wilmington Trust Corporation (“Wilmington Trust”), headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, in a stock-for-stock transaction. Wilmington Trust operated 55 banking offices in Delaware and Pennsylvania at the date of acquisition. The results of operations acquired in the Wilmington Trust transaction have been included in the Company’s financial results since May 16, 2011. Wilmington Trust shareholders received .051372 shares of M&T common stock in exchange for each share of Wilmington Trust common stock, resulting in M&T issuing a total of 4,694,486 common shares with an acquisition date fair value of $406 million.

The Wilmington Trust transaction has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Assets acquired totaled approximately $10.8 billion, including $6.4 billion of loans and leases (including approximately $3.2 billion of commercial real estate loans, $1.4 billion of commercial loans and leases, $1.1 billion of consumer loans and $680 million of residential real estate loans). Liabilities assumed aggregated $10.0 billion, including $8.9 billion of deposits. The common stock issued in the transaction added $406 million to M&T’s common shareholders’ equity. Immediately prior to the closing of the Wilmington Trust transaction, M&T redeemed the $330 million of preferred stock issued by Wilmington Trust as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program – Capital Purchase Program of the U.S. Department of Treasury (“U.S. Treasury”). In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $112 million of core deposit and other intangible assets. The core deposit and other intangible assets are generally being amortized over periods of 5 to 7 years using accelerated methods. There was no goodwill recorded as a result of the transaction, however, a non-taxable gain of $65 million was realized, which represented the excess of the fair value of assets acquired less liabilities assumed over consideration exchanged. The acquisition of Wilmington Trust added to M&T’s market-leading position in the Mid-Atlantic region by giving M&T a leading deposit market share in Delaware.

In many cases, determining the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities required the Company to estimate cash flows expected to result from those assets and liabilities and to discount those cash flows at appropriate rates of interest. The most significant of these determinations related to the fair valuation of acquired loans. For such loans, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is recognized as interest income over the remaining lives of the loans. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition reflects the impact of estimated credit losses. In accordance with GAAP, there was no carry-over of Wilmington Trust’s previously established allowance for credit losses. In conjunction with the Wilmington Trust acquisition, the acquired loan portfolio was accounted for at fair value as follows:


	May 16, 2011
	(In thousands)
Contractual principal and interest at acquisition	$	8,208,181
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected		(1,109,762	)

Expected cash flows at acquisition		7,098,419
Interest component of expected cash flows		(687,989	)

Basis in acquired loans at acquisition – estimated fair value	$	6,410,430

Included in the above table is information related to loans for which there was specific evidence of credit deterioration at the acquisition date and for which it was deemed probable that the Company would be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments (“purchased impaired loans”). Contractual principal and interest, cash flows expected to be collected and estimated fair value of purchased impaired loans were $1,419,672,000, $747,265,000 and $707,907,000, respectively.

The consideration paid for Wilmington Trust’s equity and the amounts of acquired identifiable assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date were as follows:


	(In thousands)
Purchase price:
Value of:
Common shares issued (4,694,486 shares)	$	405,557
Preferred stock purchased from U.S. Treasury		330,000

Total purchase price		735,557

Identifiable assets:
Cash and due from banks		178,940
Interest-bearing deposits at banks		2,606,265
Other short-term investments		57,817
Investment securities		510,390
Loans and leases		6,410,430
Core deposit and other intangibles		112,094
Other assets		969,106

Total identifiable assets		10,845,042

Liabilities:
Deposits		8,864,161
Short-term borrowings		147,752
Long-term borrowings		600,830
Other liabilities		431,812

Total liabilities		10,044,555

Net gain resulting from acquisition	$	64,930

The following table discloses the impact of Wilmington Trust (excluding the impact of the merger-related gain and expenses) since the acquisition on May 16, 2011 through the end of 2011. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if Wilmington Trust had been acquired on January 1, 2010. These results combine the historical results of Wilmington Trust into the Company’s consolidated statement of income and, while certain adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair valuation adjustments and other acquisition-related activity, they are not indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on the indicated date. In particular, no adjustments have been made to eliminate the amount of Wilmington Trust’s provision for credit losses of $42 million in 2011 and $700 million in 2010 or the impact of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized by Wilmington Trust of $5 million in 2011 and $38 million in 2010 that may not have been necessary had the acquired loans and investment securities been recorded at fair value as of the beginning of 2010. Furthermore, expenses related to systems conversions and other costs of integration of $84 million and the $65 million gain recorded in connection with the acquisition are included in the 2011 periods in which such costs were incurred and gain recognized. Additionally, the Company expects to achieve further operating cost savings and other business synergies as a result of the acquisition which are not reflected in the pro forma amounts that follow.


	Actual Since		Pro Forma
	Acquisition		Year Ended
	Through		December 31
	December 31, 2011		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Total revenues (a)	$	380,945	$	4,202,109	$	4,064,729
Net income		18,586		808,696		295,486

(a)

Represents net interest income plus other income.

On November 5, 2010, M&T Bank, M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) to assume all of the deposits, except certain brokered deposits, and acquire certain assets of K Bank, based in Randallstown, Maryland. As part of the transaction, M&T Bank entered into a loss-share arrangement with the FDIC whereby M&T Bank will be reimbursed by the FDIC for most losses it incurs on the acquired loan portfolio. The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Assets acquired in the transaction totaled approximately $556 million, including $154 million of loans and $186 million in cash, and liabilities assumed aggregated $528 million, including $491 million of deposits. In accordance with GAAP, M&T Bank recorded an after-tax gain on the transaction of $17 million ($28 million before taxes). The gain reflected the amount of financial support and indemnification against loan losses that M&T Bank obtained from the FDIC. There was no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded in connection with this transaction. The operations obtained in the K Bank acquisition transaction did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

On August 28, 2009, M&T Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC to assume all of the deposits and acquire certain assets of Bradford Bank (“Bradford”), Baltimore, Maryland. As part of the transaction, M&T Bank entered into a loss-share arrangement with the FDIC whereby M&T Bank will be reimbursed by the FDIC for most losses it incurs on the acquired loan portfolio. The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Assets acquired totaled approximately $469 million, including $302 million of loans, and liabilities assumed aggregated $440 million, including $361 million of deposits. In accordance with GAAP, M&T Bank recorded an after-tax gain on the transaction of $18 million ($29 million before taxes). There was no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded in connection with this transaction. The operations obtained in the Bradford acquisition transaction did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

On May 23, 2009, M&T acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Provident Bankshares Corporation (“Provident”), a bank holding company based in Baltimore, Maryland, in a stock-for-stock transaction. Provident Bank, Provident’s banking subsidiary, was merged into M&T Bank on that date. The results of operations acquired in the Provident transaction have been included in the Company’s financial results since May 23, 2009. Provident common shareholders received .171625 shares of M&T common stock in exchange for each share of Provident common stock, resulting in M&T issuing a total of 5,838,308 common shares with an acquisition date fair value of $273 million. In addition, based on the merger agreement, outstanding and unexercised options to purchase Provident common stock were converted into options to purchase the common stock of M&T. Those options had an estimated fair value of $1 million. In total, the purchase price was approximately $274 million based on the fair value on the acquisition date of M&T common stock exchanged and the options to purchase M&T common stock. Holders of Provident’s preferred stock were issued shares of new Series B and Series C Preferred Stock of M&T having substantially identical terms. That preferred stock and warrants to purchase common stock associated with the Series C Preferred Stock added $162 million to M&T’s shareholders’ equity.

The Provident transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Assets acquired totaled $6.3 billion, including $4.0 billion of loans and leases (including approximately $1.7 billion of commercial real estate loans, $1.4 billion of consumer loans, $700 million of commercial loans and leases and $300 million of residential real estate loans) and $1.0 billion of investment securities. Liabilities assumed were $5.9 billion, including $5.1 billion of deposits. The transaction added $436 million to M&T’s shareholders’ equity, including $280 million of common equity and $156 million of preferred equity. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $332 million of goodwill and $63 million of core deposit intangible. The core deposit intangible is being amortized over seven years using an accelerated method. The acquisition of Provident expanded the Company’s presence in the Mid-Atlantic area, gave the Company the second largest deposit share in Maryland, and tripled the Company’s presence in Virginia.

In conjunction with the Provident acquisition, the acquired loan portfolio was accounted for at fair value as follows:


	May 23, 2009
	(In thousands)
Contractual principal and interest at acquisition	$	5,465,167
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected		(832,115	)

Expected cash flows at acquisition		4,633,052
Interest component of expected cash flows		(595,685	)

Basis in acquired loans at acquisition – estimated fair value	$	4,037,367

The Company incurred merger-related expenses in 2011, 2010 and 2009 related to systems conversions and other costs of integrating and conforming acquired operations with and into the Company. Those expenses consisted largely of professional services and other temporary help fees associated with the conversion of systems and/or integration of operations; costs related to branch and office consolidations; costs related to termination of existing contractual arrangements for various services; initial marketing and promotion expenses designed to introduce M&T Bank to its new customers; severance (for former Wilmington Trust and Provident employees) and incentive compensation costs; travel costs; and printing, postage, supplies and other costs of completing the transactions and commencing operations in new markets and offices. As of December 31, 2011, the remaining unpaid portion of incurred merger-related expenses was not material.

A summary of merger-related expenses included in the consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 follows:


	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits	$	16,131	$	7	$	10,030
Equipment and net occupancy		412		44		2,975
Printing, postage and supplies		2,663		74		3,677
Other costs of operations		64,481		646		72,475

	$	83,687	$	771	$	89,157

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
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+ Details

Investment securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investment securities [Abstract]

Investment securities

3. Investment securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities were as follows:


	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	69,468	$	1,255	$	—	$	70,723
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		39,518		771		20		40,269
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		4,344,116		177,392		275		4,521,233
Privately issued residential		1,369,371		6,373		239,488		1,136,256
Privately issued commercial		17,679		—		2,650		15,029
Collateralized debt obligations		43,834		11,154		2,488		52,500
Other debt securities		216,700		4,588		44,443		176,845
Equity securities		211,737		8,468		4,500		215,705

		6,312,423		210,001		293,864		6,228,560

Investment securities held to maturity:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		188,680		9,141		28		197,793
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		608,533		24,881		—		633,414
Privately issued		268,642		—		99,140		169,502
Other debt securities		11,853		—		—		11,853

		1,077,708		34,022		99,168		1,012,562

Other securities		366,886		—		—		366,886

Total	$	7,757,017	$	244,023	$	393,032	$	7,608,008

December 31, 2010
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	61,772	$	1,680	$	18	$	63,434
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		59,921		561		57		60,425
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		3,146,054		161,298		1,111		3,306,241
Privately issued residential		1,677,064		10,578		252,081		1,435,561
Privately issued commercial		25,357		—		2,950		22,407
Collateralized debt obligations		95,080		24,754		9,078		110,756
Other debt securities		310,017		26,883		38,000		298,900
Equity securities		119,112		5,098		8,442		115,768

		5,494,377		230,852		311,737		5,413,492

Investment securities held to maturity:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		191,119		1,944		694		192,369
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		808,108		14,061		—		822,169
Privately issued		312,537		—		114,397		198,140
Other debt securities		12,575		—		—		12,575

		1,324,339		16,005		115,091		1,225,253

Other securities		412,709		—		—		412,709

Total	$	7,231,425	$	246,857	$	426,828	$	7,051,454

No investment in securities of a single non-U.S. Government or government agency issuer exceeded ten percent of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2011.

As of December 31, 2011, the latest available investment ratings of all obligations of states and political subdivisions, privately issued mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and other debt securities were:


	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Average Credit Rating of Fair Value Amount
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		A or Better		BBB		BB		B or Less		Not Rated
	(In thousands)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	228,198	$	238,062	$	185,888	$	22,898	$	200	$	—	$	29,076
Mortgage-backed securities:
Privately issued residential		1,638,013		1,305,758		339,446		125,711		91,370		749,231		—
Privately issued commercial		17,679		15,029		15,029		—		—		—		—
Collateralized debt obligations		43,834		52,500		4,667		5,711		9,653		32,469		—
Other debt securities		228,553		188,698		26,448		37,235		87,110		25,002		12,903

Total	$	2,156,277	$	1,800,047	$	571,478	$	191,555	$	188,333	$	806,702	$	41,979

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of collateralized mortgage obligations included in mortgage-backed securities were as follows:


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
Amortized cost	$	1,750,922	$	2,195,422
Estimated fair value		1,417,822		1,840,046

Gross realized gains on investment securities were $150,223,000 in 2011, $3,549,000 in 2010 and $1,629,000 in 2009. Gross realized losses on investment securities were $36,000 in 2011, $779,000 in 2010 and $464,000 in 2009. During 2011, the Company sold residential mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) having an aggregate amortized cost of approximately $1.5 billion which resulted in a gain of $104 million (pre-tax). The Company also sold trust preferred securities and collateralized debt securities during 2011 having an aggregate amortized cost of $136 million and $100 million, respectively, which resulted in gains of $25 million (pre-tax) and $20 million (pre-tax), respectively.

The Company recognized $77 million, $68 million and $128 million of pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment losses related to privately issued mortgage-backed securities in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The impairment charges were recognized in light of deterioration of real estate values and a rise in delinquencies and charge-offs of underlying mortgage loans collateralizing those securities. Approximately $6 million and $10 million of the impairment charges recognized in 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to collateralized debt obligations backed largely by trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions. Also reflected in 2010’s impairment charges was a $12 million charge related to American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. (“AIB”) obtained in M&T’s 2003 acquisition of a former subsidiary of AIB. The other-than-temporary impairment losses represent management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the debt securities considering projected cash flows using assumptions of delinquency rates, loss severities, and other estimates of future collateral performance.

Changes in credit losses during 2011, 2010 and 2009 associated with debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment losses have been previously recognized in earnings follows:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Estimated credit losses — beginning balance	$	327,912		$	284,513		$	155,967
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized		77,035			74,288			138,297
Reductions for increases in cash flows		(5,111	)		(754	)		(1,393	)
Reductions for realized losses		(114,437	)		(30,135	)		(8,358	)

Estimated credit losses — ending balance	$	285,399		$	327,912		$	284,513

At December 31, 2011, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity were as follows:


	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Debt securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less	$	52,096	$	52,182
Due after one year through five years		49,833		51,977
Due after five years through ten years		13,275		14,621
Due after ten years		254,316		221,557

		369,520		340,337
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale		5,731,166		5,672,518

	$	6,100,686	$	6,012,855

Debt securities held to maturity:
Due in one year or less	$	29,133	$	29,352
Due after one year through five years		27,717		29,303
Due after five years through ten years		129,160		136,308
Due after ten years		14,523		14,683

		200,533		209,646
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity		877,175		802,916

	$	1,077,708	$	1,012,562

A summary of investment securities that as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and those that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer follows:


	Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—			1,228		(20	)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		38,492		(190	)		6,017		(85	)
Privately issued residential		297,133		(14,188	)		751,077		(225,300	)
Privately issued commercial		—		—			15,029		(2,650	)
Collateralized debt obligations		2,871		(335	)		4,863		(2,153	)
Other debt securities		72,637		(9,883	)		73,635		(34,560	)
Equity securities		9,883		(4,500	)		—		—

		421,016		(29,096	)		851,849		(264,768	)

Investment securities held to maturity:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		3,084		(4	)		1,430		(24	)
Privately issued mortgage-backed securities		1,883		(592	)		167,139		(98,548	)

		4,967		(596	)		168,569		(98,572	)

Total	$	425,983	$	(29,692	)	$	1,020,418	$	(363,340	)

December 31, 2010
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	27,289	$	(18	)	$	—	$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		3,712		(18	)		2,062		(39	)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		68,507		(1,079	)		2,965		(32	)
Privately issued residential		61,192		(1,054	)		1,057,315		(251,027	)
Privately issued commercial		—		—			22,407		(2,950	)
Collateralized debt obligations		12,462		(6,959	)		6,004		(2,119	)
Other debt securities		2,134		(10	)		88,969		(37,990	)
Equity securities		5,326		(3,721	)		673		(4,721	)

		180,622		(12,859	)		1,180,395		(298,878	)

Investment securities held to maturity:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		76,318		(638	)		467		(56	)
Privately issued mortgage-backed securities		—		—			198,140		(114,397	)

		76,318		(638	)		198,607		(114,453	)

Total	$	256,940	$	(13,497	)	$	1,379,002	$	(413,331	)

The Company owned 337 individual investment securities with aggregate gross unrealized losses of $393 million at December 31, 2011. Approximately $341 million of the unrealized losses pertain to privately issued mortgage-backed securities with a cost basis of $1.6 billion. The Company also had $47 million of unrealized losses on trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions, securities backed by trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions and other entities, and other debt securities having a cost basis of $201 million. Based on a review of each of the remaining securities in the investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2011, with the exception of the aforementioned securities for which other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized, the Company concluded that it expected to recover the amortized cost basis of its investment. As of December 31, 2011, the Company does not intend to sell nor is it anticipated that it would be required to sell any of its impaired investment securities. At December 31, 2011, the Company has not identified events or changes in circumstances which may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the $367 million of cost method investment securities.

At December 31, 2011, investment securities with a carrying value of $5,536,429,000, including $4,527,515,000 of investment securities available for sale, were pledged to secure demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury, borrowings from various FHLBs, repurchase agreements, governmental deposits, interest rate swap agreements and available lines of credit as described in note 9.

Investment securities pledged by the Company to secure obligations whereby the secured party is permitted by contract or custom to sell or repledge such collateral totaled $1,826,011,000 at December 31, 2011. The pledged securities included securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies and mortgage-backed securities.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of investments in certain debt and equity securities (and certain other trading assets) which include all debt and equity securities (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting) with readily determinable fair values. Other trading assets include assets that are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and held for trading purposes. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise that is in the form of a security. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities (and other trading assets).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 137
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27290-111563

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27232-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Debt Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509901
-Topic 320

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Equity Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694
-Topic 320

+ Details

Loans and leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Loans and leases/Allowance for credit losses [Abstract]

Loans and leases and the allowance for credit losses

4. Loans and leases

Total loans and leases outstanding were comprised of the following:


	December 31
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Loans
Commercial, financial, etc	$	14,419,490		$	11,999,065
Real estate:
Residential		7,889,569			5,876,413
Commercial		20,312,648			16,977,747
Construction		4,203,324			4,332,618
Consumer		12,020,229			11,483,564

Total loans		58,845,260			50,669,407
Leases
Commercial		1,532,615			1,646,535

Total loans and leases		60,377,875			52,315,942
Less: unearned discount		(281,870	)		(325,560	)

Total loans and leases, net of unearned discount	$	60,096,005		$	51,990,382

One-to-four family residential mortgage loans held for sale were $210 million at December 31, 2011 and $341 million at December 31, 2010. Commercial mortgage loans held for sale were $161 million at December 31, 2011 and $204 million at December 31, 2010.

As of December 31, 2011, approximately $13 million of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans serviced for others had been sold with credit recourse. As of December 31, 2011, approximately $1.8 billion of commercial mortgage loan balances serviced for others had been sold with recourse in conjunction with the Company’s participation in the Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (“DUS”) program. At December 31, 2011, the Company estimated that the recourse obligations described above were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position. There have been no material losses incurred as a result of those credit recourse arrangements.

In addition to recourse obligations, as described in note 21, the Company is contractually obligated to repurchase previously sold residential real estate loans that do not ultimately meet investor sale criteria related to underwriting procedures or loan documentation. When required to do so, the Company may reimburse loan purchasers for losses incurred or may repurchase certain loans. Charges incurred for such obligation, which are recorded as a reduction of mortgage banking revenues, were $23 million, $30 million and $10 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The outstanding principal balance and the carrying amount of acquired loans that were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date that is included in the consolidated balance sheet were as follows:


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Outstanding principal balance	$	9,203,366	$	3,681,488
Carrying amount:
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc		1,331,198		337,969
Commercial real estate		3,879,518		1,420,239
Residential real estate		915,371		348,225
Consumer		2,033,700		1,231,292

	$	8,159,787	$	3,337,725

Purchased impaired loans totaled $653 million at December 31, 2011, representing less than 1% of the Company’s assets and $97 million at December 31, 2010, representing less than .2% of the Company’s assets. A summary of changes in the accretable yield for acquired loans for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 follows:


For Year Ended December 31,	2011						2010						2009
	Purchased			Other			Purchased			Other			Purchased			Other
	Impaired			Acquired			Impaired			Acquired			Impaired			Acquired
							(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	9,245		$	447,505		$	4,318		$	531,546		$	—		$	—
Additions		39,358			648,631			4,922			13,747			6,381			640,080
Interest income		(26,221	)		(268,315	)		(5,826	)		(171,207	)		(1,834	)		(108,534	)
Reclassifications from (to) nonaccretable balance, net		8,629			1,800			5,831			34,000			(229	)		—
Other (a)		(206	)		(21,661	)		—			39,419			—			—

Balance at end of period	$	30,805		$	807,960		$	9,245		$	447,505		$	4,318		$	531,546

(a)

Other changes in expected cash flows including changes in interest rates and prepayments.

A summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:


					90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing
	Current		30-89 Days Past Due		Non- acquired		Acquired(a)		Purchased Impaired (b)		Nonaccrual		Total
					(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.	$	15,493,803	$	37,112	$	7,601	$	8,560	$	23,762	$	163,598	$	15,734,436
Real estate:
Commercial		19,658,761		172,641		9,983		54,148		192,804		171,111		20,259,448
Residential builder and developer		845,680		49,353		13,603		21,116		297,005		281,576		1,508,333
Other commercial construction		2,393,304		41,049		968		23,582		78,105		106,325		2,643,333
Residential		6,626,182		256,017		250,472		37,982		56,741		172,681		7,400,075
Residential Alt-A		383,834		34,077		—		—		—		105,179		523,090
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		6,570,675		43,516		—		15,409		4,635		47,150		6,681,385
Automobile		2,644,330		48,342		—		601		—		26,835		2,720,108
Other		2,551,225		43,547		5,249		2,340		310		23,126		2,625,797

Total	$	57,167,794	$	725,654	$	287,876	$	163,738	$	653,362	$	1,097,581	$	60,096,005

December 31, 2010
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.	$	13,091,963	$	97,692	$	16,647	$	8,693	$	2,250	$	173,365	$	13,390,610
Real estate:
Commercial		16,594,914		92,866		26,364		25,010		8,275		184,361		16,931,790
Residential builder and developer		898,581		34,361		823		28,204		72,710		316,811		1,351,490
Other commercial construction		2,725,786		37,665		10,349		7,718		2,098		116,265		2,899,881
Residential		4,699,711		229,641		192,276		10,728		9,320		162,001		5,303,677
Residential Alt-A		475,236		42,674		—		—		—		106,469		624,379
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		6,472,563		38,367		—		9,692		2,366		33,363		6,556,351
Automobile		2,608,230		44,604		—		26		—		31,866		2,684,726
Other		2,190,353		36,689		4,246		951		—		15,239		2,247,478

Total	$	49,757,337	$	654,559	$	250,705	$	91,022	$	97,019	$	1,139,740	$	51,990,382

(a)

Acquired loans that were recorded at fair value at acquisition date. This category does not include purchased impaired loans that are presented separately.

(b)

Accruing loans that were impaired at acquisition date and recorded at fair value.

If nonaccrual and renegotiated loans had been accruing interest at their originally contracted terms, interest income on such loans would have amounted to $80,278,000 in 2011, $90,351,000 in 2010 and $99,618,000 in 2009. The actual amounts included in interest income during 2011, 2010 and 2009 on such loans were $31,301,000, $40,139,000 and $43,920,000, respectively.

During the normal course of business, the Company modifies loans to maximize recovery efforts. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and a concession is granted, the Company considers such modifications as troubled debt restructurings and classifies those loans as either nonaccrual loans or renegotiated loans. The types of concessions that the Company grants typically include principal deferrals and interest rate concessions, but may also include other types of concessions. As a result of adopting amendments to the accounting guidance in the third quarter of 2011, the Company was required to reassess any loan modifications that occurred on or after January 1, 2011 to determine if they qualified as troubled debt restructurings. The impact of the retrospective evaluation of loan modifications was not significant.

The table below summarizes the Company’s loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings for the year ended December 31, 2011:


			Recorded Investment				Financial Effects of Modification
	Number		Pre- modifica- tion		Post- modifica- tion		Recorded Investment (a)			Interest (b)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.
Principal deferral		53	$	10,703	$	10,778	$	75		$	—
Combination of concession types		3		2,049		2,046		(3	)		(654	)
Real estate:
Commercial
Principal deferral		29		16,804		16,704		(100	)		—
Combination of concession types		3		15,778		15,777		(1	)		(1,463	)
Residential builder and developer
Principal deferral		9		33,208		26,811		(6,397	)		—
Other		6		118,114		110,156		(7,958	)		—
Combination of concession types		5		2,540		2,561		21			—
Other commercial construction
Principal deferral		3		8,436		8,553		117			—
Combination of concession types		3		65,813		60,973		(4,840	)		—
Residential
Principal deferral		37		8,175		8,235		60			—
Interest rate reduction		14		1,926		1,991		65			(318	)
Combination of concession types		111		19,508		19,934		426			(1,559	)
Residential Alt-A
Principal deferral		3		800		835		35			—
Combination of concession types		34		6,813		6,978		165			(889	)
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans
Principal deferral		3		259		259		—			—
Other		3		86		86		—			—
Combination of concession types		26		2,156		2,158		2			(444	)
Automobile
Principal deferral		746		10,053		10,053		—			—
Interest rate reduction		17		183		183		—			(13	)
Other		111		739		739		—			—
Combination of concession types		431		6,703		6,703		—			(808	)
Other
Principal deferral		23		400		400		—			—
Interest rate reduction		1		8		8		—			(1	)
Other		4		103		103		—			—
Combination of concession types		102		803		803		—			(189	)

Total		1,780	$	332,160	$	313,827	$	(18,333	)	$	(6,338	)

(a)

Financial effects impacting the recorded investment included principal payments or advances, charge-offs and capitalized escrow arrearages.

(b)

Represents the present value of interest rate concessions discounted at the effective rate of the original loan.

Troubled debt restructurings are considered to be impaired loans and for purposes of establishing the allowance for credit losses are evaluated for impairment giving consideration to the impact of the modified loan terms on the present value of the loan’s expected cash flows. Impairment of troubled debt restructurings that have subsequently defaulted may also be measured based on the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. Loans that were modified as troubled debt restructurings during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and for which there was a subsequent payment default were not material.

Borrowings by directors and certain officers of M&T and its banking subsidiaries, and by associates of such persons, exclusive of loans aggregating less than $120,000 amounted to $96,523,000 and $105,540,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. During 2011, new borrowings by such persons amounted to $12,320,000 (including any borrowings of new directors or officers that were outstanding at the time of their election) and repayments and other reductions (including reductions resulting from retirements) were $21,337,000.

At December 31, 2011, approximately $6.1 billion of commercial loans and leases, $8.5 billion of commercial real estate loans, $4.2 billion of one-to-four family residential real estate loans, $4.2 billion of home equity loans and lines of credit and $3.2 billion of other consumer loans were pledged to secure outstanding borrowings from the FHLB of New York and available lines of credit as described in note 9.

The Company’s loan and lease portfolio includes commercial lease financing receivables consisting of direct financing and leveraged leases for machinery and equipment, railroad equipment, commercial trucks and trailers, and aircraft. A summary of lease financing receivables follows:


	December 31
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Commercial leases:
Direct financings:
Lease payments receivable	$	1,137,310		$	1,205,499
Estimated residual value of leased assets		96,479			96,441
Unearned income		(153,704	)		(181,771	)

Investment in direct financings		1,080,085			1,120,169
Leveraged leases:
Lease payments receivable		154,551			164,818
Estimated residual value of leased assets		144,275			179,777
Unearned income		(53,847	)		(63,154	)

Investment in leveraged leases		244,979			281,441

Total investment in leases.	$	1,325,064		$	1,401,610

Deferred taxes payable arising from leveraged leases	$	180,731		$	202,566

Included within the estimated residual value of leased assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $52 million and $53 million, respectively, in residual value associated with direct financing leases that are guaranteed by the lessees. The Company is indemnified from loss by AIB on a portion of leveraged leases obtained in the acquisition of a former subsidiary of AIB on April 1, 2003. Amounts in the leveraged lease section of the table subject to such indemnification included estimated residual value of leased assets of $13 million and $26 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

At December 31, 2011, the minimum future lease payments to be received from lease financings were as follows:


	Total
	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	312,730
2013		246,265
2014		180,844
2015		131,097
2016		103,161
Later years		317,764

	$	1,291,861

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a company. Examples include trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 3, 4
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Article 9

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph k

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.3,4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5074-111524

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5066-111524

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5162-111524

+ Details

Allowance for Credit Losses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Loans and leases/Allowance for credit losses [Abstract]

Allowance for credit losses

5. Allowance for credit losses

Changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.			Real Estate
2011	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.			Commercial			Residential			Consumer			Unallocated		Total
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	212,579		$	400,562		$	86,351		$	133,067		$	70,382	$	902,941
Provision for credit losses		66,240			44,404			57,081			101,062			1,213		270,000
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs		(55,021	)		(86,869	)		(58,351	)		(109,246	)		—		(309,487	)
Recoveries		10,224			9,540			6,834			18,238			—		44,836

Net charge-offs		(44,797	)		(77,329	)		(51,517	)		(91,008	)		—		(264,651	)

Ending balance	$	234,022		$	367,637		$	91,915		$	143,121		$	71,595	$	908,290

2010
Beginning balance	$	219,170		$	359,770		$	91,582		$	137,124		$	70,376	$	878,022
Provision for credit losses		58,438			159,023			52,960			97,573			6		368,000
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts		—			—			2,752			—			—		2,752
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs		(91,650	)		(124,087	)		(71,016	)		(125,593	)		—		(412,346	)
Recoveries		26,621			5,856			10,073			23,963			—		66,513

Net charge-offs		(65,029	)		(118,231	)		(60,943	)		(101,630	)		—		(345,833	)

Ending balance	$	212,579		$	400,562		$	86,351		$	133,067		$	70,382	$	902,941

Despite the above allocation, the allowance for credit losses is general in nature and is available to absorb losses from any loan or lease type. Changes in the allowance for credit losses for 2009 were as follows:


	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	787,904
Provision for credit losses		604,000
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs		(556,462	)
Recoveries		42,580

Net charge-offs		(513,882	)

Ending balance	$	878,022

In establishing the allowance for credit losses, the Company estimates losses attributable to specific troubled credits identified through both normal and detailed or intensified credit review processes and also estimates losses inherent in other loans and leases on a collective basis. For purposes of determining the level of the allowance for credit losses, the Company evaluates its loan and lease portfolio by loan type. The amounts of loss components in the Company’s loan and lease portfolios are determined through a loan by loan analysis of larger balance commercial and commercial real estate loans that are in nonaccrual status and by applying loss factors to groups of loan balances based on loan type and management’s classification of such loans under the Company’s loan grading system. Measurement of the specific loss components is typically based on expected future cash flows, collateral values and other factors that may impact the borrower’s ability to pay. In determining the allowance for credit losses, the Company utilizes a loan grading system which is applied to commercial and commercial real estate credits on an individual loan basis. Loan officers are responsible for continually assigning grades to these loans based on standards outlined in the Company’s Credit Policy. Internal loan grades are also monitored by the Company’s loan review department to ensure consistency and strict adherence to the prescribed standards. Loan grades are assigned loss component factors that reflect the Company’s loss estimate for each group of loans and leases. Factors considered in assigning loan grades and loss component factors include borrower-specific information related to expected future cash flows and operating results, collateral values, geographic location, financial condition and performance, payment status, and other information; levels of and trends in portfolio charge-offs and recoveries; levels of and trends in portfolio delinquencies and impaired loans; changes in the risk profile of specific portfolios; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in credit concentrations; and observed trends and practices in the banking industry. As updated appraisals are obtained on individual loans or other events in the market place indicate that collateral values have significantly changed, individual loan grades are adjusted as appropriate. Changes in other factors cited may also lead to loan grade changes at any time. Except for consumer and residential mortgage loans that are considered smaller balance homogenous loans and are evaluated collectively and acquired loans, the Company considers a loan to be impaired for purposes of applying GAAP when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or the loan is delinquent 90 days. Regardless of loan type, the Company considers a loan to be impaired if it qualifies as a troubled debt restructuring. Modified loans, including smaller balance homogenous loans, that are considered to be troubled debt restructurings are evaluated for impairment giving consideration to the impact of the modified loan terms on the present value of the loan’s expected cash flows. Acquired loan balances are generally evaluated for recoverability on an aggregated basis by loan type.

The following tables provide information with respect to loans and leases that were considered impaired as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.


	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance
	(In thousands)
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.	$	118,538	$	145,510	$	48,674	$	121,744	$	170,888	$	40,909
Real estate:
Commercial		102,886		128,456		17,651		110,975		140,015		17,393
Residential builder and developer		159,293		280,869		52,562		263,545		295,031		78,597
Other commercial construction		20,234		24,639		3,836		80,934		85,432		22,067
Residential		101,882		119,498		4,420		73,006		85,279		3,375
Residential Alt-A		150,396		162,978		25,000		180,665		191,445		36,000
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		9,385		10,670		2,306		11,799		13,378		2,227
Automobile		53,710		53,710		11,468		58,858		58,858		12,597
Other		8,401		8,401		2,084		2,978		2,978		768

		724,725		934,731		168,001		904,504		1,043,304		213,933

With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.		53,104		60,778		—		52,453		66,692		—
Real estate:
Commercial		71,636		91,118		—		77,269		81,800		—
Residential builder and developer		133,156		177,277		—		71,162		86,039		—
Other commercial construction		86,652		89,862		—		36,280		37,107		—
Residential		19,686		25,625		—		5,035		7,723		—
Residential Alt-A		34,356		60,942		—		28,967		47,879		—

		398,590		505,602		—		271,166		327,240		—

Total:
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.		171,642		206,288		48,674		174,197		237,580		40,909
Real estate:
Commercial		174,522		219,574		17,651		188,244		221,815		17,393
Residential builder and developer		292,449		458,146		52,562		334,707		381,070		78,597
Other commercial construction		106,886		114,501		3,836		117,214		122,539		22,067
Residential		121,568		145,123		4,420		78,041		93,002		3,375
Residential Alt-A		184,752		223,920		25,000		209,632		239,324		36,000
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		9,385		10,670		2,306		11,799		13,378		2,227
Automobile		53,710		53,710		11,468		58,858		58,858		12,597
Other		8,401		8,401		2,084		2,978		2,978		768

Total	$	1,123,315	$	1,440,333	$	168,001	$	1,175,670	$	1,370,544	$	213,933


	Year Ended December 31, 2011						Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized				Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	Average Recorded Investment		Total		Cash Basis		Average Recorded Investment		Total		Cash Basis
	(In thousands)
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.	$	163,485	$	3,306	$	3,278	$	244,687	$	4,834	$	4,810
Real estate:
Commercial		189,837		2,060		1,985		240,123		1,983		1,740
Residential builder and developer		317,296		1,948		860		252,229		1,716		746
Other commercial construction		105,947		926		684		60,416		371		357
Residential		99,107		4,271		2,286		62,104		3,028		1,755
Residential Alt-A		196,161		7,713		1,965		220,589		8,397		1,758
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		11,428		681		106		11,807		790		202
Automobile		56,862		3,850		1,060		54,221		3,684		1,233
Other		5,006		273		89		3,165		243		48

Total	$	1,145,129	$	25,028	$	12,313	$	1,149,341	$	25,046	$	12,649

The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 2009 was $986,164,000. Interest income recognized on impaired loans totaled $10,224,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

In accordance with the previously described policies, the Company utilizes a loan grading system that is applied to all commercial loans and commercial real estate loans. Loan grades are utilized to differentiate risk within the portfolio and consider the expectations of default for each loan. Commercial loans and commercial real estate loans with a lower expectation of default are assigned one of ten possible “pass” loan grades and are generally ascribed lower loss factors when determining the allowance for credit losses. Acquired loans that were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date are generally assigned a “pass” loan grade because their net financial statement value is based on the present value of expected cash flows. Loans with an elevated level of credit risk are classified as “criticized” and are ascribed a higher loss factor when determining the allowance for credit losses. Criticized loans may be classified as “nonaccrual” if the Company no longer expects to collect all amounts according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or the loan is delinquent 90 days or more. All larger balance criticized commercial and commercial real estate loans are individually reviewed by centralized loan review personnel each quarter to determine the appropriateness of the assigned loan grade, including whether the loan should be reported as accruing or nonaccruing. Smaller balance criticized loans are analyzed by business line risk management areas to ensure proper loan grade classification. Furthermore, criticized nonaccrual commercial loans and commercial real estate loans are considered impaired and, as a result, specific loss allowances on such loans are established within the allowance for credit losses to the extent appropriate in each individual instance. The following table summarizes the loan grades applied to the various classes of the Company’s commercial and commercial real estate loans.


			Real Estate
	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Commercial		Residential Builder and Developer		Other Commercial Construction
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Pass	$	14,869,636	$	19,089,252	$	1,085,970	$	2,254,609
Criticized accrual		701,202		999,085		140,787		282,399
Criticized nonaccrual		163,598		171,111		281,576		106,325

Total	$	15,734,436	$	20,259,448	$	1,508,333	$	2,643,333


			Real Estate
	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Commercial		Residential Builder and Developer		Other Commercial Construction
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2010
Pass	$	12,384,512	$	15,855,774	$	722,747	$	2,263,965
Criticized accrual		832,733		891,655		311,932		519,651
Criticized nonaccrual		173,365		184,361		316,811		116,265

Total	$	13,390,610	$	16,931,790	$	1,351,490	$	2,899,881

In determining the allowance for credit losses, residential real estate loans and consumer loans are generally evaluated collectively by loan type after considering such factors as payment performance and recent loss experience and trends, which are mainly driven by current collateral values in the market place as well as the amount of loan defaults. Loss rates on such loans are determined by reference to recent charge-off history and are evaluated (and adjusted if deemed appropriate) through consideration of other factors including near-term forecasted loss estimates developed by M&T’s Credit Department. In arriving at such forecasts, M&T considers the current estimated fair value of its collateral based on geographical adjustments for home price depreciation/appreciation and overall borrower repayment performance. With regard to collateral values, the realizability of such values by the Company contemplates repayment of any first lien position prior to recovering amounts on a second lien position. However, residential real estate loans and outstanding balances of home equity loans and lines of credit that are more than 150 days past due are generally evaluated for collectibility on a loan-by-loan basis giving consideration to estimated collateral values.

The Company also measures additional losses for purchased impaired loans when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all cash flows expected at acquisition plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimates after acquisition. The determination of the allocated portion of the allowance for credit losses is very subjective. Given that inherent subjectivity and potential imprecision involved in determining the allocated portion of the allowance for credit losses, the Company also provides an inherent unallocated portion of the allowance. The unallocated portion of the allowance is intended to recognize probable losses that are not otherwise identifiable and includes management’s subjective determination of amounts necessary to provide for the possible use of imprecise estimates in determining the allocated portion of the allowance. Therefore, the level of the unallocated portion of the allowance is primarily reflective of the inherent imprecision in the various calculations used in determining the allocated portion of the allowance for credit losses. Other factors that could also lead to changes in the unallocated portion include the effects of expansion into new markets for which the Company does not have the same degree of familiarity and experience regarding portfolio performance in changing market conditions, the introduction of new loan and lease product types, and other risks associated with the Company’s loan portfolio that may not be specifically identifiable.

The allocation of the allowance for credit losses summarized on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology was as follows:


	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Real Estate
	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Commercial		Residential		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	48,517	$	71,784	$	29,420	$	15,858	$	165,579
Collectively evaluated for impairment		185,048		291,271		60,742		126,613		663,674
Purchased impaired		457		4,582		1,753		650		7,442

Allocated	$	234,022	$	367,637	$	91,915	$	143,121		836,695

Unallocated										71,595

Total									$	908,290

December 31, 2010
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	40,459	$	114,082	$	39,000	$	15,492	$	209,033
Collectively evaluated for impairment		171,670		282,505		46,976		117,475		618,626
Purchased impaired		450		3,975		375		100		4,900

Allocated	$	212,579	$	400,562	$	86,351	$	133,067		832,559

Unallocated										70,382

Total									$	902,941

The recorded investment in loans and leases summarized on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was as follows:


	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Real Estate
	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Commercial		Residential		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	171,442	$	561,615	$	306,320	$	71,496	$	1,110,873
Collectively evaluated for impairment		15,539,232		23,281,585		7,560,104		11,950,849		58,331,770
Purchased impaired		23,762		567,914		56,741		4,945		653,362

Total	$	15,734,436	$	24,411,114	$	7,923,165	$	12,027,290	$	60,096,005


December 31, 2010
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	173,365	$	617,437	$	286,612	$	72,082	$	1,149,496
Collectively evaluated for impairment		13,214,995		20,482,641		5,632,124		11,414,107		50,743,867
Purchased impaired		2,250		83,083		9,320		2,366		97,019

Total	$	13,390,610	$	21,183,161	$	5,928,056	$	11,488,555	$	51,990,382

Premises and equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Premises and equipment [Abstract]

Premises and equipment

6. Premises and equipment

The detail of premises and equipment was as follows:


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Land	$	86,120	$	64,728
Buildings — owned		365,087		280,288
Buildings — capital leases		1,131		1,131
Leasehold improvements		198,379		172,638
Furniture and equipment — owned		436,203		366,227
Furniture and equipment — capital leases		9,407		1,387

		1,096,327		886,399
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Owned assets		512,399		449,571
Capital leases		2,493		991

		514,892		450,562

Premises and equipment, net	$	581,435	$	435,837

Net lease expense for all operating leases totaled $97,098,000 in 2011, $94,646,000 in 2010 and $89,030,000 in 2009. Minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases are presented in note 21. Minimum lease payments required under capital leases are not material.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Capitalized servicing assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Capitalized servicing assets [Abstract]

Capitalized servicing assets

7. Capitalized servicing assets

Changes in capitalized servicing assets were as follows:


	Residential Mortgage Loans									Small-Balance Commercial Mortgage Loans
For Year Ended December 31,	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	92,066		$	101,155		$	106,979		$	26,197		$	40,251		$	58,044
Originations		13,920			27,430			31,034			—			—			—
Purchases		61,642			593			972			—			—			—
Assumed in loan securitizations (note 19)		—			—			788			—			—			—
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts (note 19)		—			(1,843	)		—			—			—			—
Amortization		(36,364	)		(35,269	)		(38,618	)		(10,519	)		(14,054	)		(17,793	)

		131,264			92,066			101,155			15,678			26,197			40,251
Valuation allowance		(1,800	)		—			(50	)		—			—			—

Ending balance, net	$	129,464		$	92,066		$	101,105		$	15,678		$	26,197		$	40,251


	Commercial Mortgage Loans									Total
For Year Ended December 31,	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	42,613		$	32,896		$	26,336		$	160,876		$	174,302		$	191,359
Originations		17,613			16,976			12,417			31,533			44,406			43,451
Purchases		—			—			—			61,642			593			972
Assumed in loan securitizations (note 19)		—			—			—			—			—			788
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts (note 19)		—			—			—			—			(1,843	)		—
Amortization		(8,976	)		(7,259	)		(5,857	)		(55,859	)		(56,582	)		(62,268	)

		51,250			42,613			32,896			198,192			160,876			174,302
Valuation allowance		—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(50	)

Ending balance, net	$	51,250		$	42,613		$	32,896		$	196,392		$	160,876		$	174,252

Residential mortgage loans serviced for others were $36.3 billion (including $14.3 billion of sub-serviced loans) at December 31, 2011 and $15.9 billion at each of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Loans sub-serviced for others were not significant at December 31, 2010 or 2009. Small-balance commercial mortgage loans serviced for others were $4.4 billion, $5.2 billion and $5.5 billion at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Commercial mortgage loans serviced for others were $9.0 billion, $8.1 billion and $7.1 billion at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

During 2011, a provision for impairment of $1,800,000 was added to the valuation allowance for capitalized residential mortgage loan servicing assets because the carrying value of certain strata of capitalized servicing assets exceeded estimated fair value. During 2010 and 2009, $50,000 and $21,950,000, respectively, of the valuation allowance for capitalized residential mortgage loan servicing assets was reversed because of increases in the market value of certain strata of servicing assets relative to the amortized cost basis of the servicing assets in such strata. The estimated fair value of capitalized residential mortgage loan servicing assets was approximately $168 million at December 31, 2011 and $162 million at December 31, 2010. The fair value of capitalized residential mortgage loan servicing assets was estimated using weighted-average discount rates of 10.4% and 13.2% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and contemporaneous prepayment assumptions that vary by loan type. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the discount rate represented a weighted-average option-adjusted spread (“OAS”) of 978 basis points (hundredths of one percent) and 748 basis points, respectively, over market implied forward London Interbank Offered Rates. The estimated fair value of capitalized small-balance commercial mortgage loan servicing assets was approximately $49 million at December 31, 2011 and $58 million at December 31, 2010. The fair value of capitalized small-balance commercial loan servicing assets was estimated using weighted-average discount rates of 19.2% and 19.7% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and contemporaneous prepayment assumptions that vary by loan type. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the discount rate represented a weighted-average OAS of 1,783 basis points and 1,778 basis points, respectively, over market implied forward London Interbank Offered Rates. The estimated fair value of capitalized residential and small-balance commercial mortgage loan servicing rights may vary significantly in subsequent periods due to changing interest rates and the effect thereof on prepayment speeds. The estimated fair value of capitalized commercial mortgage loan servicing assets was approximately $60 million and $50 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. An 18% discount rate was used to estimate the fair value of capitalized commercial mortgage loan servicing rights at December 31, 2011 and 2010 with no prepayment assumptions because, in general, the servicing agreements allow the Company to share in customer loan prepayment fees and thereby recover the remaining carrying value of the capitalized servicing rights associated with such loan. The Company’s ability to realize the carrying value of capitalized commercial mortgage loan servicing rights is more dependent on the borrowers’ abilities to repay the underlying loans than on prepayments or changes in interest rates.

The key economic assumptions used to determine the fair value of capitalized servicing rights at December 31, 2011 and the sensitivity of such value to changes in those assumptions are summarized in the table that follows. Those calculated sensitivities are hypothetical and actual changes in the fair value of capitalized servicing rights may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein. The effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the servicing rights is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another which may magnify or counteract the sensitivities. The changes in assumptions are presumed to be instantaneous.


	Residential			Small-Balance Commercial			Commercial
Weighted-average prepayment speeds		18.89	%		8.64	%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change	$	(9,777,000	)	$	(2,051,000	)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change		(18,480,000	)		(3,932,000	)
Weighted-average OAS		9.78	%		17.83	%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change	$	(3,994,000	)	$	(1,688,000	)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change		(7,711,000	)		(3,255,000	)
Weighted-average discount rate								18.00	%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change							$	(2,633,000	)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change								(5,071,000	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a transferor's continuing involvement in financial assets that it has transferred in a securitization or asset-backed financing arrangement, the nature of any restrictions on assets reported by an entity in its statement of financial position that relate to a transferred financial asset (including the carrying amounts of such assets), how servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported, and (for securitization or asset-backed financing arrangements accounted for as sales) when a transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial assets and transfers of financial assets accounted for as secured borrowings, how the transfer of financial assets affects an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6942082&loc=d3e107207-111719

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6862952&loc=d3e113969-111729

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6863725&loc=d3e122739-111746

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6863725&loc=d3e122596-111746

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6865494&loc=SL6226446-111709

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6865494&loc=SL6226443-111709

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6942082&loc=d3e107314-111719

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6863725&loc=d3e122625-111746

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B1-B12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and other intangible assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill and other intangible assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and other intangible assets

8. Goodwill and other intangible assets

In accordance with GAAP, the Company does not amortize goodwill, however, core deposit and other intangible assets are amortized over the estimated life of each respective asset. Total amortizing intangible assets were comprised of the following:


	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Core deposit	$	755,794	$	626,453	$	129,341
Other		177,268		130,215		47,053

Total	$	933,062	$	756,668	$	176,394

December 31, 2010
Core deposit	$	701,000	$	576,986	$	124,014
Other		119,968		118,065		1,903

Total	$	820,968	$	695,051	$	125,917

Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets was generally computed using accelerated methods over original amortization periods of five to ten years. The weighted-average original amortization period was approximately eight years. The remaining weighted-average amortization period as of December 31, 2011 was approximately five years. Amortization expense for core deposit and other intangible assets was $61,617,000, $58,103,000 and $64,255,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Estimated amortization expense in future years for such intangible assets is as follows:


	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	60,631
2013		46,912
2014		33,825
2015		20,938
2016		10,052
Later years		4,036

	$	176,394

In accordance with GAAP, the Company completed annual goodwill impairment tests as of October 1, 2011, 2010 and 2009. For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company assigned all recorded goodwill to the reporting units originally intended to benefit from past business combinations, which has historically been the Company’s core relationship business reporting units. Goodwill was generally assigned based on the implied fair value of the acquired goodwill applicable to the benefited reporting units at the time of each respective acquisition. The implied fair value of the goodwill was determined as the difference between the estimated incremental overall fair value of the reporting unit and the estimated fair value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit as of each respective acquisition date. To test for goodwill impairment at each evaluation date, the Company compared the estimated fair value of each of its reporting units to their respective carrying amounts and certain other assets and liabilities assigned to the reporting unit, including goodwill and core deposit and other intangible assets. The methodologies used to estimate fair values of reporting units as of the acquisition dates and as of the evaluation dates were similar. For the Company’s core customer relationship business reporting units, fair value was estimated as the present value of the expected future cash flows of the reporting unit. Based on the results of the goodwill impairment tests, the Company concluded that the amount of recorded goodwill was not impaired at the respective testing dates.

A summary of goodwill assigned to each of the Company’s reportable segments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 for purposes of testing for impairment is as follows:


	(In thousands)
Business Banking	$	748,907
Commercial Banking		907,524
Commercial Real Estate		349,197
Discretionary Portfolio		—
Residential Mortgage Banking		—
Retail Banking		1,144,404
All Other		374,593

Total	$	3,524,625

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Borrowings

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Borrowings [Abstract]

Borrowings

9. Borrowings

The amounts and interest rates of short-term borrowings were as follows:


	Federal Funds Purchased and Repurchase Agreements			Other Short-term Borrowings			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
At December 31, 2011
Amount outstanding	$	732,059		$	50,023		$	782,082
Weighted-average interest rate		0.04	%		0.70	%		0.09	%
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Highest amount at a month-end	$	1,389,237		$	142,927
Daily-average amount outstanding		706,749			120,059		$	826,808
Weighted-average interest rate		0.11	%		0.18	%		0.12	%
At December 31, 2010
Amount outstanding	$	866,555		$	80,877		$	947,432
Weighted-average interest rate		0.19	%		0.20	%		0.19	%
For the year ended December 31, 2010
Highest amount at a month-end	$	2,612,727		$	236,842
Daily-average amount outstanding		1,749,525			104,508		$	1,854,033
Weighted-average interest rate		0.15	%		0.33	%		0.16	%
At December 31, 2009
Amount outstanding	$	2,211,692		$	230,890		$	2,442,582
Weighted-average interest rate		0.04	%		0.66	%		0.10	%
For the year ended December 31, 2009
Highest amount at a month-end	$	2,491,573		$	2,049,727
Daily-average amount outstanding		1,885,464			1,025,601		$	2,911,065
Weighted-average interest rate		0.15	%		0.42	%		0.24	%

Short-term borrowings have a stated maturity of one year or less at the date the Company enters into the obligation. In general, federal funds purchased and short-term repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2011 matured on the next business day following year-end. Other short-term borrowings included $50 million and $28 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, of borrowings from FHLBs. The remaining short-term borrowings were from the U.S. Treasury and others.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had lines of credit under formal agreements as follows:


	M&T		M&T Bank		Wilmington Trust, N.A.
	(In thousands)
Outstanding borrowings	$	—	$	1,447,266	$	—
Unused		30,000		17,473,710		88,600

M&T has a revolving credit agreement with an unaffiliated commercial bank whereby M&T may borrow up to $30 million at its discretion through December 1, 2012. At December 31, 2011, M&T Bank had borrowing facilities available with the FHLBs whereby M&T Bank could borrow up to approximately $9.0 billion. Additionally, M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust, National Association (“Wilmington Trust, N.A.”), a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T, had available lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York totaling approximately $10.0 billion at December 31, 2011. M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust, N.A. are required to pledge loans and investment securities as collateral for these borrowing facilities.

Long-term borrowings were as follows:


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Senior notes of M&T — 5.375% due 2012	$	299,991	$	299,971
Advances from FHLB:
Variable rates		1,000,000		2,525,268
Fixed rates		398,407		347,161
Agreements to repurchase securities		1,400,000		1,625,001
Subordinated notes of Wilmington Trust Corporation
(a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T):
4.875% due 2013		255,839		—
8.50% due 2018		237,194		—
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
3.85% due 2013, variable rate commenced in 2008		400,000		400,000
6.625% due 2017		452,655		425,969
9.50% due 2018		50,000		50,000
5.585% due 2020, variable rate commencing 2015		378,917		372,668
5.629% due 2021, variable rate commencing 2016		589,516		568,196
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Fixed rates:
M&T Capital Trust I — 8.234%, due 2027		154,640		154,640
M&T Capital Trust II — 8.277%, due 2027		103,093		103,093
M&T Capital Trust III — 9.25%, due 2027		66,759		67,084
BSB Capital Trust I — 8.125%, due 2028		15,542		15,519
Provident Trust I — 8.29%, due 2028		24,483		24,256
Southern Financial Statutory Trust I — 10.60%, due 2030		6,474		6,455
M&T Capital Trust IV — 8.50%, due 2068		350,010		350,010
Variable rates:
First Maryland Capital I — due 2027		143,564		143,025
First Maryland Capital II — due 2027		144,638		143,975
Allfirst Asset Trust — due 2029		95,768		95,623
BSB Capital Trust III — due 2033		15,464		15,464
Provident Trust III — due 2033		51,244		50,823
Southern Financial Capital Trust III — due 2033		7,623		7,566
Other		44,405		48,384

	$	6,686,226	$	7,840,151

Long-term variable rate advances from the FHLBs had contractual interest rates that ranged from 0.26% to 0.36% at December 31, 2011 and from 0.24% to 2.00% at December 31, 2010. The weighted-average contractual interest rates were 0.29% at December 31, 2011 and 0.32% at December 31, 2010. Long-term fixed rate advances from the FHLBs had contractual interest rates ranging from 0.79% to 7.32% at December 31, 2011 and 3.48% to 7.32% at December 31, 2010. The weighted-average contractual interest rates payable were 3.52% at December 31, 2011 and 4.33% at December 31, 2010. Advances from the FHLBs mature at various dates through 2035 and are secured by residential real estate loans, commercial real estate loans and investment securities.

Long-term agreements to repurchase securities had contractual interest rates that ranged from 3.61% to 4.30% at December 31, 2011 and 3.69% to 5.14% at December 31, 2010. The weighted-average contractual interest rates were 3.90% at December 31, 2011 and 4.16% at December 31, 2010. The agreements outstanding at December 31, 2011 reflect various repurchase dates through 2017, however, the contractual maturities of the underlying investment securities extend beyond such repurchase dates.

The subordinated notes of M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust Corporation are unsecured and are subordinate to the claims of other creditors of those entities. The subordinated notes of M&T Bank due 2013 had a fixed rate of interest of 3.85% through March 2008 and bear a floating rate of interest thereafter until maturity in April 2013, at a rate equal to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.50%. That variable rate was 1.87% at December 31, 2011 and 1.79% at December 31, 2010.

The fixed and floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of M&T (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) are held by various trusts and were issued in connection with the issuance by those trusts of preferred capital securities (“Capital Securities”) and common securities (“Common Securities”). The proceeds from the issuances of the Capital Securities and the Common Securities were used by the trusts to purchase the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The Common Securities of each of those trusts are wholly owned by M&T and are the only class of each trust’s securities possessing general voting powers. The Capital Securities represent preferred undivided interests in the assets of the corresponding trust. Under the Federal Reserve Board’s current risk-based capital guidelines, the Capital Securities are includable in M&T’s Tier 1 capital. However, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that was signed into law on July 21, 2010 provides for a three-year phase-in related to the exclusion of trust preferred capital securities from Tier 1 capital for large financial institutions, including M&T. That phase-in period begins on January 1, 2013. The variable rate Junior Subordinated Debentures pay interest quarterly at rates that are indexed to the three-month LIBOR. Those rates ranged from 1.28% to 3.92% at December 31, 2011 and from 1.14% to 3.64% at December 31, 2010. The weighted-average variable rates payable on those Junior Subordinated Debentures were 1.87% and 1.72% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Holders of the Capital Securities receive preferential cumulative cash distributions unless M&T exercises its right to extend the payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures as allowed by the terms of each such debenture, in which case payment of distributions on the respective Capital Securities will be deferred for comparable periods. During an extended interest period, M&T may not pay dividends or distributions on, or repurchase, redeem or acquire any shares of its capital stock. In the event of an extended interest period exceeding twenty quarterly periods for $350 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures due January 31, 2068, M&T must fund the payment of accrued and unpaid interest through an alternative payment mechanism, which requires M&T to issue common stock, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock or warrants to purchase common stock until M&T has raised an amount of eligible proceeds at least equal to the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid deferred interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures due January 31, 2068. In general, the agreements governing the Capital Securities, in the aggregate, provide a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee by M&T of the payment of distributions on, the redemption of, and any liquidation distribution with respect to the Capital Securities. The obligations under such guarantee and the Capital Securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of M&T.

The Capital Securities will remain outstanding until the Junior Subordinated Debentures are repaid at maturity, are redeemed prior to maturity or are distributed in liquidation to the Trusts. The Capital Securities are mandatorily redeemable in whole, but not in part, upon repayment at the stated maturity dates (ranging from 2027 to 2068) of the Junior Subordinated Debentures or the earlier redemption of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole upon the occurrence of one or more events set forth in the indentures relating to the Capital Securities, and in whole or in part at any time after an optional redemption prior to contractual maturity contemporaneously with the optional redemption of the related Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole or in part, subject to possible regulatory approval. In connection with the issuance of 8.50% Enhanced Trust Preferred Securities associated with $350 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures maturing in 2068, M&T entered into a replacement capital covenant that provides that neither M&T nor any of its subsidiaries will repay, redeem or purchase any of the Junior Subordinated Debentures due January 31, 2068 or the 8.50% Enhanced Trust Preferred Securities prior to January 31, 2048, with certain limited exceptions, except to the extent that, during the 180 days prior to the date of that repayment, redemption or purchase, M&T and its subsidiaries have received proceeds from the sale of qualifying securities that (i) have equity-like characteristics that are the same as, or more equity-like than, the applicable characteristics of the 8.50% Enhanced Trust Preferred Securities or the Junior Subordinated Debentures due January 31, 2068, as applicable, at the time of repayment, redemption or purchase, and (ii) M&T has obtained the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board, if required.

Long-term borrowings at December 31, 2011 mature as follows:


	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	1,671,734
2013		660,084
2014		19,822
2015		4,272
2016		804,663
Later years		3,525,651

	$	6,686,226

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Shareholders' equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Shareholders' equity [Abstract]

Shareholders' equity

10. Shareholders’ equity

M&T is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a $1.00 par value per share. Preferred shares outstanding rank senior to common shares both as to dividends and liquidation preference, but have no general voting rights.

Issued and outstanding preferred stock of M&T is presented below:


	December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
	Shares Issued and Outstanding		Carrying Value		Shares Issued and Outstanding		Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Series A (a)(d)
Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, $1,000 liquidation preference per share		230,000	$	224,277		600,000	$	578,630
Series B (b)
Series B Mandatory Convertible Non-cumulative Preferred Stock, $1,000 liquidation preference per share		—		—		26,500		26,500
Series C (a)(c)
Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, $1,000 liquidation preference per share		151,500		140,308		151,500		135,527
Series D (e)
Fixed Rate Non-cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D, $10,000 liquidation preference per share		50,000		500,000		—		—

(a)

Shares were issued as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program — Capital Purchase Program of the U.S. Treasury. Cash proceeds were allocated between the preferred stock and a ten-year warrant to purchase M&T common stock (Series A — 1,218,522 common shares at $73.86 per share, Series C — 407,542 common shares at $55.76 per share). Dividends, if declared, will accrue and be paid quarterly at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years following the original 2008 issuance dates and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year. The agreement with the U.S. Treasury contains limitations on certain actions of M&T, including the payment of quarterly cash dividends on M&T’s common stock in excess of $.70 per share, the repurchase of its common stock during the first three years of the agreement, and the amount and nature of compensation arrangements for certain of the Company’s officers.

(b)

Shares were assumed in the Provident acquisition and a new Series B Preferred Stock was designated. Pursuant to their terms, the shares of Series B Preferred Stock were converted into 433,144 shares of M&T common stock on April 1, 2011. The Series B Preferred Stock had a stated dividend rate of 10% per year.

(c)

Shares were assumed in the Provident acquisition and a new Series C Preferred Stock was designated.

(d)

On May 18, 2011, M&T redeemed and retired 370,000 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock. Accelerated amortization of preferred stock discount associated with the redemption was $11.2 million.

(e)

Shares were issued on May 31, 2011. Dividends, if declared, will be paid semi-annually at a rate of 6.875% per year. The shares are redeemable in whole or in part on or after June 15, 2016. Notwithstanding M&T’s option to redeem the shares, if an event occurs such that the shares no longer qualify as Tier 1 Capital, M&T may redeem all of the shares within 90 days following that occurrence.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph d

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Paragraph 3
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

+ Details

Stock-based compensation plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock-based compensation [Abstract]

Stock-based compensation plans

11. Stock-based compensation plans

Stock-based compensation expense was $56 million in 2011 and $54 million in each of 2010 and 2009. The Company recognized income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation of $22 million in 2011, $20 million in 2010 and $17 million in 2009.

The Company’s equity incentive compensation plan allows for the issuance of various forms of stock-based compensation, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance-based awards. Through December 31, 2011, only stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, that vest with the passage of time as service is provided have been issued. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, there were 5,619,632 and 5,959,828 shares available for future grant under the Company’s equity incentive compensation plan.

Restricted stock awards

Restricted stock awards are comprised of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards generally vest over four years. Unrecognized compensation expense associated with restricted stock was $28 million as of December 31, 2011 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The Company generally will issue restricted shares from treasury stock to the extent available, but may also issue new shares. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the number of restricted shares issued was 451,248, 423,002 and 709,415, respectively, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $38,369,000, $31,880,000 and $27,932,000, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense associated with restricted stock units was $7 million as of December 31, 2011 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years. During 2011, 2010 and 2009 the number of restricted stock units issued was 242,282, 231,037 and 578,131, respectively, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $20,921,000, $17,039,000 and $22,663,000, respectively.

A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity follows:


	Restricted Stock Units Outstanding			Weighted- Average Grant Price		Restricted Stock Outstanding			Weighted- Average Grant Price
Unvested at January 1, 2011		719,976		$	49.99		965,072		$	52.81
Granted		242,282			86.35		451,248			85.03
Vested		(148,189	)		46.17		(290,034	)		61.50
Cancelled		(12,606	)		73.73		(34,921	)		64.37

Unvested at December 31, 2011		801,463		$	61.31		1,091,365		$	63.45

Stock option awards

Stock options issued generally vest over four years and are exercisable over terms not exceeding ten years and one day. The Company used an option pricing model to estimate the grant date present value of stock options granted. Stock options granted in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were not significant.

A summary of stock option activity follows:


	Stock Options Outstanding			Weighted-Average				Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands)
	Stock Options Outstanding			Exercise Price		Life (In Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2011		10,578,415		$	97.35
Granted		100			86.47
Exercised		(449,022	)		70.76
Cancelled		(22,483	)		91.80
Expired		(267,062	)		104.89

Outstanding at December 31, 2011		9,839,948		$	98.37		3.8	$	3,075

Exercisable at December 31, 2011		8,775,638		$	99.50		3.5	$	1,497

For 2011, 2010 and 2009, M&T received $28 million, $55 million and $15 million, respectively, in cash and realized tax benefits from the exercise of stock options of $3 million, $7 million and $3 million, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during those periods was $7 million, $21 million and $6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the amount of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options was not significant. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $29 million, $38 million and $37 million, respectively. Upon the exercise of stock options, the Company generally issues shares from treasury stock to the extent available, but may also issue new shares.

Stock purchase plan

The stock purchase plan provides eligible employees of the Company with the right to purchase shares of M&T common stock through accumulated payroll deductions. Shares of M&T common stock will be issued at the end of an option period, typically one year or six months. In connection with the employee stock purchase plan, 1,000,000 shares of M&T common stock were authorized for issuance, of which 568,886 shares have been issued. There were no shares issued in 2011, 170,405 shares issued in 2010 and 3,149 shares issued in 2009. For 2010 and 2009, respectively, M&T received $8,998,000 and $100,000 in cash for shares purchased through the employee stock purchase plan. The Company used an option pricing model to estimate the grant date present value of purchase rights under the stock purchase plan. Compensation expense recognized for the stock purchase plan was not significant in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Deferred bonus plan

The Company provided a deferred bonus plan pursuant to which eligible employees could elect to defer all or a portion of their annual incentive compensation awards and allocate such awards to several investment options, including M&T common stock. Participants could elect the timing of distributions from the plan. Such distributions are payable in cash with the exception of balances allocated to M&T common stock which are distributable in the form of M&T common stock. Shares of M&T common stock distributable pursuant to the terms of the deferred bonus plan were 48,136 and 51,439 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The obligation to issue shares is included in “common stock issuable” in the consolidated balance sheet. Through December 31, 2011, 122,151 shares have been issued in connection with the deferred bonus plan.

Directors’ stock plan

The Company maintains a compensation plan for non-employee members of the Company’s boards of directors and directors advisory councils that allows such members to receive all or a portion of their compensation in shares of M&T common stock. Through December 31, 2011, 164,961 shares had been issued in connection with the directors’ stock plan.

Through acquisitions, the Company assumed obligations to issue shares of M&T common stock related to deferred directors compensation plans. Shares of common stock issuable under such plans were 20,084 and 19,906 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The obligation to issue shares is included in “common stock issuable” in the consolidated balance sheet.

Management stock ownership program

Through an acquisition, M&T obtained loans that were secured by M&T common stock purchased by former executives of the acquired entity. At December 31, 2009, the loan amounts owed M&T were less than the fair value of the financed stock purchased and totaled approximately $4 million. Such loans were classified as a reduction of “additional paid-in capital” in the consolidated balance sheet at that date. The amounts due to M&T were repaid in full during 2010.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits [Abstract]

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits

12. Pension plans and other postretirement benefits

The Company provides pension (defined benefit and defined contribution plans) and other postretirement benefits (including defined benefit health care and life insurance plans) to qualified retired employees. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its plans.

Net periodic pension expense for defined benefit plans consisted of the following:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	28,828		$	19,670		$	19,483
Interest cost on benefit obligation		58,545			47,905			46,107
Expected return on plan assets		(60,700	)		(50,844	)		(46,976	)
Amortization of prior service cost		(6,559	)		(6,559	)		(6,559	)
Recognized net actuarial loss		20,530			13,551			8,292

Net periodic pension expense	$	40,644		$	23,723		$	20,347

Net other postretirement benefits expense for defined benefit plans consisted of the following:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011		2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	535	$	383		$	353
Interest cost on benefit obligation		3,761		3,130			3,302
Amortization of prior service cost		107		176			243
Recognized net actuarial loss		36		(9	)		(19	)

Net other postretirement benefits expense	$	4,439	$	3,680		$	3,879

Data relating to the funding position of the defined benefit plans were as follows:


	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011			2010			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	947,993		$	857,122		$	61,675		$	56,575
Service cost		28,828			19,670			535			383
Interest cost		58,545			47,905			3,761			3,130
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			3,383			2,776
Actuarial (gain) loss		194,622			64,061			10,303			6,433
Settlements/curtailments		—			(3,231	)		—			—
Business combinations		315,210			—			20,689			—
Medicare Part D reimbursement		—			—			715			789
Benefits paid		(48,708	)		(37,534	)		(10,957	)		(8,411	)

Benefit obligation at end of year		1,496,490			947,993			90,104			61,675

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		838,465			766,880			—			—
Actual return on plan assets		(6,635	)		107,846			—			—
Employer contributions		75,600			4,504			6,859			4,846
Business combinations		259,250			—			—			—
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			3,383			2,776
Medicare Part D reimbursement		—			—			715			789
Settlements		—			(3,231	)		—			—
Benefits and other payments		(48,708	)		(37,534	)		(10,957	)		(8,411	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year		1,117,972			838,465			—			—

Funded status	$	(378,518	)	$	(109,528	)	$	(90,104	)	$	(61,675	)

Assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheet were:
Net prepaid asset	$	2,878		$	6,629		$	—		$	—
Accrued liabilities		(381,396	)		(116,157	)		(90,104	)		(61,675	)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) were:
Net loss	$	474,153		$	232,725		$	12,845		$	2,577
Net prior service cost		(30,014	)		(36,572	)		161			269

Pre-tax adjustment to AOCI		444,139			196,153			13,006			2,846
Taxes.		(174,324	)		(76,990	)		(5,105	)		(1,117	)

Net adjustment to AOCI.	$	269,815		$	119,163		$	7,901		$	1,729

The Company has an unfunded supplemental pension plan for certain key executives. The projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation included in the preceding data related to such plan were $124,877,000 and $123,085,000 respectively, as of December 31, 2011 and $66,254,000 and $66,208,000 respectively, as of December 31, 2010. The increases from December 31, 2010 were primarily the result of the Wilmington Trust acquisition, which added approximately $45 million to each of the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation as of the May 16, 2011 acquisition date.

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $1,472,140,000 and $929,775,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the accumulated benefit obligation for those defined benefit pension plans in which such obligation exceeded plan assets totaled $1,422,958,000 (including $123,085,000 related to the unfunded supplemental pension plan). As of December 31, 2010, the accumulated benefit obligation for those defined benefit pension plans in which such obligation exceeded plan assets totaled $884,269,000 (including $66,208,000 related to the unfunded supplemental pension plan).

GAAP requires an employer to recognize in its balance sheet as an asset or liability the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. For a pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation; for any other postretirement benefit plan, such as a retiree health care plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period, but are not included as components of net periodic benefit expense, are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. As indicated in the preceding table, as of December 31, 2011 the Company recorded a minimum liability adjustment of $457,145,000 ($444,139,000 related to pension plans and $13,006,000 related to other postretirement benefits) with a corresponding reduction of shareholders’ equity, net of applicable deferred taxes, of $277,716,000. In aggregate, the benefit plans incurred a net loss during 2011 that resulted from actual experience differing from the plan assumptions utilized and from changes in actuarial assumptions. The main factor contributing to those losses was a reduction in the discount rate used to measure the benefit obligations at December 31, 2011 to 4.25% from the 5.25% rate used at December 31, 2010, in addition to actual investment returns in the qualified defined benefit pension plan that were less than expected returns. As a result, the Company increased its minimum liability adjustment from that which was recorded at December 31, 2010 by $258,146,000 with a corresponding decrease to shareholders’ equity that, net of applicable deferred taxes, was $156,824,000. The table below reflects the changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income related to the Company’s postretirement benefit plans.


	Pension Plans			Other Postretirement Benefit Plans			Total
	(In thousands)
2011
Net loss	$	261,957		$	10,303		$	272,260
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		6,559			(107	)		6,452
Amortization of loss		(20,530	)		(36	)		(20,566	)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income, pre-tax	$	247,986		$	10,160		$	258,146

2010
Net loss	$	7,057		$	6,433		$	13,490
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		6,559			(176	)		6,383
Amortization of (loss) gain		(13,551	)		9			(13,542	)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income, pre-tax	$	65		$	6,266		$	6,331

The following table reflects the amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit expense during 2012:


	Pension Plans			Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit)	$	(6,559	)	$	20
Amortization of net loss		34,281			427

The Company also provides a qualified defined contribution pension plan to eligible employees who were not participants in the defined benefit pension plan as of December 31, 2005 and to other employees who have elected to participate in the defined contribution plan. The Company makes contributions to the defined contribution plan each year in an amount that is based on an individual participant’s total compensation (generally defined as total wages, incentive compensation, commissions and bonuses) and years of service. Participants do not contribute to the defined contribution pension plan. Pension expense recorded in 2011, 2010 and 2009 associated with the defined contribution pension plan was approximately $13 million, $14 million and $11 million, respectively.

Assumptions

The assumed weighted-average rates used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 were:


	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Discount rate		4.25	%		5.25	%		4.25	%		5.25	%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		4.50	%		4.50	%		—			—

The assumed weighted-average rates used to determine net benefit expense for the years ended December 31 were:


	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009
Discount rate		5.25	%		5.75	%		6.00	%		5.25	%		5.75	%		6.00	%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets		6.50	%		6.50	%		6.50	%		—			—			—
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		4.50	%		4.50	%		4.60	%		—			—			—

On May 16, 2011 pension and other benefit obligations were assumed as a result of the acquisition of Wilmington Trust. Initial liabilities and net costs were determined using a 5.25% discount rate, a 4.0% increase in compensation and a 6.50% expected return on assets.

The expected long-term rate of return assumption as of each measurement date was developed through analysis of historical market returns, current market conditions, anticipated future asset allocations, the funds’ past experience, and expectations on potential future market returns. The expected rate of return assumption represents a long-term average view of the performance of the plan assets, a return that may or may not be achieved during any one calendar year.

For measurement of other postretirement benefits, an 8.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2012. The rate was assumed to decrease to 5% over 30 years. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have had the following effects:


	+1%		-1%
	(In thousands)
Increase (decrease) in:
Service and interest cost	$	149	$	(134	)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		3,686		(3,288	)

Plan Assets

The Company’s policy is to invest the pension plan assets in a prudent manner for the purpose of providing benefit payments to participants and mitigating reasonable expenses of administration. The Company’s investment strategy is designed to provide a total return that, over the long-term, places a strong emphasis on the preservation of capital. The strategy attempts to maximize investment returns on assets at a level of risk deemed appropriate by the Company while complying with applicable regulations and laws. The investment strategy utilizes asset allocation as a principal determinant for establishing an appropriate risk profile. The target allocations for plan assets are generally 55 to 70 percent equity securities, 25 to 40 percent debt securities, and 3 to 10 percent money-market funds or other short-term investments, although holdings could be more or less than these general guidelines based on market conditions at the time and actions taken or recommended by the investment managers providing advice to the Company. Equity securities include investments in large-cap and mid-cap companies located in the United States, equity mutual funds with international investments, and, to a lesser extent, direct investments in foreign-based companies. Debt securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by government agencies, U.S. Treasury securities, and mutual funds that invest in debt securities. Additionally, primarily as a result of the Wilmington Trust acquisition, the Company’s defined benefit pension plans held $77,351,000 (7% of total assets) of real estate, private equity and other investments at December 31, 2011. Returns on invested assets are periodically compared with target market indices for each asset type to aid management in evaluating such returns. Furthermore, management regularly reviews the investment policy and may, if deemed appropriate, make changes to the target allocations noted above.

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2011, by asset category, were as follows:


	Fair Value Measurement of Plan Assets At December 31, 2011
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Asset category:
Money-market funds	$	63,842	$	63,842	$	—	$	—
Equity securities:
M&T		93,740		93,740		—		—
Domestic(a)		151,235		151,235		—		—
International		8,264		8,264		—		—
Mutual funds:
Domestic		125,223		125,223		—		—
International		127,071		127,071		—		—

		505,533		505,533		—		—

Debt securities:
Corporate(b)		275,079		—		275,079		—
Government		88,261		—		88,261		—
International		7,586		—		7,586		—
Mutual funds:
Domestic(c)		72,680		72,680		—		—
International		23,234		23,234		—		—

		466,840		95,914		370,926		—

Other:
Real asset securities		17,557		17,557		—		—
Private real estate		4,677		—		—		4,677
Private equity		10,190		—		—		10,190
Hedge funds		44,927		—		—		44,927

		77,351		17,557		—		59,794

Total(d)	$	1,113,566	$	682,846	$	370,926	$	59,794

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2010, by asset category, were as follows:


	Fair Value Measurement of Plan Assets At December 31, 2010
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Asset category:
Money-market funds	$	26,389	$	26,389	$	—		—
Equity securities:
M&T		106,891		106,891		—		—
Domestic(a)		148,218		148,218		—		—
International		9,690		9,690		—		—
Mutual funds:
Domestic		54,039		54,039		—		—
International		150,961		150,961		—		—

		469,799		469,799		—		—

Debt securities:
Corporate(b)		204,899		—		204,899		—
Government		65,589		—		65,589		—
International		7,143		—		7,143		—
Mutual funds:
Domestic(c)		35,594		35,594		—		—
International		25,491		25,491		—		—

		338,716		61,085		277,631		—

Total(d)	$	834,904	$	557,273	$	277,631		—

(a)

This category is comprised of equities of companies primarily within the mid-cap and large-cap sector of the U.S. economy and range across diverse industries.

(b)

This category represents investment grade bonds of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.

(c)

Approximately 50% of the mutual funds were invested in investment grade bonds of U.S. issuers and 50% in high-yielding bonds at December 31, 2011. Approximately 30% of the mutual funds were invested in investment grade bonds of U.S. issuers and 70% in high-yielding bonds at December 31, 2010. The holdings within the funds are spread across diverse industries.

(d)

Excludes dividends and interest receivable totaling $4,406,000 and $3,561,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Pension plan assets included common stock of M&T with a fair value of $93,740,000 (8.4% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2011 and $106,891,000 (12.7% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2010. No investment in securities of a non-U.S. Government or government agency issuer exceeded ten percent of plan assets at December 31, 2011.

The changes in Level 3 pension plan assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:


	Balance – January 1, 2011		Purchases		Total Realized/ Unrealized Gains (Losses)			Balance – December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Other
Private real estate		—	$	4,093	$	584		$	4,677
Private equity		—		8,482		1,708			10,190
Hedge funds		—		47,836		(2,909	)		44,927

Total		—	$	60,411	$	(617	)	$	59,794

The Company makes contributions to its funded qualified defined benefit pension plans as required by government regulation or as deemed appropriate by management after considering factors such as the fair value of plan assets, expected returns on such assets, and the present value of benefit obligations of the plans. Subject to the impact of actual events and circumstances that may occur in 2012, the Company may make contributions to the qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2012, but the amount of any such contribution has not yet been determined. The Company made a cash contribution of $70 million to the qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2011. The Company’s contributions to the qualified defined benefit pension plans totaled $44 million in 2009 in the form of common stock of M&T. The Company did not make any contributions to those plans in 2010. The Company regularly funds the payment of benefit obligations for the supplemental defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans because such plans do not hold assets for investment. Payments made by the Company for supplemental pension benefits were $5,600,000 and $4,504,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Payments made by the Company for postretirement benefits were $6,859,000 and $4,846,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Payments for supplemental pension and other postretirement benefits for 2012 are not expected to differ from those made in 2011 by an amount that will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position.

Estimated benefits expected to be paid in future years related to the Company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans are as follows:


	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	57,243	$	8,834
2013		61,203		8,542
2014		65,475		8,330
2015		68,777		8,107
2016		75,480		7,918
2017 through 2021		431,248		35,708

The Company has a retirement savings plan (“RSP”) that is a defined contribution plan in which eligible employees of the Company may defer up to 50% of qualified compensation via contributions to the plan. The Company makes an employer matching contribution in an amount equal to 75% of an employee’s contribution, up to 4.5% of the employee’s qualified compensation. Employees’ accounts, including employee contributions, employer matching contributions and accumulated earnings thereon, are at all times fully vested and nonforfeitable. Employee benefits expense resulting from the Company’s contributions to the RSP totaled $27,738,000, $24,683,000 and $23,719,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Income taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income taxes [Abstract]

Income taxes

13. Income taxes

The components of income tax expense (benefit) were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Current
Federal	$	277,631		$	250,489	$	52,792
State and city		53,566			55,071		4,107

Total current		331,197			305,560		56,899

Deferred
Federal		34,325			47,123		67,372
State and city		(401	)		3,945		15,129

Total deferred		33,924			51,068		82,501

Total income taxes applicable to pre-tax income	$	365,121		$	356,628	$	139,400

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return reflecting taxable income earned by all domestic subsidiaries. In prior years, applicable federal tax law allowed certain financial institutions the option of deducting as bad debt expense for tax purposes amounts in excess of actual losses. In accordance with GAAP, such financial institutions were not required to provide deferred income taxes on such excess. Recapture of the excess tax bad debt reserve established under the previously allowed method will result in taxable income if M&T Bank fails to maintain bank status as defined in the Internal Revenue Code or charges are made to the reserve for other than bad debt losses. At December 31, 2011, M&T Bank’s tax bad debt reserve for which no federal income taxes have been provided was $79,121,000. No actions are planned that would cause this reserve to become wholly or partially taxable.

Income taxes attributable to gains or losses on bank investment securities were an expense of $28,712,000 in 2011 and benefits of $32,778,000 and $53,824,000 in 2010 and 2009, respectively. No alternative minimum tax expense was recognized in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Total income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax income as follows:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Income taxes at statutory federal income tax rate	$	428,610		$	382,476		$	181,752
Increase (decrease) in taxes:
Tax-exempt income		(33,799	)		(32,466	)		(31,071	)
State and city income taxes, net of federal income tax effect		34,557			38,360			12,503
Low income housing credits		(40,763	)		(29,882	)		(20,749	)
Non-taxable gain on acquisition		(22,725	)		—			—
Other		(759	)		(1,860	)		(3,035	)

	$	365,121		$	356,628		$	139,400

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) were comprised of the following at December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Losses on loans and other assets	$	896,219		$	550,970		$	642,427
Postretirement and other employee benefits		39,992			28,135			25,770
Incentive compensation plans		49,183			27,388			27,835
Interest on loans		46,965			43,563			35,772
Retirement benefits		147,997			42,422			34,851
Stock-based compensation		78,014			70,641			69,881
Unrealized investment losses		50,528			54,557			140,821
Depreciation and amortization		9,563			13,332			6,274
Other		99,012			51,768			40,281

Gross deferred tax assets		1,417,473			882,776			1,023,912

Leasing transactions		(294,150	)		(294,510	)		(306,799	)
Capitalized servicing rights		(17,603	)		(14,739	)		(8,412	)
Interest on subordinated note exchange		(11,275	)		(13,534	)		(15,051	)
Other		(48,803	)		(36,080	)		(32,617	)

Gross deferred tax liabilities		(371,831	)		(358,863	)		(362,879	)

Net deferred tax asset	$	1,045,642		$	523,913		$	661,033

The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized through taxable earnings or alternative tax strategies.

The income tax credits shown in the statement of income of M&T in note 26 arise principally from operating losses before dividends from subsidiaries.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows:


	Federal, State and Local Tax			Accrued Interest			Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2009	$	38,287		$	17,556		$	55,843
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during 2009		400			—			400
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years		—			3,675			3,675
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination		(9,902	)		(1,392	)		(11,294	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities		(825	)		(331	)		(1,156	)
Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in a business combination		337			—			337

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009		28,297			19,508			47,805
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years		—			11,468			11,468
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination		(1,403	)		(670	)		(2,073	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities		(967	)		(549	)		(1,516	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken in prior years		(1,074	)		(9,061	)		(10,135	)

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010		24,853			20,696			45,549
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during 2011		4,659			—			4,659
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities		(9,742	)		(5,497	)		(15,239	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken in prior years		—			(1,645	)		(1,645	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination		(8,471	)		(8,201	)		(16,672	)
Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in a business combination		7,034			3,924			10,958

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011	$	18,333		$	9,277			27,610

Less: Federal, state and local income tax benefits								(9,018	)

Net unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011 that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate							$	18,592

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes in the consolidated statement of income. The balance of accrued interest at December 31, 2011 is included in the table above. The Company’s federal, state and local income tax returns are routinely subject to examinations from various governmental taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in challenges to the tax return treatment applied by the Company to specific transactions. Management believes that the assumptions and judgment used to record tax-related assets or liabilities have been appropriate. Should determinations rendered by tax authorities ultimately indicate that management’s assumptions were inappropriate, the result and adjustments required could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations. Under statute, the Company’s federal income tax returns for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010 could be adjusted by the Internal Revenue Service, although examinations for those tax years have been concluded. The Company also files income tax returns in over forty state and local jurisdictions. Substantially all material state and local matters have been concluded for years through 2003. It is not reasonably possible to estimate when examinations for any subsequent years will be completed.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Earnings per common share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings per common share [Abstract]

Earnings per common share

14. Earnings per common share

The computations of basic earnings per common share follow:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share)
Income available to common shareholders:
Net income	$	859,479		$	736,161		$	379,891
Less: Preferred stock dividends(a)		(45,839	)		(40,225	)		(36,081	)
Amortization of preferred stock discount(a)		(20,018	)		(10,518	)		(8,130	)

Net income available to common equity		793,622			685,418			335,680
Less: Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards		(11,879	)		(9,592	)		(3,674	)

Net income available to common shareholders	$	781,743		$	675,826		$	332,006
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Common shares outstanding (including common stock issuable) and unvested stock-based compensation awards		124,524			119,852			115,838
Less: Unvested stock-based compensation awards		(1,861	)		(1,661	)		(1,178	)

Weighted-average shares outstanding		122,663			118,191			114,660
Basic earnings per common share	$	6.37		$	5.72		$	2.90

(a)

Including impact of not as yet declared cumulative dividends.

The computations of diluted earnings per common share follow:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share)
Net income available to common equity	$	793,622		$	685,418		$	335,680
Less: Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards		(11,857	)		(9,565	)		(3,674	)

Net income available to common shareholders	$	781,765		$	675,853		$	332,006
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding:
Common and unvested stock-based compensation awards		124,524			119,852			115,838
Less: Unvested stock-based compensation awards		(1,861	)		(1,661	)		(1,178	)
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversion of stock-based compensation awards and convertible preferred stock		416			652			116

Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding		123,079			118,843			114,776
Diluted earnings per common share	$	6.35		$	5.69		$	2.89

GAAP defines unvested share-based awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) as participating securities that shall be included in the computation of earnings per common share pursuant to the two-class method. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, the Company issued stock-based compensation awards in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units, which, in accordance with GAAP, are considered participating securities.

Stock-based compensation awards, warrants to purchase common stock of M&T and preferred stock convertible into shares of M&T common stock representing approximately 11,268,000, 11,231,000 and 15,040,000 common shares during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per common share because the effect on those years would have been antidilutive.

Comprehensive income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive income

15. Comprehensive income

The following table displays the components of other comprehensive income:


	Before-tax Amount			Income Taxes			Net
	(In thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
Available-for-sale (“AFS”) investment securities with other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”):
Unrealized holding losses, net	$	(58,628	)	$	23,106		$	(35,522	)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		3,814			(1,497	)		2,317
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(64,919	)		25,480			(39,439	)

Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI		2,477			(877	)		1,600
AFS investment securities – all other:
Unrealized holding gains, net		144,941			(56,714	)		88,227
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		146,115			(57,256	)		88,859

Net change for AFS investment securities – all other		(1,174	)		542			(632	)
Held-to-maturity (“HTM”) investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding losses, net		(10,317	)		4,049			(6,268	)
Less: reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses		(545	)		214			(331	)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(12,116	)		4,755			(7,361	)

Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI		2,344			(920	)		1,424

Unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM:
Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses		6,490			(2,548	)		3,942
Unrealized holding losses transferred to HTM investment securities with OTTI		580			(227	)		353

Net change for investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM		7,070			(2,775	)		4,295

Net unrealized gains on investment securities		10,717			(4,030	)		6,687
Reclassification to income for amortization of gains on terminated cash flow hedges		(448	)		167			(281	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,240	)		437			(803	)
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment		(258,146	)		101,322			(156,824	)

	$	(249,117	)	$	97,896		$	(151,221	)

For the year ended December 31, 2010
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
AFS investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding losses, net	$	(104,039	)	$	40,566		$	(63,473	)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(81,199	)		31,552			(49,647	)

Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI		(22,840	)		9,014			(13,826	)
AFS investment securities — all other:
Unrealized holding gains, net		236,167			(92,190	)		143,977
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		1,581			(610	)		971

Net change for AFS investment securities – all other		234,586			(91,580	)		143,006
HTM investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding losses, net		(11,908	)		4,674			(7,234	)
Less: reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses		(7,984	)		3,134			(4,850	)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(5,082	)		1,995			(3,087	)

Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI		1,158			(455	)		703

Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM		8,264			(3,243	)		5,021

Net unrealized gains on investment securities		221,168			(86,264	)		134,904
Reclassification to income for amortization of gains on terminated cash flow hedges		(448	)		167			(281	)
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment		(6,331	)		2,485			(3,846	)

	$	214,389		$	(83,612	)	$	130,777

For the year ended December 31, 2009
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
AFS investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding losses, net	$	(264,363	)	$	103,409		$	(160,954	)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(138,297	)		54,115			(84,182	)

Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI		(126,066	)		49,294			(76,772	)
AFS investment securities — all other:
Unrealized holding gains, net		640,096			(247,637	)		392,459
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		219			(85	)		134

Net change for AFS investment securities – all other		639,877			(247,552	)		392,325
Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM		14,027			7,463			21,490

Net unrealized gains on investment securities		527,838			(190,795	)		337,043
Reclassification to income for amortization of losses on terminated cash flow hedges		10,761			(4,204	)		6,557
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment		93,823			(36,539	)		57,284

	$	632,422		$	(231,538	)	$	400,884

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses) as follows:


	Investment Securities						Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Defined Benefit Plans			Total
	With OTTI			All Other			Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Defined Benefit Plans			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2009	$	—		$	(556,668	)	$	(5,883	)	$	—		$	(174,330	)	$	(736,881	)
Net gain (loss) during 2009		(76,772	)		413,815			6,557			—			57,284			400,884

Balance at December 31, 2009		(76,772	)		(142,853	)		674			—			(117,046	)		(335,997	)
Net gain (loss) during 2010		(10,281	)		145,185			(281	)		—			(3,846	)		130,777

Balance at December 31, 2010		(87,053	)		2,332			393			—			(120,892	)		(205,220	)
Net gain (loss) during 2011		3,024			3,663			(281	)		(803	)		(156,824	)		(151,221	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	(84,029	)	$	5,995		$	112		$	(803	)	$	(277,716	)	$	(356,441	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14-26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e653-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e716-108580

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+ Details

Other income and other expense

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other income and other expense [Abstract]

Other income and other expense

16. Other income and other expense

The following items, which exceeded 1% of total interest income and other income in the respective period, were included in either “other revenues from operations” or “other costs of operations” in the consolidated statement of income:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Other income:
Bank owned life insurance	$	50,776	$	50,483	$	49,152
Credit-related fee income		73,886		62,294		56,150
Letter of credit fees		56,247		49,762		44,005
Non-taxable gain from business combination		64,930
Other expense:
Professional services		222,122		128,629		117,523
Amortization of capitalized servicing rights		55,859		56,582		62,268
Advertising and promotion		58,312		41,869		39,364
Write-down of investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC (“BLG”)		79,012

International activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

International Activities [Abstract]

International activities

17. International activities

The Company engages in certain international activities consisting largely of collecting Eurodollar deposits, engaging in foreign currency trading, providing credit to support the international activities of domestic companies and holding certain loans to foreign borrowers. As a result of the Wilmington Trust acquisition, the Company offers trust-related services through its Corporate Client Services business in Europe and the Cayman Islands. Revenues from providing such trust-related services were approximately $15 million in 2011. Net assets identified with international activities amounted to $159,579,000 and $112,851,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Such assets included $128,187,000 and $107,310,000, respectively, of loans to foreign borrowers. Deposits at M&T Bank’s Cayman Islands office were $355,927,000 and $1,605,916,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company uses such deposits to facilitate customer demand and as an alternative to short-term borrowings when the costs of such deposits seem reasonable.

Derivative financial instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Derivative financial instruments [Abstract]

Derivative financial instruments

18. Derivative financial instruments

As part of managing interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to modify the repricing characteristics of certain portions of the Company’s portfolios of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Company designates interest rate swap agreements utilized in the management of interest rate risk as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. Interest rate swap agreements are generally entered into with counterparties that meet established credit standards and most contain master netting and collateral provisions protecting the at-risk party. Based on adherence to the Company’s credit standards and the presence of the netting and collateral provisions, the Company believes that the credit risk inherent in these contracts is not significant as of December 31, 2011.

The net effect of interest rate swap agreements was to increase net interest income by $38 million in 2011, $42 million in 2010 and $38 million in 2009. The average notional amounts of interest rate swap agreements impacting net interest income that were entered into for interest rate risk management purposes were $900 million in 2011, $1.01 billion in 2010 and $1.08 billion in 2009.

Information about interest rate swap agreements entered into for interest rate risk management purposes summarized by type of financial instrument the swap agreements were intended to hedge follows:


	Notional Amount		Average Maturity		Weighted-Average Rate						Estimated Fair Value Gain
	Notional Amount		Average Maturity		Fixed			Variable			Estimated Fair Value Gain
	(In thousands)		(In years)								(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Fair value hedges:
Fixed rate long-term borrowings(a)	$	900,000		5.4		6.07	%		2.07	%	$	147,302


December 31, 2010
Fair value hedges:
Fixed rate long-term borrowings(a)	$	900,000		6.4		6.07	%		1.84	%	$	96,637

(a)

Under the terms of these agreements, the Company receives settlement amounts at a fixed rate and pays at a variable rate.

The notional amount of interest rate swap agreements entered into for risk management purposes that were outstanding at December 31, 2011 mature in 2016 and 2017.

The Company utilizes commitments to sell residential and commercial real estate loans to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of real estate loans held for sale. Such commitments have generally been designated as fair value hedges. The Company also utilizes commitments to sell real estate loans to offset the exposure to changes in fair value of certain commitments to originate real estate loans for sale.

Derivative financial instruments used for trading purposes included interest rate contracts, foreign exchange and other option contracts, foreign exchange forward and spot contracts, and financial futures. Interest rate contracts entered into for trading purposes had notional values of $13.9 billion and $12.8 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The notional amounts of foreign currency and other option and futures contracts entered into for trading purposes aggregated $1.4 billion and $769 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Information about the fair values of derivative instruments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of income follows:


	Asset Derivatives Fair Value December 31				Liability Derivatives Fair Value December 31
	2011		2010		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate swap agreements(a)	$	147,302	$	96,637	$	—	$	—
Commitments to sell real estate loans(a)		232		4,880		2,287		1,062

		147,534		101,517		2,287		1,062

Derivatives not designated and qualifying as hedging instruments
Mortgage-related commitments to originate real estate loans for sale(a)		7,991		2,827		1,068		583
Commitments to sell real estate loans(a)		1,328		10,322		2,771		1,962
Trading:
Interest rate contracts(b)		443,033		345,632		415,836		321,461
Foreign exchange and other option and futures contracts(b)		19,115		11,267		18,723		11,761

		471,467		370,048		438,398		335,767

Total derivatives	$	619,001	$	471,565	$	440,685	$	336,829

(a)

Asset derivatives are reported in other assets and liability derivatives are reported in other liabilities.

(b)

Asset derivatives are reported in trading account assets and liability derivatives are reported in other liabilities.


	Amount of Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized
	Year Ended December 31, 2011						Year Ended December 31, 2010						Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Derivative			Hedged Item			Derivative			Hedged Item			Derivative			Hedged Item
	(In thousands)
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships
Interest rate swap agreements:
Fixed rate time deposits(a)	$	—		$	—		$	(503	)	$	503		$	(1,797	)	$	1,789
Fixed rate long-term borrowings(a)		50,665			(47,916	)		41,628			(39,802	)		(91,093	)		85,679

Total	$	50,665		$	(47,916	)	$	41,125		$	(39,299	)	$	(92,890	)	$	87,468


Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Trading:
Interest rate contracts(b)	$	6,130					$	3,760					$	(3,622	)
Foreign exchange and other option and futures contracts(b)		(2,649	)					(307	)					337

Total	$	3,481					$	3,453					$	(3,285	)

(a)

Reported as other revenues from operations.

(b)

Reported as trading account and foreign exchange gains.

In addition, the Company also has commitments to sell and commitments to originate residential and commercial real estate loans that are considered derivatives. The Company designates certain of the commitments to sell real estate loans as fair value hedges of real estate loans held for sale. The Company also utilizes commitments to sell real estate loans to offset the exposure to changes in the fair value of certain commitments to originate real estate loans for sale. As a result of these activities, net unrealized pre-tax gains related to hedged loans held for sale, commitments to originate loans for sale and commitments to sell loans were approximately $12 million and $17 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Changes in unrealized gains and losses are included in mortgage banking revenues and, in general, are realized in subsequent periods as the related loans are sold and commitments satisfied.

The aggregate fair value of derivative financial instruments in a net liability position at December 31, 2011 for which the Company was required to post collateral was $320 million. The fair value of collateral posted for such instruments was $271 million. Certain of the Company’s derivative financial instruments contain provisions that require the Company to maintain specific credit ratings from credit rating agencies to avoid higher collateral posting requirements. If the Company’s debt rating were to fall below specified ratings, the counterparties to the derivative financial instruments could demand immediate incremental collateralization on those instruments in a net liability position. The aggregate fair value of all derivative financial instruments with such credit-risk-related contingent features in a net liability position on December 31, 2011 was $99 million, for which the Company had posted collateral of $65 million in the normal course of business. If the credit-risk-related contingent features had been triggered on December 31, 2011, the maximum amount of additional collateral the Company would have been required to post to counterparties was $34 million.

The Company’s credit exposure with respect to the estimated fair value as of December 31, 2011 of interest rate swap agreements used for managing interest rate risk has been substantially mitigated through master netting arrangements with trading account interest rate contracts with the same counterparties as well as counterparty postings of $69 million of collateral with the Company. Trading account interest rate swap agreements entered into with customers are subject to the Company’s credit standards and often contain collateral provisions.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

Variable interest entities and asset securitizations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Variable interest entities and asset securitizations [Abstract]

Variable interest entities and asset securitizations

19. Variable interest entities and asset securitizations

Effective January 1, 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended accounting guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities to eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. The amended guidance instead requires a reporting entity to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity based on whether the reporting entity has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the variable interest entity’s economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the variable interest entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. The amended guidance requires ongoing reassessments of whether the reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.

Also effective January 1, 2010, the FASB amended accounting guidance related to accounting for transfers of financial assets to eliminate the exceptions for qualifying special-purpose entities from the consolidation guidance and the exception that permitted sale accounting for certain mortgage securitizations when a transferor has not surrendered control over the transferred assets. The recognition and measurement provisions of the amended guidance were required to be applied prospectively. Additionally, beginning January 1, 2010, the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity is no longer relevant for accounting purposes. Therefore, formerly qualifying special-purpose entities had to be re-evaluated for consolidation in accordance with applicable consolidation guidance, including the new accounting guidance relating to the consolidation of variable interest entities discussed in the previous paragraph.

In 2002 and 2003, the Company transferred approximately $1.9 billion of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to qualified special-purpose trusts in two non-recourse securitization transactions. In exchange for the loans, the Company received cash, no more than 88% of the resulting securities, and the servicing rights to the loans. Through December 31, 2009, all of the retained securities were classified as investment securities available for sale as the qualified special-purpose trusts were not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2010, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of both securitization trusts under the amended consolidation rules considering its role as servicer and its retained subordinated interests in the trusts. As a result, beginning January 1, 2010, the Company included the one-to-four family residential mortgage loans that were included in the two non-recourse securitization transactions in its consolidated financial statements. The effect of that consolidation on January 1, 2010 was to increase loans receivable by $424 million, decrease the amortized cost of available-for-sale investment securities by $360 million (fair value of $355 million), and increase borrowings by $65 million. The transition adjustment at January 1, 2010 as a result of the Company’s adoption of the new accounting requirements was not significant. In the second quarter of 2010, the 2002 securitization trust was terminated as the Company exercised its right to purchase the underlying mortgage loans pursuant to the clean-up call provisions of the qualified special-purpose trust. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the carrying values of the loans in the remaining securitization trust were $196 million and $265 million, respectively. The outstanding principal amount of mortgage-backed securities issued by the qualified special purpose trust that was held by parties unrelated to M&T at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $30 million and $40 million, respectively. Because the transaction was non-recourse, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its association with the trust at December 31, 2011 is limited to realizing the carrying value of the loans less the amount of the mortgage-backed securities held by third parties.

In 2009, the Company securitized approximately $141 million of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans in guaranteed mortgage securitizations with Fannie Mae. There were no such securitizations in 2011 and 2010. The Company recognized no gain or loss on the transactions as it retained all of the resulting securities. Such securities were classified as investment securities available for sale. The Company expects no material credit-related losses on the retained securities as a result of the guarantees by Fannie Mae.

As described in note 9, M&T has issued junior subordinated debentures payable to various trusts that have issued Capital Securities. M&T owns the common securities of those trust entities. The Company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary of those entities and, accordingly, the trusts are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company included the Junior Subordinated Debentures as “long-term borrowings” in its consolidated balance sheet. The Company has recognized $34 million in other assets for its “investment” in the common securities of the trusts that will be concomitantly repaid to M&T by the respective trust from the proceeds of M&T’s repayment of the junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities described in note 9.

The Company has invested as a limited partner in various real estate partnerships that collectively had total assets of approximately $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Those partnerships generally construct or acquire properties for which the investing partners are eligible to receive certain federal income tax credits in accordance with government guidelines. Such investments may also provide tax deductible losses to the partners. The partnership investments also assist the Company in achieving its community reinvestment initiatives. As a limited partner, there is no recourse to the Company by creditors of the partnerships. However, the tax credits that result from the Company’s investments in such partnerships are generally subject to recapture should a partnership fail to comply with the respective government regulations. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss of its investments in such partnerships was $271 million, including $75 million of unfunded commitments, at December 31, 2011 and $258 million, including $81 million of unfunded commitments, at December 31, 2010. The Company has not provided financial or other support to the partnerships that was not contractually required. Management currently estimates that no material losses are probable as a result of the Company’s involvement with such entities. The Company, in its position as limited partner, does not direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the partnerships and, therefore, in accordance with the accounting provisions for variable interest entities, the partnership entities are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Fair value measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair value measurements [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

20. Fair value measurements

GAAP permits an entity to choose to measure eligible financial instruments and other items at fair value. The Company has not made any fair value elections at December 31, 2011.

Pursuant to GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level hierarchy exists in GAAP for fair value measurements based upon the inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability.

•

Level 1 — Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

•

Level 2 — Valuation is determined from quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or by model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable in the market.

•

Level 3 — Valuation is derived from model-based and other techniques in which at least one significant input is unobservable and which may be based on the Company’s own estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use to value the asset or liability.

When available, the Company attempts to use quoted market prices in active markets to determine fair value and classifies such items as Level 1 or Level 2. If quoted market prices in active markets are not available, fair value is often determined using model-based techniques incorporating various assumptions including interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit losses. Assets and liabilities valued using model-based techniques are classified as either Level 2 or Level 3, depending on the lowest level classification of an input that is considered significant to the overall valuation. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at estimated fair value.

Trading account assets and liabilities

Trading account assets and liabilities consist primarily of interest rate swap agreements and foreign exchange contracts with customers who require such services with offsetting positions with third parties to minimize the Company’s risk with respect to such transactions. The Company generally determines the fair value of its derivative trading account assets and liabilities using externally developed pricing models based on market observable inputs and therefore classifies such valuations as Level 2. Mutual funds held in connection with deferred compensation arrangements have been classified as Level 1 valuations. Valuations of investments in municipal and other bonds can generally be obtained through reference to quoted prices in less active markets for the same or similar securities or through model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable and, therefore, such valuations have been classified as Level 2.

Investment securities available for sale

The majority of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities have been valued by reference to prices for similar securities or through model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable and, therefore, such valuations have been classified as Level 2. Certain investments in mutual funds and equity securities are actively traded and therefore have been classified as Level 1 valuations.

Trading activity in privately issued mortgage-backed securities has been limited. The markets for such securities were generally characterized by a sharp reduction of non-agency mortgage-backed securities issuances, a significant reduction in trading volumes and wide bid-ask spreads, all driven by the lack of market participants. Although estimated prices were generally obtained for such securities, the Company was significantly restricted in the level of market observable assumptions used in the valuation of its privately issued mortgage-backed securities portfolio. Specifically, market assumptions regarding credit adjusted cash flows and liquidity influences on discount rates were difficult to observe at the individual bond level. Because of the inactivity in the markets and the lack of observable valuation inputs, the Company has classified the valuation of privately issued mortgage-backed securities as Level 3.

GAAP provides guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of trading activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased. The Company has concluded that there has been a significant decline in the volume and level of activity in the market for privately issued mortgage-backed securities. Therefore, the Company supplemented its determination of fair value for many of its privately issued mortgage-backed securities by obtaining pricing indications from two independent sources at December 31, 2011 and 2010. However, the Company could not readily ascertain that the basis of such valuations could be ascribed to orderly and observable trades in the market for privately issued residential mortgage-backed securities. As a result, the Company also performed internal modeling to estimate the cash flows and fair value of privately issued residential mortgage-backed securities with an amortized cost basis of $1.3 billion at December 31, 2011 and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2010. The Company’s internal modeling techniques included discounting estimated bond-specific cash flows using assumptions about cash flows associated with loans underlying each of the bonds, including estimates about the timing and amount of credit losses and prepayments. In estimating those cash flows, the Company used assumptions as to future delinquency, defaults, further home price depreciation and loss rates. Differences between internal model valuations and external pricing indications were generally considered to be reflective of the lack of liquidity in the market for privately issued mortgage-backed securities given the nature of the cash flow modeling performed in the Company’s assessment of value. To determine the point within the range of potential values that was most representative of fair value for each of the bonds, the Company computed values based on judgmentally applied weightings of the internal model valuations and the indications obtained from the average of the two independent pricing sources. At December 31, 2011, weighted-average reliance on internal model pricing for the bonds modeled was 34% with a 66% average weighting placed on the values provided by the independent sources. The Company concluded its estimate of fair value for the $1.3 billion of privately issued residential mortgage-backed securities to approximate $1.1 billion, which implies a weighted-average market yield based on reasonably likely cash flows of 8.3%.

Included in collateralized debt obligations are securities backed by trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions and other entities. Given the severe disruption in the credit markets and the wide disparity in observable trade information, the Company could not obtain pricing indications for many of these securities from its two primary independent pricing sources. The Company, therefore, performed internal modeling to estimate the cash flows and fair value of its portfolio of securities backed by trust preferred securities at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The modeling techniques included discounting estimated cash flows using bond-specific assumptions about defaults, deferrals and prepayments of the trust preferred securities underlying each bond. The estimation of cash flows included assumptions as to future collateral defaults and related loss severities. The resulting cash flows were then discounted by reference to market yields observed in the single-name trust preferred securities market. At December 31, 2011, the total amortized cost and fair value of securities backed by trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions and other entities were $44 million and $53 million, respectively and at December 31, 2010 were $95 million and $111 million, respectively. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities and securities backed by trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions and other entities constituted all of the available-for-sale investment securities classified as Level 3 valuations as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Real estate loans held for sale

The Company utilizes commitments to sell real estate loans to hedge the exposure to changes in fair value of real estate loans held for sale. The carrying value of hedged real estate loans held for sale includes changes in estimated fair value during the hedge period. Typically, the Company attempts to hedge real estate loans held for sale from the date of close through the sale date. The fair value of hedged real estate loans held for sale is generally calculated by reference to quoted prices in secondary markets for commitments to sell real estate loans with similar characteristics and, accordingly, such loans have been classified as a Level 2 valuation.

Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale and commitments to sell real estate loans

The Company enters into various commitments to originate real estate loans for sale and commitments to sell real estate loans. Such commitments are considered to be derivative financial instruments and, therefore, are carried at estimated fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The estimated fair values of such commitments were generally calculated by reference to quoted prices in secondary markets for commitments to sell real estate loans to certain government-sponsored entities and other parties. The fair valuations of commitments to sell real estate loans generally result in a Level 2 classification. The estimated fair value of commitments to originate real estate loans for sale are adjusted to reflect the Company’s anticipated commitment expirations. Estimated commitment expirations are considered a significant unobservable input, which results in a Level 3 classification. The Company includes the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan in the fair value measurement of a derivative loan commitment. The estimated value ascribed to the expected net future servicing cash flows is also considered a significant unobservable input contributing to the Level 3 classification of commitments to originate real estate loans for sale.

Interest rate swap agreements used for interest rate risk management

The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of the management of interest rate risk to modify the repricing characteristics of certain portions of its portfolios of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Company generally determines the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements using externally developed pricing models based on market observable inputs and therefore classifies such valuations as Level 2. The Company has considered counterparty credit risk in the valuation of its interest rate swap agreement assets and has considered its own credit risk in the valuation of its interest rate swap agreement liabilities.

The following tables present assets and liabilities at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis:


	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011		Level 1(a)		Level 2(a)		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Trading account assets	$	561,834	$	53,165	$	508,669	$	—
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		70,723		—		70,723		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		40,269		—		40,269		—
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		4,521,233		—		4,521,233		—
Privately issued residential		1,136,256		—		—		1,136,256
Privately issued commercial		15,029		—		—		15,029
Collateralized debt obligations		52,500		—		—		52,500
Other debt securities		176,845		—		176,845		—
Equity securities		215,705		205,587		10,118		—

		6,228,560		205,587		4,819,188		1,203,785

Real estate loans held for sale		371,437		—		371,437		—
Other assets(b)		156,853		—		148,862		7,991

Total assets	$	7,318,684	$	258,752	$	5,848,156	$	1,211,776

Trading account liabilities	$	434,559		—	$	434,559	$	—
Other liabilities(b)		6,126		—		5,058		1,068

Total liabilities	$	440,685		—	$	439,617	$	1,068


	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010		Level 1(a)		Level 2(a)		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Trading account assets	$	523,834	$	53,032	$	470,802	$	—
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		63,434		—		63,434		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		60,425		—		60,425		—
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		3,306,241		—		3,306,241		—
Privately issued residential		1,435,561		—		—		1,435,561
Privately issued commercial		22,407		—		—		22,407
Collateralized debt obligations		110,756		—		—		110,756
Other debt securities		298,900		—		298,900		—
Equity securities		115,768		106,872		8,896		—

		5,413,492		106,872		3,737,896		1,568,724

Real estate loans held for sale		544,567		—		544,567		—
Other assets(b)		114,666		—		111,839		2,827

Total assets	$	6,596,559	$	159,904	$	4,865,104	$	1,571,551

Trading account liabilities	$	333,222		—	$	333,222	$	—
Other liabilities(b)		3,607		—		3,024		583

Total liabilities	$	336,829		—	$	336,246	$	583

(a)

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

(b)

Comprised predominantly of interest rate swap agreements used for interest rate risk management (Level 2), commitments to sell real estate loans (Level 2) and commitments to originate real estate loans to be held for sale (Level 3).

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:


	Investment Securities Available for Sale
	Privately Issued Residential Mortgage- backed Securities			Privately Issued Commercial Mortgage- backed Securities			Collateralized Debt Obligations			Other Assets and Other Liabilities
	(In thousands)
Balance – January 1, 2011	$	1,435,561		$	22,407		$	110,756		$	2,244
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings		(64,919	)(a)		—			19,231	(a)		67,163	(b)
Included in other comprehensive income		6,489			327			(272	)		—
Purchases		—			—			50,790			—
Sales		—			—			(124,874	)		—
Settlements		(240,875	)		(7,705	)		(3,131	)		—
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (c)		—			—			—			(62,484	)

Balance – December 31, 2011	$	1,136,256		$	15,029		$	52,500		$	6,923

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets still held at December 31, 2011	$	(64,919	)(a)		—			—		$	6,902	(b)

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2010 were as follows:


	Investment Securities Available for Sale
	Privately Issued Residential Mortgage- backed Securities			Privately Issued Commercial Mortgage- backed Securities			Collateralized Debt Obligations			Other Debt Securities			Other Assets and Other Liabilities
	(In thousands)
Balance – January 1, 2010	$	2,064,904		$	25,166		$	115,346		$	420		$	(80	)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings		(63,503	)(a)		—			(5,703	)(a)		—			95,661	(b)
Included in other comprehensive income		135,434			5,462			2,887			35			—
Settlements		(346,026	)		(8,221	)		(1,774	)		—			—
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (c)		(355,248	)(d)		—			—			(455	)		(93,337	)

Balance – December 31, 2010	$	1,435,561		$	22,407		$	110,756		$	—		$	2,244

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets still held at December 31, 2010	$	(63,503	)(a)		—		$	(5,703	)(a)		—		$	2,153	(b)

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:


	Balance- January 1, 2009		Total Gains (Losses) Realized/Unrealized						Purchases, Sales, Issuances & Settlements			Transfer in and/or out of Level 3(c)			Balance- December 31, 2009			Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Assets Still Held at December 31, 2009
			Included in Earnings			Included in Other Comprehensive Income



	(In thousands)
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	5,532	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(5,532	)	$	—		$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		38		—			224			(9	)		(253	)		—			—
Government issued or guaranteed mortgage-backed securities		84,544		—			—			—			(84,544	)		—			—
Privately issued residential mortgage-backed securities		2,326,554		(128,374	)(a)		405,309			(538,585	)		—			2,064,904			(128,374	)(a)
Privately issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		41,046		—			(6,853	)		(9,027	)		—			25,166			—
Collateralized debt obligations		2,496		(9,568	)(a)		19,770			102,648			—			115,346			(9,923	)(a)
Other debt securities		—		—			145			725			(450	)		420			—
Equity securities		2,302		—			2			(12	)		(2,292	)		—			—

		2,462,512		(137,942	)		418,597			(444,260	)		(93,071	)		2,205,836			(138,297	)
Other assets and other liabilities		8,266		34,400	(b)		—			—			(42,746	)		(80	)		2,465	(b)

(a)

Reported as an other-than-temporary impairment loss in the consolidated statement of income or as gain (loss) on bank investment securities.

(b)

Reported as mortgage banking revenues in the consolidated statement of income and includes the fair value of commitment issuances and expirations.

(c)

The Company’s policy for transfers between fair value levels is to recognize the transfer as of the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

(d)

As a result of the Company’s adoption of new accounting rules governing the consolidation of variable interest entities, effective January 1, 2010 the Company derecognized $355 million of available-for-sale investment securities previously classified as Level 3 measurements.

The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value of certain assets or provide valuation allowances related to certain assets using fair value measurements. The more significant of those assets follow.

Investment Securities Held to Maturity

During 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized other-than-temporary impairment losses related to certain collateralized mortgage obligations. In accordance with GAAP, the carrying value of such securities was reduced to fair value, with estimated credit losses recognized in earnings and any remaining unrealized loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The determination of fair value is consistent with the valuation methodology disclosed for the Company’s privately issued mortgage-backed securities and is classified as Level 3. During 2011, $12 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized in earnings on securities with an amortized cost of $7 million at December 31, 2011. During 2010, $5 million of other-than-temporary losses were recognized in earnings on securities with an amortized cost of $12 million at December 31, 2010.

Loans

Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Periodically, the Company records nonrecurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Nonrecurring adjustments also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans when establishing the allowance for credit losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and, as a result, the carrying value of the loan less the calculated valuation amount does not necessarily represent the fair value of the loan. Real estate collateral is typically valued using appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace and the related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments have generally been classified as Level 2, unless significant adjustments have been made to the valuation that are not readily observable by market participants. Estimates of fair value used for other collateral supporting commercial loans generally are based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and therefore such valuations have been classified as Level 3. Loans subject to nonrecurring fair value measurement were $419 million at December 31, 2011, ($262 million and $157 million of which were classified as Level 2 and Level 3, respectively) and $746 million at December 31, 2010 ($476 million and $270 million of which were classified as Level 2 and Level 3, respectively). Changes in fair value recognized for partial charge-offs of loans and loan impairment reserves on loans held by the Company on December 31, 2011 were decreases of $158 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, and on loans held by the Company on December 31, 2010 were decreases of $224 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Decreases in fair value of $343 million were recognized in 2009 on loans held by the Company at December 31, 2009.

Capitalized servicing rights

Capitalized servicing rights are initially measured at fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company utilizes the amortization method to subsequently measure its capitalized servicing assets. In accordance with GAAP, the Company must record impairment charges, on a nonrecurring basis, when the carrying value of certain strata exceed their estimated fair value. To estimate the fair value of servicing rights, the Company considers market prices for similar assets, if available, and the present value of expected future cash flows associated with the servicing rights calculated using assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future servicing income and expense. Such assumptions include estimates of the cost of servicing loans, loan default rates, an appropriate discount rate, and prepayment speeds. For purposes of evaluating and measuring impairment of capitalized servicing rights, the Company stratifies such assets based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying financial instruments that are expected to have the most impact on projected prepayments, cost of servicing and other factors affecting future cash flows associated with the servicing rights. Such factors may include financial asset or loan type, note rate and term. The amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the capitalized servicing rights for a stratum exceed estimated fair value. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance. The determination of fair value of capitalized servicing rights is considered a Level 3 valuation. At December 31, 2011, $10 million of capitalized servicing rights required a valuation allowance of approximately $2 million. At December 31, 2010, no stratum of capitalized servicing rights required a valuation allowance. Changes in the valuation allowance in 2011, 2010 and 2009 are described in note 7.

Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans

Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans are primarily comprised of commercial and residential real property and are generally measured at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. The fair value of the real property is generally determined using appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace, and the related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments have generally been classified as Level 2. Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans subject to nonrecurring fair value measurement were $51 million and $53 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Reflecting further declines in residential real estate and residential development projects subsequent to foreclosure changes in fair value recognized for those foreclosed assets held by the Company at December 31, 2011 were $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Changes in fair value recognized for those foreclosed assets held by the Company at December 31, 2010 and 2009 were $12 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC

During 2011’s final quarter, the Company recognized a $79 million other-than-temporary impairment charge related to M&T’s 20% investment in BLG and charged it down to its estimated fair value of $115 million. That impairment charge is included in “other costs of operations.” In determining the fair value of M&T’s investment in BLG at December 31, 2011, the Company projected no further commercial mortgage origination and securitization activities by BLG. BLG, however, is entitled to receive, if and when made, cash distributions from affiliates, a portion of which is contractually required to be distributed to M&T. Specifically, cash flows related to mortgage assets held by BLG and its affiliates were estimated using various assumptions on future default and loss severities to arrive at the expected amount of cash flow that could be available for distribution. As of December 31, 2011, the weighted-average assumptions of projected default percentage on the underlying mortgage loan collateral supporting these mortgage assets was 31% and the weighted-average loss severity assumption was 75%. With respect to projected value expected to be generated by the asset management and servicing operations of BLG’s affiliates, M&T developed estimates from company-provided forecasts of financial results and through discussions with their senior management pertaining to longer-term projections of growth in assets under management and asset servicing portfolios. M&T considered different scenarios of projected value that could be generated by the asset management and servicing operations of BLG’s affiliates. M&T then discounted the various projections using discount rates that ranged from 8.0% to 12.5% that were determined by reference to returns required by investors in similar businesses. The determination of fair value of M&T’s 20% investment in BLG is considered a level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of key assumptions.

Disclosures of fair value of financial instruments

With the exception of marketable securities, certain off-balance sheet financial instruments and one-to-four family residential mortgage loans originated for sale, the Company’s financial instruments are not readily marketable and market prices do not exist. The Company, in attempting to comply with the provisions of GAAP that require disclosures of fair value of financial instruments, has not attempted to market its financial instruments to potential buyers, if any exist. Since negotiated prices in illiquid markets depend greatly upon the then present motivations of the buyer and seller, it is reasonable to assume that actual sales prices could vary widely from any estimate of fair value made without the benefit of negotiations. Additionally, changes in market interest rates can dramatically impact the value of financial instruments in a short period of time. Additional information about the assumptions and calculations utilized follows.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair value for financial instrument assets (liabilities) are presented in the following table:


	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	Carrying Amount			Calculated Estimate			Carrying Amount			Calculated Estimate
	(In thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,452,397		$	1,452,397		$	933,755		$	933,755
Interest-bearing deposits at banks		154,960			154,960			101,222			101,222
Trading account assets		561,834			561,834			523,834			523,834
Investment securities		7,673,154			7,608,008			7,150,540			7,051,454
Loans and leases:
Commercial loans and leases		15,734,436			15,507,342			13,390,610			13,135,569
Commercial real estate loans		24,411,114			24,024,585			21,183,161			20,840,346
Residential real estate loans		7,923,165			7,782,935			5,928,056			5,699,028
Consumer loans		12,027,290			11,869,813			11,488,555			11,178,583
Allowance for credit losses		(908,290	)		—			(902,941	)		—

Loans and leases, net		59,187,715			59,184,675			51,087,441			50,853,526
Accrued interest receivable		222,618			222,618			202,182			202,182
Financial liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	(20,017,883	)	$	(20,017,883	)	$	(14,557,568	)	$	(14,557,568	)
Savings deposits and NOW accounts		(32,913,309	)		(32,913,309	)		(27,824,630	)		(27,824,630	)
Time deposits		(6,107,530	)		(6,133,806	)		(5,817,170	)		(5,865,779	)
Deposits at Cayman Islands office		(355,927	)		(355,927	)		(1,605,916	)		(1,605,916	)
Short-term borrowings		(782,082	)		(782,082	)		(947,432	)		(947,432	)
Long-term borrowings		(6,686,226	)		(6,720,174	)		(7,840,151	)		(7,937,397	)
Accrued interest payable		(67,900	)		(67,900	)		(71,954	)		(71,954	)
Trading account liabilities		(434,559	)		(434,559	)		(333,222	)		(333,222	)
Other financial instruments:
Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	$	6,923		$	6,923		$	2,244		$	2,244
Commitments to sell real estate loans		(3,498	)		(3,498	)		12,178			12,178
Other credit-related commitments		(109,828	)		(109,828	)		(74,426	)		(74,426	)
Interest rate swap agreements used for interest rate risk management		147,302			147,302			96,637			96,637

The following assumptions, methods and calculations were used in determining the estimated fair value of financial instruments not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet.

Cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits at banks, short-term borrowings, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable

Due to the nature of cash and cash equivalents and the near maturity of interest-bearing deposits at banks, short-term borrowings, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable, the Company estimated that the carrying amount of such instruments approximated estimated fair value.

Investment securities

Estimated fair values of investments in readily marketable securities were generally based on quoted market prices. Investment securities that were not readily marketable were assigned amounts based on estimates provided by outside parties or modeling techniques that relied upon discounted calculations of projected cash flows or, in the case of other investment securities, which include capital stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, at an amount equal to the carrying amount.

Loans and leases

In general, discount rates used to calculate values for loan products were based on the Company’s pricing at the respective period end. A higher discount rate was assumed with respect to estimated cash flows associated with nonaccrual loans. Projected loan cash flows were adjusted for estimated credit losses. However, such estimates made by the Company may not be indicative of assumptions and adjustments that a purchaser of the Company’s loans and leases would seek.

Deposits

Pursuant to GAAP, the estimated fair value ascribed to noninterest-bearing deposits, savings deposits and NOW accounts must be established at carrying value because of the customers’ ability to withdraw funds immediately. Time deposit accounts are required to be revalued based upon prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments. As a result, amounts assigned to time deposits were based on discounted cash flow calculations using prevailing market interest rates based on the Company’s pricing at the respective date for deposits with comparable remaining terms to maturity.

The Company believes that deposit accounts have a value greater than that prescribed by GAAP. The Company feels, however, that the value associated with these deposits is greatly influenced by characteristics of the buyer, such as the ability to reduce the costs of servicing the deposits and deposit attrition which often occurs following an acquisition.

Long-term borrowings

The amounts assigned to long-term borrowings were based on quoted market prices, when available, or were based on discounted cash flow calculations using prevailing market interest rates for borrowings of similar terms and credit risk.

Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale and commitments to sell real estate loans

Interest rate swap agreements used for interest rate risk management

The estimated fair value of interest rate swap agreements used for interest rate risk management represents the amount the Company would have expected to receive or pay to terminate such agreements.

Other commitments and contingencies

As described in note 21, in the normal course of business, various commitments and contingent liabilities are outstanding, such as loan commitments, credit guarantees and letters of credit. The Company’s pricing of such financial instruments is based largely on credit quality and relationship, probability of funding and other requirements. Loan commitments often have fixed expiration dates and contain termination and other clauses which provide for relief from funding in the event of significant deterioration in the credit quality of the customer. The rates and terms of the Company’s loan commitments, credit guarantees and letters of credit are competitive with other financial institutions operating in markets served by the Company. The Company believes that the carrying amounts, which are included in other liabilities, are reasonable estimates of the fair value of these financial instruments.

The Company does not believe that the estimated information presented herein is representative of the earnings power or value of the Company. The preceding analysis, which is inherently limited in depicting fair value, also does not consider any value associated with existing customer relationships nor the ability of the Company to create value through loan origination, deposit gathering or fee generating activities.

Many of the estimates presented herein are based upon the use of highly subjective information and assumptions and, accordingly, the results may not be precise. Management believes that fair value estimates may not be comparable between financial institutions due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made. Furthermore, because the disclosed fair value amounts were estimated as of the balance sheet date, the amounts actually realized or paid upon maturity or settlement of the various financial instruments could be significantly different.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Commitments and contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments and contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and contingencies

21. Commitments and contingencies

In the normal course of business, various commitments and contingent liabilities are outstanding. The following table presents the Company’s significant commitments. Certain of these commitments are not included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Commitments to extend credit
Home equity lines of credit	$	6,393,332	$	6,281,366
Commercial real estate loans to be sold		177,982		72,930
Other commercial real estate and construction		2,818,071		1,672,006
Residential real estate loans to be sold		182,474		161,583
Other residential real estate		129,466		151,111
Commercial and other		10,442,754		8,332,199
Standby letters of credit		3,930,271		3,917,318
Commercial letters of credit		44,981		76,962
Financial guarantees and indemnification contracts		1,903,254		1,609,944
Commitments to sell real estate loans		635,899		734,696

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers, generally having fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses that may require payment of a fee. Standby and commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally are contingent upon the failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of the underlying contract with the third party, whereas commercial letters of credit are issued to facilitate commerce and typically result in the commitment being funded when the underlying transaction is consummated between the customer and a third party. The credit risk associated with commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved with extending loans to customers and is subject to normal credit policies. Collateral may be obtained based on management’s assessment of the customer’s creditworthiness.

Financial guarantees and indemnification contracts are oftentimes similar to standby letters of credit and include mandatory purchase agreements issued to ensure that customer obligations are fulfilled, recourse obligations associated with sold loans, and other guarantees of customer performance or compliance with designated rules and regulations. Included in financial guarantees and indemnification contracts are loan principal amounts sold with recourse in conjunction with the Company’s involvement in the Fannie Mae DUS program. The Company’s maximum credit risk for recourse associated with loans sold under this program totaled approximately $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Since many loan commitments, standby letters of credit, and guarantees and indemnification contracts expire without being funded in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not necessarily indicative of future cash flows.

The Company utilizes commitments to sell real estate loans to hedge exposure to changes in the fair value of real estate loans held for sale. Such commitments are considered derivatives and along with commitments to originate real estate loans to be held for sale are generally recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at estimated fair market value.

The Company occupies certain banking offices and uses certain equipment under noncancellable operating lease agreements expiring at various dates over the next 28 years. Minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases are summarized in the following table:


	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	81,168
2013		75,339
2014		63,512
2015		53,903
2016		41,324
Later years		128,505

	$	443,751

The Company has an agreement with the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League whereby the Company obtained the naming rights to a football stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Under the agreement, the Company is obligated to pay $5 million per year through 2013 and $6 million per year from 2014 through 2017.

The Company reinsures credit life and accident and health insurance purchased by consumer loan customers. The Company also enters into reinsurance contracts with third party insurance companies who insure against the risk of a mortgage borrower’s payment default in connection with certain mortgage loans originated by the Company. When providing reinsurance coverage, the Company receives a premium in exchange for accepting a portion of the insurer’s risk of loss. The outstanding loan principal balances reinsured by the Company were approximately $74 million at December 31, 2011. Assets of subsidiaries providing reinsurance that are available to satisfy claims totaled approximately $48 million at December 31, 2011. The amounts noted above are not necessarily indicative of losses which may ultimately be incurred. Such losses are expected to be substantially less because most loans are repaid by borrowers in accordance with the original loan terms. Management believes that any reinsurance losses that may be payable by the Company will not be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position.

The Company is contractually obligated to repurchase previously sold residential real estate loans that do not ultimately meet investor sale criteria related to underwriting procedures or loan documentation. When required to do so, the Company may reimburse loan purchasers for losses incurred or may repurchase certain loans. The Company reduces residential mortgage banking revenues by an estimate for losses related to its obligations to loan purchasers. The amount of those charges is based on the volume of loans sold, the level of reimbursement requests received from loan purchasers and estimates of losses that may be associated with previously sold loans. At December 31, 2011, management believes that any remaining liability arising out of the Company’s obligation to loan purchasers is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position.

M&T and its subsidiaries are subject in the normal course of business to various pending and threatened legal proceedings in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the aggregate ultimate liability arising out of litigation pending or threatened against M&T or its subsidiaries will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position. On an on-going basis the Company assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with such legal proceedings. For those matters where it is probable that the Company will incur losses and the amounts of the losses can be reasonably estimated, the Company records an expense and corresponding liability in its consolidated financial statements. To the extent the pending or threatened litigation could result in exposure in excess of that liability, the amount of such excess is not currently estimable. Although not considered probable, the range of reasonably possible losses for such matters in the aggregate, beyond the existing recorded liability, was between $0 and $40 million. Although the Company does not believe that the outcome of pending litigations will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, it cannot rule out the possibility that such outcomes will be material to the consolidated results of operations for a particular reporting period in the future.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 2
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Segment information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment information [Abstract]

Segment information

22. Segment information

Reportable segments have been determined based upon the Company’s internal profitability reporting system, which is organized by strategic business unit. Certain strategic business units have been combined for segment information reporting purposes where the nature of the products and services, the type of customer and the distribution of those products and services are similar. The reportable segments are Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Commercial Real Estate, Discretionary Portfolio, Residential Mortgage Banking and Retail Banking.

The financial information of the Company’s segments has been compiled utilizing the accounting policies described in note 1 with certain exceptions. The more significant of these exceptions are described herein. The Company allocates interest income or interest expense using a methodology that charges users of funds (assets) interest expense and credits providers of funds (liabilities) with income based on the maturity, prepayment and/or repricing characteristics of the assets and liabilities. The net effect of this allocation is recorded in the “All Other” category. A provision for credit losses is allocated to segments in an amount based largely on actual net charge-offs incurred by the segment during the period plus or minus an amount necessary to adjust the segment’s allowance for credit losses due to changes in loan balances. In contrast, the level of the consolidated provision for credit losses is determined using the methodologies described in notes 1 and 5. Indirect fixed and variable expenses incurred by certain centralized support areas are allocated to segments based on actual usage (for example, volume measurements) and other criteria. Certain types of administrative expenses and bankwide expense accruals (including amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets associated with acquisitions of financial institutions) are generally not allocated to segments. Income taxes are allocated to segments based on the Company’s marginal statutory tax rate adjusted for any tax-exempt income or non-deductible expenses. Equity is allocated to the segments based on regulatory capital requirements and in proportion to an assessment of the inherent risks associated with the business of the segment (including interest, credit and operating risk).

The management accounting policies and processes utilized in compiling segment financial information are highly subjective and, unlike financial accounting, are not based on authoritative guidance similar to GAAP. As a result, reported segment results are not necessarily comparable with similar information reported by other financial institutions. Furthermore, changes in management structure or allocation methodologies and procedures may result in changes in reported segment financial data. Information about the Company’s segments is presented in the accompanying table. Income statement amounts are in thousands of dollars. Balance sheet amounts are in millions of dollars.


							For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
	Business Banking						Commercial Banking						Commercial Real Estate						Discretionary Portfolio
	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009		2011		2010			2009
Net interest income(a)	$	334,811	$	315,407	$	321,208	$	655,407	$	582,231	$	531,592	$	467,683	$	384,147	$	346,513	$	63,030	$	23,347		$	137,507
Noninterest income		95,429		95,443		89,043		249,150		217,368		192,979		99,409		85,200		65,224		98,770		(34,383	)		(100,507	)

		430,240		410,850		410,251		904,557		799,599		724,571		567,092		469,347		411,737		161,800		(11,036	)		37,000
Provision for credit losses		45,689		74,443		41,923		29,823		47,675		107,871		58,474		45,781		84,614		59,309		55,810			83,139
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—			—
Depreciation and other amortization		140		276		857		553		552		628		9,054		7,339		5,934		2,859		3,733			5,506
Other noninterest expense		177,172		169,878		158,042		248,428		219,471		210,180		154,042		124,674		103,124		32,262		26,256			27,070

Income (loss) before taxes		207,239		166,253		209,429		625,753		531,901		405,892		345,522		291,553		218,065		67,370		(96,835	)		(78,715	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		84,532		67,687		85,387		256,311		217,734		166,459		105,709		88,466		62,711		7,975		(58,269	)		(50,692	)

Net income (loss)	$	122,707	$	98,566	$	124,042	$	369,442	$	314,167	$	239,433	$	239,813	$	203,087	$	155,354	$	59,395	$	(38,566	)	$	(28,023	)

Average total assets (in millions)	$	5,192	$	4,843	$	4,869	$	17,650	$	15,461	$	15,399	$	15,025	$	13,194	$	12,842	$	14,170	$	14,690		$	13,763

Capital expenditures (in millions)	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	—	$	3	$	—	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	—	$	—		$	—


								For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
	Residential Mortgage Banking							Retail Banking						All Other									Total
	2011		2010		2009			2011		2010		2009		2011			2010			2009			2011		2010		2009
Net interest income(a)	$	63,951	$	71,599	$	78,865		$	851,332	$	839,828	$	878,520	$	(46,458	)	$	50,967		$	(238,457	)	$	2,389,756	$	2,267,526	$	2,055,748
Noninterest income		184,249		195,540		226,659			366,042		380,015		372,821		489,863			168,917			201,887			1,582,912		1,108,100		1,048,106

		248,200		267,139		305,524			1,217,374		1,219,843		1,251,341		443,405			219,884			(36,570	)		3,972,668		3,375,626		3,103,854
Provision for credit losses		36,375		49,110		97,816			101,679		109,978		130,509		(61,349	)		(14,797	)		58,128			270,000		368,000		604,000
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets		—		—		—			—		—		—		61,617			58,103			64,255			61,617		58,103		64,255
Depreciation and other amortization		44,349		46,171		51,552			33,713		31,350		31,299		45,495			34,838			30,890			136,163		124,259		126,666
Other noninterest expense		151,945		160,131		185,829			744,905		698,540		689,314		771,534			333,525			416,083			2,280,288		1,732,475		1,789,642

Income (loss) before taxes		15,531		11,727		(29,673	)		337,077		379,975		400,219		(373,892	)		(191,785	)		(605,926	)		1,224,600		1,092,789		519,291
Income tax expense (benefit)		2,403		587		(16,629	)		137,161		154,680		162,957		(228,970	)		(114,257	)		(270,793	)		365,121		356,628		139,400

Net income (loss)	$	13,128	$	11,140	$	(13,044	)	$	199,916	$	225,295	$	237,262	$	(144,922	)	$	(77,528	)	$	(335,133	)	$	859,479	$	736,161	$	379,891

Average total assets (in millions)	$	1,958	$	2,217	$	2,552		$	11,940	$	12,079	$	12,024	$	8,042		$	5,896		$	6,023		$	73,977	$	68,380	$	67,472

Capital expenditures (in millions)	$	—	$	1	$	—		$	25	$	33	$	39	$	45		$	31		$	18		$	70	$	70	$	59

(a)

Net interest income is the difference between actual taxable-equivalent interest earned on assets and interest paid on liabilities by a segment and a funding charge (credit) based on the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing methodology. Segments are charged a cost to fund any assets (e.g. loans) and are paid a funding credit for any funds provided (e.g. deposits). The taxable-equivalent adjustment aggregated $25,876,000 in 2011, $24,023,000 in 2010 and $21,829,000 in 2009 and is eliminated in “All Other” net interest income and income tax expense (benefit).

The Business Banking segment provides deposit, lending, cash management and other financial services to small businesses and professionals through the Company’s banking office network and several other delivery channels, including business banking centers, telephone banking, Internet banking and automated teller machines. The Commercial Banking segment provides a wide range of credit products and banking services to middle-market and large commercial customers, mainly within the markets the Company serves. Among the services provided by this segment are commercial lending and leasing, letters of credit, deposit products and cash management services. The Commercial Real Estate segment provides credit services which are secured by various types of multifamily residential and commercial real estate and deposit services to its customers. Activities of this segment include the origination, sales and servicing of commercial real estate loans. The Discretionary Portfolio segment includes securities, residential mortgage loans and other assets; short-term and long-term borrowed funds; brokered certificates of deposit and interest rate swap agreements related thereto; and Cayman Islands branch deposits. This segment also provides foreign exchange services to customers. The Residential Mortgage Banking segment originates and services residential mortgage loans for consumers and sells substantially all of those loans in the secondary market to investors or to the Discretionary Portfolio segment. The segment periodically purchases servicing rights to loans that have been originated by other entities. This segment also originated loans to developers of residential real estate properties. Residential mortgage loans held for sale are included in the Residential Mortgage Banking segment. The Retail Banking segment offers a variety of services to consumers through several delivery channels that include banking offices, automated teller machines, telephone banking and Internet banking. The “All Other” category includes other operating activities of the Company that are not directly attributable to the reported segments; the difference between the provision for credit losses and the calculated provision allocated to the reportable segments; goodwill and core deposit and other intangible assets resulting from acquisitions of financial institutions; merger-related gains and expenses resulting from acquisitions; the net impact of the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing methodology; eliminations of transactions between reportable segments; certain nonrecurring transactions; the residual effects of unallocated support systems and general and administrative expenses; and the impact of interest rate risk

management strategies. The amount of intersegment activity eliminated in arriving at consolidated totals was included in the “All Other” category as follows:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	(64,239	)	$	(41,508	)	$	(47,114	)
Expenses		(14,146	)		(15,527	)		(19,164	)
Income taxes (benefit)		(20,383	)		(10,572	)		(11,373	)
Net income (loss)		(29,710	)		(15,409	)		(16,577	)

The Company conducts substantially all of its operations in the United States. There are no transactions with a single customer that in the aggregate result in revenues that exceed ten percent of consolidated total revenues.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

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+ Details

Regulatory Matters

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Regulatory Matters [Abstract]

Regulatory Matters

23. Regulatory matters

Payment of dividends by M&T’s banking subsidiaries is restricted by various legal and regulatory limitations. Dividends from any banking subsidiary to M&T are limited by the amount of earnings of the banking subsidiary in the current year and the preceding two years. For purposes of this test, at December 31, 2011, approximately $1.0 billion was available for payment of dividends to M&T from banking subsidiaries.

Banking regulations prohibit extensions of credit by the subsidiary banks to M&T unless appropriately secured by assets. Securities of affiliates are not eligible as collateral for this purpose.

The bank subsidiaries are required to maintain reserves against certain deposit liabilities which may be satisfied with vault cash and balances on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. During the maintenance periods that included December 31, 2011 and 2010, cash and due from banks included a daily average of $382,489,000 and $196,402,000, respectively, for such purpose.

Federal regulators have adopted capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies and banks. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under the capital adequacy guidelines, the so-called “Tier 1 capital” and “Total capital” as a percentage of risk-weighted assets and certain off-balance sheet financial instruments must be at least 4% and 8%, respectively. In addition to these risk-based measures, regulators also require banking institutions that meet certain qualitative criteria to maintain a minimum “leverage” ratio of “Tier 1 capital” to average total assets, adjusted for goodwill and certain other items, of at least 3% to be considered adequately capitalized. As of December 31, 2011, M&T and each of its banking subsidiaries exceeded all applicable capital adequacy requirements. To be considered “well capitalized,” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, a banking institution must maintain Tier 1 risk-based capital, total risk-based capital and leverage ratios of at least 6%, 10% and 5%, respectively.

The capital ratios and amounts of the Company and its banking subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are presented below:


	M&T (Consolidated)			M&T Bank			Wilmington Trust, N.A.
	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2011:
Tier 1 capital
Amount	$	6,926,218		$	6,283,825		$	393,360
Ratio(a)		9.67	%		8.87	%		71.89	%
Minimum required amount(b)		2,864,002			2,832,558			21,887
Total capital
Amount		9,493,124			8,587,360			399,177
Ratio(a)		13.26	%		12.13	%		72.95	%
Minimum required amount(b)		5,728,005			5,665,116			43,774
Leverage
Amount		6,926,218			6,283,825			393,360
Ratio(c)		9.28	%		8.54	%		19.20	%
Minimum required amount(b)		2,239,639			2,206,498			61,478
December 31, 2010:
Tier 1 capital
Amount	$	6,051,724		$	5,406,330		$	190,151
Ratio(a)		9.47	%		8.62	%		26.80	%
Minimum required amount(b)		2,555,215			2,508,897			28,386
Total capital
Amount		8,352,643			7,686,799			196,140
Ratio(a)		13.08	%		12.26	%		27.64	%
Minimum required amount(b)		5,110,431			5,017,795			56,772
Leverage
Amount		6,051,724			5,406,330			190,151
Ratio(c)		9.33	%		8.46	%		22.54	%
Minimum required amount(b)		1,946,312			1,916,033			25,307

(a)

The ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets, as defined by regulation.

(b)

Minimum amount of capital to be considered adequately capitalized, as defined by regulation.

(c)

The ratio of capital to average assets, as defined by regulation.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for banks, savings institutions, and credit unions, for regulatory capital requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System (FRB), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) or for any state imposed capital requirements, as applicable. The disclosure may include (1) a description of regulatory capital requirements (a) for capital adequacy purposes and (b) established by the prompt corrective action provisions of Section 38 of the Federal Depository Insurance Act; (2) the actual or possible material effects of noncompliance with such requirements; (3) whether the entity is in compliance with the regulatory capital requirements including (a) required and actual ratios and amounts of Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based, and total risk-based capital, tangible capital (for savings institutions), and Tier 3 capital for market risk (for certain banks and bank holding companies), (b) factors that may significantly affect capital adequacy; (4) the prompt corrective action category in which the entity was classified as of its most recent notification; (5) whether management believes any conditions or events since notification have changed the entity's category. Also may include additional information that might be disclosed in situations where substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)
-Number AAG-DEP
-Chapter 17
-Paragraph 15, 16, 17
-IssueDate 2006-05-01
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 505
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6918689&loc=SL5958570-112826

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 505
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1E
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6918689&loc=SL5958574-112826

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 1A
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 1C
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 505
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1H
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6918689&loc=d3e65071-112826

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 505
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6918689&loc=SL5958568-112826

+ Details

Relationship of M&T and AIB

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Relationship of M&T And AIB [Abstract]

Relationship of M&T and AIB

24. Relationship of M&T and AIB

AIB received 26,700,000 shares of M&T common stock on April 1, 2003 as a result of M&T’s acquisition of a subsidiary of AIB on that date. In an effort to raise its capital position to meet new Irish government-mandated capital requirements, AIB sold those shares on November 4, 2010 and, as a result, the provisions of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between M&T and AIB related to AIB’s rights as a substantial shareholder in the corporate governance of M&T became inoperative as of that date.

Relationship with Bayview Lending Group LLC and Bayview Financial Holdings, L.P.

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Relationship with Bayview Lending Group LLC and Bayview Financial Holdings, L.P. [Abstract]

Relationship with Bayview Lending Group LLC and Bayview Financial Holdings, L.P.

25. Relationship with Bayview Lending Group LLC and Bayview Financial Holdings, L.P.

M&T holds a 20% interest in BLG, a privately-held commercial mortgage lender. M&T recognizes income or loss from BLG using the equity method of accounting. In 2011, the Company recognized a $79 million other-than-temporary impairment charge related to its investment in BLG that is included in “other costs of operations.” The carrying value of that investment was $115 million at December 31, 2011. Further information concerning the other-than-temporary impairment charge is provided in note 20.

Bayview Financial Holdings, L.P. (together with its affiliates, “Bayview Financial”), a privately-held specialty mortgage finance company, is BLG’s majority investor. In addition to their common investment in BLG, the Company and Bayview Financial conduct other business activities with each other. The Company has obtained loan servicing rights for small-balance commercial mortgage loans from BLG and Bayview Financial having outstanding principal balances of $4.4 billion and $5.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Amounts recorded as capitalized servicing assets for such loans totaled $16 million at December 31, 2011 and $26 million at December 31, 2010. In addition, capitalized servicing rights at December 31, 2011 and 2010 also included $5 million and $9 million, respectively, for servicing rights that were obtained from Bayview Financial related to residential mortgage loans with outstanding principal balances of $3.1 billion and $3.6 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company sub-services residential mortgage loans for Bayview Financial having outstanding principal balances totaling $13.1 billion at December 31, 2011. Sub-serviced loans were not significant at December 31, 2010. Revenues from servicing residential and small-balance commercial mortgage loans obtained from BLG and Bayview Financial were $41 million, $46 million and $50 million during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company held $15 million and $22 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, of collateralized mortgage obligations in its available-for-sale investment securities portfolio that were securitized by Bayview Financial. In addition, the Company held $269 million and $313 million of similar investment securities in its held-to-maturity portfolio at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Parent Company Financial Statements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Parent company financial statements [Abstract]

Parent company financial statements

26. Parent company financial statements

Condensed Balance Sheet


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Assets
Cash in subsidiary bank	$	3,798	$	1,784
Due from consolidated bank subsidiaries
Money-market savings		645,330		481,340
Current income tax receivable		—		2,664

Total due from consolidated bank subsidiaries		645,330		484,004
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
Banks and bank holding company		9,929,758		9,048,703
Other		16,025		30,978
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries (note 19)		34,091		34,257
Investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC		115,000		219,800
Other assets		82,358		88,976

Total assets	$	10,826,360	$	9,908,502

Liabilities
Due to consolidated bank subsidiaries	$	30	$	20
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		75,828		73,283
Long-term borrowings (a)		1,479,293		1,477,504

Total liabilities		1,555,151		1,550,807
Shareholders’ equity		9,271,209		8,357,695

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	10,826,360	$	9,908,502

Condensed Statement of Income


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share)
Income
Dividends from consolidated bank subsidiaries	$	715,000		$	500,000		$	—
Equity in earnings of Bayview Lending Group LLC		(24,231	)		(25,768	)		(25,898	)
Other income		67,829			(5,435	)		10,670

Total income		758,598			468,797			(15,228	)

Expense
Interest on long-term borrowings		90,959			91,073			93,331
Other expense (b)		87,368			7,447			5,427

Total expense		178,327			98,520			98,758

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		580,271			370,277			(113,986	)
Income tax credits		50,460			48,416			42,740

Income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		630,731			418,693			(71,246	)

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
Net income of subsidiaries		943,748			817,468			451,137
Less: dividends received		(715,000	)		(500,000	)		—

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		228,748			317,468			451,137

Net income	$	859,479		$	736,161		$	379,891

Net income per common share
Basic	$	6.37		$	5.72		$	2.90
Diluted		6.35			5.69			2.89

(a)

Includes $300 million 5.375% senior notes of M&T issued in 2007 that mature in May 2012.

(b)

In 2011 includes $79 million write-down of Investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC.

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	859,479		$	736,161		$	379,891
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		(228,748	)		(317,468	)		(451,137	)
Provision for deferred income taxes		(10,349	)		2,237			291
Asset write-downs		79,012			—			—
Net change in accrued income and expense		44,336			43,567			14,589

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		743,730			464,497			(56,366	)

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of investment securities		1,987			2,591			—
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities		4,400			1,150			6,600
Purchases of investment securities		—			(2,225	)		(1,855	)
Investment in subsidiary		—			—			(120,000	)
Proceeds from repayment of advances to subsidiaries		—			—			200,000
Purchase of Wilmington Trust Corporation preferred stock		(330,000	)		—			—
Other, net		2,833			1,033			15,088

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities		(320,780	)		2,549			99,833

Cash flows from financing activities
Payments on long-term borrowings		—			—			(111,046	)
Dividends paid — common		(350,129	)		(335,303	)		(325,706	)
Dividends paid — preferred		(48,203	)		(40,225	)		(31,946	)
Proceeds from subsidiary for issuance of common stock to defined benefit pension plan		—			—			44,289
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		495,000			—			—
Redemption of preferred stock		(370,000	)		—			—
Other, net		16,386			63,122			12,255

Net cash used by financing activities		(256,946	)		(312,406	)		(412,154	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		166,004			154,640			(368,687	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		483,124			328,484			697,171

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	649,128		$	483,124		$	328,484

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest received during the year	$	2,082		$	1,581		$	4,960
Interest paid during the year		87,184			87,456			92,247
Income taxes received during the year		57,964			50,882			45,745

- Definition

The entire disclosure for condensed financial information, including the financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations of the registrant (parent company) as of the same dates or for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements are being presented. Alternatively, the details of this disclosure can be reported by the specific parent company taxonomy elements, indicating the appropriate date and period contexts in an instance document.

+ References + Details

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant accounting policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	*Consolidation* The consolidated financial statements include M&T and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions of consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements of M&T included in note 26 report investments in subsidiaries under the equity method. Information about some limited purpose entities that are affiliates of the Company but are not included in the consolidated financial statements appears in note 19.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	*Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows* For purposes of this statement, cash and due from banks and federal funds sold are considered cash and cash equivalents.
Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase	*Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase* Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at amounts equal to the cash or other consideration exchanged. It is generally the Company’s policy to take possession of collateral pledged to secure agreements to resell.
Trading account	*Trading account* Financial instruments used for trading purposes are stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses and unrealized changes in fair value of financial instruments utilized in trading activities are included in “trading account and foreign exchange gains” in the consolidated statement of income.
Investment securities	*Investment securities* Investments in debt securities are classified as held to maturity and stated at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Investments in other debt securities and equity securities having readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale and stated at estimated fair value. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts for investment securities available for sale and held to maturity are included in interest income. Except for investment securities for which the Company has entered into a related fair value hedge, unrealized gains or losses on investment securities available for sale are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes. Other securities are stated at cost and include stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of New York. The cost basis of individual securities is written down through a charge to earnings when declines in value below amortized cost are considered to be other than temporary. In cases where fair value is less than amortized cost and the Company intends to sell a debt security, it is more likely than not to be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of a debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. If the Company intends to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings while the amount related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Subsequently, the Company accounts for the other-than-temporarily impaired debt security as if the security had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. The cost basis of individual equity securities is written down to estimated fair value through a charge to earnings when declines in value below cost are considered to be other than temporary. Realized gains and losses on the sales of investment securities are determined using the specific identification method.
Loans and leases	*Loans and leases* The Company’s accounting methods for loans depends on whether the loans were originated by the Company or were acquired in a business combination. Originated loans and leases Interest income on loans is accrued on a level yield method. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status and previously accrued interest thereon is charged against income when principal or interest is delinquent 90 days, unless management determines that the loan status clearly warrants other treatment. Nonaccrual commercial loans and commercial real estate loans are returned to accrual status when borrowers have demonstrated an ability to repay their loans and there are no delinquent principal and interest payments. Consumer loans not secured by residential real estate are returned to accrual status when all past due principal and interest payments have been paid by the borrower. Loans secured by residential real estate are returned to accrual status when they are deemed to have an insignificant delay in payments of 90 days or less. Loan balances are charged off when it becomes evident that such balances are not fully collectible. For commercial loans and commercial real estate loans, charge-offs are recognized after an assessment by credit personnel of the capacity and willingness of the borrower to repay, the estimated value of any collateral, and any other potential sources of repayment. A charge-off is recognized when, after such assessment, it becomes evident that the loan balance is not fully collectible. For loans secured by residential real estate, the excess of the loan balances over the net realizable value of the property collateralizing the loan is charged-off when the loan becomes 150 days delinquent. Consumer loans are generally charged-off when the loans are 91 to 180 days past due, depending on whether the loan is collateralized and the status of repossession activities with respect to such collateral. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized as an interest yield adjustment over the life of the loan. Net deferred fees have been included in unearned discount as a reduction of loans outstanding. Commitments to sell real estate loans are utilized by the Company to hedge the exposure to changes in fair value of real estate loans held for sale. The carrying value of hedged real estate loans held for sale recorded in the consolidated balance sheet includes changes in estimated fair market value during the hedge period, typically from the date of close through the sale date. Valuation adjustments made on these loans and commitments are included in “mortgage banking revenues.” Except for consumer and residential mortgage loans that are considered smaller balance homogenous loans and are evaluated collectively, the Company considers a loan to be impaired for purposes of applying GAAP when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or the loan is delinquent 90 days. Regardless of loan type, the Company considers a loan to be impaired if it qualifies as a troubled debt restructuring. Impaired loans are classified as either nonaccrual or as loans renegotiated at below market rates which continue to accrue interest, provided that a credit assessment of the borrower’s financial condition results in an expectation of full repayment under the modified contractual terms. Certain loans greater than 90 days delinquent are not considered impaired if they are both well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans less than 90 days delinquent are deemed to have an insignificant delay in payment and are generally not considered impaired. Impairment of a loan is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. Interest received on impaired loans placed on nonaccrual status is generally applied to reduce the carrying value of the loan or, if principal is considered fully collectible, recognized as interest income. Residual value estimates for commercial leases are generally determined through internal or external reviews of the leased property. The Company reviews commercial lease residual values at least annually and recognizes residual value impairments deemed to be other than temporary. Loans and leases acquired in a business combination Due to changes in GAAP, loans acquired in a business combination subsequent to December 31, 2008 are recorded at fair value with no carry-over of an acquired entity’s previously established allowance for credit losses. The excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value of acquired loans is recognized as interest income over the remaining lives of the loans. Subsequent decreases in the expected principal cash flows require the Company to evaluate the need for additions to the Company’s allowance for credit losses. Subsequent improvements in expected cash flows result first in the recovery of any applicable allowance for credit losses and then in recognition of additional interest income over the then remaining lives of the loans. Purchased impaired loans represent specifically identified loans with evidence of credit deterioration for which it was probable at acquisition that the Company would be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments.
Allowance for credit losses	*Allowance for credit losses* The allowance for credit losses represents, in management’s judgment, the amount of losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is determined by management’s evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio based on such factors as the differing economic risks associated with each loan category, the current financial condition of specific borrowers, the economic environment in which borrowers operate, the level of delinquent loans, the value of any collateral and, where applicable, the existence of any guarantees or indemnifications. The effects of probable decreases in expected principal cash flows on acquired loans are also considered in the establishment of the allowance for credit losses.
Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans	*Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans* Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans are primarily comprised of commercial and residential real property and are included in “other assets” in the consolidated balance sheet. Upon acquisition of assets taken in satisfaction of a defaulted loan, the excess of the remaining loan balance over the asset’s estimated fair value less costs to sell is charged off against the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent declines in value of the assets are recognized as “other expense” in the consolidated statement of income.
Premises and equipment	*Premises and equipment* Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Capitalized servicing rights	*Capitalized servicing rights* Capitalized servicing assets are included in “other assets” in the consolidated balance sheet. Separately recognized servicing assets are initially measured at fair value. The Company uses the amortization method to subsequently measure servicing assets. Under that method, capitalized servicing assets are charged to expense in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. To estimate the fair value of servicing rights, the Company considers market prices for similar assets and the present value of expected future cash flows associated with the servicing rights calculated using assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future servicing income and expense. Such assumptions include estimates of the cost of servicing loans, loan default rates, an appropriate discount rate, and prepayment speeds. For purposes of evaluating and measuring impairment of capitalized servicing rights, the Company stratifies such assets based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying financial instruments that are expected to have the most impact on projected prepayments, cost of servicing and other factors affecting future cash flows associated with the servicing rights. Such factors may include financial asset or loan type, note rate and term. The amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the capitalized servicing rights for a stratum exceeds estimated fair value. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance.
Sales and securitizations of financial assets	*Sales and securitizations of financial assets* Due to changes in GAAP, transfers of financial assets that occur on or after January 1, 2010 for which the Company has surrendered control of the financial assets are accounted for as sales. Interests in a sale of financial assets that continue to be held by the Company, including servicing rights, are measured at fair value. Prior to January 1, 2010, transfers of financial assets for which the Company had surrendered control of the financial assets were accounted for as sales to the extent that consideration other than beneficial interests in the transferred assets was received in exchange. Interests in a sale or securitization of financial assets that continued to be held by the Company, other than servicing rights which were initially measured at fair value, were measured at the date of transfer by allocating the previous carrying amount between the assets transferred and the retained interests based on their relative estimated fair values. The fair values of retained debt securities are generally determined through reference to independent pricing information. The fair values of retained servicing rights and any other retained interests are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows associated with those interests and by reference to market prices for similar assets. Also due to changes in GAAP, for transfers of financial assets that occur on or after January 1, 2010 the exception that permitted sale accounting for certain mortgage securitizations when a transferor has not surrendered control over the transferred assets was eliminated. The change in GAAP also eliminated the concept of qualifying special-purpose entities. As a result, beginning January 1, 2010, all formerly qualifying special-purpose entities had to be re-evaluated in accordance with the applicable consolidation guidance. Additional information on the effects of this accounting change and changes in the accounting guidance relating to the consolidation of variable interest entities is included in note 19.
Goodwill and core deposit and other intangible assets	*Goodwill and core deposit and other intangible assets* Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level, which is either at the same level or one level below an operating segment. Other acquired intangible assets with finite lives, such as core deposit intangibles, are initially recorded at estimated value and are amortized over their estimated lives. Core deposit and other intangible assets are generally amortized using accelerated methods over estimated useful lives of five to ten years. The Company periodically assesses whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of core deposit and other intangible assets may be impaired.
Derivative financial instruments	*Derivative financial instruments* The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available for sale security, or a foreign currency denominated forecasted transaction. The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of the management of interest rate risk to modify the repricing characteristics of certain portions of its portfolios of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. For such agreements, amounts receivable or payable are recognized as accrued under the terms of the agreement and the net differential is recorded as an adjustment to interest income or expense of the related asset or liability. Interest rate swap agreements may be designated as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. In a fair value hedge, the fair values of the interest rate swap agreements and changes in the fair values of the hedged items are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the corresponding gain or loss recognized in current earnings. The difference between changes in the fair values of interest rate swap agreements and the hedged items represents hedge ineffectiveness and is recorded in “other revenues from operations” in the consolidated statement of income. In a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s unrealized gain or loss is initially recorded as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the unrealized gain or loss is reported in “other revenues from operations” immediately. The Company utilizes commitments to sell real estate loans to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of real estate loans held for sale. Commitments to originate real estate loans to be held for sale and commitments to sell real estate loans are generally recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at estimated fair market value. Derivative instruments not related to mortgage banking activities, including financial futures commitments and interest rate swap agreements, that do not satisfy the hedge accounting requirements are recorded at fair value and are generally classified as trading account assets or liabilities with resultant changes in fair value being recognized in “trading account and foreign exchange gains” in the consolidated statement of income.
Stock-based compensation	*Stock-based compensation* Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the stock-based grant based on the estimated grant date value of the stock-based compensation that is expected to vest, except that the recognition of compensation costs is accelerated for stock-based awards granted to retirement-eligible employees and employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to full vesting of the award because the Company’s incentive compensation plan allows for vesting at the time an employee retires.
Income taxes	*Income taxes* Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax effects attributable to differences between the financial statement value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws. The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions using the two-step process required by GAAP. The first step requires a determination of whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Under the second step, a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Earnings per common share	*Earnings per common share* Basic earnings per common share exclude dilution and are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (exclusive of shares represented by the unvested portion of restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants) and common shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect shares represented by the unvested portion of restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants and the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings. Proceeds assumed to have been received on such exercise or conversion are assumed to be used to purchase shares of M&T common stock at the average market price during the period, as required by the “treasury stock method” of accounting. GAAP requires that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) shall be considered participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per common share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company has issued stock-based compensation awards in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units that contain such rights and, accordingly, the Company’s earnings per common share are calculated using the two-class method.
Treasury stock	<!--DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd" --> <!-- Begin Block Tagged Accounting Policy: mtb-20111231_note1_accounting_policy_table17 - mtb:TreasuryStockPolicyTextBlock--> <p style="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"><b><i>Treasury stock </i></b></font></p> <p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> Repurchases of shares of M&T common stock are recorded at cost as a reduction of shareholders’ equity. Reissuances of shares of treasury stock are recorded at average cost. </font></p>

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Fair value of acquired loan portfolio


	May 16, 2011
	(In thousands)
Contractual principal and interest at acquisition	$	8,208,181
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected		(1,109,762	)

Expected cash flows at acquisition		7,098,419
Interest component of expected cash flows		(687,989	)

Basis in acquired loans at acquisition – estimated fair value	$	6,410,430

In conjunction with the Provident acquisition, the acquired loan portfolio was accounted for at fair value as follows:


	May 23, 2009
	(In thousands)
Contractual principal and interest at acquisition	$	5,465,167
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected		(832,115	)

Expected cash flows at acquisition		4,633,052
Interest component of expected cash flows		(595,685	)

Basis in acquired loans at acquisition – estimated fair value	$	4,037,367

Consideration paid for acquired identifiable assets and liabilities

The consideration paid for Wilmington Trust’s equity and the amounts of acquired identifiable assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date were as follows:


	(In thousands)
Purchase price:
Value of:
Common shares issued (4,694,486 shares)	$	405,557
Preferred stock purchased from U.S. Treasury		330,000

Total purchase price		735,557

Identifiable assets:
Cash and due from banks		178,940
Interest-bearing deposits at banks		2,606,265
Other short-term investments		57,817
Investment securities		510,390
Loans and leases		6,410,430
Core deposit and other intangibles		112,094
Other assets		969,106

Total identifiable assets		10,845,042

Liabilities:
Deposits		8,864,161
Short-term borrowings		147,752
Long-term borrowings		600,830
Other liabilities		431,812

Total liabilities		10,044,555

Net gain resulting from acquisition	$	64,930

Pro forma information


	Actual Since		Pro Forma
	Acquisition		Year Ended
	Through		December 31
	December 31, 2011		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Total revenues (a)	$	380,945	$	4,202,109	$	4,064,729
Net income		18,586		808,696		295,486

(a)

Represents net interest income plus other income.

Summary of merger-related expenses associated with the Bradford and Provident acquisitions

A summary of merger-related expenses included in the consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 follows:


	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits	$	16,131	$	7	$	10,030
Equipment and net occupancy		412		44		2,975
Printing, postage and supplies		2,663		74		3,677
Other costs of operations		64,481		646		72,475

	$	83,687	$	771	$	89,157

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

+ References + Details

Investment securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investment securities [Abstract]

Amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities were as follows:


	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	69,468	$	1,255	$	—	$	70,723
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		39,518		771		20		40,269
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		4,344,116		177,392		275		4,521,233
Privately issued residential		1,369,371		6,373		239,488		1,136,256
Privately issued commercial		17,679		—		2,650		15,029
Collateralized debt obligations		43,834		11,154		2,488		52,500
Other debt securities		216,700		4,588		44,443		176,845
Equity securities		211,737		8,468		4,500		215,705

		6,312,423		210,001		293,864		6,228,560

Investment securities held to maturity:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		188,680		9,141		28		197,793
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		608,533		24,881		—		633,414
Privately issued		268,642		—		99,140		169,502
Other debt securities		11,853		—		—		11,853

		1,077,708		34,022		99,168		1,012,562

Other securities		366,886		—		—		366,886

Total	$	7,757,017	$	244,023	$	393,032	$	7,608,008

December 31, 2010
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	61,772	$	1,680	$	18	$	63,434
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		59,921		561		57		60,425
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		3,146,054		161,298		1,111		3,306,241
Privately issued residential		1,677,064		10,578		252,081		1,435,561
Privately issued commercial		25,357		—		2,950		22,407
Collateralized debt obligations		95,080		24,754		9,078		110,756
Other debt securities		310,017		26,883		38,000		298,900
Equity securities		119,112		5,098		8,442		115,768

		5,494,377		230,852		311,737		5,413,492

Investment securities held to maturity:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		191,119		1,944		694		192,369
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		808,108		14,061		—		822,169
Privately issued		312,537		—		114,397		198,140
Other debt securities		12,575		—		—		12,575

		1,324,339		16,005		115,091		1,225,253

Other securities		412,709		—		—		412,709

Total	$	7,231,425	$	246,857	$	426,828	$	7,051,454

Investment ratings of all privately issued mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and other debt securities


	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Average Credit Rating of Fair Value Amount
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		A or Better		BBB		BB		B or Less		Not Rated
	(In thousands)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	228,198	$	238,062	$	185,888	$	22,898	$	200	$	—	$	29,076
Mortgage-backed securities:
Privately issued residential		1,638,013		1,305,758		339,446		125,711		91,370		749,231		—
Privately issued commercial		17,679		15,029		15,029		—		—		—		—
Collateralized debt obligations		43,834		52,500		4,667		5,711		9,653		32,469		—
Other debt securities		228,553		188,698		26,448		37,235		87,110		25,002		12,903

Total	$	2,156,277	$	1,800,047	$	571,478	$	191,555	$	188,333	$	806,702	$	41,979

Amortized cost and estimated fair value of collateralized mortgage obligations

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of collateralized mortgage obligations included in mortgage-backed securities were as follows:


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
Amortized cost	$	1,750,922	$	2,195,422
Estimated fair value		1,417,822		1,840,046

Changes in credit losses associated with debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment losses

Changes in credit losses during 2011, 2010 and 2009 associated with debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment losses have been previously recognized in earnings follows:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Estimated credit losses — beginning balance	$	327,912		$	284,513		$	155,967
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized		77,035			74,288			138,297
Reductions for increases in cash flows		(5,111	)		(754	)		(1,393	)
Reductions for realized losses		(114,437	)		(30,135	)		(8,358	)

Estimated credit losses — ending balance	$	285,399		$	327,912		$	284,513

Amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity

At December 31, 2011, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity were as follows:


	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Debt securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less	$	52,096	$	52,182
Due after one year through five years		49,833		51,977
Due after five years through ten years		13,275		14,621
Due after ten years		254,316		221,557

		369,520		340,337
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale		5,731,166		5,672,518

	$	6,100,686	$	6,012,855

Debt securities held to maturity:
Due in one year or less	$	29,133	$	29,352
Due after one year through five years		27,717		29,303
Due after five years through ten years		129,160		136,308
Due after ten years		14,523		14,683

		200,533		209,646
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity		877,175		802,916

	$	1,077,708	$	1,012,562

Investment securities in continuous unrealized loss position


	Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—			1,228		(20	)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		38,492		(190	)		6,017		(85	)
Privately issued residential		297,133		(14,188	)		751,077		(225,300	)
Privately issued commercial		—		—			15,029		(2,650	)
Collateralized debt obligations		2,871		(335	)		4,863		(2,153	)
Other debt securities		72,637		(9,883	)		73,635		(34,560	)
Equity securities		9,883		(4,500	)		—		—

		421,016		(29,096	)		851,849		(264,768	)

Investment securities held to maturity:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		3,084		(4	)		1,430		(24	)
Privately issued mortgage-backed securities		1,883		(592	)		167,139		(98,548	)

		4,967		(596	)		168,569		(98,572	)

Total	$	425,983	$	(29,692	)	$	1,020,418	$	(363,340	)

December 31, 2010
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	27,289	$	(18	)	$	—	$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		3,712		(18	)		2,062		(39	)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		68,507		(1,079	)		2,965		(32	)
Privately issued residential		61,192		(1,054	)		1,057,315		(251,027	)
Privately issued commercial		—		—			22,407		(2,950	)
Collateralized debt obligations		12,462		(6,959	)		6,004		(2,119	)
Other debt securities		2,134		(10	)		88,969		(37,990	)
Equity securities		5,326		(3,721	)		673		(4,721	)

		180,622		(12,859	)		1,180,395		(298,878	)

Investment securities held to maturity:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		76,318		(638	)		467		(56	)
Privately issued mortgage-backed securities		—		—			198,140		(114,397	)

		76,318		(638	)		198,607		(114,453	)

Total	$	256,940	$	(13,497	)	$	1,379,002	$	(413,331	)

Loans and leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Loans and leases/Allowance for credit losses [Abstract]

Total gross loans and leases outstanding

Total loans and leases outstanding were comprised of the following:


	December 31
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Loans
Commercial, financial, etc	$	14,419,490		$	11,999,065
Real estate:
Residential		7,889,569			5,876,413
Commercial		20,312,648			16,977,747
Construction		4,203,324			4,332,618
Consumer		12,020,229			11,483,564

Total loans		58,845,260			50,669,407
Leases
Commercial		1,532,615			1,646,535

Total loans and leases		60,377,875			52,315,942
Less: unearned discount		(281,870	)		(325,560	)

Total loans and leases, net of unearned discount	$	60,096,005		$	51,990,382

Outstanding principal balance and the carrying amount of loans that is included in the consolidated balance sheet


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Outstanding principal balance	$	9,203,366	$	3,681,488
Carrying amount:
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc		1,331,198		337,969
Commercial real estate		3,879,518		1,420,239
Residential real estate		915,371		348,225
Consumer		2,033,700		1,231,292

	$	8,159,787	$	3,337,725

Summary of changes in accretable yield for acquired loans


For Year Ended December 31,	2011						2010						2009
	Purchased			Other			Purchased			Other			Purchased			Other
	Impaired			Acquired			Impaired			Acquired			Impaired			Acquired
							(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	9,245		$	447,505		$	4,318		$	531,546		$	—		$	—
Additions		39,358			648,631			4,922			13,747			6,381			640,080
Interest income		(26,221	)		(268,315	)		(5,826	)		(171,207	)		(1,834	)		(108,534	)
Reclassifications from (to) nonaccretable balance, net		8,629			1,800			5,831			34,000			(229	)		—
Other (a)		(206	)		(21,661	)		—			39,419			—			—

Balance at end of period	$	30,805		$	807,960		$	9,245		$	447,505		$	4,318		$	531,546

(a)

Other changes in expected cash flows including changes in interest rates and prepayments.

Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans

A summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:


					90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing
	Current		30-89 Days Past Due		Non- acquired		Acquired(a)		Purchased Impaired (b)		Nonaccrual		Total
					(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.	$	15,493,803	$	37,112	$	7,601	$	8,560	$	23,762	$	163,598	$	15,734,436
Real estate:
Commercial		19,658,761		172,641		9,983		54,148		192,804		171,111		20,259,448
Residential builder and developer		845,680		49,353		13,603		21,116		297,005		281,576		1,508,333
Other commercial construction		2,393,304		41,049		968		23,582		78,105		106,325		2,643,333
Residential		6,626,182		256,017		250,472		37,982		56,741		172,681		7,400,075
Residential Alt-A		383,834		34,077		—		—		—		105,179		523,090
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		6,570,675		43,516		—		15,409		4,635		47,150		6,681,385
Automobile		2,644,330		48,342		—		601		—		26,835		2,720,108
Other		2,551,225		43,547		5,249		2,340		310		23,126		2,625,797

Total	$	57,167,794	$	725,654	$	287,876	$	163,738	$	653,362	$	1,097,581	$	60,096,005

December 31, 2010
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.	$	13,091,963	$	97,692	$	16,647	$	8,693	$	2,250	$	173,365	$	13,390,610
Real estate:
Commercial		16,594,914		92,866		26,364		25,010		8,275		184,361		16,931,790
Residential builder and developer		898,581		34,361		823		28,204		72,710		316,811		1,351,490
Other commercial construction		2,725,786		37,665		10,349		7,718		2,098		116,265		2,899,881
Residential		4,699,711		229,641		192,276		10,728		9,320		162,001		5,303,677
Residential Alt-A		475,236		42,674		—		—		—		106,469		624,379
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		6,472,563		38,367		—		9,692		2,366		33,363		6,556,351
Automobile		2,608,230		44,604		—		26		—		31,866		2,684,726
Other		2,190,353		36,689		4,246		951		—		15,239		2,247,478

Total	$	49,757,337	$	654,559	$	250,705	$	91,022	$	97,019	$	1,139,740	$	51,990,382

(a)

Acquired loans that were recorded at fair value at acquisition date. This category does not include purchased impaired loans that are presented separately.

(b)

Accruing loans that were impaired at acquisition date and recorded at fair value.

Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings

The table below summarizes the Company’s loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings for the year ended December 31, 2011:


			Recorded Investment				Financial Effects of Modification
	Number		Pre- modifica- tion		Post- modifica- tion		Recorded Investment (a)			Interest (b)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.
Principal deferral		53	$	10,703	$	10,778	$	75		$	—
Combination of concession types		3		2,049		2,046		(3	)		(654	)
Real estate:
Commercial
Principal deferral		29		16,804		16,704		(100	)		—
Combination of concession types		3		15,778		15,777		(1	)		(1,463	)
Residential builder and developer
Principal deferral		9		33,208		26,811		(6,397	)		—
Other		6		118,114		110,156		(7,958	)		—
Combination of concession types		5		2,540		2,561		21			—
Other commercial construction
Principal deferral		3		8,436		8,553		117			—
Combination of concession types		3		65,813		60,973		(4,840	)		—
Residential
Principal deferral		37		8,175		8,235		60			—
Interest rate reduction		14		1,926		1,991		65			(318	)
Combination of concession types		111		19,508		19,934		426			(1,559	)
Residential Alt-A
Principal deferral		3		800		835		35			—
Combination of concession types		34		6,813		6,978		165			(889	)
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans
Principal deferral		3		259		259		—			—
Other		3		86		86		—			—
Combination of concession types		26		2,156		2,158		2			(444	)
Automobile
Principal deferral		746		10,053		10,053		—			—
Interest rate reduction		17		183		183		—			(13	)
Other		111		739		739		—			—
Combination of concession types		431		6,703		6,703		—			(808	)
Other
Principal deferral		23		400		400		—			—
Interest rate reduction		1		8		8		—			(1	)
Other		4		103		103		—			—
Combination of concession types		102		803		803		—			(189	)

Total		1,780	$	332,160	$	313,827	$	(18,333	)	$	(6,338	)

(a)

Financial effects impacting the recorded investment included principal payments or advances, charge-offs and capitalized escrow arrearages.

(b)

Represents the present value of interest rate concessions discounted at the effective rate of the original loan.

Summary of lease financing receivables


	December 31
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Commercial leases:
Direct financings:
Lease payments receivable	$	1,137,310		$	1,205,499
Estimated residual value of leased assets		96,479			96,441
Unearned income		(153,704	)		(181,771	)

Investment in direct financings		1,080,085			1,120,169
Leveraged leases:
Lease payments receivable		154,551			164,818
Estimated residual value of leased assets		144,275			179,777
Unearned income		(53,847	)		(63,154	)

Investment in leveraged leases		244,979			281,441

Total investment in leases.	$	1,325,064		$	1,401,610

Deferred taxes payable arising from leveraged leases	$	180,731		$	202,566

Minimum future lease payments to be received from lease financings

At December 31, 2011, the minimum future lease payments to be received from lease financings were as follows:


	Total
	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	312,730
2013		246,265
2014		180,844
2015		131,097
2016		103,161
Later years		317,764

	$	1,291,861

Allowance For Credit Losses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Loans and leases/Allowance for credit losses [Abstract]

Changes in the allowance for credit losses

Changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.			Real Estate
2011	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.			Commercial			Residential			Consumer			Unallocated		Total
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	212,579		$	400,562		$	86,351		$	133,067		$	70,382	$	902,941
Provision for credit losses		66,240			44,404			57,081			101,062			1,213		270,000
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs		(55,021	)		(86,869	)		(58,351	)		(109,246	)		—		(309,487	)
Recoveries		10,224			9,540			6,834			18,238			—		44,836

Net charge-offs		(44,797	)		(77,329	)		(51,517	)		(91,008	)		—		(264,651	)

Ending balance	$	234,022		$	367,637		$	91,915		$	143,121		$	71,595	$	908,290

2010
Beginning balance	$	219,170		$	359,770		$	91,582		$	137,124		$	70,376	$	878,022
Provision for credit losses		58,438			159,023			52,960			97,573			6		368,000
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts		—			—			2,752			—			—		2,752
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs		(91,650	)		(124,087	)		(71,016	)		(125,593	)		—		(412,346	)
Recoveries		26,621			5,856			10,073			23,963			—		66,513

Net charge-offs		(65,029	)		(118,231	)		(60,943	)		(101,630	)		—		(345,833	)

Ending balance	$	212,579		$	400,562		$	86,351		$	133,067		$	70,382	$	902,941

Allowance for credit Losses


	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	787,904
Provision for credit losses		604,000
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs		(556,462	)
Recoveries		42,580

Net charge-offs		(513,882	)

Ending balance	$	878,022

Impaired loans and leases


	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance
	(In thousands)
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.	$	118,538	$	145,510	$	48,674	$	121,744	$	170,888	$	40,909
Real estate:
Commercial		102,886		128,456		17,651		110,975		140,015		17,393
Residential builder and developer		159,293		280,869		52,562		263,545		295,031		78,597
Other commercial construction		20,234		24,639		3,836		80,934		85,432		22,067
Residential		101,882		119,498		4,420		73,006		85,279		3,375
Residential Alt-A		150,396		162,978		25,000		180,665		191,445		36,000
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		9,385		10,670		2,306		11,799		13,378		2,227
Automobile		53,710		53,710		11,468		58,858		58,858		12,597
Other		8,401		8,401		2,084		2,978		2,978		768

		724,725		934,731		168,001		904,504		1,043,304		213,933

With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.		53,104		60,778		—		52,453		66,692		—
Real estate:
Commercial		71,636		91,118		—		77,269		81,800		—
Residential builder and developer		133,156		177,277		—		71,162		86,039		—
Other commercial construction		86,652		89,862		—		36,280		37,107		—
Residential		19,686		25,625		—		5,035		7,723		—
Residential Alt-A		34,356		60,942		—		28,967		47,879		—

		398,590		505,602		—		271,166		327,240		—

Total:
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.		171,642		206,288		48,674		174,197		237,580		40,909
Real estate:
Commercial		174,522		219,574		17,651		188,244		221,815		17,393
Residential builder and developer		292,449		458,146		52,562		334,707		381,070		78,597
Other commercial construction		106,886		114,501		3,836		117,214		122,539		22,067
Residential		121,568		145,123		4,420		78,041		93,002		3,375
Residential Alt-A		184,752		223,920		25,000		209,632		239,324		36,000
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		9,385		10,670		2,306		11,799		13,378		2,227
Automobile		53,710		53,710		11,468		58,858		58,858		12,597
Other		8,401		8,401		2,084		2,978		2,978		768

Total	$	1,123,315	$	1,440,333	$	168,001	$	1,175,670	$	1,370,544	$	213,933

Interest income recognized on loans


	Year Ended December 31, 2011						Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized				Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	Average Recorded Investment		Total		Cash Basis		Average Recorded Investment		Total		Cash Basis
	(In thousands)
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.	$	163,485	$	3,306	$	3,278	$	244,687	$	4,834	$	4,810
Real estate:
Commercial		189,837		2,060		1,985		240,123		1,983		1,740
Residential builder and developer		317,296		1,948		860		252,229		1,716		746
Other commercial construction		105,947		926		684		60,416		371		357
Residential		99,107		4,271		2,286		62,104		3,028		1,755
Residential Alt-A		196,161		7,713		1,965		220,589		8,397		1,758
Consumer:
Home equity lines and loans		11,428		681		106		11,807		790		202
Automobile		56,862		3,850		1,060		54,221		3,684		1,233
Other		5,006		273		89		3,165		243		48

Total	$	1,145,129	$	25,028	$	12,313	$	1,149,341	$	25,046	$	12,649

Summary of Loan grades


			Real Estate
	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Commercial		Residential Builder and Developer		Other Commercial Construction
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Pass	$	14,869,636	$	19,089,252	$	1,085,970	$	2,254,609
Criticized accrual		701,202		999,085		140,787		282,399
Criticized nonaccrual		163,598		171,111		281,576		106,325

Total	$	15,734,436	$	20,259,448	$	1,508,333	$	2,643,333


			Real Estate
	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Commercial		Residential Builder and Developer		Other Commercial Construction
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2010
Pass	$	12,384,512	$	15,855,774	$	722,747	$	2,263,965
Criticized accrual		832,733		891,655		311,932		519,651
Criticized nonaccrual		173,365		184,361		316,811		116,265

Total	$	13,390,610	$	16,931,790	$	1,351,490	$	2,899,881

Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology


	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Real Estate
	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Commercial		Residential		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	48,517	$	71,784	$	29,420	$	15,858	$	165,579
Collectively evaluated for impairment		185,048		291,271		60,742		126,613		663,674
Purchased impaired		457		4,582		1,753		650		7,442

Allocated	$	234,022	$	367,637	$	91,915	$	143,121		836,695

Unallocated										71,595

Total									$	908,290

December 31, 2010
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	40,459	$	114,082	$	39,000	$	15,492	$	209,033
Collectively evaluated for impairment		171,670		282,505		46,976		117,475		618,626
Purchased impaired		450		3,975		375		100		4,900

Allocated	$	212,579	$	400,562	$	86,351	$	133,067		832,559

Unallocated										70,382

Total									$	902,941

Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology

The recorded investment in loans and leases summarized on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was as follows:


	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Real Estate
	Commercial, Financial, Leasing, etc.		Commercial		Residential		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	171,442	$	561,615	$	306,320	$	71,496	$	1,110,873
Collectively evaluated for impairment		15,539,232		23,281,585		7,560,104		11,950,849		58,331,770
Purchased impaired		23,762		567,914		56,741		4,945		653,362

Total	$	15,734,436	$	24,411,114	$	7,923,165	$	12,027,290	$	60,096,005


December 31, 2010
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	173,365	$	617,437	$	286,612	$	72,082	$	1,149,496
Collectively evaluated for impairment		13,214,995		20,482,641		5,632,124		11,414,107		50,743,867
Purchased impaired		2,250		83,083		9,320		2,366		97,019

Total	$	13,390,610	$	21,183,161	$	5,928,056	$	11,488,555	$	51,990,382

Premises and equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Premises and equipment [Abstract]

Premises and equipment

The detail of premises and equipment was as follows:


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Land	$	86,120	$	64,728
Buildings — owned		365,087		280,288
Buildings — capital leases		1,131		1,131
Leasehold improvements		198,379		172,638
Furniture and equipment — owned		436,203		366,227
Furniture and equipment — capital leases		9,407		1,387

		1,096,327		886,399
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Owned assets		512,399		449,571
Capital leases		2,493		991

		514,892		450,562

Premises and equipment, net	$	581,435	$	435,837

Capitalized servicing assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Capitalized servicing assets [Abstract]

Changes in capitalized servicing assets

Changes in capitalized servicing assets were as follows:


	Residential Mortgage Loans									Small-Balance Commercial Mortgage Loans
For Year Ended December 31,	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	92,066		$	101,155		$	106,979		$	26,197		$	40,251		$	58,044
Originations		13,920			27,430			31,034			—			—			—
Purchases		61,642			593			972			—			—			—
Assumed in loan securitizations (note 19)		—			—			788			—			—			—
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts (note 19)		—			(1,843	)		—			—			—			—
Amortization		(36,364	)		(35,269	)		(38,618	)		(10,519	)		(14,054	)		(17,793	)

		131,264			92,066			101,155			15,678			26,197			40,251
Valuation allowance		(1,800	)		—			(50	)		—			—			—

Ending balance, net	$	129,464		$	92,066		$	101,105		$	15,678		$	26,197		$	40,251


	Commercial Mortgage Loans									Total
For Year Ended December 31,	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	42,613		$	32,896		$	26,336		$	160,876		$	174,302		$	191,359
Originations		17,613			16,976			12,417			31,533			44,406			43,451
Purchases		—			—			—			61,642			593			972
Assumed in loan securitizations (note 19)		—			—			—			—			—			788
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts (note 19)		—			—			—			—			(1,843	)		—
Amortization		(8,976	)		(7,259	)		(5,857	)		(55,859	)		(56,582	)		(62,268	)

		51,250			42,613			32,896			198,192			160,876			174,302
Valuation allowance		—			—			—			(1,800	)		—			(50	)

Ending balance, net	$	51,250		$	42,613		$	32,896		$	196,392		$	160,876		$	174,252

Economic assumptions used to determine the fair vale of capitalized servicing rights and the sensitivity of value to changes in the assumptions


	Residential			Small-Balance Commercial			Commercial
Weighted-average prepayment speeds		18.89	%		8.64	%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change	$	(9,777,000	)	$	(2,051,000	)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change		(18,480,000	)		(3,932,000	)
Weighted-average OAS		9.78	%		17.83	%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change	$	(3,994,000	)	$	(1,688,000	)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change		(7,711,000	)		(3,255,000	)
Weighted-average discount rate								18.00	%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change							$	(2,633,000	)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change								(5,071,000	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the activity in the balance of servicing assets subsequently measured at amortized value (including a description of where changes in carrying value are reported in the statement of income for each period for which results of operations are presented), including but not limited to, the following: beginning and ending balances, additions (through purchases of servicing assets and servicing assets that result from transfers of financial assets), disposals, amortization, application of valuation allowances, other-than-temporary impairments, and other changes that affect the balance along with a description of those changes.

+ References + Details

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill and other intangible assets [Abstract]

Total amortizing intangible assets


	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Core deposit	$	755,794	$	626,453	$	129,341
Other		177,268		130,215		47,053

Total	$	933,062	$	756,668	$	176,394

December 31, 2010
Core deposit	$	701,000	$	576,986	$	124,014
Other		119,968		118,065		1,903

Total	$	820,968	$	695,051	$	125,917

Estimated amortization expense in future years


	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	60,631
2013		46,912
2014		33,825
2015		20,938
2016		10,052
Later years		4,036

	$	176,394

Summary of goodwill assigned to reportable segments for purposes of testing for impairment

A summary of goodwill assigned to each of the Company’s reportable segments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 for purposes of testing for impairment is as follows:


	(In thousands)
Business Banking	$	748,907
Commercial Banking		907,524
Commercial Real Estate		349,197
Discretionary Portfolio		—
Residential Mortgage Banking		—
Retail Banking		1,144,404
All Other		374,593

Total	$	3,524,625

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References + Details

Borrowings (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Borrowings [Abstract]

Amounts and interest rates of short-term borrowings

The amounts and interest rates of short-term borrowings were as follows:


	Federal Funds Purchased and Repurchase Agreements			Other Short-term Borrowings			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
At December 31, 2011
Amount outstanding	$	732,059		$	50,023		$	782,082
Weighted-average interest rate		0.04	%		0.70	%		0.09	%
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Highest amount at a month-end	$	1,389,237		$	142,927
Daily-average amount outstanding		706,749			120,059		$	826,808
Weighted-average interest rate		0.11	%		0.18	%		0.12	%
At December 31, 2010
Amount outstanding	$	866,555		$	80,877		$	947,432
Weighted-average interest rate		0.19	%		0.20	%		0.19	%
For the year ended December 31, 2010
Highest amount at a month-end	$	2,612,727		$	236,842
Daily-average amount outstanding		1,749,525			104,508		$	1,854,033
Weighted-average interest rate		0.15	%		0.33	%		0.16	%
At December 31, 2009
Amount outstanding	$	2,211,692		$	230,890		$	2,442,582
Weighted-average interest rate		0.04	%		0.66	%		0.10	%
For the year ended December 31, 2009
Highest amount at a month-end	$	2,491,573		$	2,049,727
Daily-average amount outstanding		1,885,464			1,025,601		$	2,911,065
Weighted-average interest rate		0.15	%		0.42	%		0.24	%

Lines of credit under formal agreements

At December 31, 2011, the Company had lines of credit under formal agreements as follows:


	M&T		M&T Bank		Wilmington Trust, N.A.
	(In thousands)
Outstanding borrowings	$	—	$	1,447,266	$	—
Unused		30,000		17,473,710		88,600

Long-term borrowings


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Senior notes of M&T — 5.375% due 2012	$	299,991	$	299,971
Advances from FHLB:
Variable rates		1,000,000		2,525,268
Fixed rates		398,407		347,161
Agreements to repurchase securities		1,400,000		1,625,001
Subordinated notes of Wilmington Trust Corporation
(a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T):
4.875% due 2013		255,839		—
8.50% due 2018		237,194		—
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
3.85% due 2013, variable rate commenced in 2008		400,000		400,000
6.625% due 2017		452,655		425,969
9.50% due 2018		50,000		50,000
5.585% due 2020, variable rate commencing 2015		378,917		372,668
5.629% due 2021, variable rate commencing 2016		589,516		568,196
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Fixed rates:
M&T Capital Trust I — 8.234%, due 2027		154,640		154,640
M&T Capital Trust II — 8.277%, due 2027		103,093		103,093
M&T Capital Trust III — 9.25%, due 2027		66,759		67,084
BSB Capital Trust I — 8.125%, due 2028		15,542		15,519
Provident Trust I — 8.29%, due 2028		24,483		24,256
Southern Financial Statutory Trust I — 10.60%, due 2030		6,474		6,455
M&T Capital Trust IV — 8.50%, due 2068		350,010		350,010
Variable rates:
First Maryland Capital I — due 2027		143,564		143,025
First Maryland Capital II — due 2027		144,638		143,975
Allfirst Asset Trust — due 2029		95,768		95,623
BSB Capital Trust III — due 2033		15,464		15,464
Provident Trust III — due 2033		51,244		50,823
Southern Financial Capital Trust III — due 2033		7,623		7,566
Other		44,405		48,384

	$	6,686,226	$	7,840,151

Maturity of long-term borrowings

Long-term borrowings at December 31, 2011 mature as follows:


	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	1,671,734
2013		660,084
2014		19,822
2015		4,272
2016		804,663
Later years		3,525,651

	$	6,686,226

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
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-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Shareholders' equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Shareholders' equity [Abstract]

Issued and outstanding preferred stock

Issued and outstanding preferred stock of M&T is presented below:


	December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
	Shares Issued and Outstanding		Carrying Value		Shares Issued and Outstanding		Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Series A (a)(d)
Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, $1,000 liquidation preference per share		230,000	$	224,277		600,000	$	578,630
Series B (b)
Series B Mandatory Convertible Non-cumulative Preferred Stock, $1,000 liquidation preference per share		—		—		26,500		26,500
Series C (a)(c)
Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, $1,000 liquidation preference per share		151,500		140,308		151,500		135,527
Series D (e)
Fixed Rate Non-cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D, $10,000 liquidation preference per share		50,000		500,000		—		—

(a)

(b)

(c)

Shares were assumed in the Provident acquisition and a new Series C Preferred Stock was designated.

(d)

On May 18, 2011, M&T redeemed and retired 370,000 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock. Accelerated amortization of preferred stock discount associated with the redemption was $11.2 million.

(e)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 30
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 150
-Paragraph 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 3
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Paragraph 4
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Topic 505
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802392&loc=d3e177068-122764

+ Details

Stock-based compensation plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock-based compensation [Abstract]

Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity

A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity follows:


	Restricted Stock Units Outstanding			Weighted- Average Grant Price		Restricted Stock Outstanding			Weighted- Average Grant Price
Unvested at January 1, 2011		719,976		$	49.99		965,072		$	52.81
Granted		242,282			86.35		451,248			85.03
Vested		(148,189	)		46.17		(290,034	)		61.50
Cancelled		(12,606	)		73.73		(34,921	)		64.37

Unvested at December 31, 2011		801,463		$	61.31		1,091,365		$	63.45

Summary of stock option activity

A summary of stock option activity follows:


	Stock Options Outstanding			Weighted-Average				Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands)
	Stock Options Outstanding			Exercise Price		Life (In Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2011		10,578,415		$	97.35
Granted		100			86.47
Exercised		(449,022	)		70.76
Cancelled		(22,483	)		91.80
Expired		(267,062	)		104.89

Outstanding at December 31, 2011		9,839,948		$	98.37		3.8	$	3,075

Exercisable at December 31, 2011		8,775,638		$	99.50		3.5	$	1,497

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of components of a stock option or other award plan under which equity-based compensation is awarded to employees, typically comprised of the amount of unearned compensation (deferred compensation cost), compensation expense, and changes in the quantity and fair value of the shares (or other type of equity) granted, exercised, forfeited, and issued and outstanding pertaining to that plan. Disclosure may also include nature and general terms of such arrangements that existed during the period and potential effects of those arrangements on shareholders, effect of compensation cost arising from equity-based payment arrangements on the income statement, method of estimating the fair value of the goods or services received, or the fair value of the equity instruments granted, during the period, cash flow effects resulting from equity-based payment arrangements and, for registrants that accelerate vesting of out of the money share options, reasons for the decision to accelerate.

+ References + Details

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits [Abstract]

Net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans

Net periodic pension expense for defined benefit plans consisted of the following:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	28,828		$	19,670		$	19,483
Interest cost on benefit obligation		58,545			47,905			46,107
Expected return on plan assets		(60,700	)		(50,844	)		(46,976	)
Amortization of prior service cost		(6,559	)		(6,559	)		(6,559	)
Recognized net actuarial loss		20,530			13,551			8,292

Net periodic pension expense	$	40,644		$	23,723		$	20,347

Net other postretirement benefits expense for defined benefit plans consisted of the following:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011		2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	535	$	383		$	353
Interest cost on benefit obligation		3,761		3,130			3,302
Amortization of prior service cost		107		176			243
Recognized net actuarial loss		36		(9	)		(19	)

Net other postretirement benefits expense	$	4,439	$	3,680		$	3,879

Data relating to the funding position of the defined benefit plans

Data relating to the funding position of the defined benefit plans were as follows:


	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011			2010			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	947,993		$	857,122		$	61,675		$	56,575
Service cost		28,828			19,670			535			383
Interest cost		58,545			47,905			3,761			3,130
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			3,383			2,776
Actuarial (gain) loss		194,622			64,061			10,303			6,433
Settlements/curtailments		—			(3,231	)		—			—
Business combinations		315,210			—			20,689			—
Medicare Part D reimbursement		—			—			715			789
Benefits paid		(48,708	)		(37,534	)		(10,957	)		(8,411	)

Benefit obligation at end of year		1,496,490			947,993			90,104			61,675

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		838,465			766,880			—			—
Actual return on plan assets		(6,635	)		107,846			—			—
Employer contributions		75,600			4,504			6,859			4,846
Business combinations		259,250			—			—			—
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			3,383			2,776
Medicare Part D reimbursement		—			—			715			789
Settlements		—			(3,231	)		—			—
Benefits and other payments		(48,708	)		(37,534	)		(10,957	)		(8,411	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year		1,117,972			838,465			—			—

Funded status	$	(378,518	)	$	(109,528	)	$	(90,104	)	$	(61,675	)

Assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheet were:
Net prepaid asset	$	2,878		$	6,629		$	—		$	—
Accrued liabilities		(381,396	)		(116,157	)		(90,104	)		(61,675	)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) were:
Net loss	$	474,153		$	232,725		$	12,845		$	2,577
Net prior service cost		(30,014	)		(36,572	)		161			269

Pre-tax adjustment to AOCI		444,139			196,153			13,006			2,846
Taxes.		(174,324	)		(76,990	)		(5,105	)		(1,117	)

Net adjustment to AOCI.	$	269,815		$	119,163		$	7,901		$	1,729

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income


	Pension Plans			Other Postretirement Benefit Plans			Total
	(In thousands)
2011
Net loss	$	261,957		$	10,303		$	272,260
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		6,559			(107	)		6,452
Amortization of loss		(20,530	)		(36	)		(20,566	)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income, pre-tax	$	247,986		$	10,160		$	258,146

2010
Net loss	$	7,057		$	6,433		$	13,490
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		6,559			(176	)		6,383
Amortization of (loss) gain		(13,551	)		9			(13,542	)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income, pre-tax	$	65		$	6,266		$	6,331

Amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit expense

The following table reflects the amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit expense during 2012:


	Pension Plans			Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit)	$	(6,559	)	$	20
Amortization of net loss		34,281			427

Assumed weighted-average rates used to determine benefit obligations

The assumed weighted-average rates used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 were:


	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Discount rate		4.25	%		5.25	%		4.25	%		5.25	%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		4.50	%		4.50	%		—			—

Assumed weighted-average rates used to determine net benefit expense

The assumed weighted-average rates used to determine net benefit expense for the years ended December 31 were:


	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009
Discount rate		5.25	%		5.75	%		6.00	%		5.25	%		5.75	%		6.00	%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets		6.50	%		6.50	%		6.50	%		—			—			—
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		4.50	%		4.50	%		4.60	%		—			—			—

Effects on one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates


	+1%		-1%
	(In thousands)
Increase (decrease) in:
Service and interest cost	$	149	$	(134	)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		3,686		(3,288	)

Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2011, by asset category, were as follows:


	Fair Value Measurement of Plan Assets At December 31, 2011
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Asset category:
Money-market funds	$	63,842	$	63,842	$	—	$	—
Equity securities:
M&T		93,740		93,740		—		—
Domestic(a)		151,235		151,235		—		—
International		8,264		8,264		—		—
Mutual funds:
Domestic		125,223		125,223		—		—
International		127,071		127,071		—		—

		505,533		505,533		—		—

Debt securities:
Corporate(b)		275,079		—		275,079		—
Government		88,261		—		88,261		—
International		7,586		—		7,586		—
Mutual funds:
Domestic(c)		72,680		72,680		—		—
International		23,234		23,234		—		—

		466,840		95,914		370,926		—

Other:
Real asset securities		17,557		17,557		—		—
Private real estate		4,677		—		—		4,677
Private equity		10,190		—		—		10,190
Hedge funds		44,927		—		—		44,927

		77,351		17,557		—		59,794

Total(d)	$	1,113,566	$	682,846	$	370,926	$	59,794

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2010, by asset category, were as follows:


	Fair Value Measurement of Plan Assets At December 31, 2010
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Asset category:
Money-market funds	$	26,389	$	26,389	$	—		—
Equity securities:
M&T		106,891		106,891		—		—
Domestic(a)		148,218		148,218		—		—
International		9,690		9,690		—		—
Mutual funds:
Domestic		54,039		54,039		—		—
International		150,961		150,961		—		—

		469,799		469,799		—		—

Debt securities:
Corporate(b)		204,899		—		204,899		—
Government		65,589		—		65,589		—
International		7,143		—		7,143		—
Mutual funds:
Domestic(c)		35,594		35,594		—		—
International		25,491		25,491		—		—

		338,716		61,085		277,631		—

Total(d)	$	834,904	$	557,273	$	277,631		—

(a)

This category is comprised of equities of companies primarily within the mid-cap and large-cap sector of the U.S. economy and range across diverse industries.

(b)

This category represents investment grade bonds of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.

(c)

(d)

Excludes dividends and interest receivable totaling $4,406,000 and $3,561,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Changes in level 3 pension plan assets measured at fair value on recurring basis

The changes in Level 3 pension plan assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:


	Balance – January 1, 2011		Purchases		Total Realized/ Unrealized Gains (Losses)			Balance – December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Other
Private real estate		—	$	4,093	$	584		$	4,677
Private equity		—		8,482		1,708			10,190
Hedge funds		—		47,836		(2,909	)		44,927

Total		—	$	60,411	$	(617	)	$	59,794

Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated benefits expected to be paid in future years related to the Company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans are as follows:


	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	57,243	$	8,834
2013		61,203		8,542
2014		65,475		8,330
2015		68,777		8,107
2016		75,480		7,918
2017 through 2021		431,248		35,708

Income taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income taxes [Abstract]

Components of income tax expense (benefit)

The components of income tax expense (benefit) were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Current
Federal	$	277,631		$	250,489	$	52,792
State and city		53,566			55,071		4,107

Total current		331,197			305,560		56,899

Deferred
Federal		34,325			47,123		67,372
State and city		(401	)		3,945		15,129

Total deferred		33,924			51,068		82,501

Total income taxes applicable to pre-tax income	$	365,121		$	356,628	$	139,400

Schedule of income tax expense benefit reconciliation

Total income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax income as follows:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Income taxes at statutory federal income tax rate	$	428,610		$	382,476		$	181,752
Increase (decrease) in taxes:
Tax-exempt income		(33,799	)		(32,466	)		(31,071	)
State and city income taxes, net of federal income tax effect		34,557			38,360			12,503
Low income housing credits		(40,763	)		(29,882	)		(20,749	)
Non-taxable gain on acquisition		(22,725	)		—			—
Other		(759	)		(1,860	)		(3,035	)

	$	365,121		$	356,628		$	139,400

Deferred tax assets (liabilities)

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) were comprised of the following at December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Losses on loans and other assets	$	896,219		$	550,970		$	642,427
Postretirement and other employee benefits		39,992			28,135			25,770
Incentive compensation plans		49,183			27,388			27,835
Interest on loans		46,965			43,563			35,772
Retirement benefits		147,997			42,422			34,851
Stock-based compensation		78,014			70,641			69,881
Unrealized investment losses		50,528			54,557			140,821
Depreciation and amortization		9,563			13,332			6,274
Other		99,012			51,768			40,281

Gross deferred tax assets		1,417,473			882,776			1,023,912

Leasing transactions		(294,150	)		(294,510	)		(306,799	)
Capitalized servicing rights		(17,603	)		(14,739	)		(8,412	)
Interest on subordinated note exchange		(11,275	)		(13,534	)		(15,051	)
Other		(48,803	)		(36,080	)		(32,617	)

Gross deferred tax liabilities		(371,831	)		(358,863	)		(362,879	)

Net deferred tax asset	$	1,045,642		$	523,913		$	661,033

Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows:


	Federal, State and Local Tax			Accrued Interest			Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2009	$	38,287		$	17,556		$	55,843
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during 2009		400			—			400
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years		—			3,675			3,675
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination		(9,902	)		(1,392	)		(11,294	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities		(825	)		(331	)		(1,156	)
Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in a business combination		337			—			337

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009		28,297			19,508			47,805
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years		—			11,468			11,468
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination		(1,403	)		(670	)		(2,073	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities		(967	)		(549	)		(1,516	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken in prior years		(1,074	)		(9,061	)		(10,135	)

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010		24,853			20,696			45,549
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during 2011		4,659			—			4,659
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities		(9,742	)		(5,497	)		(15,239	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken in prior years		—			(1,645	)		(1,645	)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination		(8,471	)		(8,201	)		(16,672	)
Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in a business combination		7,034			3,924			10,958

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011	$	18,333		$	9,277			27,610

Less: Federal, state and local income tax benefits								(9,018	)

Net unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011 that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate							$	18,592

Earnings per common share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings per common share [Abstract]

Computations of basic earnings per common share

The computations of basic earnings per common share follow:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share)
Income available to common shareholders:
Net income	$	859,479		$	736,161		$	379,891
Less: Preferred stock dividends(a)		(45,839	)		(40,225	)		(36,081	)
Amortization of preferred stock discount(a)		(20,018	)		(10,518	)		(8,130	)

Net income available to common equity		793,622			685,418			335,680
Less: Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards		(11,879	)		(9,592	)		(3,674	)

Net income available to common shareholders	$	781,743		$	675,826		$	332,006
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Common shares outstanding (including common stock issuable) and unvested stock-based compensation awards		124,524			119,852			115,838
Less: Unvested stock-based compensation awards		(1,861	)		(1,661	)		(1,178	)

Weighted-average shares outstanding		122,663			118,191			114,660
Basic earnings per common share	$	6.37		$	5.72		$	2.90

(a)

Including impact of not as yet declared cumulative dividends.

Computations of diluted earnings per common share

The computations of diluted earnings per common share follow:


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share)
Net income available to common equity	$	793,622		$	685,418		$	335,680
Less: Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards		(11,857	)		(9,565	)		(3,674	)

Net income available to common shareholders	$	781,765		$	675,853		$	332,006
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding:
Common and unvested stock-based compensation awards		124,524			119,852			115,838
Less: Unvested stock-based compensation awards		(1,861	)		(1,661	)		(1,178	)
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversion of stock-based compensation awards and convertible preferred stock		416			652			116

Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding		123,079			118,843			114,776
Diluted earnings per common share	$	6.35		$	5.69		$	2.89

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on an entity's diluted earnings per share.

+ References + Details

Comprehensive income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Components of other comprehensive income

The following table displays the components of other comprehensive income:


	Before-tax Amount			Income Taxes			Net
	(In thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
Available-for-sale (“AFS”) investment securities with other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”):
Unrealized holding losses, net	$	(58,628	)	$	23,106		$	(35,522	)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		3,814			(1,497	)		2,317
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(64,919	)		25,480			(39,439	)

Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI		2,477			(877	)		1,600
AFS investment securities – all other:
Unrealized holding gains, net		144,941			(56,714	)		88,227
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		146,115			(57,256	)		88,859

Net change for AFS investment securities – all other		(1,174	)		542			(632	)
Held-to-maturity (“HTM”) investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding losses, net		(10,317	)		4,049			(6,268	)
Less: reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses		(545	)		214			(331	)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(12,116	)		4,755			(7,361	)

Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI		2,344			(920	)		1,424

Unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM:
Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses		6,490			(2,548	)		3,942
Unrealized holding losses transferred to HTM investment securities with OTTI		580			(227	)		353

Net change for investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM		7,070			(2,775	)		4,295

Net unrealized gains on investment securities		10,717			(4,030	)		6,687
Reclassification to income for amortization of gains on terminated cash flow hedges		(448	)		167			(281	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,240	)		437			(803	)
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment		(258,146	)		101,322			(156,824	)

	$	(249,117	)	$	97,896		$	(151,221	)

For the year ended December 31, 2010
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
AFS investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding losses, net	$	(104,039	)	$	40,566		$	(63,473	)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(81,199	)		31,552			(49,647	)

Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI		(22,840	)		9,014			(13,826	)
AFS investment securities — all other:
Unrealized holding gains, net		236,167			(92,190	)		143,977
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		1,581			(610	)		971

Net change for AFS investment securities – all other		234,586			(91,580	)		143,006
HTM investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding losses, net		(11,908	)		4,674			(7,234	)
Less: reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses		(7,984	)		3,134			(4,850	)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(5,082	)		1,995			(3,087	)

Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI		1,158			(455	)		703

Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM		8,264			(3,243	)		5,021

Net unrealized gains on investment securities		221,168			(86,264	)		134,904
Reclassification to income for amortization of gains on terminated cash flow hedges		(448	)		167			(281	)
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment		(6,331	)		2,485			(3,846	)

	$	214,389		$	(83,612	)	$	130,777

For the year ended December 31, 2009
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
AFS investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding losses, net	$	(264,363	)	$	103,409		$	(160,954	)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income		(138,297	)		54,115			(84,182	)

Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI		(126,066	)		49,294			(76,772	)
AFS investment securities — all other:
Unrealized holding gains, net		640,096			(247,637	)		392,459
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		219			(85	)		134

Net change for AFS investment securities – all other		639,877			(247,552	)		392,325
Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM		14,027			7,463			21,490

Net unrealized gains on investment securities		527,838			(190,795	)		337,043
Reclassification to income for amortization of losses on terminated cash flow hedges		10,761			(4,204	)		6,557
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment		93,823			(36,539	)		57,284

	$	632,422		$	(231,538	)	$	400,884

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses) as follows:


	Investment Securities						Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Defined Benefit Plans			Total
	With OTTI			All Other			Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Defined Benefit Plans			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2009	$	—		$	(556,668	)	$	(5,883	)	$	—		$	(174,330	)	$	(736,881	)
Net gain (loss) during 2009		(76,772	)		413,815			6,557			—			57,284			400,884

Balance at December 31, 2009		(76,772	)		(142,853	)		674			—			(117,046	)		(335,997	)
Net gain (loss) during 2010		(10,281	)		145,185			(281	)		—			(3,846	)		130,777

Balance at December 31, 2010		(87,053	)		2,332			393			—			(120,892	)		(205,220	)
Net gain (loss) during 2011		3,024			3,663			(281	)		(803	)		(156,824	)		(151,221	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	(84,029	)	$	5,995		$	112		$	(803	)	$	(277,716	)	$	(356,441	)

Other income and other expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other income and other expense [Abstract]

Other income and other expense


	Year Ended December 31
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Other income:
Bank owned life insurance	$	50,776	$	50,483	$	49,152
Credit-related fee income		73,886		62,294		56,150
Letter of credit fees		56,247		49,762		44,005
Non-taxable gain from business combination		64,930
Other expense:
Professional services		222,122		128,629		117,523
Amortization of capitalized servicing rights		55,859		56,582		62,268
Advertising and promotion		58,312		41,869		39,364
Write-down of investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC (“BLG”)		79,012

Derivative financial instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Derivative financial instruments [Abstract]

Information about interest rate swap agreements


	Notional Amount		Average Maturity		Weighted-Average Rate						Estimated Fair Value Gain
	Notional Amount		Average Maturity		Fixed			Variable			Estimated Fair Value Gain
	(In thousands)		(In years)								(In thousands)
December 31, 2011
Fair value hedges:
Fixed rate long-term borrowings(a)	$	900,000		5.4		6.07	%		2.07	%	$	147,302


December 31, 2010
Fair value hedges:
Fixed rate long-term borrowings(a)	$	900,000		6.4		6.07	%		1.84	%	$	96,637

(a)

Under the terms of these agreements, the Company receives settlement amounts at a fixed rate and pays at a variable rate.

Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet

Information about the fair values of derivative instruments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of income follows:


	Asset Derivatives Fair Value December 31				Liability Derivatives Fair Value December 31
	2011		2010		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate swap agreements(a)	$	147,302	$	96,637	$	—	$	—
Commitments to sell real estate loans(a)		232		4,880		2,287		1,062

		147,534		101,517		2,287		1,062

Derivatives not designated and qualifying as hedging instruments
Mortgage-related commitments to originate real estate loans for sale(a)		7,991		2,827		1,068		583
Commitments to sell real estate loans(a)		1,328		10,322		2,771		1,962
Trading:
Interest rate contracts(b)		443,033		345,632		415,836		321,461
Foreign exchange and other option and futures contracts(b)		19,115		11,267		18,723		11,761

		471,467		370,048		438,398		335,767

Total derivatives	$	619,001	$	471,565	$	440,685	$	336,829

(a)

Asset derivatives are reported in other assets and liability derivatives are reported in other liabilities.

(b)

Asset derivatives are reported in trading account assets and liability derivatives are reported in other liabilities.

Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated statement of income


	Amount of Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized
	Year Ended December 31, 2011						Year Ended December 31, 2010						Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Derivative			Hedged Item			Derivative			Hedged Item			Derivative			Hedged Item
	(In thousands)
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships
Interest rate swap agreements:
Fixed rate time deposits(a)	$	—		$	—		$	(503	)	$	503		$	(1,797	)	$	1,789
Fixed rate long-term borrowings(a)		50,665			(47,916	)		41,628			(39,802	)		(91,093	)		85,679

Total	$	50,665		$	(47,916	)	$	41,125		$	(39,299	)	$	(92,890	)	$	87,468


Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Trading:
Interest rate contracts(b)	$	6,130					$	3,760					$	(3,622	)
Foreign exchange and other option and futures contracts(b)		(2,649	)					(307	)					337

Total	$	3,481					$	3,453					$	(3,285	)

(a)

Reported as other revenues from operations.

(b)

Reported as trading account and foreign exchange gains.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References + Details

Fair value measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair value measurements [Abstract]

Assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis


	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011		Level 1(a)		Level 2(a)		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Trading account assets	$	561,834	$	53,165	$	508,669	$	—
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		70,723		—		70,723		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		40,269		—		40,269		—
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		4,521,233		—		4,521,233		—
Privately issued residential		1,136,256		—		—		1,136,256
Privately issued commercial		15,029		—		—		15,029
Collateralized debt obligations		52,500		—		—		52,500
Other debt securities		176,845		—		176,845		—
Equity securities		215,705		205,587		10,118		—

		6,228,560		205,587		4,819,188		1,203,785

Real estate loans held for sale		371,437		—		371,437		—
Other assets(b)		156,853		—		148,862		7,991

Total assets	$	7,318,684	$	258,752	$	5,848,156	$	1,211,776

Trading account liabilities	$	434,559		—	$	434,559	$	—
Other liabilities(b)		6,126		—		5,058		1,068

Total liabilities	$	440,685		—	$	439,617	$	1,068


	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010		Level 1(a)		Level 2(a)		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Trading account assets	$	523,834	$	53,032	$	470,802	$	—
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		63,434		—		63,434		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		60,425		—		60,425		—
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government issued or guaranteed		3,306,241		—		3,306,241		—
Privately issued residential		1,435,561		—		—		1,435,561
Privately issued commercial		22,407		—		—		22,407
Collateralized debt obligations		110,756		—		—		110,756
Other debt securities		298,900		—		298,900		—
Equity securities		115,768		106,872		8,896		—

		5,413,492		106,872		3,737,896		1,568,724

Real estate loans held for sale		544,567		—		544,567		—
Other assets(b)		114,666		—		111,839		2,827

Total assets	$	6,596,559	$	159,904	$	4,865,104	$	1,571,551

Trading account liabilities	$	333,222		—	$	333,222	$	—
Other liabilities(b)		3,607		—		3,024		583

Total liabilities	$	336,829		—	$	336,246	$	583

(a)

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

(b)

Changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:


	Investment Securities Available for Sale
	Privately Issued Residential Mortgage- backed Securities			Privately Issued Commercial Mortgage- backed Securities			Collateralized Debt Obligations			Other Assets and Other Liabilities
	(In thousands)
Balance – January 1, 2011	$	1,435,561		$	22,407		$	110,756		$	2,244
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings		(64,919	)(a)		—			19,231	(a)		67,163	(b)
Included in other comprehensive income		6,489			327			(272	)		—
Purchases		—			—			50,790			—
Sales		—			—			(124,874	)		—
Settlements		(240,875	)		(7,705	)		(3,131	)		—
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (c)		—			—			—			(62,484	)

Balance – December 31, 2011	$	1,136,256		$	15,029		$	52,500		$	6,923

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets still held at December 31, 2011	$	(64,919	)(a)		—			—		$	6,902	(b)

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2010 were as follows:


	Investment Securities Available for Sale
	Privately Issued Residential Mortgage- backed Securities			Privately Issued Commercial Mortgage- backed Securities			Collateralized Debt Obligations			Other Debt Securities			Other Assets and Other Liabilities
	(In thousands)
Balance – January 1, 2010	$	2,064,904		$	25,166		$	115,346		$	420		$	(80	)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings		(63,503	)(a)		—			(5,703	)(a)		—			95,661	(b)
Included in other comprehensive income		135,434			5,462			2,887			35			—
Settlements		(346,026	)		(8,221	)		(1,774	)		—			—
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (c)		(355,248	)(d)		—			—			(455	)		(93,337	)

Balance – December 31, 2010	$	1,435,561		$	22,407		$	110,756		$	—		$	2,244

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets still held at December 31, 2010	$	(63,503	)(a)		—		$	(5,703	)(a)		—		$	2,153	(b)

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:


	Balance- January 1, 2009		Total Gains (Losses) Realized/Unrealized						Purchases, Sales, Issuances & Settlements			Transfer in and/or out of Level 3(c)			Balance- December 31, 2009			Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Assets Still Held at December 31, 2009
			Included in Earnings			Included in Other Comprehensive Income



	(In thousands)
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	$	5,532	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(5,532	)	$	—		$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		38		—			224			(9	)		(253	)		—			—
Government issued or guaranteed mortgage-backed securities		84,544		—			—			—			(84,544	)		—			—
Privately issued residential mortgage-backed securities		2,326,554		(128,374	)(a)		405,309			(538,585	)		—			2,064,904			(128,374	)(a)
Privately issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		41,046		—			(6,853	)		(9,027	)		—			25,166			—
Collateralized debt obligations		2,496		(9,568	)(a)		19,770			102,648			—			115,346			(9,923	)(a)
Other debt securities		—		—			145			725			(450	)		420			—
Equity securities		2,302		—			2			(12	)		(2,292	)		—			—

		2,462,512		(137,942	)		418,597			(444,260	)		(93,071	)		2,205,836			(138,297	)
Other assets and other liabilities		8,266		34,400	(b)		—			—			(42,746	)		(80	)		2,465	(b)

(a)

Reported as an other-than-temporary impairment loss in the consolidated statement of income or as gain (loss) on bank investment securities.

(b)

Reported as mortgage banking revenues in the consolidated statement of income and includes the fair value of commitment issuances and expirations.

(c)

The Company’s policy for transfers between fair value levels is to recognize the transfer as of the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

(d)

Carrying amounts and estimated fair value for financial instrument assets(liabilities)

The carrying amounts and estimated fair value for financial instrument assets (liabilities) are presented in the following table:


	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	Carrying Amount			Calculated Estimate			Carrying Amount			Calculated Estimate
	(In thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,452,397		$	1,452,397		$	933,755		$	933,755
Interest-bearing deposits at banks		154,960			154,960			101,222			101,222
Trading account assets		561,834			561,834			523,834			523,834
Investment securities		7,673,154			7,608,008			7,150,540			7,051,454
Loans and leases:
Commercial loans and leases		15,734,436			15,507,342			13,390,610			13,135,569
Commercial real estate loans		24,411,114			24,024,585			21,183,161			20,840,346
Residential real estate loans		7,923,165			7,782,935			5,928,056			5,699,028
Consumer loans		12,027,290			11,869,813			11,488,555			11,178,583
Allowance for credit losses		(908,290	)		—			(902,941	)		—

Loans and leases, net		59,187,715			59,184,675			51,087,441			50,853,526
Accrued interest receivable		222,618			222,618			202,182			202,182
Financial liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	(20,017,883	)	$	(20,017,883	)	$	(14,557,568	)	$	(14,557,568	)
Savings deposits and NOW accounts		(32,913,309	)		(32,913,309	)		(27,824,630	)		(27,824,630	)
Time deposits		(6,107,530	)		(6,133,806	)		(5,817,170	)		(5,865,779	)
Deposits at Cayman Islands office		(355,927	)		(355,927	)		(1,605,916	)		(1,605,916	)
Short-term borrowings		(782,082	)		(782,082	)		(947,432	)		(947,432	)
Long-term borrowings		(6,686,226	)		(6,720,174	)		(7,840,151	)		(7,937,397	)
Accrued interest payable		(67,900	)		(67,900	)		(71,954	)		(71,954	)
Trading account liabilities		(434,559	)		(434,559	)		(333,222	)		(333,222	)
Other financial instruments:
Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	$	6,923		$	6,923		$	2,244		$	2,244
Commitments to sell real estate loans		(3,498	)		(3,498	)		12,178			12,178
Other credit-related commitments		(109,828	)		(109,828	)		(74,426	)		(74,426	)
Interest rate swap agreements used for interest rate risk management		147,302			147,302			96,637			96,637

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph b-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph a, c(1), c(2), c(3), d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph c(2), d, e, f
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph a, b, c(1), d(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13467-108611

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13476-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6447952&loc=d3e13220-108610

+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities which includes [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity. Such assets and liabilities may be measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The disclosures which may be required or desired include: (1) for assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis, disclosure may include: (a) the fair value measurements at the reporting date; (b) the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3); (c) for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (i) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (ii) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); (iii) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs); (d) the amount of the total gains or losses for the period in subparagraph (c) (i) above included in earnings (or changes in net assets) that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (e) the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period and (2) for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired assets) disclosure may include, in addition to (a) above: (a) the reasons for the fair value measurements recorded; (b) the same as (b) above; (c) for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a description of the inputs and the information used to develop the inputs; and (d) the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes, if any, in the valuation technique(s) used to measure similar assets and/or liabilities in prior periods. Where the quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, the Level 1 input is the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset.

+ References

+ Details

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments and contingencies [Abstract]

Company's significant commitments


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Commitments to extend credit
Home equity lines of credit	$	6,393,332	$	6,281,366
Commercial real estate loans to be sold		177,982		72,930
Other commercial real estate and construction		2,818,071		1,672,006
Residential real estate loans to be sold		182,474		161,583
Other residential real estate		129,466		151,111
Commercial and other		10,442,754		8,332,199
Standby letters of credit		3,930,271		3,917,318
Commercial letters of credit		44,981		76,962
Financial guarantees and indemnification contracts		1,903,254		1,609,944
Commitments to sell real estate loans		635,899		734,696

Minimum lease payments under non cancellable operating leases


	(In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2012	$	81,168
2013		75,339
2014		63,512
2015		53,903
2016		41,324
Later years		128,505

	$	443,751

Segment information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment information [Abstract]

Information about the Company's segments


							For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
	Business Banking						Commercial Banking						Commercial Real Estate						Discretionary Portfolio
	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009		2011		2010			2009
Net interest income(a)	$	334,811	$	315,407	$	321,208	$	655,407	$	582,231	$	531,592	$	467,683	$	384,147	$	346,513	$	63,030	$	23,347		$	137,507
Noninterest income		95,429		95,443		89,043		249,150		217,368		192,979		99,409		85,200		65,224		98,770		(34,383	)		(100,507	)

		430,240		410,850		410,251		904,557		799,599		724,571		567,092		469,347		411,737		161,800		(11,036	)		37,000
Provision for credit losses		45,689		74,443		41,923		29,823		47,675		107,871		58,474		45,781		84,614		59,309		55,810			83,139
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—			—
Depreciation and other amortization		140		276		857		553		552		628		9,054		7,339		5,934		2,859		3,733			5,506
Other noninterest expense		177,172		169,878		158,042		248,428		219,471		210,180		154,042		124,674		103,124		32,262		26,256			27,070

Income (loss) before taxes		207,239		166,253		209,429		625,753		531,901		405,892		345,522		291,553		218,065		67,370		(96,835	)		(78,715	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		84,532		67,687		85,387		256,311		217,734		166,459		105,709		88,466		62,711		7,975		(58,269	)		(50,692	)

Net income (loss)	$	122,707	$	98,566	$	124,042	$	369,442	$	314,167	$	239,433	$	239,813	$	203,087	$	155,354	$	59,395	$	(38,566	)	$	(28,023	)

Average total assets (in millions)	$	5,192	$	4,843	$	4,869	$	17,650	$	15,461	$	15,399	$	15,025	$	13,194	$	12,842	$	14,170	$	14,690		$	13,763

Capital expenditures (in millions)	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	—	$	3	$	—	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	—	$	—		$	—


								For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
	Residential Mortgage Banking							Retail Banking						All Other									Total
	2011		2010		2009			2011		2010		2009		2011			2010			2009			2011		2010		2009
Net interest income(a)	$	63,951	$	71,599	$	78,865		$	851,332	$	839,828	$	878,520	$	(46,458	)	$	50,967		$	(238,457	)	$	2,389,756	$	2,267,526	$	2,055,748
Noninterest income		184,249		195,540		226,659			366,042		380,015		372,821		489,863			168,917			201,887			1,582,912		1,108,100		1,048,106

		248,200		267,139		305,524			1,217,374		1,219,843		1,251,341		443,405			219,884			(36,570	)		3,972,668		3,375,626		3,103,854
Provision for credit losses		36,375		49,110		97,816			101,679		109,978		130,509		(61,349	)		(14,797	)		58,128			270,000		368,000		604,000
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets		—		—		—			—		—		—		61,617			58,103			64,255			61,617		58,103		64,255
Depreciation and other amortization		44,349		46,171		51,552			33,713		31,350		31,299		45,495			34,838			30,890			136,163		124,259		126,666
Other noninterest expense		151,945		160,131		185,829			744,905		698,540		689,314		771,534			333,525			416,083			2,280,288		1,732,475		1,789,642

Income (loss) before taxes		15,531		11,727		(29,673	)		337,077		379,975		400,219		(373,892	)		(191,785	)		(605,926	)		1,224,600		1,092,789		519,291
Income tax expense (benefit)		2,403		587		(16,629	)		137,161		154,680		162,957		(228,970	)		(114,257	)		(270,793	)		365,121		356,628		139,400

Net income (loss)	$	13,128	$	11,140	$	(13,044	)	$	199,916	$	225,295	$	237,262	$	(144,922	)	$	(77,528	)	$	(335,133	)	$	859,479	$	736,161	$	379,891

Average total assets (in millions)	$	1,958	$	2,217	$	2,552		$	11,940	$	12,079	$	12,024	$	8,042		$	5,896		$	6,023		$	73,977	$	68,380	$	67,472

Capital expenditures (in millions)	$	—	$	1	$	—		$	25	$	33	$	39	$	45		$	31		$	18		$	70	$	70	$	59

(a)

Intersegment activity eliminated in arriving at consolidated totals was included in the All Other category


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	(64,239	)	$	(41,508	)	$	(47,114	)
Expenses		(14,146	)		(15,527	)		(19,164	)
Income taxes (benefit)		(20,383	)		(10,572	)		(11,373	)
Net income (loss)		(29,710	)		(15,409	)		(16,577	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Regulatory Matters (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Regulatory Matters [Abstract]

Capital ratios and amounts of the Company and its banking subsidiaries

The capital ratios and amounts of the Company and its banking subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are presented below:


	M&T (Consolidated)			M&T Bank			Wilmington Trust, N.A.
	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2011:
Tier 1 capital
Amount	$	6,926,218		$	6,283,825		$	393,360
Ratio(a)		9.67	%		8.87	%		71.89	%
Minimum required amount(b)		2,864,002			2,832,558			21,887
Total capital
Amount		9,493,124			8,587,360			399,177
Ratio(a)		13.26	%		12.13	%		72.95	%
Minimum required amount(b)		5,728,005			5,665,116			43,774
Leverage
Amount		6,926,218			6,283,825			393,360
Ratio(c)		9.28	%		8.54	%		19.20	%
Minimum required amount(b)		2,239,639			2,206,498			61,478
December 31, 2010:
Tier 1 capital
Amount	$	6,051,724		$	5,406,330		$	190,151
Ratio(a)		9.47	%		8.62	%		26.80	%
Minimum required amount(b)		2,555,215			2,508,897			28,386
Total capital
Amount		8,352,643			7,686,799			196,140
Ratio(a)		13.08	%		12.26	%		27.64	%
Minimum required amount(b)		5,110,431			5,017,795			56,772
Leverage
Amount		6,051,724			5,406,330			190,151
Ratio(c)		9.33	%		8.46	%		22.54	%
Minimum required amount(b)		1,946,312			1,916,033			25,307

(a)

The ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets, as defined by regulation.

(b)

Minimum amount of capital to be considered adequately capitalized, as defined by regulation.

(c)

The ratio of capital to average assets, as defined by regulation.

Parent Company Financial Statements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Parent company financial statements [Abstract]

Consolidated financial statements of parent company


	December 31
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Assets
Cash in subsidiary bank	$	3,798	$	1,784
Due from consolidated bank subsidiaries
Money-market savings		645,330		481,340
Current income tax receivable		—		2,664

Total due from consolidated bank subsidiaries		645,330		484,004
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
Banks and bank holding company		9,929,758		9,048,703
Other		16,025		30,978
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries (note 19)		34,091		34,257
Investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC		115,000		219,800
Other assets		82,358		88,976

Total assets	$	10,826,360	$	9,908,502

Liabilities
Due to consolidated bank subsidiaries	$	30	$	20
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		75,828		73,283
Long-term borrowings (a)		1,479,293		1,477,504

Total liabilities		1,555,151		1,550,807
Shareholders’ equity		9,271,209		8,357,695

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	10,826,360	$	9,908,502


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share)
Income
Dividends from consolidated bank subsidiaries	$	715,000		$	500,000		$	—
Equity in earnings of Bayview Lending Group LLC		(24,231	)		(25,768	)		(25,898	)
Other income		67,829			(5,435	)		10,670

Total income		758,598			468,797			(15,228	)

Expense
Interest on long-term borrowings		90,959			91,073			93,331
Other expense (b)		87,368			7,447			5,427

Total expense		178,327			98,520			98,758

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		580,271			370,277			(113,986	)
Income tax credits		50,460			48,416			42,740

Income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		630,731			418,693			(71,246	)

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
Net income of subsidiaries		943,748			817,468			451,137
Less: dividends received		(715,000	)		(500,000	)		—

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		228,748			317,468			451,137

Net income	$	859,479		$	736,161		$	379,891

Net income per common share
Basic	$	6.37		$	5.72		$	2.90
Diluted		6.35			5.69			2.89

(a)

Includes $300 million 5.375% senior notes of M&T issued in 2007 that mature in May 2012.

(b)

In 2011 includes $79 million write-down of Investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC.


	Year Ended December 31
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	859,479		$	736,161		$	379,891
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		(228,748	)		(317,468	)		(451,137	)
Provision for deferred income taxes		(10,349	)		2,237			291
Asset write-downs		79,012			—			—
Net change in accrued income and expense		44,336			43,567			14,589

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		743,730			464,497			(56,366	)

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of investment securities		1,987			2,591			—
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities		4,400			1,150			6,600
Purchases of investment securities		—			(2,225	)		(1,855	)
Investment in subsidiary		—			—			(120,000	)
Proceeds from repayment of advances to subsidiaries		—			—			200,000
Purchase of Wilmington Trust Corporation preferred stock		(330,000	)		—			—
Other, net		2,833			1,033			15,088

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities		(320,780	)		2,549			99,833

Cash flows from financing activities
Payments on long-term borrowings		—			—			(111,046	)
Dividends paid — common		(350,129	)		(335,303	)		(325,706	)
Dividends paid — preferred		(48,203	)		(40,225	)		(31,946	)
Proceeds from subsidiary for issuance of common stock to defined benefit pension plan		—			—			44,289
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		495,000			—			—
Redemption of preferred stock		(370,000	)		—			—
Other, net		16,386			63,122			12,255

Net cash used by financing activities		(256,946	)		(312,406	)		(412,154	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		166,004			154,640			(368,687	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		483,124			328,484			697,171

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	649,128		$	483,124		$	328,484

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest received during the year	$	2,082		$	1,581		$	4,960
Interest paid during the year		87,184			87,456			92,247
Income taxes received during the year		57,964			50,882			45,745

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	Dec. 31, 2011 yr d
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Delinquent period in which principal or interest is charged against income (in days) \| d	90
Delinquent Period in which the net realizable value of the property collateralizing loan is charged off \| d	150
Minimum estimated useful lives of core deposit and other intangible assets \| yr	5
Maximum estimated useful lives of core deposit and other intangible assets (in years) \| yr	10
Consumer loans delay in payments	90 days or less
Consumer loans due	91 to 180

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 16, 2011	May 23, 2009
Fair value of acquired loan portfolio
Contractual principal and interest at acquisition	$ 8,208,181	$ 5,465,167
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected	(1,109,762)	(832,115)
Expected cash flows at acquisition	7,098,419	4,633,052
Interest component of expected cash flows	(687,989)	(595,685)
Basis in acquired loans at acquisition - estimated fair value	$ 6,410,430	$ 4,037,367

Acquisitions (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	May 16, 2011	May 23, 2009
Purchase price:
Common shares issued (4,694,486 shares)					$ 273,000
Total purchase price					$ 274,000
Liabilities:
Net gain resulting from acquisition		$ 64,930	$ 29,000
Wilmington Trust Corporation [Member]
Purchase price:
Common shares issued (4,694,486 shares)				$ 405,557
Preferred stock purchased from U.S. Treasury				330,000
Total purchase price				735,557
Identifiable assets:
Cash and due from banks				178,940
Interest-bearing deposits at banks				2,606,265
Other short-term investments				57,817
Investment securities				510,390
Loans and leases				6,410,430
Core deposit and other intangibles				112,094
Other assets				969,106
Total identifiable assets				10,845,042
Liabilities:
Deposits				8,864,161
Short-term borrowings				147,752
Long-term borrowings				600,830
Other liabilities				431,812
Total liabilities				$ 10,044,555
Net gain resulting from acquisition	$ 64,930

Acquisitions (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pro forma information
Total revenues actual since acquisition	$ 380,945
Total revenues pro forma		$ 4,202,109	$ 4,064,729
Net income actual since acquisition	$ 18,586
Net income pro forma		$ 808,696	$ 295,486

Acquisitions (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of merger-related expenses
Salaries and employee benefits	$ 1,203,993	$ 999,709	$ 1,001,873
Equipment and net occupancy	249,514	216,064	211,391
Printing, postage and supplies	40,917	33,847	38,216
Other costs of operations	821,797	527,790	568,309
Total merger-related expenses	84,000
K Bank and Wilmington Trust Corporation Acquisition [Member]
Summary of merger-related expenses
Salaries and employee benefits	16,131	7	10,030
Equipment and net occupancy	412	44	2,975
Printing, postage and supplies	2,663	74	3,677
Other costs of operations	64,481	646	72,475
Total merger-related expenses	$ 83,687	$ 771	$ 89,157

- Definition

Amount of net occupancy expense that may include items, such as depreciation of facilities and equipment, lease expenses, property taxes and property and casualty insurance expense.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 16
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)
-Number AAG-BRD
-Chapter 4
-Paragraph 62
-IssueDate 2006-05-01
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 16
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 16
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.6)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6455398&loc=d3e45280-112737

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.14(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

+ Details

Acquisitions (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details Textual)	May 31, 2011 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 yr	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) shares	May 16, 2011 USD ($) Office shares	Nov. 05, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 28, 2009 USD ($)	May 23, 2009 USD ($) shares
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock issued for acquisition \| shares						5,838,308
Provision for credit losses				$ 270,000,000	$ 368,000,000	$ 604,000,000
Pre-tax gain on acquisitions				64,930,000		29,000,000
Loans and leases		$ 52,315,942,000		60,377,875,000	52,315,942,000
Liabilities		59,663,568,000		68,653,078,000	59,663,568,000
Deposits		49,805,284,000		59,394,649,000	49,805,284,000
Additional Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Realized non taxable gain				65,000,000
After-tax gain on transaction						18,000,000
Pre-tax gain on acquisitions				64,930,000		$ 29,000,000
Provident common shareholders received given number of shares of M&T common stock in exchange for each share of Provident common stock \| shares										0.171625
Total common shares issued by M&T Bank \| shares						5,838,308
Acquisition date fair value of common shares issued										$ 273,000,000
Estimated fair value of converted options to purchase the common stock of M&T Bank										1,000,000
Total purchase price based on the fair value of the acquisition date										274,000,000
Incremental increase in shareholders equity due to issuance of series C preferred stock and warrants										162,000,000
Value added in common equity due to provident acquisition										280,000,000
Value added in preferred equity due to provident acquisition										156,000,000
Merger related expenses associated with acquisition of Wilmington Trust				84,000,000
Unpaid portion of merger-related expenses				0
Gain recorded in connection with acquisition				65,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Amortization Period \| yr			5
Maximum [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Amortization Period \| yr			7
Acquired Commercial Real Estate Loans [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Loans and leases										1,700,000,000
Acquired Consumer Loans [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Loans and leases										1,400,000,000
Acquired Commercial Loan [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Loans and leases										700,000,000
Acquired Residential Real Estate Loans [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Loans and leases										300,000,000
K Bank and Wilmington Trust Corporation Acquisition [Member]
Additional Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Merger related expenses associated with acquisition of Wilmington Trust				83,687,000	771,000	$ 89,157,000
Wilmington Trust Corporation Acquisition [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of banking offices operated \| Office							55
Shares of M&T common stock exchanged for each share of Wilmington Trust common stock \| shares							0.051372
Common stock issued for acquisition \| shares	4,694,486
Common shares issued for acquisition fair value							$ 406,000,000
Assets acquired total							10,800,000,000
Loans and leases							6,400,000,000
Commercial real estate loans							3,200,000,000
Commercial loans and leases							1,400,000,000
Consumer loans							1,100,000,000
Residential real estate loans							680,000,000
Liabilities							10,000,000,000
Deposits							8,900,000,000
Value added in shareholders equity due to acquisition							406,000,000
Preferred stock redeemed in connection with Willington Trust acquisition							330,000,000
Core deposit and other intangibles							112,000,000
Provision for credit losses				42,000,000	700,000,000
Other- than-temporary impairment				$ 5,000,000	$ 38,000,000
Contractual principal and interest at acquisition of impaired loans							1,419,672,000
Contractual cash flows expected to be collected of impaired loans							747,265,000
Fair value of loans acquired of impaired loans							707,907,000
Additional Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Total common shares issued by M&T Bank \| shares	4,694,486
K Bank Acquisition [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets acquired total								$ 556,000,000
Loans and leases								154,000,000
Liabilities								528,000,000
Deposits								491,000,000
Cash and due from banks								$ 186,000,000
After-tax gain on K Bank transaction		17,000,000
Pre-tax gain on acquisitions		28,000,000
Additional Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Pre-tax gain on acquisitions		$ 28,000,000
Wilmington Trust Corporation [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets acquired total							10,845,042,000
Loans and leases							6,410,430,000
Liabilities							10,044,555,000
Deposits							8,864,161,000
Common shares issued for acquisition \| shares				4,694,486
Cash and due from banks							178,940,000
Pre-tax gain on acquisitions	$ 64,930,000
Additional Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Pre-tax gain on acquisitions	$ 64,930,000
Acquisition date fair value of common shares issued							405,557,000
Total purchase price based on the fair value of the acquisition date							$ 735,557,000
Bradford Acquisition [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets Acquired Total									$ 469,000,000
Loans and leases									302,000,000
Liabilities									440,000,000
Deposits									$ 361,000,000
Provident Acquisition [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets Acquired Total										6,300,000,000
Loans and leases										4,000,000,000
Liabilities										5,900,000,000
Deposits										5,100,000,000
Goodwill										332,000,000
Investment securities										1,000,000,000
Value added in shareholder's equity due to Provident acquisition										436,000,000
Core deposit intangible										$ 63,000,000

Investment securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	$ 6,312,423	$ 5,494,377
Gross Unrealized Gains	210,001	230,852
Gross Unrealized Losses	293,864	311,737
Estimated fair value	6,228,560	5,413,492
Investment securities held to maturity:
Amortized Cost for Held-to-maturity	1,077,708	1,324,339
Gross Unrealized Gains for Held-to-maturity	34,022	16,005
Gross Unrealized Losses for Held-to-maturity	99,168	115,091
Estimated fair value for Held-to-maturity	1,012,562	1,225,253
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities
Other securities, Amortized Cost	366,886	412,709
Other securities, Estimated fair value	366,886	412,709
Total Amortized Cost	7,757,017	7,231,425
Total for Gross Unrealized Gains	244,023	246,857
Total for Gross Unrealized losses	393,032	426,828
Total for Estimated fair value	7,608,008	7,051,454
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	69,468	61,772
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,255	1,680
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	18
Estimated fair value	70,723	63,434
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	39,518	59,921
Gross Unrealized Gains	771	561
Gross Unrealized Losses	20	57
Estimated fair value	40,269	60,425
Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	4,344,116	3,146,054
Gross Unrealized Gains	177,392	161,298
Gross Unrealized Losses	275	1,111
Estimated fair value	4,521,233	3,306,241
Privately issued residential [Member]
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	1,369,371	1,677,064
Gross Unrealized Gains	6,373	10,578
Gross Unrealized Losses	239,488	252,081
Estimated fair value	1,136,256	1,435,561
Privately issued commercial [Member]
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	17,679	25,357
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,650	2,950
Estimated fair value	15,029	22,407
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	43,834	95,080
Gross Unrealized Gains	11,154	24,754
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,488	9,078
Estimated fair value	52,500	110,756
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	216,700	310,017
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,588	26,883
Gross Unrealized Losses	44,443	38,000
Estimated fair value	176,845	298,900
Equity Securities [Member]
Investment securities available for sale:
Investment securities, available for sale, amortized cost	211,737	119,112
Gross Unrealized Gains	8,468	5,098
Gross Unrealized Losses	4,500	8,442
Estimated fair value	215,705	115,768
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Investment securities held to maturity:
Amortized Cost for Held-to-maturity	188,680	191,119
Gross Unrealized Gains for Held-to-maturity	9,141	1,944
Gross Unrealized Losses for Held-to-maturity	28	694
Estimated fair value for Held-to-maturity	197,793	192,369
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Investment securities held to maturity:
Amortized Cost for Held-to-maturity	11,853	12,575
Gross Unrealized Gains for Held-to-maturity	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses for Held-to-maturity	0	0
Estimated fair value for Held-to-maturity	$ 11,853	$ 12,575

Investment Securities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of collateralized mortgage obligations
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations Amortized Cost	$ 1,751,922	$ 2,195,422
Estimated fair value	$ 1,417,822	$ 1,840,046

Investment Securities (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Investment Securities (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Changes in credit losses associated with debt securities for which other than temporary impairment losses
Estimated credit losses, beginning balance	$ 327,912	$ 284,513	$ 155,967
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized	77,035	74,288	138,297
Reductions for increases in cash flows	(5,111)	(754)	(1,393)
Reductions for realized losses	(114,437)	(30,135)	(8,358)
Estimated credit losses, ending balance	$ 285,399	$ 327,912	$ 284,513

Investment Securities (Details 4) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Debt securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less	$ 52,096
Due after one year through five years	49,833
Due after five years through ten years	13,275
Due after ten years	254,316
Total available for available for sale (amortized cost)	369,520
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale	5,731,166
Total	6,100,686
Debt securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less	52,182
Due after one year through five years	51,977
Due after five years through ten years	14,621
Due after ten years	221,557
Total available for available for sale (fair value)	340,337
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale	5,672,518
Total	6,012,855
Debt securities held to maturity:
Due in one year or less	29,133
Due after one year through five years	27,717
Due after five years through ten years	129,160
Due after ten years	14,523
Total available for held to maturity (at cost)	200,533
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity	877,175
Total	1,077,708
Debt securities held to maturity:
Due in one year or less	29,352
Due after one year through five years	29,303
Due after five years through ten years	136,308
Due after ten years	14,683
Total available for held to maturity (fair value)	209,646
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity	802,916
Total	$ 1,012,562

Investment Securities (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	$ 421,016	$ 180,622
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(29,096)	(12,859)
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	851,849	1,180,395
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(264,768)	(298,878)
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	0	27,289
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	(18)
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	0	0
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	0	3,712
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	(18)
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	1,228	2,062
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(20)	(39)
Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	38,492	68,507
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(190)	(1,079)
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	6,017	2,965
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(85)	(32)
Privately issued residential [Member]
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	297,133	61,192
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(14,188)	(1,054)
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	751,077	1,057,315
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(225,300)	(251,027)
Privately issued commercial [Member]
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	0	0
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	0
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	15,029	22,407
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2,650)	(2,950)
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	2,871	12,462
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(335)	(6,959)
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	4,863	6,004
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2,153)	(2,119)
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	72,637	2,134
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(9,883)	(10)
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	73,635	88,969
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(34,560)	(37,990)
Equity Securities [Member]
Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	9,883	5,326
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(4,500)	(3,721)
Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	0	673
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	$ 0	$ (4,721)

Investment Securities (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Held to maturity, Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	$ 4,967	$ 76,318
Held to maturity, Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(596)	(638)
Held to maturity, Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	168,569	198,607
Held to maturity, Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(98,572)	(114,453)
Investment securities in continuous unrealized loss position
Total investment securities, fair value less than 12 months	425,983	256,940
Total of investment securities, unrealized losses, less than 12 months	(29,692)	(13,497)
Total of investment securities, fair value, more than 12 months	1,020,418	1,379,002
Total of investment securities, unrealized losses, more than 12 months	(363,340)	(413,331)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Held to maturity, Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	3,084	76,318
Held to maturity, Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(4)	(638)
Held to maturity, Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	1,430	467
Held to maturity, Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(24)	(56)
Privately Issued Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Held to maturity, Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	1,883	0
Held to maturity, Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(592)	0
Held to maturity, Estimated fair value, 12 months or more	167,139	198,140
Held to maturity, Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	$ (98,548)	$ (114,397)

Investment Securities (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Investment Securities (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Investment	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Impairment charges on investments	$ 72,915,000	$ 115,947,000	$ 264,363,000
Investment Securities Pledged To Secure Debt Carrying Value	$ 536,429,000
Investment securities (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of share holders equity that is not exceeded by investment in security of single non-us government or government agency	10.00%
Gross realized gains on investment securities	$ 150,223,000	3,549,000	1,629,000
Gross realized losses on investment securities	$ 36,000	779,000	464,000
Number of investment securities with aggregate gross unrealized losses \| Investment	337
Unrealized losses on individual investment securities	$ 393,032,000	426,828,000
Unrealized losses on privately issued residential mortgage-backed securities	341,000,000
Residential mortgage-backed securities at cost	1,600,000,000	1,500,000,000
Unrealized losses on trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions and securities backed by trust preferred securities	47,000,000
Other debt securities at cost	201,000,000
Other debt securities, fair value	366,886,000	412,709,000
Repledged investment securities	1,826,011,000
Available For Sale Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Securities Pledged To Secure Debt Carrying Value	4,527,515,000
Securities Backed By Trust Preferred Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Impairment charges on investments	0	6,000,000	10,000,000
Collateralized debt obligations backed by trust preferred securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Impairment charges on investments		12,000,000
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Pre-tax other-than temporary impairment losses	77,000,000	$ 68,000,000	$ 128,000,000
Trust preferred securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities	25,000,000
Aggregate amortized cost on mortgage-backed securities	136,000,000
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities	20,000,000
Aggregate amortized cost on mortgage-backed securities	100,000,000
Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities	104,000,000
Aggregate amortized cost on mortgage-backed securities	$ 1,500,000,000

Loans and leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Loans
Commercial, financial, etc.	$ 14,419,490	$ 11,999,065
Real estate:
Residential	7,889,569	5,876,413
Commercial	20,312,648	16,977,747
Construction	4,203,324	4,332,618
Consumer	12,020,229	11,483,564
Total loans	58,845,260	50,669,407
Leases
Commercial	1,532,615	1,646,535
Total loans and leases	60,377,875	52,315,942
Unearned discount	(281,870)	(325,560)
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	$ 60,096,005	$ 51,990,382

Loans and leases (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Outstanding principal and carrying value of acquired loans recorded at fair value
Outstanding principal balance	$ 9,203,366	$ 3,681,488
Carrying amount	8,159,787	3,337,725
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member]
Outstanding principal and carrying value of acquired loans recorded at fair value
Carrying amount	1,331,198	337,969
Commercial real estate [Member]
Outstanding principal and carrying value of acquired loans recorded at fair value
Carrying amount	3,879,518	1,420,239
Residential real estate [Member]
Outstanding principal and carrying value of acquired loans recorded at fair value
Carrying amount	915,371	348,225
Consumer [Member]
Outstanding principal and carrying value of acquired loans recorded at fair value
Carrying amount	$ 2,033,700	$ 1,231,292

Loans and leases (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Loans and leases (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Other [Member]
Summary of changes in Accretable Yield for acquired loans
Balance at the beginning of period	$ 447,505	$ 531,546	$ 0
Additions	648,631	13,747	640,080
Interest income	(268,315)	(171,207)	(108,534)
Reclassifications from (to) nonaccretable balance, net	1,800	34,000
Other	(21,661)	39,419
Balance at end of period	807,960	447,505	531,546
Purchase Impaired [Member]
Summary of changes in Accretable Yield for acquired loans
Balance at the beginning of period	9,245	4,318	0
Additions	39,358	4,922	6,381
Interest income	(26,221)	(5,826)	(1,834)
Reclassifications from (to) nonaccretable balance, net	8,629	5,831	(229)
Other	(206)
Balance at end of period	$ 30,805	$ 9,245	$ 4,318

Loans and leases (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	$ 57,167,794	$ 49,757,337
30-89 days past due	725,654	654,559
Purchased impaired	653,362	97,019
Nonaccrual	1,097,581	1,139,740
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	60,096,005	51,990,382
Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	163,738	91,022
Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	287,876	250,705
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	15,493,803	13,091,963
30-89 days past due	37,112	97,692
Purchased impaired	23,762	2,250
Nonaccrual	163,598	173,365
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	15,734,436	13,390,610
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	8,560	8,693
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	7,601	16,647
Commercial Real Estate Excluding Residential Builder and Developer and Other Construction [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	19,658,761	16,594,914
30-89 days past due	172,641	92,866
Purchased impaired	192,804	8,275
Nonaccrual	171,111	184,361
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	20,259,448	16,931,790
Commercial Real Estate Excluding Residential Builder and Developer and Other Construction [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	54,148	25,010
Commercial Real Estate Excluding Residential Builder and Developer and Other Construction [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	9,983	26,364
Residential builder and developer [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	845,680	898,581
30-89 days past due	49,353	34,361
Purchased impaired	297,005	72,710
Nonaccrual	281,576	316,811
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	1,508,333	1,351,490
Residential builder and developer [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	21,116	28,204
Residential builder and developer [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	13,603	823
Other commercial construction [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	2,393,304	2,725,786
30-89 days past due	41,049	37,665
Purchased impaired	78,105	2,098
Nonaccrual	106,325	116,265
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	2,643,333	2,899,881
Other commercial construction [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	23,582	7,718
Other commercial construction [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	968	10,349
Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	6,626,182	4,699,711
30-89 days past due	256,017	229,641
Purchased impaired	56,741	9,320
Nonaccrual	172,681	162,001
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	7,400,075	5,303,677
Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	37,982	10,728
Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	250,472	192,276
Residential Alt-A [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	383,834	475,236
30-89 days past due	34,077	42,674
Purchased impaired	0	0
Nonaccrual	105,179	106,469
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	523,090	624,379
Residential Alt-A [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	0	0
Residential Alt-A [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	0	0
Home equity lines and loans [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	6,570,675	6,472,563
30-89 days past due	43,516	38,367
Purchased impaired	4,635	2,366
Nonaccrual	47,150	33,363
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	6,681,385	6,556,351
Home equity lines and loans [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	15,409	9,692
Home equity lines and loans [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	0	0
Automobile [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	2,644,330	2,608,230
30-89 days past due	48,342	44,604
Purchased impaired	0	0
Nonaccrual	26,835	31,866
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	2,720,108	2,684,726
Automobile [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	601	26
Automobile [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	0	0
Other [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
Current	2,551,225	2,190,353
30-89 days past due	43,547	36,689
Purchased impaired	310	0
Nonaccrual	23,126	15,239
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	2,625,797	2,247,478
Other [Member] \| Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	2,340	951
Other [Member] \| Non-Acquired Financing Receivable [Member]
Summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans
90 days or more past due and accruing	$ 5,249	$ 4,246

Loans and leases (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Direct financings:
Lease payments receivable	$ 1,137,310	$ 1,205,499
Estimated residual value of leased assets	96,479	96,441
Unearned income	(153,704)	(181,771)
Investment in direct financings	1,080,085	1,120,169
Leveraged leases:
Lease payments receivable	154,551	164,818
Estimated residual value of leased assets	144,275	179,777
Unearned income	(53,847)	(63,154)
Investment in leveraged leases	244,979	281,441
Total investment in leases	1,325,064	1,401,610
Deferred taxes payable arising from leveraged leases	$ 180,731	$ 202,566

Loans and leases (Details 6) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Minimum future lease payments to be received from lease financings
2012	$ 312,730
2013	246,265
2014	180,844
2015	131,097
2016	103,161
Later years	317,764
Total	$ 1,291,861

Loans and leases (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Loans and leases (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Loans And Leases Receivable Leases [Line Items]
Lease payments receivable	$ 154,551,000	$ 164,818,000
Estimated residual value	144,275,000	179,777,000
Unearned income	53,847,000	63,154,000
Loans and leases and allowance for credit losses (Details) (Textual) [Abstract]
Charges incurred for reimbursement of loan	23,000,000	30,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Contractual principal and interest payments	$ 653,000,000	$ 97,000,000
Purchased impaired loans as a percentage of total assets	Less than 1% of companys assets	Less than .2% of companys assets
Interest income that would have been recognized on nonaccrual and renegotiated loans if those loans were accruing interest at their originally contracted terms	$ 80,278,000	$ 90,351,000	99,618,000
Interest on nonaccrual and renegotiated loans included in interest income	$ 31,301,000	40,139,000	$ 43,920,000
Exclusion limit of loans from related party disclosure	Less than 120000
Borrowing by directors and certain officers of M&T and its banking subsidiaries and their associates	$ 96,523,000	105,540,000
New borrowings by directors, certain officers and their associates	12,320,000
Repayments and other reductions of borrowings by directors, certain officers and their associates	21,337,000
Guaranteed amount included in the estimated residual value of leased assets associated with direct financing leases	52,000,000	53,000,000
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Loans And Leases Receivable Leases [Line Items]
Mortgage loans held for sale	210,000,000	341,000,000
Mortgage loans serviced for others sold with credit recourse	13,000,000
Loans pledged to secure outstanding borrowings from the FHLB of New York	4,200,000,000
Leveraged leases for which the company is indemnified from loss by AIB [Member]
Loans And Leases Receivable Leases [Line Items]
Estimated residual value	13,000,000	26,000,000
Commercial, financial, leasing [Member]
Loans And Leases Receivable Leases [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans held for sale	161,000,000	$ 204,000,000
Mortgage loans serviced for others sold with credit recourse	1,800,000,000
Loans pledged to secure outstanding borrowings from the FHLB of New York	8,500,000,000
Commercial Loans and Leases [Member]
Loans And Leases Receivable Leases [Line Items]
Loans pledged to secure outstanding borrowings from the FHLB of New York	6,100,000,000
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit [Member]
Loans And Leases Receivable Leases [Line Items]
Loans pledged to secure outstanding borrowings from the FHLB of New York	4,200,000,000
Other Consumer Loans [Member]
Loans And Leases Receivable Leases [Line Items]
Loans pledged to secure outstanding borrowings from the FHLB of New York	$ 3,200,000,000

Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Changes in the allowance for credit losses
Beginning balance	$ 902,941	$ 878,022
Provision for credit losses	270,000	368,000
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts		2,752
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs	(309,487)	(412,346)	$ (556,462)
Recoveries	44,836	66,513	42,580
Net charge-offs	(264,651)	(345,833)	(513,882)
Ending balance	908,290	902,941	878,022
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member]
Changes in the allowance for credit losses
Beginning balance	212,579	219,170
Provision for credit losses	66,240	58,438
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs	(55,021)	(91,650)
Recoveries	10,224	26,621
Net charge-offs	(44,797)	(65,029)
Ending balance	234,022	212,579	219,170
Real Estate Commercial [Member]
Changes in the allowance for credit losses
Beginning balance	400,562	359,770
Provision for credit losses	44,404	159,023
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs	(86,869)	(124,087)
Recoveries	9,540	5,856
Net charge-offs	(77,329)	(118,231)
Ending balance	367,637	400,562	359,770
Residential real estate [Member]
Changes in the allowance for credit losses
Beginning balance	86,351	91,582
Provision for credit losses	57,081	52,960
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts		2,752
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs	(58,351)	(71,016)
Recoveries	6,834	10,073
Net charge-offs	(51,517)	(60,943)
Ending balance	91,915	86,351	91,582
Consumer [Member]
Changes in the allowance for credit losses
Beginning balance	133,067	137,124
Provision for credit losses	101,062	97,573
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs	(109,246)	(125,593)
Recoveries	18,238	23,963
Net charge-offs	(91,008)	(101,630)
Ending balance	143,121	133,067	137,124
Unallocated [Member]
Changes in the allowance for credit losses
Beginning balance	70,382	70,376
Provision for credit losses	1,213	6
Net charge-offs
Ending balance	$ 71,595	$ 70,382	$ 70,376

Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Allowance for credit losses
Beginning balance	$ 902,941	$ 878,022	$ 787,904
Provision for credit losses	270,000	368,000	604,000
Net charge-offs
Charge-offs	(309,487)	(412,346)	(556,462)
Recoveries	44,836	66,513	42,580
Net charge-offs	(264,651)	(345,833)	(513,882)
Ending balance	$ 908,290	$ 902,941	$ 878,022

- Definition

The allowance for loan and lease losses represents the reserve to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans and leases, as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. For banks, include currently required allocated transfer risk reserves. Include carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in connection with business combinations determined to be appropriate.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 114
-Paragraph 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 9
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph d

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 8, 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph a(ii)
-Subsection I
-LegacyDoc This is a non-GAAP reference that was included in the 2009 taxonomy. It will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section L
-Subsection 1

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(d))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)(1)(ii)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544

+ Details

Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	$ 1,123,315	$ 1,175,670
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,440,333	1,370,544
Related Allowance	168,001	213,933
Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	398,590	271,166
Unpaid Principal Balance	505,602	327,240
Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	724,725	904,504
Unpaid Principal Balance	934,731	1,043,304
Related Allowance	168,001	213,933
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	171,642	174,197
Unpaid Principal Balance	206,288	237,580
Related Allowance	48,674	40,909
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	53,104	52,453
Unpaid Principal Balance	60,778	66,692
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	118,538	121,744
Unpaid Principal Balance	145,510	170,888
Related Allowance	48,674	40,909
Commercial real estate loans [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	174,522	188,244
Unpaid Principal Balance	219,574	221,815
Related Allowance	17,651	17,393
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	71,636	77,269
Unpaid Principal Balance	91,118	81,800
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	102,886	110,975
Unpaid Principal Balance	128,456	140,015
Related Allowance	17,651	17,393
Residential builder and developer [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	292,449	334,707
Unpaid Principal Balance	458,146	381,070
Related Allowance	52,562	78,597
Residential builder and developer [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	133,156	71,162
Unpaid Principal Balance	177,277	86,039
Residential builder and developer [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	159,293	263,545
Unpaid Principal Balance	280,869	295,031
Related Allowance	52,562	78,597
Other commercial construction [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	106,886	117,214
Unpaid Principal Balance	114,501	122,539
Related Allowance	3,836	22,067
Other commercial construction [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	86,652	36,280
Unpaid Principal Balance	89,862	37,107
Other commercial construction [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	20,234	80,934
Unpaid Principal Balance	24,639	85,432
Related Allowance	3,836	22,067
Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	121,568	78,041
Unpaid Principal Balance	145,123	93,002
Related Allowance	4,420	3,375
Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	19,686	5,035
Unpaid Principal Balance	25,625	7,723
Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	101,882	73,006
Unpaid Principal Balance	119,498	85,279
Related Allowance	4,420	3,375
Residential Alt-A [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	184,752	209,632
Unpaid Principal Balance	223,920	239,324
Related Allowance	25,000	36,000
Residential Alt-A [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	34,356	28,967
Unpaid Principal Balance	60,942	47,879
Residential Alt-A [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	150,396	180,665
Unpaid Principal Balance	162,978	191,445
Related Allowance	25,000	36,000
Home equity lines and loans [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	9,385	11,799
Unpaid Principal Balance	10,670	13,378
Related Allowance	2,306	2,227
Home equity lines and loans [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	9,385	11,799
Unpaid Principal Balance	10,670	13,378
Related Allowance	2,306	2,227
Automobile [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	53,710	58,858
Unpaid Principal Balance	53,710	58,858
Related Allowance	11,468	12,597
Automobile [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	53,710	58,858
Unpaid Principal Balance	53,710	58,858
Related Allowance	11,468	12,597
Other [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	8,401	2,978
Unpaid Principal Balance	8,401	2,978
Related Allowance	2,084	768
Other [Member] \| Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Impaired loans and leases
Recorded Investment	8,401	2,978
Unpaid Principal Balance	8,401	2,978
Related Allowance	$ 2,084	$ 768

Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 3) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 3) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	$ 1,145,129,000	$ 1,149,341,000	$ 986,164,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	25,028,000	25,046,000	$ 10,224,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	12,313,000	12,649,000
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	163,485,000	244,687,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	3,306,000	4,834,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	3,278,000	4,810,000
Commercial real estate loans [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	189,837,000	240,123,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	2,060,000	1,983,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	1,985,000	1,740,000
Residential builder and developer [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	317,296,000	252,229,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	1,948,000	1,716,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	860,000	746,000
Other commercial construction [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	105,947,000	60,416,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	926,000	371,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	684,000	357,000
Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	99,107,000	62,104,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	4,271,000	3,028,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	2,286,000	1,755,000
Residential Alt-A [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	196,161,000	220,589,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	7,713,000	8,397,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	1,965,000	1,758,000
Home equity lines and loans [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	11,428,000	11,807,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	681,000	790,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	106,000	202,000
Automobile [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	56,862,000	54,221,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	3,850,000	3,684,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	1,060,000	1,233,000
Other [Member]
Interest income recognized on loans
Average Recorded Investment	5,006,000	3,165,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	273,000	243,000
Interest Income Recognized, Cash Basis	$ 89,000	$ 48,000

Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	$ 60,096,005	$ 51,990,382
Commercial, financial, leasing [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	15,734,436	13,390,610
Commercial Real Estate Excluding Residential Builder and Developer and Other Construction [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	20,259,448	16,931,790
Residential builder and developer [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	1,508,333	1,351,490
Other commercial construction [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	2,643,333	2,899,881
Pass [Member] \| Commercial, financial, leasing [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	14,869,636	12,384,512
Pass [Member] \| Commercial Real Estate Excluding Residential Builder and Developer and Other Construction [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	19,089,252	15,855,774
Pass [Member] \| Residential builder and developer [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	1,085,970	722,747
Pass [Member] \| Other commercial construction [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	2,254,609	2,263,965
Criticized Accrual [Member] \| Commercial, financial, leasing [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	701,202	832,733
Criticized Accrual [Member] \| Commercial Real Estate Excluding Residential Builder and Developer and Other Construction [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	999,085	891,655
Criticized Accrual [Member] \| Residential builder and developer [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	140,787	311,932
Criticized Accrual [Member] \| Other commercial construction [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	282,399	519,651
Criticized Nonaccrual [Member] \| Commercial, financial, leasing [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	163,598	173,365
Criticized Nonaccrual [Member] \| Commercial Real Estate Excluding Residential Builder and Developer and Other Construction [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	171,111	184,361
Criticized Nonaccrual [Member] \| Residential builder and developer [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	281,576	316,811
Criticized Nonaccrual [Member] \| Other commercial construction [Member]
Summary of Loan grades
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	$ 106,325	$ 116,265

- Definition

Reflects the aggregate gross carrying amount of all categories of loans and leases held in portfolio, after deducting deferred income, but before deducting the allowance for losses on loans and leases.

+ References + Details

Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	$ 908,290	$ 902,941	$ 878,022	$ 787,904
Allocated [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	836,695	832,559
Unallocated [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	71,595	70,382
Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	165,579	209,033
Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	663,674	618,626
Purchased Impaired [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	7,442	4,900
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Allocated [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	234,022	212,579
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	48,517	171,442
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	185,048	5,539,232
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Purchased Impaired [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	457	450
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Allocated [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	367,637	400,562
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	71,784	114,082
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	291,271	282,505
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Purchased Impaired [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	4,582	3,975
Residential real estate [Member] \| Allocated [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	91,915	86,351
Residential real estate [Member] \| Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	29,420	39,000
Residential real estate [Member] \| Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	60,742	46,976
Residential real estate [Member] \| Purchased Impaired [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	1,753	375
Consumer loans [Member] \| Allocated [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	143,121	133,067
Consumer loans [Member] \| Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	15,858	15,492
Consumer loans [Member] \| Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	126,613	117,475
Consumer loans [Member] \| Purchased Impaired [Member]
Allocation of allowance for credit losses on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Allowance for credit losses	$ 650	$ 100

Allowance For Credit Losses (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	$ 60,096,005	$ 51,990,382
Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	1,110,873	1,149,496
Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	58,331,770	50,743,867
Purchased Impaired [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	653,362	97,019
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	15,734,436	13,390,610
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	171,442	173,365
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	15,539,232	13,214,995
Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member] \| Purchased Impaired [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	23,762	2,250
Commercial real estate loans [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	24,411,114	21,183,161
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	561,615	617,437
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	23,281,585	20,482,641
Commercial real estate loans [Member] \| Purchased Impaired [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	567,914	83,083
Residential real estate loans [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	7,923,165	5,928,056
Residential real estate loans [Member] \| Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	306,320	286,612
Residential real estate loans [Member] \| Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	7,560,104	5,632,124
Residential real estate loans [Member] \| Purchased Impaired [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	56,741	9,320
Consumer loans [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	12,027,290	11,488,555
Consumer loans [Member] \| Individually evaluated for impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	71,496	72,082
Consumer loans [Member] \| Collectively Evaluated For Impairment [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	11,950,849	11,414,107
Consumer loans [Member] \| Purchased Impaired [Member]
Recorded investment in loans and leases on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount	$ 4,945	$ 2,366

- Definition

+ References + Details

Allowance for Credit Losses (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Allowance for Credit Losses (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Allowance for Credit Losses (Textual) [Abstract]
Loan delinquent period	90 days or more
Recorded investment	$ 1,145,129,000	$ 1,149,341,000	$ 986,164,000
Interest Income Recognized, Total	$ 25,028,000	$ 25,046,000	$ 10,224,000
Maturity period of line of credit	more than 150 days

Premises And Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Premises And Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Land	$ 86,120,000	$ 64,728,000
Leasehold improvements	198,379,000	172,638,000
Premises and equipment Gross	1,096,327,000	886,399,000
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	514,892,000	450,562,000
Premises and equipment net	581,435,000	435,837,000
Premises and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Net lease expense for all operating leases	97,098,000	94,646,000	$ 89,030,000
Owned Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Buildings	365,087,000	280,288,000
Furniture and equipment	436,203,000	366,227,000
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	512,399,000	449,571,000
Capital Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Buildings	1,131,000	1,131,000
Furniture and equipment	9,407,000	1,387,000
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 2,493,000	$ 991,000

Capitalized servicing assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Changes in capitalized servicing assets
Beginning balance	$ 160,876	$ 174,302	$ 191,359
Originations	31,533	44,406	43,451
Purchases	61,642	593	972
Assumed in loan securitizations (note 19)			788
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts (note 19)		(1,843)
Amortization	(55,859)	(56,582)	(62,268)
Amortized value, ending balance	198,192	160,876	174,302
Valuation allowance	(1,800)		(50)
Ending balance, net	196,392	160,876	174,252
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Changes in capitalized servicing assets
Beginning balance	92,066	101,155	106,979
Originations	13,920	27,430	31,034
Purchases	61,642	593	972
Assumed in loan securitizations (note 19)			788
Consolidation of loan securitization trusts (note 19)		(1,843)
Amortization	(36,364)	(35,269)	(38,618)
Amortized value, ending balance	131,264	92,066	101,155
Valuation allowance	(1,800)		(50)
Ending balance, net	129,464	92,066	101,105
Small-Balance Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Changes in capitalized servicing assets
Beginning balance	26,197	40,251	58,044
Amortization	(10,519)	(14,054)	(17,793)
Amortized value, ending balance	15,678	26,197	40,251
Ending balance, net	15,678	26,197	40,251
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Changes in capitalized servicing assets
Beginning balance	42,613	32,896	26,336
Originations	17,613	16,976	12,417
Amortization	(8,976)	(7,259)	(5,857)
Amortized value, ending balance	51,250	42,613	32,896
Ending balance, net	$ 51,250	$ 42,613	$ 32,896

Capitalized servicing assets (Details 1) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Capitalized servicing assets (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Economic assumptions used to determine the fair vale of capitalized servicing rights and the sensitivity of value to changes in the assumptions
Weighted-average prepayment speeds	18.89%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change, prepayment speeds	$ (9,777,000)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change, prepayment speeds	$ (18,480,000)
Weighted-average OAS	9.78%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change, OAS	$ (3,994,000)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change, OAS	$ (7,711,000)
Small-Balance Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Economic assumptions used to determine the fair vale of capitalized servicing rights and the sensitivity of value to changes in the assumptions
Weighted-average prepayment speeds	8.64%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change, prepayment speeds	$ (2,051,000)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change, prepayment speeds	$ (3,932,000)
Weighted-average OAS	17.83%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change, OAS	$ (1,688,000)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change, OAS	$ (3,255,000)
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Economic assumptions used to determine the fair vale of capitalized servicing rights and the sensitivity of value to changes in the assumptions
Weighted-average discount rate	18.00%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change, discount rate	$ (2,633,000)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change, discount rate	$ (5,071,000)

Capitalized servicing assets (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Capitalized servicing assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Mortgage loans serviced for others	$ 36,300,000,000	$ 15,900,000,000	$ 15,900,000,000
Valuation allowance for capitalized residential mortgage loan servicing assets reversed	1,800,000	50,000	21,950,000
Estimated fair value of capitalized mortgage loan servicing assets	$ 168,000,000	$ 162,000,000
Weighted average discount rates used to estimate fair value of capitalized mortgaged loan servicing assets	10.40%	13.20%
Weighted-average option-adjusted spread in the discount rate	978 basis points	748 basis points
Small-Balance Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Capitalized servicing assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Mortgage loans serviced for others	$ 4,400,000,000	$ 5,200,000,000	5,500,000,000
Estimated fair value of capitalized mortgage loan servicing assets	$ 49,000,000	$ 58,000,000
Weighted average discount rates used to estimate fair value of capitalized mortgaged loan servicing assets	19.20%	19.70%
Weighted-average option-adjusted spread in the discount rate	1783 basis points	1778 basis points
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Capitalized servicing assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Mortgage loans serviced for others	$ 9,000,000,000	$ 8,100,000,000	$ 7,100,000,000
Estimated fair value of capitalized mortgage loan servicing assets	$ 60,000,000	$ 50,000,000
Weighted average discount rates used to estimate fair value of capitalized mortgaged loan servicing assets	18.00%	18.00%

- Definition

Fair value as of the balance sheet date of an asset representing net future revenues from contractually specified servicing fees, late charges, and other ancillary revenues, in excess of future costs related to servicing arrangements.

+ References + Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Total amortizing intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 933,062	$ 820,968
Accumulated Amortization	756,668	695,051
Net Carrying Amount	176,394	125,917
Core Deposit [Member]
Total amortizing intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	755,794	701,000
Accumulated Amortization	626,453	576,986
Net Carrying Amount	129,341	124,014
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Total amortizing intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	177,268	119,968
Accumulated Amortization	130,215	118,065
Net Carrying Amount	$ 47,053	$ 1,903

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Estimated amortization expense in future years
Future Amortization Expense, 2012	$ 60,631
Future Amortization Expense, 2013	46,912
Future Amortization Expense, 2014	33,825
Future Amortization Expense, 2015	20,938
Future Amortization Expense, 2016	10,052
Future Amortization Expense, Later years	4,036
Future Amortization Expense, Total	$ 176,394

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 3,524,625	$ 3,524,625
Business Banking [Member]
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	748,907
Commercial Banking [Member]
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	907,524
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	349,197
Discretionary Portfolio [Member]
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	0
Residential Mortgage Banking [Member]
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	0
Retail Banking [Member]
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	1,144,404
All Other [Member]
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 374,593

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets	$ 61,617,000	$ 58,103,000	$ 64,255,000
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum estimated useful lives of core deposit and other intangible assets \| yr	5
Maximum estimated useful lives of core deposit and other intangible assets (in years) \| yr	10
Remaining weighted-average amortization period	5 years
Weighted-average original amortization period of core deposit and other intangibles	8
Finite lived intangible assets remaining weighted average useful life \| yr	5
Goodwill Impairment Loss	$ 0
Core Deposits And Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets	$ 61,617,000	$ 58,103,000	$ 64,255,000

Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Amounts and interest rate of short-term borrowings
Federal funds purchased and short term borrowings	$ 782,082	$ 947,432	$ 2,442,582
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements	732,059	866,555	2,211,692
Other short-term borrowings	$ 50,023	$ 80,877	$ 230,890
Weighted-average interest rate	0.09%	0.19%	0.10%
Daily-average amount outstanding	$ 826,808	$ 1,854,033	$ 2,911,065
Weighted-average interest rate	0.12%	0.16%	0.24%
Federal Funds Purchased and Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Amounts and interest rate of short-term borrowings
Weighted-average interest rate	0.04%	0.19%	0.04%
Highest amount at a month-end	$ 1,389,237	$ 2,612,727	$ 2,491,573
Daily-average amount outstanding	$ 706,749	$ 1,749,525	$ 1,885,464
Weighted-average interest rate	0.11%	0.15%	0.15%
Other Short Term Borrowings [Member]
Amounts and interest rate of short-term borrowings
Weighted-average interest rate	0.70%	0.20%	0.66%
Highest amount at a month-end	$ 142,927	$ 236,842	$ 2,049,727
Daily-average amount outstanding	$ 120,059	$ 104,508	$ 1,025,601
Weighted-average interest rate	0.18%	0.33%	0.42%

Borrowings (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
M&T (Consolidated) [Member]
Lines of credit under formal agreements
Outstanding borrowings	$ 0
Unused	30,000
M&T Bank [Member]
Lines of credit under formal agreements
Outstanding borrowings	1,447,266
Unused	17,473,710
Wilmington Trust, N.A [Member]
Lines of credit under formal agreements
Outstanding borrowings	0
Unused	$ 88,600

Borrowings (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Advances from FHLB:
Variable rates	$ 1,000,000	$ 2,525,268
Fixed rates	398,407	347,161
Agreements to repurchase securities	1,400,000	1,625,001
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Other Long-term Debt	44,405	48,384
Long-term borrowings	6,686,226	7,840,151
Senior notes of M&T - 5.375% due 2012 [Member]
Long-term borrowings
Senior Notes	299,991	299,971
3.85% due 2013, variable rate commenced in 2008 [Member]
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
Subordinated Debt	400,000	400,000
4.875% due 2013 [Member]
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
Subordinated Debt	255,839
6.625% due 2017 [Member]
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
Subordinated Debt	452,655	425,969
9.5% due 2018 [Member]
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
Subordinated Debt	50,000	50,000
8.5% due 2018 [Member]
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
Subordinated Debt	237,194
5.585% due 2020, variable rate commencing 2015 [Member]
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
Subordinated Debt	378,917	372,668
5.629% due 2021, variable rate commencing 2016 [Member]
Subordinated notes of M&T Bank:
Subordinated Debt	589,516	568,196
M&T Capital Trust I - 8.234%, due 2027 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	154,640	154,640
M&T Capital Trust II - 8.277%, due 2027 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	103,093	103,093
M&T Capital Trust III - 9.25%, due 2027 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	66,759	67,084
BSB Capital Trust I - 8.125%, due 2028 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	15,542	15,519
Provident Trust I - 8.29%, due 2028 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	24,483	24,256
Southern Financial Statutory Trust I - 10.60%, due 2030 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	6,474	6,455
M&T Capital Trust IV - 8.50%, due 2068 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	350,010	350,010
First Maryland Capital I Variable Rates Due 2027 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	143,564	143,025
First Maryland Capital II - due 2027 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	144,638	143,975
Allfirst Asset Trust - due 2029 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	95,768	95,623
BSB Capital Trust III - due 2033 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	15,464	15,464
Provident Trust III - due 2033 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	51,244	50,823
Southern Financial Capital Trust III - due 2033 [Member]
Junior subordinated debentures of M&T associated with preferred capital securities:
Junior subordinated debentures associated with preferred capital securities	$ 7,623	$ 7,566

Borrowings (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Maturity of long-term borrowings
Maturity at 2012	$ 1,671,734
Maturity at 2013	660,084
Maturity at 2014	19,822
Maturity at 2015	4,272
Maturity at 2016	804,663
Maturity at later years	3,525,651
Long Term Debt	$ 6,686,226	$ 7,840,151

Borrowings (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Borrowings (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 01, 2012
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Advances from the FHLB maturity date	2035
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	3.85%
Borrowings (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity period of other short-term borrowings	one year or less
Minimum contractual interest rates of long-term agreements to repurchase securities	3.61%	3.69%
Maximum contractual interest rates of long-term agreements to repurchase securities	4.30%	5.14%
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rates of long term agreements to repurchase securities	3.90%	4.16%
Repurchase dates of the long-term agreements outstanding		2017
Percentage of variable rate	1.87%
Minimum variable interest rate of Junior Subordinated Debentures	1.28%	1.14%
Maximum variable interest rate of Junior Subordinated Debentures	3.92%	3.64%
Percentage of variable rate		1.79%
Weighted-average variable rates payable on Junior Subordinated Debentures	1.87%	1.72%
Rate on related enhanced trust preferred securities	8.50%
Junior Subordinated Debentures Maturity Date	Jan. 31, 2068
Debt Maturity, Start Date	2027
Debt Maturity, End Date	2068
Period of days prior to redemption or repurchase of enhanced trust preferred securities applicable to provisions of the replacement capital covenant	180 days
End date of restrictions included in the replacement capital covenant	Jan. 31, 2048
M&T (Consolidated) [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrower using revolving credit agreement			$ 30,000
M&T Bank [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowing facilities available with the FHLB's amount	$ 9,000,000
FHLB Atlanta [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Federal funds and short-term repurchase agreements outstanding	50,000	$ 28,000
Federal Reserve Bank of New York [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility	10,000,000
Junior Subordinated Debenture due January 31, 2068 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Junior subordinated debentures	$ 350,000
Long-term variable rate advances from FHLB [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Variable contractual interest rate of long term debt lower limit	0.26%	0.24%
Variable contractual interest rate of long term debt upper limit	0.36%	2.00%
Weighted average contractual variable interest rate	0.29%	0.32%
Long-term fixed rate advances from the FHLB [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Variable contractual interest rate of long term debt lower limit	0.79%	3.48%
Variable contractual interest rate of long term debt upper limit	7.32%	7.32%
Weighted average contractual variable interest rate	3.52%	4.33%
Senior notes of M&T - 5.375% due 2012 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	5.375%	5.375%
4.875% due 2013 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	4.875%	4.875%
8.5% due 2018 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	8.50%	8.50%
3.85% due 2013, variable rate commenced in 2008 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	3.85%	3.85%
Subordinated Borrowing Variable Rate Description	Rate is equal to three-month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.50%
Subordinated Borrowing Rate	1.50%
6.625% due 2017 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	6.625%	6.625%
9.5% due 2018 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	9.50%	9.50%
5.585% due 2020, variable rate commencing 2015 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	5.585%	5.585%
5.629% due 2021, variable rate commencing 2016 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	5.629%	5.629%
M&T Capital Trust I - 8.234%, due 2027 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	8.234%	8.234%
Junior subordinated debentures	$ 154,640	$ 154,640
M&T Capital Trust II - 8.277%, due 2027 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	8.277%	8.277%
Junior subordinated debentures	$ 103,093	$ 103,093
M&T Capital Trust III - 9.25%, due 2027 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	9.25%	9.25%
Junior subordinated debentures	$ 66,759	$ 67,084
BSB Capital Trust I - 8.125%, due 2028 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	8.125%	8.125%
Junior subordinated debentures	$ 15,542	$ 15,519
Provident Trust I - 8.29%, due 2028 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	8.29%	8.29%
Junior subordinated debentures	$ 24,483	$ 24,256
Southern Financial Statutory Trust I - 10.60%, due 2030 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	10.60%	10.60%
Junior subordinated debentures	$ 6,474	$ 6,455
M&T Capital Trust IV - 8.50%, due 2068 [Member]
Schedule of Borrowings [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	8.50%	8.50%
Junior subordinated debentures	$ 350,010	$ 350,010

Shareholders' equity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2011 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Issued and outstanding preferred stock
Preferred stock, shares issued		381,500	778,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding		50,000	0
Carrying value \| $		$ 864,585	$ 740,657
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value \| $ / shares		$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Liquidation preference \| $ / shares		$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized		1,000,000	1,000,000
Limitation by U.S. Treasury on maximum amount of dividend to be paid per common stock quarterly \| $ / shares		$ 0.7
Redemption days of shares by Company		90 days
Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]
Issued and outstanding preferred stock
Preferred stock, shares issued		230,000	600,000
Carrying value \| $		$ 224,277	$ 578,630
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Liquidation preference \| $ / shares		$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Series B Mandatory Convertible Non-cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Issued and outstanding preferred stock
Preferred stock, shares issued		0	26,500
Carrying value \| $		$ 0	$ 26,500
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Liquidation preference \| $ / shares		$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Series C Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]
Issued and outstanding preferred stock
Preferred stock, shares issued		151,500	151,500
Carrying value \| $		$ 140,308	$ 135,527
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Liquidation preference \| $ / shares		$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Series D Fixed Rate Non Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]
Issued and outstanding preferred stock
Preferred stock, shares issued		50,000	0
Carrying value \| $		$ 500,000	$ 0
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Liquidation preference \| $ / shares		$ 10,000
Ten Year Warrant Series A Preferred [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Ten-year warrant to purchase common stock		1,218,522
Ten Year Warrant Series C Preferred [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Ten-year warrant to purchase common stock		407,542
Series A [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Exercise price of each class of warrants or rights outstanding \| $ / shares		73.86
Preferred stock, shares redeemed	370,000
Accelerated amortization of preferred stock discount as per redemption \| $	$ 11,200
Series B [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividend rate		10.00%
Number of shares of M&T common stock resulting from conversion of Series B Preferred		433,144
Series C [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Exercise price of each class of warrants or rights outstanding \| $ / shares		55.76
Series D [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividend rate		6.875%
Preferred series A and C first five years [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividend rate		5.00%
Preferred series A and C after five years [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividend rate		9.00%

Stock-based compensation plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
Stock-based compensation plans (Details)	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / shares shares
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Unvested at January 1 , 2011 \| shares	965,072
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Unvested at January 1 , 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 52.81
Restricted Stock Outstanding, Granted \| shares	451,248
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Granted \| $ / shares	$ 85.03
Restricted Stock Outstanding, Vested \| shares	(290,034)
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Vested \| $ / shares	$ 61.50
Restricted Stock Outstanding, Cancelled \| shares	(34,921)
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Cancelled \| $ / shares	$ 64.37
Restricted Stock Outstanding, Unvested at December 31, 2011 \| shares	1,091,365
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Unvested at December 31 , 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 63.45
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Unvested at January 1 , 2011 \| shares	719,976
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Unvested at January 1 , 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 49.99
Restricted Stock Outstanding, Granted \| shares	242,282
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Granted \| $ / shares	$ 86.35
Restricted Stock Outstanding, Vested \| shares	(148,189)
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Vested \| $ / shares	$ 46.17
Restricted Stock Outstanding, Cancelled \| shares	(12,606)
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Cancelled \| $ / shares	$ 73.73
Restricted Stock Outstanding, Unvested at December 31, 2011 \| shares	801,463
Weighted-Average Grant Price, Unvested at December 31 , 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 61.31

Stock-based compensation plans (Details 1) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr $ / shares shares
Summary of stock option activity
Stock Options Outstanding at January 1, 2011 \| shares	10,578,415
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 97.35
Stock Options Outstanding, Granted \| shares	100
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted \| $ / shares	$ 86.47
Stock Options Outstanding, Exercised \| shares	(449,022)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised \| $ / shares	$ 70.76
Stock Options Outstanding, Cancelled \| shares	(22,483)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Cancelled \| $ / shares	$ 91.80
Stock Options Outstanding, Expired \| shares	(267,062)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Expired \| $ / shares	$ 104.89
Stock Options Outstanding at December 31, 2011 \| shares	9,839,948
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 98.37
Weighted Average Life (In Years), Outstanding at December 31, 2011 \| yr	3.8
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2011 \| $	$ 3,075
Stock Options Outstanding, Exercisable at December 31, 2010 \| shares	8,775,638
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at December 31, 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 99.50
Weighted-Average Life (In Years), Exercisable at December 31, 2011 \| yr	3.5
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2011 \| $	$ 1,497

Stock-based compensation plans (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Stock-based compensation plans (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) shares
Stock- based compensation plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 56,000,000	$ 54,000,000	$ 54,000,000
Recognized income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	$ 22,000,000	$ 20,000,000	17,000,000
Shares under equity incentive compensation plan for future grant \| shares	5,619,632	5,959,828
Loans receivable secured by Company common stock			4,000,000
Stock Option Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Stock options exercisable period, maximum	ten years and one day
Tax benefits realized from exercise of stock options	$ 3,000,000	$ 7,000,000	3,000,000
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	7,000,000	21,000,000	6,000,000
Total grant date fair value of stock options vested	29,000,000	38,000,000	37,000,000
Cash realized from exercise of stock options	$ 28,000,000	$ 55,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized over a weighted average period (in years) \| yr	1.2
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards	$ 7,000,000
Shares issued \| shares	242,282	231,037	578,131
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$ 20,921,000	$ 17,039,000	$ 22,663,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued \| shares	0	170,405	3,149
Common stock authorized for issuance \| shares	1,000,000
Common stock issued through employee stock purchase plan \| shares	568,886
Cash received from exercise of stock options	$ 0	$ 8,998,000	$ 100,000
Common stock issued under stock purchase plan, period intervals	one year or six months
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized over a weighted average period (in years) \| yr	1.5
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards	$ 28,000,000
Shares issued \| shares	451,248	423,002	709,415
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$ 38,369,000	$ 31,880,000	$ 27,932,000
Employee [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issuable under deferred compensation plans \| shares	48,136	51,439
Shares issued in connection with deferred compensation plans \| shares	122,151
Director [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issuable under deferred compensation plans \| shares	20,084	19,906
Shares issued in connection with deferred compensation plans \| shares	164,961

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Pension Benefits [Member]
Net periodic defined benefit cost for defined benefit plans
Service cost	$ 28,828	$ 19,670	$ 19,483
Interest cost on benefit obligation	58,545	47,905	46,107
Expected return on plan assets	(60,700)	(50,844)	(46,976)
Amortization of prior service cost	(6,559)	(6,559)	(6,559)
Recognized net actuarial loss	20,530	13,551	8,292
Net periodic benefit costs	40,644	23,723	20,347
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Net periodic defined benefit cost for defined benefit plans
Service cost	535	383	353
Interest cost on benefit obligation	3,761	3,130	3,302
Amortization of prior service cost	107	176	243
Recognized net actuarial loss	36	(9)	(19)
Net periodic benefit costs	$ 4,439	$ 3,680	$ 3,879

- Definition

The net increase or decrease of changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a, h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

+ Details

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at end of year	$ 45,000
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,496,490	$ 947,993	$ 857,122
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	947,993	857,122
Service cost	28,828	19,670	19,483
Interest cost	58,545	47,905	46,107
Actuarial (gain) loss	194,622	64,061
Settlements/curtailments		(3,231)
Business combinations	315,210
Benefits paid	(48,708)	(37,534)
Funded status	(378,518)	(109,528)
Assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheet were:
Net prepaid asset	2,878	6,629
Accrued liabilities	(381,396)	(116,157)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") were:
Net loss	474,153	232,725
Net prior service cost	(30,014)	(36,572)
Pre-tax adjustment to AOCI	444,139	196,153
Taxes	(174,324)	(76,990)
Net adjustment to AOCI	269,815	119,163
Other postretirement benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at end of year	90,104	61,675	56,575
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	61,675	56,575
Service cost	535	383	353
Interest cost	3,761	3,130	$ 3,302
Plan participants' contributions	3,383	2,776
Actuarial (gain) loss	10,303	6,433
Business combinations	20,689
Medicare Part D reimbursement	715	789
Benefits paid	(10,957)	(8,411)
Funded status	(90,104)	(61,675)
Assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheet were:
Net prepaid asset	0	0
Accrued liabilities	(90,104)	(61,675)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") were:
Net loss	12,845	2,577
Net prior service cost	161	269
Pre-tax adjustment to AOCI	13,006	2,846
Taxes	(5,105)	(1,117)
Net adjustment to AOCI	$ 7,901	$ 1,729

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 834,904
Fair value of plan assets at ending of year	1,113,566	$ 834,904
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	838,465	766,880
Actual return on plan assets	(6,635)	107,846
Employer contributions	75,600	4,504
Business combinations	259,250
Settlements		(3,231)
Benefits paid	(48,708)	(37,534)
Fair value of plan assets at ending of year	1,117,972	838,465
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions	6,859	4,846
Plan participants' contributions	3,383	2,776
Medicare Part D reimbursement	715	789
Benefits paid	(10,957)	(8,411)
Fair value of plan assets at ending of year	$ 0	$ 0

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income
Net loss	$ 272,260	$ 13,490
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	6,452	6,383
Amortization of loss	(20,566)	(13,542)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income, pre-tax	258,146	6,331
Pension Plans [Member]
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income
Net loss	261,957	7,057
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	6,559	6,559
Amortization of loss	(20,530)	(13,551)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income, pre-tax	247,986	65
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income
Net loss	10,303	6,433
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	(107)	(176)
Amortization of loss	(36)	9
Total recognized in other comprehensive income, pre-tax	$ 10,160	$ 6,266

- Definition

The change in other comprehensive income due to the amortization of the net prior service costs (credit) into net periodic pension costs.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Pretax change in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The net gain (loss) previously recognized in other comprehensive income that is a reclassification adjustment of other comprehensive income as a result of being recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the period.

+ References

+ Details

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 4) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Pension Plans [Member]
Amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit expense
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit)	$ (6,559)
Amortization of net loss	34,281
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit expense
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit)	20
Amortization of net loss	$ 427

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 5)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension Benefits [Member]
Assumed weighted-average rates used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	4.25%	5.25%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.50%	4.50%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Assumed weighted-average rates used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	4.25%	5.25%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	0.00%	0.00%

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 6)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Assumed weighted-average rates used to determine net benefit expense
Discount rate	5.25%	4.25%	5.25%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Assumed weighted-average rates used to determine net benefit expense
Discount rate		5.25%	5.75%	6.00%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets		6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		4.50%	4.50%	4.60%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Assumed weighted-average rates used to determine net benefit expense
Discount rate		5.25%	5.75%	6.00%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 7) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Effects on one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates
Increase in Service and interest cost	$ 149
Decrease in Service and interest cost	(134)
Increase in Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	3,686
Decrease in Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$ (3,288)

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 9) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Other
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 834,904
Fair value of plan assets at ending of year	1,113,566
Other Securities [Member]
Other
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Purchases	60,411
Total Unrealized Gains (Losses)	(617)
Fair value of plan assets at ending of year	77,351
Other Private Real Estate [Member]
Other
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Purchases	4,093
Total Unrealized Gains (Losses)	584
Fair value of plan assets at ending of year	4,677
Other Private Equity [Member]
Other
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Purchases	8,482
Total Unrealized Gains (Losses)	1,708
Fair value of plan assets at ending of year	10,190
Other Hedge Funds [Member]
Other
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Purchases	47,836
Total Unrealized Gains (Losses)	(2,909)
Fair value of plan assets at ending of year	$ 44,927

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

+ References + Details

Pension Plans and other Postretirement Benefits (Details 10) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Estimated benefits expected to be paid in future years related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
2012	$ 57,243
2013	61,203
2014	65,475
2015	68,777
2016	75,480
2017 through 2021	431,248
Other postretirement benefits [Member]
Estimated benefits expected to be paid in future years related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
2012	8,834
2013	8,542
2014	8,330
2015	8,107
2016	7,918
2017 through 2021	$ 35,708

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest and dividend receivable on plan assets		$ 4,406,000	$ 3,561,000
Projected benefit obligation		45,000,000
Minimum Pension Liability		457,145,000
Minimum pension liability adjustment net of tax		277,716,000
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets		$ 1,113,566,000	$ 834,904,000
Discount rate of benefit plan	5.25%	4.25%	5.25%
Percentage of compensation increased	4.00%
Additional pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Defined contribution pension and retirement savings plans total expense		$ 13,000,000	$ 14,000,000	$ 11,000,000
Annual rate of increase in health care cost assumed for next fiscal year		8.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate		5.00%
Period for decreasing the annual rate		over 30 years
Target allocations for plan assets, minimum range of equity securities		55.00%
Target allocations for plan assets, maximum range of equity securities		70.00%
Target allocations for plan assets, minimum range of debt securities		25.00%
Target allocations for plan assets, maximum range of debt securities		40.00%
Target allocations for plan assets, minimum range of money-market funds or other short-term investments		3.00%
Target allocations for plan assets, maximum range of money-market funds or other short-term investments		10.00%
Defined benefit pension plans		$ 77,351,000
Percentage of total assets		7.00%
Qualified benefit pension plans		$ 70,000,000
Percentage of Eligible Employees Contribution for Retirement Savings Plan		50.00%
Percentage of employer matching contribution to employee's contribution		75.00%
Maximum employer contribution on Employees qualified contribution		4.50%
Qualified defined contribution plans expense during the period		$ 27,738,000	24,683,000	23,719,000
Increase in Minimum liability adjustment			258,146,000
Decrease in Minimum pension liability adjustment Net of Tax			156,824,000
Common Stock
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets		93,740,000	106,891,000
Employer contributions		0		44,000,000
M & T Equity Securities [Member]
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets		$ 93,740,000	$ 106,891,000
Percentage of common stock in total plan assets		8.40%	12.70%
Investment Grade Bonds Of U.S. Issuers [Member]
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Investment in mutual funds		50.00%
High Yielding Bonds [Member]
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Investment in mutual funds			50.00%
Supplemental Pension Plan [Member]
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation		$ 124,877,000	$ 66,254,000
Accumulated benefit obligation		123,085,000	66,208,000
Defined Benefit Plan Pension Plans With Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess Of Plan Assets Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation		123,085,000	66,208,000
Employer contributions		5,600,000	4,504,000
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation		1,472,140,000	929,775,000
Defined Benefit Plan Pension Plans With Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess Of Plan Assets Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation		1,422,958,000	884,269,000
Minimum Pension Liability		444,139,000
Other postretirement benefits [Member]
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation		90,104,000	61,675,000	56,575,000
Minimum Pension Liability		13,006,000
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets		0	0	$ 0
Benefits and other payments		10,957,000	8,411,000
Employer contributions		$ 6,859,000	$ 4,846,000
Discount rate of benefit plan		5.25%	5.75%	6.00%
Percentage of compensation increased		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Current
Federal	$ 277,631	$ 250,489	$ 52,792
State and city	53,566	55,071	4,107
Total current	331,197	305,560	56,899
Deferred
Federal	34,325	47,123	67,372
State and city	(401)	3,945	15,129
Total deferred	33,924	51,068	82,501
Income taxes	$ 365,121	$ 356,628	$ 139,400

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
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-Article 4

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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

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+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher SEC
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-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Number 109
-Paragraph 8, 16, 17, 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income taxes expense difference from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax income
Income taxes at statutory rate	$ 428,610	$ 382,476	$ 181,752
Increase (decrease) in taxes:
Tax-exempt income	(33,799)	(32,466)	(31,071)
State and city income taxes, net of federal income tax effect	34,557	38,360	12,503
Low income housing credits	(40,763)	(29,882)	(20,749)
Non-taxable gain on acquisition	(22,725)
Other	(759)	(1,860)	(3,035)
Income taxes	$ 365,121	$ 356,628	$ 139,400

Income taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Deferred tax assets (liabilities)
Losses on loans and other assets	$ 896,219	$ 550,970	$ 642,427
Postretirement and other employee benefits	39,992	28,135	25,770
Incentive compensation plans	49,183	27,388	27,835
Interest on loans	46,965	43,563	35,772
Retirement benefits	147,997	42,422	34,851
Stock-based compensation	78,014	70,641	69,881
Unrealized investment losses	50,528	54,557	140,821
Depreciation and amortization	9,563	13,332	6,274
Other	99,012	51,768	40,281
Gross deferred tax assets	1,417,473	882,776	1,023,912
Leasing transactions	(294,150)	(294,510)	(306,799)
Capitalized servicing rights	(17,603)	(14,739)	(8,412)
Interest on subordinated note exchange	(11,275)	(13,534)	(15,051)
Other	(48,803)	(36,080)	(32,617)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(371,831)	(358,863)	(362,879)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 1,045,642	$ 523,913	$ 661,033

Income taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Federal, State and Local Tax [Member]
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning Balance	$ 24,853	$ 28,297	$ 38,287
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during the period	4,659		400
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination	(8,471)	(1,403)	(9,902)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities	(9,742)	(967)	(825)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years		(1,074)
Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in a business combination	7,034		337
Ending Balance	18,333	24,853	28,297
Less: Federal, state and local income tax benefits	0
Net unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate	0
Accrued Interest [Member]
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning Balance	20,696	19,508	17,556
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years		11,468	3,675
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination	(8,201)	(670)	(1,392)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities	(5,497)	(549)	(331)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years	(1,645)	(9,061)
Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in a business combination	3,924
Ending Balance	9,277	20,696	19,508
Less: Federal, state and local income tax benefits	0
Net unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate	0
Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits [Member]
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning Balance	45,549	47,805	55,843
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during the period	4,659		400
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years		11,468	3,675
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits because applicable returns are no longer subject to examination	(16,672)	(2,073)	(11,294)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlements with taxing authorities	(15,239)	(1,516)	(1,156)
Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during prior years	(1,645)	(10,135)
Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in a business combination	10,958		337
Ending Balance	27,610	$ 45,549	$ 47,805
Less: Federal, state and local income tax benefits	(9,018)
Net unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate	$ 18,592

Income taxes (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Income taxes (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) State	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Income taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Tax bad debt reserve	$ 79,121,000
Income taxes attributable to gains or losses on bank investment securities	28,712,000	$ 32,778,000	$ 53,824,000
Minimum alternative tax expense recognized for gains or losses on bank investment securities	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Number of state and local jurisdictions where company files income tax returns \| State	40

- Definition

The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from estimated losses reflected in the allowance for doubtful accounts, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when actual bad debts are known, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken.

+ References + Details

Earnings per common share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income available to common shareholders:
Net income	$ 859,479	$ 736,161	$ 379,891
Less: Preferred stock dividends	(45,839)	(40,225)	(36,081)
Amortization of preferred stock discount	(20,018)	(10,518)	(8,130)
Net income available to common equity	793,622	685,418	335,680
Less : Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards	(11,879)	(9,592)	(3,674)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 781,743	$ 675,826	$ 332,006
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Common shares outstanding (including common stock issuable) and unvested stock-based compensation awards	124,524,000	119,852,000	115,838,000
Less: Unvested stock-based compensation awards	(1,861,000)	(1,661,000)	(1,178,000)
Weighted-average shares outstanding	122,663,000	118,191,000	114,660,000
Basic earnings per common share	$ 6.37	$ 5.72	$ 2.90

Earnings Per Share (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Computations of diluted earnings per common share
Net income available to common equity	$ 793,622	$ 685,418	$ 335,680
Less : Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards	(11,857)	(9,565)	(3,674)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 781,765	$ 675,853	$ 332,006
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding:
Common and unvested stock-based compensation awards	124,524,000	119,852,000	115,838,000
Less: Unvested stock-based compensation awards	(1,861,000)	(1,661,000)	(1,178,000)
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversion of stock-based compensation awards and convertible preferred stock	416,000	652,000	116,000
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	123,079,000	118,843,000	114,776,000
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 6.35	$ 5.69	$ 2.89
Earnings per common share (Textual) [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	11,268,000	11,231,000	15,040,000

Comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Available for sale ("AFS") investment securities with other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"):
Unrealized holding losses, net, net, before-tax amount	$ (58,628)	$ (104,039)	$ (264,363)
Unrealized holding losses, net, income taxes	23,106	40,566	103,409
Unrealized holding losses, net, net of tax amount	(35,522)	(63,473)	(160,954)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, before-tax amount	3,814
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, income taxes	(1,497)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, net	2,317
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income, before tax amount	(64,919)	(81,199)	(138,297)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income, income taxes	25,480	31,552	54,115
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income, net	(39,439)	(49,647)	(84,182)
Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI, before tax	2,477	(22,840)	(126,066)
Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI, income taxes	(877)	9,014	49,294
Net change for AFS investment securities with OTTI, after tax	1,600	(13,826)	(76,772)
AFS investment securities - all other:
Unrealized holding gains during period, net, before-tax amount	144,941	236,167	640,096
Unrealized holding gains during period, net, income taxes	(56,714)	(92,190)	(247,637)
Unrealized holding gains during period, net, net of tax amount	88,227	143,977	392,459
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, before-tax amount	146,115	1,581	219
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, income taxes	(57,256)	(610)	(85)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, net	88,859	971	134
Net change for AFS investment securities - all other, before tax	(1,174)	234,586	639,877
Net change for AFS investment securities - all other, tax	542	(91,580)	(247,552)
Net change for AFS investment securities - all other, after tax	(632)	143,006	392,325
Held-to-maturity ("HTM") investment securities with OTTI:
Unrealized holding gains on HTM securities, net, before-tax amount	(10,317)	(11,908)
Unrealized holding gains on HTM securities, net, income taxes	4,049	4,674
Unrealized holding gains on HTM securities, net, net of tax amount	(6,268)	(7,234)
Less: reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses, before tax	(545)	(7,984)
Less: reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses, tax	214	3,134
Less: reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses, net of tax	(331)	(4,850)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income, before tax	(12,116)	(5,082)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income, tax	4,755	1,995
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income, net of tax	(7,361)	(3,087)
Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI, before tax	2,344	1,158
Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI, tax	(920)	(455)
Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI, net of tax	1,424	703
Unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM [Abstract]
Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM, before tax	6,490	8,264	14,027
Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM, Tax	(2,548)	(3,243)	7,463
Reclassification to income of unrealized holding losses on investment securities previously transferred from AFS to HTM, net of tax	3,942	5,021	21,490
Unrealized holding losses transferred to HTM investment securities with OTTI, before tax	580
Unrealized holding losses transferred to HTM investment securities with OTTI, tax	(227)
Unrealized holding losses transferred to HTM investment securities with OTTI, net of tax	353
Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI, before tax	7,070
Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI, Tax	(2,775)
Net change for HTM investment securities with OTTI, net of tax period	4,295
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities, before tax	10,717	221,168	527,838
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities, income taxes	(4,030)	(86,264)	(190,795)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities, net of tax	6,687	134,904	337,043
Reclassification to income for amortization of gains on terminated cash flow hedges , before tax	(448)	(448)	10,761
Reclassification to income for amortization of gains on terminated cash flow hedges, income taxes	167	167	(4,204)
Unrealized gains (losses) on terminated cash flow hedges	(281)	(281)	6,557
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before tax	(1,240)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	437
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(803)
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment, before-tax amount	(258,146)	(6,331)	93,823
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment, income taxes	101,322	2,485	(36,539)
Defined benefit plans liability adjustment, net	(156,824)	(3,846)	57,284
Total Comprehensive Income, before-tax amount	(249,117)	214,389	632,422
Total Comprehensive Income, income taxes	97,896	(83,612)	(231,538)
Total Comprehensive Income, net	$ (151,221)	$ 130,777	$ 400,884

Comprehensive income (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Comprehensive income (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses)
Beginning Balance	$ (205,220)	$ (335,997)	$ (736,881)
Net gain (loss) during period	(151,221)	130,777	400,884
Ending Balance	(356,441)	(205,220)	(335,997)
Cash flow hedges [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses)
Beginning Balance	393	674	(5,883)
Net gain (loss) during period	(281)	(281)	6,557
Ending Balance	112	393	674
Foreign currency translation adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses)
Beginning Balance	0	0	0
Net gain (loss) during period	(803)
Ending Balance	(803)	0	0
Defined benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses)
Beginning Balance	(120,892)	(117,046)	(174,330)
Net gain (loss) during period	(156,824)	(3,846)	57,284
Ending Balance	(277,716)	(120,892)	(117,046)
Investment securities with OTTI [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses)
Beginning Balance	(87,053)	(76,772)	0
Net gain (loss) during period	3,024	(10,281)	(76,772)
Ending Balance	(84,029)	(87,053)	(76,772)
Investment securities all other [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net consisted of unrealized gains (losses)
Beginning Balance	2,332	(142,853)	(556,668)
Net gain (loss) during period	3,663	145,185	413,815
Ending Balance	$ 5,995	$ 2,332	$ (142,853)

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period attributable to the parent entity. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921628&loc=SL4569643-111683

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921628&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Other income and other expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Other income:
Bank owned life insurance	$ 50,776	$ 50,483	$ 49,152
Credit-related fee income	73,886	62,294	56,150
Letter of credit fees	56,247	49,762	44,005
Net gain resulting from acquisition	64,930		29,000
Other expense:
Professional services	222,122	128,629	117,523
Amortization of capitalized servicing rights	55,859	56,582	62,268
Advertising and promotion	58,312	$ 41,869	$ 39,364
Write-down of investment in Bayview Lending Group, LLC ("BLG")	$ 79,012
Other Income And Other Expense (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum percentage of interest income and other income for separate disclosure	1.00%

International activities (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
International activities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
International Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Net assets identified with international activities	$ 159,579,000	$ 112,851,000
Loans to foreign borrowers	128,187,000	107,310,000
Deposits at Cayman Islands office	355,927,000	$ 1,605,916,000
Revenues from trust-related services	$ 15,000,000

Derivative financial instruments (Details) - Fixed rate long-term borrowings [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Information about interest rate swap agreements
Notional amount	$ 900,000	$ 900,000
Average maturity (in years)	5.4	6.4
Weighted-average rate, fixed	6.07%	6.07%
Weighted-average rate, variable	2.07%	1.84%
Estimated fair value gain	$ 147,302	$ 96,637

Derivative financial instruments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	$ 619,001	$ 471,565
Liability derivatives, fair value	440,685	336,829
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	147,534	101,517
Liability derivatives, fair value	2,287	1,062
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	471,467	370,048
Liability derivatives, fair value	438,398	335,767
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	147,302	96,637
Liability derivatives, fair value	0	0
Commitments to sell real estate loans [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	232	4,880
Liability derivatives, fair value	2,287	1,062
Commitments to sell real estate loans [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	1,328	10,322
Liability derivatives, fair value	2,771	1,962
Mortgage-related commitments to originate real estate loans for sale [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	7,991	2,827
Liability derivatives, fair value	1,068	583
Interest rate contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	443,033	345,632
Liability derivatives, fair value	415,836	321,461
Foreign exchange and other option and futures contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated balance sheet
Asset derivatives, fair value	19,115	11,267
Liability derivatives, fair value	$ 18,723	$ 11,761

Derivative financial instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated statement of income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, derivatives	$ 3,481	$ 3,453	$ (3,285)
Interest rate swap agreements [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated statement of income
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships, derivatives	50,665	41,125	(92,890)
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships, hedged item	(47,916)	(39,299)	87,468
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] \| Fixed rate time deposits [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated statement of income
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships, derivatives		(503)	(1,797)
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships, hedged item		503	1,789
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] \| Fixed rate long-term borrowings [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated statement of income
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships, derivatives	50,665	41,628	(91,093)
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships, hedged item	(47,916)	(39,802)	85,679
Interest rate contracts [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated statement of income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, derivatives	6,130	3,760	(3,622)
Foreign exchange and other option and futures contracts [Member]
Information about fair values of derivative instruments in consolidated statement of income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, derivatives	$ (2,649)	$ (307)	$ 337

Derivative financial instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Derivative financial instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Increase in net interest income due to interest rate swap agreements	$ 38	$ 42	$ 38
Notional value of interest rate swap agreements impacting net interest income, contracts entered into for interest rate risk management purposes	900	1,010	$ 1,080
Aggregate fair value of derivative financial instruments in a net liability position	320
Fair value of collateral posted for derivative financial instruments	271
Additional derivative financial instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Notional value of foreign currency and other option and future contracts entered into trading purposes	1,400	769
Net unrealized pre-tax gains related to hedged loans held for sale, commitments to originate loans for sale and commitments to sell loans	12	17
Fair value of Additional collateral to be posted for derivative financial instruments	34
Interest rate swap counterparty collateral postings	69
Interest rate contracts [Member]
Derivative financial instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Notional value of interest rate contracts entered into trading purposes	13,900	$ 12,800
Credit Risk Derivative [Member]
Derivative financial instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate fair value of derivative financial instruments in a net liability position	99
Fair value of collateral posted for derivative financial instruments	$ 65

Variable interest entities and asset securitizations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2003
Variable interest entities and asset securitizations (Textual) [Abstract]
Securitization and transfer of residential mortgage loans to qualified special purpose trusts.				$ 1,900
Maximum Percentage of cash received on securitization of residential mortgage loans allocated to capitalized servicing rights.	88.00%
Increase in loans receivable due to amended consolidation rules			$ 424
Decrease in amortized cost of available-for-sale investment securities due to amended consolidation rules			360
Decrease in Fair Value of available-for-sale investment securities due to amended consolidation rules			355
Increase in borrowings due to amended consolidation rules			65
Carrying value of loans in the securitization trusts	$ 196	$ 265
Combined outstanding principal amount of mortgage backed securities issued by qualified special purpose trusts held by unrelated parties	30	40
Residential mortgage loans securitized with Fannie Mae	0	0	$ 141
Other assets for its "investment" in the common securities recognized by the company of various trusts	34
Total assets of real estate partnerships in which the company invested	1,400	1,100
Maximum exposure to loss of investments in real estate partnerships	271	258
Unfunded commitments included in company's maximum exposure to loss of investments in real estate partnerships	$ 75	$ 81

Fair value measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets	$ 561,834	$ 523,834
Investment securities	6,228,560	5,413,492
Real estate loans held for sale	371,437	544,567
Other assets	156,853	114,666
Total assets	7,318,684	6,596,559
Trading account liabilities	434,559	333,222
Other liabilities	6,126	3,607
Total liabilities	440,685	336,829
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	70,723	63,434
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	40,269	60,425
Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	4,521,233	3,306,241
Privately issued residential [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	1,136,256	1,435,561
Privately issued commercial [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	15,029	22,407
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	52,500	110,756
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	176,845	298,900
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	215,705	115,768
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets	53,165	53,032
Investment securities	205,587	106,872
Real estate loans held for sale	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	258,752	159,904
Trading account liabilities	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Privately issued residential [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Privately issued commercial [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Other Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	205,587	106,872
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets	508,669	470,802
Investment securities	4,819,188	3,737,896
Real estate loans held for sale	371,437	544,567
Other assets	148,862	111,839
Total assets	5,848,156	4,865,104
Trading account liabilities	434,559	333,222
Other liabilities	5,058	3,024
Total liabilities	439,617	336,246
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	70,723	63,434
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	40,269	60,425
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	4,521,233	3,306,241
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Privately issued residential [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Privately issued commercial [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Other Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	176,845	298,900
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	10,118	8,896
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets	0	0
Investment securities	1,203,785	1,568,724
Real estate loans held for sale	0	0
Other assets	7,991	2,827
Total assets	1,211,776	1,571,551
Trading account liabilities	0	0
Other liabilities	1,068	583
Total liabilities	1,068	583
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Privately issued residential [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	1,136,256	1,435,561
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Privately issued commercial [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	15,029	22,407
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	52,500	110,756
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Other Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair value measurements (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ 2,205,836	$ 2,462,512
Beginning Balance of other assets and other liabilities	$ 2,244	(80)
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Included in earnings			(137,942)
Included In Earnings of other assets and other liabilities	67,163	95,661
Included in other comprehensive income			418,597
Purchases, Sales, Issuances and Settlements			(444,260)
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3			(93,071)
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3 of other assets and other liabilities	(62,484)	(93,337)
Ending Balance			2,205,836
Ending Balance of other assets and other liabilities	6,923	2,244	(80)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets still held at end of period			(138,297)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to other assets and other liabilities still held at end of period	6,902	2,153
Privately issued residential [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,435,561	2,064,904	2,326,554
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Included in earnings	(64,919)	(63,503)	(128,374)
Included in other comprehensive income	6,489	135,434	405,309
Purchases, Sales, Issuances and Settlements	(240,875)	(346,026)	(538,585)
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3		(355,248)
Ending Balance	1,136,256	1,435,561	2,064,904
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets still held at end of period	(64,919)	(63,503)	(128,374)
Privately issued commercial [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	22,407	25,166	41,046
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Included in other comprehensive income	327	5,462	(6,853)
Purchases, Sales, Issuances and Settlements	(7,705)	(8,221)	(9,027)
Ending Balance	15,029	22,407	25,166
Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			84,544
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3			(84,544)
Ending Balance	0
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	110,756	115,346	2,496
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Included in earnings	19,231	(5,703)	(9,568)
Included in other comprehensive income	(272)	2,887	19,770
Purchases	50,790
Sales	(124,874)
Purchases, Sales, Issuances and Settlements	(3,131)	(1,774)	102,648
Ending Balance	$ 52,500	110,756	115,346
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets still held at end of period		(5,703)	(9,923)
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		420	0
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Included in other comprehensive income		35	145
Purchases, Sales, Issuances and Settlements			725
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3		(455)	(450)
Ending Balance			420
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		0	5,532
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3			(5,532)
Ending Balance			0
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		0	38
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Included in other comprehensive income			224
Purchases, Sales, Issuances and Settlements			(9)
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3			(253)
Ending Balance			0
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		0	2,302
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Included in other comprehensive income			2
Purchases, Sales, Issuances and Settlements			(12)
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3			(2,292)
Ending Balance			0
Other Assets And Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ (80)	8,266
Total gains (losses) realized/ unrealized;
Included in earnings			34,400
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3			(42,746)
Ending Balance			(80)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets still held at end of period			$ 2,465

Fair value measurements (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,452,397	$ 933,755	$ 1,246,342	$ 1,568,151
Interest-bearing deposits at banks	154,960	101,222
Trading account assets	561,834	523,834
Investment securities	7,673,154	7,150,540
Loans and leases:
Residential real estate loans	7,889,569	5,876,413
Consumer loans	12,020,229	11,483,564
Allowance for credit losses	(908,290)	(902,941)	(878,022)	$ (787,904)
Loans and leases, net	59,187,715	51,087,441
Financial liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits	(20,017,883)	(14,557,568)
Time deposits	(6,107,530)	(5,817,170)
Deposits at Cayman Islands office	(355,927)	(1,605,916)
Short term borrowings	(782,082)	(947,432)	$ (2,442,582)
Long-term borrowings	(6,686,226)	(7,840,151)
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,452,397	933,755
Interest-bearing deposits at banks	154,960	101,222
Trading account assets	561,834	523,834
Investment securities	7,673,154	7,150,540
Loans and leases:
Commercial loans and leases	15,734,436	13,390,610
Commercial real estate loans	24,411,114	21,183,161
Residential real estate loans	7,923,165	5,928,056
Consumer loans	12,027,290	11,488,555
Allowance for credit losses	(908,290)	(902,941)
Loans and leases, net	59,187,715	51,087,441
Accrued interest receivable	222,618	202,182
Financial liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits	(20,017,883)	(14,557,568)
Savings Deposits And NOW Accounts	(32,913,309)	(27,824,630)
Time deposits	(6,107,530)	(5,817,170)
Deposits at Cayman Islands office	(355,927)	(1,605,916)
Short term borrowings	(782,082)	(947,432)
Long-term borrowings	(6,686,226)	(7,840,151)
Accrued interest payable	(67,900)	(71,954)
Trading account liabilities	(434,559)	(333,222)
Other financial instruments:
Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	6,923	2,244
Commitments to sell real estate loans	(3,498)	12,178
Other credit-related commitments	(109,828)	(74,426)
Interest rate swap agreements used for interest rate risk management	147,302	96,637
Calculated Estimate [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,452,397	933,755
Interest-bearing deposits at banks	154,960	101,222
Trading account assets	561,834	523,834
Investment securities	7,608,008	7,051,454
Loans and leases:
Commercial loans and leases	15,507,342	13,135,569
Commercial real estate loans	24,024,585	20,840,346
Residential real estate loans	7,782,935	5,699,028
Consumer loans	11,869,813	11,178,583
Allowance for credit losses	0	0
Loans and leases, net	59,184,675	50,853,526
Accrued interest receivable	222,618	202,182
Financial liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits	(20,017,883)	(14,557,568)
Savings Deposits And NOW Accounts	(32,913,309)	(27,824,630)
Time deposits	(6,133,806)	(5,865,779)
Deposits at Cayman Islands office	(355,927)	(1,605,916)
Short term borrowings	(782,082)	(947,432)
Long-term borrowings	(6,720,174)	(7,937,397)
Accrued interest payable	(67,900)	(71,954)
Trading account liabilities	(434,559)	(333,222)
Other financial instruments:
Commitments to originate real estate loans for sale	6,923	2,244
Commitments to sell real estate loans	(3,498)	12,178
Other credit-related commitments	(109,828)	(74,426)
Interest rate swap agreements used for interest rate risk management	$ 147,302	$ 96,637

Fair value measurements (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Fair value measurements (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Security	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	$ 419	$ 746
Fair value measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of independent pricing sources used to value privately issued residential mortgage backed securities valued with internal modeling \| Security	2
Residential mortgage-backed securities at cost	$ 1,600	1,500
Weighted-average reliance on internal model pricing, in percentage	34.00%
Average weighting placed on the values provided by the independent sources, in percentage	66.00%
Privately issued residential mortgage - backed securities with internal modeling, at cost	$ 1,300
Fair value of privately issued residential mortgage-backed securities valued with internal modeling	$ 1,100
Weighted-average market yield	8.30%
Securities issued by financial institutions and other entities backed by trust preferred securities at cost	$ 44	95
Fair value of securities issued by financial institutions and other entities backed by trust preferred securities	53	111
Amount of available-for-sale investment securities derecognized due to adoption of new accounting rules			$ 355
Change in fair value of nonrecurring fair value measured loans for charge-offs and impairment reserves	158	224	343
Assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	51	53
Change in fair value of nonrecurring fair value measured foreclosed assets	8	12	24
Carrying value of capitalized servicing rights	10	0
Valuation allowance of capitalized servicing rights	2
Increases (decreases) in fair value of capitalized servicing rights	2	0	$ 22
Other than temporary impairment charge related to investment in BLG	$ 79
Investment In BLG	20.00%
Percentage of mortgage asset	31.00%
Carrying value of minority interest investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC	$ 115
Percentage of weighted average loss severity	75.00%
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ 12	5
Amortized cost of Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ 7	12
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount Rates	8.00%
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount Rates	12.50%
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	$ 262	476
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	$ 157	$ 270

Commitments and contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Commitments to extend credit
Home equity lines of credit	$ 6,393,332	$ 6,281,366
Commercial real estate loans to be sold	177,982	72,930
Other commercial real estate and construction	2,818,071	1,672,006
Residential real estate loans to be sold	182,474	161,583
Other residential real estate	129,466	151,111
Commercial and other	10,442,754	8,332,199
Standby letters of credit	3,930,271	3,917,318
Commercial letters of credit	44,981	76,962
Financial guarantees and indemnification contracts	1,903,254	1,609,944
Commitments to sell real estate loans	$ 635,899	$ 734,696

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Minimum lease payments under non cancellable operating leases
2012	$ 81,168
2013	75,339
2014	63,512
2015	53,903
2016	41,324
Later years	128,505
Total	$ 443,751

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Commitments and contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum credit risk for recourse associated with loans sold under Federal National Mortgage Association Delegated Underwriting and Servicing program	$ 1,800	$ 1,600
Period of non cancelable operating lease in years	28 years
Outstanding loan principal balances reinsured	$ 74
Assets of subsidiaries providing reinsurance to satisfy claims	48
Range of reasonably possible losses, minimum	0
Range of reasonably possible losses, maximum	40
2011 - 2013 [Member]
Significant Commitments [Line Items]
Naming rights of football stadium per year	5
2014 - 2017 [Member]
Significant Commitments [Line Items]
Naming rights of football stadium per year	$ 6

Segment information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Segment information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Information about the Company's segments
Net interest income	$ 2,389,756	$ 2,267,526	$ 2,055,748
Noninterest income	1,582,912	1,108,100	1,048,106
Total income	3,972,668	3,375,626	3,103,854
Provision for credit losses	270,000	368,000	604,000
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets	61,617	58,103	64,255
Depreciation and other amortization	136,163	124,259	126,666
Other noninterest expense	2,280,288	1,732,475	1,789,642
Income (loss) before taxes	1,224,600	1,092,789	519,291
Income tax expense (benefit)	365,121	356,628	139,400
Net income (loss)	859,479	736,161	379,891
Average total assets	73,977,000	68,380,000	67,472,000
Capital expenditures	70,000	70,000	59,000
Business Banking [Member]
Information about the Company's segments
Net interest income	334,811	315,407	321,208
Noninterest income	95,429	95,443	89,043
Total income	430,240	410,850	410,251
Provision for credit losses	45,689	74,443	41,923
Depreciation and other amortization	140	276	857
Other noninterest expense	177,172	169,878	158,042
Income (loss) before taxes	207,239	166,253	209,429
Income tax expense (benefit)	84,532	67,687	85,387
Net income (loss)	122,707	98,566	124,042
Average total assets	5,192,000	4,843,000	4,869,000
Capital expenditures	0	1,000	1,000
Commercial Banking [Member]
Information about the Company's segments
Net interest income	655,407	582,231	531,592
Noninterest income	249,150	217,368	192,979
Total income	904,557	799,599	724,571
Provision for credit losses	29,823	47,675	107,871
Depreciation and other amortization	553	552	628
Other noninterest expense	248,428	219,471	210,180
Income (loss) before taxes	625,753	531,901	405,892
Income tax expense (benefit)	256,311	217,734	166,459
Net income (loss)	369,442	314,167	239,433
Average total assets	17,650,000	15,461,000	15,399,000
Capital expenditures	0	3,000
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Information about the Company's segments
Net interest income	467,683	384,147	346,513
Noninterest income	99,409	85,200	65,224
Total income	567,092	469,347	411,737
Provision for credit losses	58,474	45,781	84,614
Depreciation and other amortization	9,054	7,339	5,934
Other noninterest expense	154,042	124,674	103,124
Income (loss) before taxes	345,522	291,553	218,065
Income tax expense (benefit)	105,709	88,466	62,711
Net income (loss)	239,813	203,087	155,354
Average total assets	15,025,000	13,194,000	12,842,000
Capital expenditures	0	1,000	1,000
Discretionary Portfolio [Member]
Information about the Company's segments
Net interest income	63,030	23,347	137,507
Noninterest income	98,770	(34,383)	(100,507)
Total income	161,800	(11,036)	37,000
Provision for credit losses	59,309	55,810	83,139
Depreciation and other amortization	2,859	3,733	5,506
Other noninterest expense	32,262	26,256	27,070
Income (loss) before taxes	67,370	(96,835)	(78,715)
Income tax expense (benefit)	7,975	(58,269)	(50,692)
Net income (loss)	59,395	(38,566)	(28,023)
Average total assets	14,170,000	14,690,000	13,763,000
Capital expenditures	0
Residential Mortgage Banking [Member]
Information about the Company's segments
Net interest income	63,951	71,599	78,865
Noninterest income	184,249	195,540	226,659
Total income	248,200	267,139	305,524
Provision for credit losses	36,375	49,110	97,816
Depreciation and other amortization	44,349	46,171	51,552
Other noninterest expense	151,945	160,131	185,829
Income (loss) before taxes	15,531	11,727	(29,673)
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,403	587	(16,629)
Net income (loss)	13,128	11,140	(13,044)
Average total assets	1,958,000	2,217,000	2,552,000
Capital expenditures	0	1,000
Retail Banking [Member]
Information about the Company's segments
Net interest income	851,332	839,828	878,520
Noninterest income	366,042	380,015	372,821
Total income	1,217,374	1,219,843	1,251,341
Provision for credit losses	101,679	109,978	130,509
Depreciation and other amortization	33,713	31,350	31,299
Other noninterest expense	744,905	698,540	689,314
Income (loss) before taxes	337,077	379,975	400,219
Income tax expense (benefit)	137,161	154,680	162,957
Net income (loss)	199,916	225,295	237,262
Average total assets	11,940,000	12,079,000	12,024,000
Capital expenditures	25,000	33,000	39,000
All Other [Member]
Information about the Company's segments
Net interest income	(46,458)	50,967	(238,457)
Noninterest income	489,863	168,917	201,887
Total income	443,405	219,884	(36,570)
Provision for credit losses	(61,349)	(14,797)	58,128
Amortization of core deposit and other intangible assets	61,617	58,103	64,255
Depreciation and other amortization	45,495	34,838	30,890
Other noninterest expense	771,534	333,525	416,083
Income (loss) before taxes	(373,892)	(191,785)	(605,926)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(228,970)	(114,257)	(270,793)
Net income (loss)	(144,922)	(77,528)	(335,133)
Average total assets	8,042,000	5,896,000	6,023,000
Capital expenditures	$ 45,000	$ 31,000	$ 18,000

Segment information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Segment information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Intersegment activity eliminated in arriving at consolidated totals was included in the All Other category
Income taxes	$ 365,121	$ 356,628	$ 139,400
Net income (loss)	859,479	736,161	379,891
Intersegment activity eliminated in consolidated totals [Member]
Intersegment activity eliminated in arriving at consolidated totals was included in the All Other category
Revenues	(64,239)	(41,508)	(47,114)
Expenses	(14,146)	(15,527)	(19,164)
Income taxes	(20,383)	(10,572)	(11,373)
Net income (loss)	$ (29,710)	$ (15,409)	$ (16,577)

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6922042&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921628&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6922042&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Segment information (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Segment information (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment information (Textual) [Abstract]
Taxable Equivalent Adjustment	$ 25,876,000	$ 24,023,000	$ 21,829,000
Percent of maximum revenue from single customer on total revenue	10.00%

Regulatory Matters (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
M&T (Consolidated) [Member]
Tier 1 capital
Amount	$ 6,926,218	$ 6,051,724
Ratio(a)	9.67%	9.47%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 2,864,002	$ 2,555,215
Total capital
Amount	$ 9,493,124	$ 8,352,643
Ratio(a)	13.26%	13.08%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 5,728,005	$ 5,110,431
Leverage
Amount	$ 6,926,218	$ 6,051,724
Ratio(c)	9.28%	9.33%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 2,239,639	$ 1,946,312
M&T Bank [Member]
Tier 1 capital
Amount	$ 6,283,825	$ 5,406,330
Ratio(a)	8.87%	8.62%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 2,832,558	$ 2,508,897
Total capital
Amount	$ 8,587,360	$ 7,686,799
Ratio(a)	12.13%	12.26%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 5,665,116	$ 5,017,795
Leverage
Amount	$ 6,283,825	$ 5,406,330
Ratio(c)	8.54%	8.46%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 2,206,498	$ 1,916,033
Wilmington Trust, N.A [Member]
Tier 1 capital
Amount	$ 393,360	$ 190,151
Ratio(a)	71.89%	26.80%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 21,887	$ 28,386
Total capital
Amount	$ 399,177	$ 196,140
Ratio(a)	72.95%	27.64%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 43,774	$ 56,772
Leverage
Amount	$ 393,360	$ 190,151
Ratio(c)	19.20%	22.54%
Minimum required amount(b)	$ 61,478	$ 25,307

Regulatory Matters (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Regulatory Matters (Textual) [Abstract]
Funds available for payment of dividends to M&T from banking subsidiaries	$ 1,000,000,000
Required subsidiary noninterest-earning reserves against certain deposit liabilities	$ 382,489,000	$ 196,402,000
Minimum "Tier 1 capital" ratio required for capital adequacy	4.00%
Minimum "Total capital" ratio required for capital adequacy	8.00%
Minimum "Leverage" ratio required for capital adequacy	3.00%
Minimum "Tier 1" capital" ratio to be considered well capitalized	6.00%
Minimum "Total capital" ratio to be considered well capitalized	10.00%
Minimum "Leverage" ratio to be considered well capitalized	5.00%

- Definition

The minimum Total risk based capital ratio (total capital divided by risk weighted assets) required for capital adequacy purposes under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The minimum Tier One Capital Ratio (Tier one capital divided by risk-weighted assets) required for capital adequacy purposes under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

+ References + Details

Relationship of M&T and AIB (Details)	Nov. 04, 2010 shares
Relationship of M&T and AIB (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock number of company shares sold by affiliate	26,700,000

Relationship with Bayview Lending Group LLC and Bayview Financial Holdings, L.P. (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2007
Relationship with Bayview Lending Group LLC and Bayview Financial Holdings, L.P. (Textual) [Abstract]
Minority interest in Bayview Lending Group LLC				20.00%
Carrying value of minority interest investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC	$ 115,000
Outstanding principal balances of commercial mortgage loans from BLG and Bayview Financial	4,400,000	$ 5,200,000
Amounts recorded as capitalized servicing assets for commercial mortgage loans	16,000	26,000
Servicing rights purchased from Bayview Financial related to residential mortgage loans	5,000	9,000
Outstanding principal balances of residential mortgage loans from Bayview Financial	3,100,000	3,600,000
Revenues from servicing residential and small balance commercial mortgage loans purchased from BLG and Bayview Financial	41,000	46,000	$ 50,000
Collateralized mortgage obligations in available-for-sale investment securities portfolio securitized by Bayview Financial	15,000	22,000
Investment securities in held-to-maturity portfolio securitized by Bayview Financial	269,000	313,000
Total other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses	(72,915)	$ (115,947)	$ (264,363)
Residential mortgage loans	$ 13,100,000

Parent Company Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
Investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC	$ 115,000
Other assets	4,611,773	$ 4,138,092
Total assets	77,924,287	68,021,263
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,790,121	1,070,701
Long-term borrowings	6,686,226	7,840,151
Total liabilities	68,653,078	59,663,568
Shareholders' equity	9,271,209	8,357,695
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	77,924,287	68,021,263
Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Cash in subsidiary bank	3,798	1,784
Due from consolidated bank subsidiaries
Money-market savings	645,330	481,340
Current income tax receivable	0	2,664
Total due from consolidated bank subsidiaries	645,330	484,004
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
Banks	9,929,758	9,048,703
Other	16,025	30,978
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries (note 19)	34,091	34,257
Investment in Bayview Lending Group LLC	115,000	219,800
Other assets	82,358	88,976
Total assets	10,826,360	9,908,502
Liabilities
Due to consolidated bank subsidiaries	30	20
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	75,828	73,283
Long-term borrowings	1,479,293	1,477,504
Total liabilities	1,555,151	1,550,807
Shareholders' equity	9,271,209	8,357,695
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 10,826,360	$ 9,908,502

Parent Company Financial Statements (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income
Equity in earnings of Bayview Lending Group LLC	$ (24,231)	$ (25,768)	$ (25,898)
Expense
Interest on long-term borrowings	243,866	271,578	340,037
Other expense	2,478,068	1,914,837	1,980,563
Income tax expense (benefit)	(365,121)	(356,628)	(139,400)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
Net income	$ 859,479	$ 736,161	$ 379,891
Net income per common share
Basic	$ 6.37	$ 5.72	$ 2.90
Diluted	$ 6.35	$ 5.69	$ 2.89
Parent Company [Member]
Income
Dividends from consolidated bank subsidiaries	$ 715,000	$ 500,000
Equity in earnings of Bayview Lending Group LLC	(24,231)	(25,768)	$ (25,898)
Other income	67,829	(5,435)	10,670
Total Income	758,598	468,797	(15,228)
Expense
Interest on long-term borrowings	90,959	91,073	93,331
Other expense	87,368	7,447	5,427
Total expense	178,327	98,520	98,758
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	580,271	370,277	(113,986)
Income tax expense (benefit)	50,460	48,416	42,740
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	630,731	418,693	(71,246)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
Net income of subsidiaries	943,748	817,468	451,137
Less: dividends received	(715,000)	(500,000)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	228,748	317,468	451,137
Net income	$ 859,479	$ 736,161	$ 379,891
Net income per common share
Basic	$ 6.37	$ 5.72	$ 2.90
Diluted	$ 6.35	$ 5.69	$ 2.89

Parent Company Financial Statements (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 859,479	$ 736,161	$ 379,891
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Provision for deferred income taxes	33,924	51,068	82,501
Asset write-downs	170,632	101,106	171,225
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,772,246	1,675,647	1,189,389
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of Wilmington Trust Corporation preferred stock	(330,000)
Other, net	21,126	(927)	(70,978)
Net cash provided by investing activities	368,932	475,410	2,501,695
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments on long-term borrowings	(1,809,984)	(2,514,342)	(2,390,182)
Dividends paid - common	(350,129)	(335,303)	(325,706)
Dividends paid - preferred	(48,203)	(40,225)	(31,946)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	495,000
Redemption of preferred stock	(370,000)
Other, net	31,177	69,381	9,156
Net cash used by financing activities	(1,622,536)	(2,463,644)	(4,012,893)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	518,642	(312,587)	(321,809)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	933,755	1,246,342	1,568,151
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	1,452,397	933,755	1,246,342
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest received during the year	2,807,071	2,765,101	2,748,880
Interest paid during the year	440,810	490,767	704,173
Income taxes received during the year	251,810	287,740	(19,549)
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	859,479	736,161	379,891
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(228,748)	(317,468)	(451,137)
Provision for deferred income taxes	(10,349)	2,237	291
Asset write-downs	79,012
Net change in accrued income and expense	44,336	43,567	14,589
Net cash provided by operating activities	743,730	464,497	(56,366)
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of investment securities	1,987	2,591
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities	4,400	1,150	6,600
Purchases of investment securities	0	(2,225)	(1,855)
Investment in subsidiary			(120,000)
Proceeds from repayment of advances to subsidiaries			200,000
Purchase of Wilmington Trust Corporation preferred stock	330,000
Other, net	2,833	1,033	15,088
Net cash provided by investing activities	(320,780)	2,549	99,833
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments on long-term borrowings			(111,046)
Dividends paid - common	(350,129)	(335,303)	(325,706)
Dividends paid - preferred	(48,203)	(40,225)	(31,946)
Proceeds from subsidiary for issuance of common stock to defined benefit pension plan			44,289
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	495,000
Redemption of preferred stock	(370,000)
Other, net	16,386	63,122	12,255
Net cash used by financing activities	(256,946)	(312,406)	(412,154)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	166,004	154,640	(368,687)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	483,124	328,484	697,171
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	649,128	483,124	328,484
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest received during the year	2,082	1,581	4,960
Interest paid during the year	87,184	87,456	92,247
Income taxes received during the year	$ 57,964	$ 50,882	$ 45,745

Parent Company Financial Statements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	3.85%
Maturity date of Senior notes	Jan. 31, 2068
Parent Company Financial Statements (Textual) [Abstract]
Total other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses	$ (72,915)	$ (115,947)	$ (264,363)
5.375% senior notes of M&T issued in 2007 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 300,000
Rate of interest of subordinated notes	5.375%
Maturity date of Senior notes	May 01, 2012

- Definition

The amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 35
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6956420&loc=d3e25351-111560

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15C
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 16B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-2/124-2
-Paragraph 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Label	Element	Value
Mortgage Backed Securities Issued by Private Enterprise [Member]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue	$ 198,140,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue	169,502,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss	114,397,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss	99,140,000
Held To Maturity Securities	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities	312,537,000
Held To Maturity Securities	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities	268,642,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain	0
Government issued or guaranteed [Member]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue	822,169,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue	633,414,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss	0
Held To Maturity Securities	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities	808,108,000
Held To Maturity Securities	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities	608,533,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain	14,061,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain	$ 24,881,000

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, this item represents investments in debt securities which are categorized as held-to-maturity. The held-to-maturity category is for those securities that the entity has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 19
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 17
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section A
-Paragraph 4
-Chapter 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379932&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.6)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 3
-Section A
-Paragraph 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 11
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Investment Securities (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, amortized cost	$ 2,156,277
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	1,800,047
A or Better [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	562,863
BBB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	188,544
BB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	188,333
B Or Less [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	806,702
Not Rated [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	53,605
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, amortized cost	228,198
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	238,062
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member] \| A or Better [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	177,273
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member] \| BBB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	19,887
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member] \| BB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	200
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member] \| B Or Less [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	0
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member] \| Not Rated [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	40,702
Privately issued residential [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, amortized cost	1,638,013
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	1,305,758
Privately issued residential [Member] \| A or Better [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	339,446
Privately issued residential [Member] \| BBB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	125,711
Privately issued residential [Member] \| BB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	91,370
Privately issued residential [Member] \| B Or Less [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	749,231
Privately issued residential [Member] \| Not Rated [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	0
Privately issued commercial [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, amortized cost	17,679
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	15,029
Privately issued commercial [Member] \| A or Better [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	15,029
Privately issued commercial [Member] \| BBB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	0
Privately issued commercial [Member] \| BB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	0
Privately issued commercial [Member] \| B Or Less [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	0
Privately issued commercial [Member] \| Not Rated [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	0
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, amortized cost	43,834
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	52,500
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] \| A or Better [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	4,667
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] \| BBB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	5,711
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] \| BB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	9,653
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] \| B Or Less [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	32,469
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] \| Not Rated [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	0
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, amortized cost	228,553
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	188,698
Other Debt Securities [Member] \| A or Better [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	26,448
Other Debt Securities [Member] \| BBB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	37,235
Other Debt Securities [Member] \| BB [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	87,110
Other Debt Securities [Member] \| B Or Less [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	25,002
Other Debt Securities [Member] \| Not Rated [Member]
Schedule of Ratings of Investment Securities
Total securities with disclosed rating, fair value	$ 12,903

Loans and leases (Details 4) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Loans and leases (Details 4) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Modification
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	1,780
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 332,160
Post-modification Recorded Investment	313,827
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	(18,333)
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (6,338)
Other [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	4
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 103
Post-modification Recorded Investment	$ 103
Principal deferral [Member] \| Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	53
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 10,703
Post-modification Recorded Investment	10,778
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ 75
Principal deferral [Member] \| Commercial real estate loans [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	29
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 16,804
Post-modification Recorded Investment	16,704
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ (100)
Principal deferral [Member] \| Residential builder and developer [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	9
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 33,208
Post-modification Recorded Investment	26,811
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ (6,397)
Principal deferral [Member] \| Other commercial construction [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	3
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 8,436
Post-modification Recorded Investment	8,553
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ 117
Principal deferral [Member] \| Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	37
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 8,175
Post-modification Recorded Investment	8,235
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ 60
Principal deferral [Member] \| Residential Alt-A [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	3
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 800
Post-modification Recorded Investment	835
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ 35
Principal deferral [Member] \| Home equity lines and loans [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	3
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 259
Post-modification Recorded Investment	$ 259
Principal deferral [Member] \| Automobile [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	746
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 10,053
Post-modification Recorded Investment	$ 10,053
Principal deferral [Member] \| Other [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	23
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 400
Post-modification Recorded Investment	$ 400
Other [Member] \| Residential builder and developer [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	6
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 118,114
Post-modification Recorded Investment	110,156
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ (7,958)
Other [Member] \| Home equity lines and loans [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	3
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 86
Post-modification Recorded Investment	$ 86
Other [Member] \| Automobile [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	111
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 739
Post-modification Recorded Investment	$ 739
Interest Rate Reduction [Member] \| Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	14
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 1,926
Post-modification Recorded Investment	1,991
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	65
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (318)
Interest Rate Reduction [Member] \| Automobile [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	17
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 183
Post-modification Recorded Investment	183
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (13)
Interest Rate Reduction [Member] \| Other [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	1
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 8
Post-modification Recorded Investment	8
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (1)
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Commercial, financial, leasing, etc. [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	3
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 2,049
Post-modification Recorded Investment	2,046
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	(3)
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (654)
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Commercial real estate loans [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	3
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 15,778
Post-modification Recorded Investment	15,777
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	(1)
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (1,463)
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Residential builder and developer [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	5
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 2,540
Post-modification Recorded Investment	2,561
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ 21
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Other commercial construction [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	3
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 65,813
Post-modification Recorded Investment	60,973
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	$ (4,840)
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Residential real estate excluding Alt-A [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	111
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 19,508
Post-modification Recorded Investment	19,934
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	426
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (1,559)
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Residential Alt-A [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	34
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 6,813
Post-modification Recorded Investment	6,978
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	165
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (889)
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Home equity lines and loans [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	26
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 2,156
Post-modification Recorded Investment	2,158
Financial effects of modification recorded investment	2
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (444)
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Automobile [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	431
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 6,703
Post-modification Recorded Investment	6,703
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (808)
Combination of concession types [Member] \| Other [Member]
Loan modification activities that were considered troubled debt restructurings
Number of modifications \| Modification	102
Pre-modification Recorded Investment	$ 803
Post-modification Recorded Investment	803
Financial effects of modification interest	$ (189)

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	$ 1,113,566	$ 834,904
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	682,846	557,273
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	370,926	277,631
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	59,794	0
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	63,842	26,389
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	63,842	26,389
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
M & T Equity Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	93,740	106,891
M & T Equity Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	93,740	106,891
M & T Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
M & T Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Equity Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	8,264	9,690
International Equity Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	8,264	9,690
International Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Domestic Equity Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	151,235	148,218
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	151,235	148,218
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Domestic Mutual Fund Equity Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	125,223	54,039
Domestic Mutual Fund Equity Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	125,223	54,039
Domestic Mutual Fund Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Domestic Mutual Fund Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Mutual Fund Equity Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	127,071	150,961
International Mutual Fund Equity Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	127,071	150,961
International Mutual Fund Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Mutual Fund Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Total Equity Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	505,533	469,799
Total Equity Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	505,533	469,799
Total Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Total Equity Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	275,079	204,899
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	275,079	204,899
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Government Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	88,261	65,589
Government Debt Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Government Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	88,261	65,589
Government Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	7,586	7,143
International Debt Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	7,586	7,143
International Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Domestic Mutual Fund Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	72,680	35,594
Domestic Mutual Fund Debt Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	72,680	35,594
Domestic Mutual Fund Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Domestic Mutual Fund Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Mutual Fund Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	23,234	25,491
International Mutual Fund Debt Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	23,234	25,491
International Mutual Fund Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Mutual Fund Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Total Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	466,840	338,716
Total Debt Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	95,914	61,085
Total Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	370,926	277,631
Total Debt Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Real Asset Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	17,557
Other Real Asset Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	17,557
Other Real Asset Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Real Asset Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Private Real Estate [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	4,677	0
Other Private Real Estate [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Private Real Estate [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Private Real Estate [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	4,677
Other Private Equity [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	10,190	0
Other Private Equity [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Private Equity [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Private Equity [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	10,190
Other Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	44,927	0
Other Hedge Funds [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Hedge Funds [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Hedge Funds [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	44,927
Other Securities [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	77,351	$ 0
Other Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	17,557
Other Securities [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	0
Other Securities [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of Company's pension plan assets by asset category
Defined benefit plan fair value of plan assets	$ 59,794