BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation.

Basis of Presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of First Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and conform to predominant practices within the banking industry. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation.

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries, giving effect to the noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries, as more fully described below and in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

All financial information is reported on a continuing operations basis, unless otherwise noted. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion regarding discontinued operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash, due from banks and short-term investments, which include federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits, are considered to be cash and cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows. Interest-bearing deposits were $404.0 million and $371.3 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company did not have any federal funds sold outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011. First Bank is required to maintain certain daily reserve balances on hand in accordance with regulatory requirements. These reserve balances maintained in accordance with such requirements were $14.6 million and $13.1 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock.

Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. First Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRB) system and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system and maintains investments in FRB and FHLB stock. These investments are recorded at cost, which represents redemption value. The investment in FRB stock is maintained at a minimum of 6% of First Bank’s capital stock and capital surplus. The investment in FHLB of Des Moines stock is maintained at an amount equal to 0.12% of First Bank’s total assets as of December 31 of the preceding year, up to a maximum of $10.0 million, plus 4.45% of advances. Investments in FRB and FHLB of Des Moines stock were $19.4 million and $7.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012, and $18.3 million and $8.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011.

Investment Securities.

Investment Securities. The classification of investment securities as available for sale or held to maturity is determined at the date of purchase. Investment securities designated as available for sale, which represent any security that the Company has no immediate plan to sell but which may be sold in the future under different circumstances, are stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses are included in noninterest income, based on the amortized cost of the individual security sold. Unrealized gains and losses, net of related income tax effects, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). All previous fair value adjustments included in the separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reversed upon sale. Premiums and discounts incurred relative to the par value of securities purchased are amortized or accreted, respectively, on the level-yield method taking into consideration the level of current and anticipated prepayments. Investment securities designated as held to maturity, which represent any security that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are stated at cost, net of amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts computed on the level-yield method taking into consideration the level of current and anticipated prepayments. Any reclassification of available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities are recorded at fair value, and the gross unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities at the time of transfer is recorded as additional premium or discount on the securities and amortized over the remaining lives of the respective securities. A decline in the fair value of any available-for-sale or held-to-maturity investment security below its carrying value that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in the cost basis of the carrying value to fair value. The other-than-temporary impairment, which is not expected to be reversed, is charged to noninterest income and a new cost basis is established. When determining other-than-temporary impairment, consideration is given as to whether the Company has the ability and intent to hold the investment security until a market price recovery and whether evidence indicating the carrying value of the investment security is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary.

Loans Held for Portfolio.

Loans Held for Portfolio. Loans held for portfolio are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the interest method. Interest and fees on loans are recognized as income using the interest method. Loan origination fees and costs are deferred and accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the loans using the interest method. Loans held for portfolio are stated at cost as the Company has the ability and it is management’s intention to hold them to maturity.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when it appears that interest or principal may not be paid in a timely manner in the normal course of business or once principal or interest payments become 90 days past due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Generally, payments received on nonaccrual and impaired loans are recorded as principal reductions. Interest income is recognized after all delinquent principal has been repaid or an improvement in the condition of the loan has occurred that warrants resumption of interest accruals.

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans on nonaccrual status and restructured loans are considered to be impaired loans. When measuring impairment, the expected future cash flows of an impaired loan are discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Alternatively, impairment is measured by reference to an observable market price, if one exists, or the fair value of the collateral for a collateral-dependent loan. Regardless of the historical measurement method used, the Company measures impairment based on the fair value of the collateral when foreclosure is probable.

A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring when all of the following conditions are present: (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, (ii) the Company makes a concession to the original contractual loan terms, and (iii) the Company would not consider the concessions but for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulty. These concessions may include, but are not limited to, rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extension of maturity date and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. A loan that is modified at a market rate of interest may no longer be classified as a troubled debt restructuring in the calendar year subsequent to the restructuring if it is in compliance with the modified terms. Performance prior to the restructuring is considered when assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period.

Acquired impaired loans are classified as nonaccrual loans and are initially measured at fair value with no allocated allowance for loan losses. An allowance for loan losses is recorded to the extent there is further credit deterioration subsequent to the acquisition date.

Loans Held for Sale.

Loans Held for Sale. Loans held for sale are comprised of residential mortgage loans held for sale in the secondary mortgage market, frequently in the form of a mortgage-backed security, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans awaiting sale of the guaranteed portion to the SBA, and commercial real estate loans which may be identified for sale to specific buyers to achieve credit or loan concentration objectives. One-to-four-family residential mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments obtained from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information. Other loans held for sale, primarily SBA loans, are carried at the lower of cost or market value, which is determined on an individual loan basis. The amount by which cost exceeds market value is recorded in a valuation allowance as a reduction of loans held for sale. Changes in the valuation allowance are reflected as part of the gain on loans sold and held for sale in the consolidated statements of operations in the periods in which the changes occur. Gains or losses on the sale of loans held for sale are determined on a specific identification basis and reflect the difference between the value received upon sale and the carrying value of the loans held for sale, including any recourse reserve established for potential repurchase obligations. Loans held for sale transferred to loans held for portfolio or available-for-sale investment securities are transferred at fair value.

Loan Servicing Income.

Loan Servicing Income. Loan servicing income is included in noninterest income and represents fees earned for servicing real estate mortgage loans owned by investors and originated by First Bank’s mortgage banking operation, as well as SBA loans to small business concerns. These fees are net of federal agency guarantee fees and interest shortfall. Such fees are generally calculated on the outstanding principal balance of the loans serviced and are recorded as income when earned.

Allowance for Loan Losses.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology follows the accounting guidance set forth in GAAP and the Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, which was jointly issued by the Company’s regulatory agencies. Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions. The Company’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to nonaccrual loans, past due loans, substandard loans, special mention loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors. The provision for loan losses also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period. In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance for loan losses related to newly identified problem loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools.

The level of the allowance for loan losses reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss and recovery experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for any credit that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate determination of the appropriate level of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including, among other things, the performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. The Company monitors whether or not the allowance for loan loss allocation model, as a whole, calculates an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses that moves in direct correlation to the general macroeconomic and loan portfolio conditions the Company experiences over time.

The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances based on probable losses on impaired loans; (ii) historical valuation allowances determined based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) general valuation allowances based on general economic conditions and other risk factors both internal and external to the Company.

The specific valuation allowances established for probable losses on impaired loans are based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flows, as well as evaluation of legal options available to the Company. The amount of impairment is measured based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the fair value of the underlying collateral less applicable selling costs, or the observable market price of the loan. If foreclosure is probable or the loan is collateral dependent, impairment is measured using the fair value of the loan’s collateral, less estimated costs to sell. Large groups of homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage, home equity and consumer and installment loans, are aggregated and collectively evaluated for impairment.

Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans. The Company calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical loss ratios are updated on a quarterly basis based on actual charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool.

The components of the general valuation allowances include (i) additional reserves allocated to specific loan portfolio segments as a result of applying a qualitative adjustment factor to the base historical loss allocation; (ii) additional reserves allocated to specific geographical regions where negative trends are being experienced; and (iii) additional reserves established based on consideration of trends in past due loans, potential problem loans, performing troubled debt restructurings and nonaccrual loans and other qualitative and quantitative factors both internal and external to the Company which could affect potential credit losses.

Management believes that the level of the Company’s allowance for loan losses is appropriate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.

In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to modify its allowance for loan losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company utilizes derivative instruments and hedging strategies to assist in the management of interest rate sensitivity and to modify the repricing, maturity and option characteristics of certain assets and liabilities. The Company uses such derivative instruments solely to reduce its interest rate risk exposure. First Bank also offers interest rate swap agreement contracts to certain customers who wish to modify their interest rate sensitivity positions. First Bank offsets the interest rate risk of these swap agreements by simultaneously purchasing matching interest rate swap agreement contracts with offsetting pay/receive rates from other financial institutions.

Derivative instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets and measured at fair value. At inception of a non-customer derivative transaction, the Company designates the derivative instrument as either a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedges) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedges). For all hedging relationships, the Company documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objectives and strategy for entering into the hedging relationship including the hedging instrument, the hedged item(s), the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed and a description of the method the Company will utilize to measure hedge ineffectiveness. This process also includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges to the underlying assets and liabilities or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item(s). The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative instrument is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item(s), the derivative instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the derivative instrument is de-designated as a hedging instrument because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur, a hedged firm commitment no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment, or management determines that designation of the derivative instrument as a hedging transaction is no longer appropriate.

A summary of the Company’s accounting policies for its derivative instruments and hedging activities is as follows:

• Interest Rate Swap Agreements – Cash Flow Hedges. Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges are accounted for at fair value. The effective portion of the change in the cash flow hedge’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into interest income or interest expense when the underlying transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in the cash flow hedge’s gain or loss is recorded in noninterest income on each monthly measurement date. The net interest differential is recognized as an adjustment to interest income or interest expense of the related asset or liability being hedged. In the event of early termination or ineffectiveness, the gain or loss on the cash flow hedge would continue to be reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) until the underlying transaction affects earnings.

• Interest Rate Swap Agreements – Fair Value Hedges. Interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges are accounted for at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the swap agreements are recognized currently in noninterest income. The change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item is recognized as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the underlying hedged item and is also reflected currently in noninterest income. All changes in fair value are measured on a monthly basis. The net interest differential is recognized as an adjustment to interest income or interest expense of the related asset or liability being hedged. In the event of early termination or ineffectiveness, the net proceeds received or paid on the interest rate swap agreements are recognized immediately in noninterest income and the future net interest differential, if any, is recognized prospectively in noninterest income. The cumulative change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item is deferred and amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense over the weighted average life of the related asset or liability. If, however, the underlying hedged item is repaid, the cumulative change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item is recognized immediately in noninterest income.

• Customer Interest Rate Swap Agreement Contracts. Derivative instruments are offered to customers to assist in hedging their risks of adverse changes in interest rates. First Bank serves as an intermediary between its customers and the financial markets. Each contract between First Bank and its customers is offset by a contract between First Bank and various counterparties. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting. Customer interest rate swap agreement contracts are carried at fair value. Changes in the fair value are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis. Each customer contract is paired with an offsetting contract, and as such, there is no significant impact to net income (loss).

• Interest Rate Lock Commitments. Commitments to originate loans for subsequent sale in the secondary market (interest rate lock commitments), which primarily consist of commitments to originate fixed rate residential mortgage loans, are recorded at fair value. Fair values are based upon quoted market prices. The value of loan servicing rights is also incorporated into fair value measurements for mortgage loan commitments. Changes in the fair value of interest rate lock commitments are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis.

• Forward Commitments to Sell Mortgage-Backed Securities. Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis.

Bank Premises and Equipment, Net.

Bank Premises and Equipment, Net. Bank premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life of the related asset or the term of the lease. Bank premises and improvements are depreciated over five to 40 years and equipment is depreciated over three to seven years.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill and other intangible assets primarily consist of goodwill and, prior to December 31, 2011, core deposit intangibles. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead tested at least annually for impairment. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment. The Company amortized its core deposit intangibles on a straight-line basis over the estimated periods to be benefited, which had been estimated at five to seven years.

The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, then the Company is not required to take further action. However, if the Company concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. The Company also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. The Company will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period.

The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process which requires the Company to make assumptions regarding fair value. The Company’s policy allows management to make the determination of fair value using internal cash flow models or by engaging independent third parties. The first step consists of estimating the fair value of the reporting unit using a number of factors, including projected future operating results and business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, discount rates, and comparable marketplace fair value data from within a comparable industry grouping. The Company compares the estimated fair value of its reporting unit to the carrying value, which includes allocated goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, the second step is completed to compute the impairment amount by determining the “implied fair value” of goodwill. This determination requires the allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. Any remaining unallocated fair value represents the “implied fair value” of goodwill, which is compared to the corresponding carrying value to compute the goodwill impairment amount, if any. Adverse changes in the economic environment, operations of the reporting unit, or other factors could result in a decline in the implied fair value of goodwill which could result in future goodwill impairment. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Servicing Rights.

Servicing Rights. The Company has mortgage servicing rights and SBA servicing rights, which are measured at fair value as permitted by ASC Topic 860 – Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets. Changes in the fair value of mortgage and SBA servicing rights are recognized in earnings in the period in which the change occurs and such changes are reflected in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations. Servicing rights are valued based on valuation models that utilize assumptions based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including size, interest rate, weighted average life, cost to service and estimated prepayment speeds. The valuation models estimate the present value of estimated future net servicing income.

Mortgage and SBA servicing rights are capitalized upon the sale of the underlying loan at estimated fair value. The fair value of mortgage and SBA servicing rights fluctuates based on changes in interest rates and certain other assumptions utilized to value the mortgage and SBA servicing rights. The value is adversely affected when interest rates decline which normally causes loan prepayments to increase. The determination of the fair value of the mortgage and SBA servicing rights is performed monthly based upon an independent third party valuation. The valuation analysis is prepared using stratifications of the mortgage and SBA servicing rights based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including size, interest rate, weighted average original term, weighted average remaining term and estimated prepayment speeds.

Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets.

Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets. Other real estate and repossessed assets, consisting of real estate and other assets acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure, are stated at the lower of cost or fair value less applicable selling costs. The excess of cost over fair value of the property at the date of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent reductions in carrying value, to reflect current fair value or costs incurred in maintaining the other real estate and repossessed assets, are charged to noninterest expense as incurred.

Income Taxes.

Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in the tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Valuation allowances are then recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts management concludes are more-likely-than-not to be realized. The Company and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and unitary or consolidated state income tax returns in all applicable states.

The Company’s policy is to separately disclose any interest or penalties arising from the application of federal or state income taxes. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is included in interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in noninterest expense.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. Management of the Company believes the accrual for tax liabilities is adequate for all open audit years based on its assessment of many factors, including past experience and interpretations of tax law applied to the facts of each matter. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions.

Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan.

Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain former employees of a bank holding company acquired by the Company in 1994 (the Plan) and subsequently merged with and into the Company on December 31, 2002. The Company discontinued the accumulation of benefits under the Plan in 1994, and as such, there is no longer any service cost being accrued by Plan participants. The Company records annual amounts relating to the Plan based on calculations that incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions including discount rates, mortality rates, and assumed rates of return. The Company reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when deemed appropriate. The funded status of the Plan is recognized as a net asset or liability and changes in the Plan’s funded status are recognized through other comprehensive income to the extent those changes are not included in the net periodic cost.

Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk.

Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk. A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that conveys or imposes on an entity the contractual right or obligation to either receive or deliver cash or another financial instrument. The Company utilizes financial instruments to reduce the interest rate risk arising from its financial assets and liabilities. These instruments involve, in varying degrees, elements of interest rate risk and credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. “Interest rate risk” is defined as the possibility that interest rates may move unfavorably from the perspective of the Company due to maturity and/or interest rate adjustment timing differences between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The risk that a counterparty to an agreement entered into by the Company may default is defined as “credit risk.”

The Company is a party to commitments to extend credit and commercial and standby letters of credit in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These commitments involve, in varying degrees, elements of interest rate risk and credit risk in excess of the amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share. Basic earnings (loss) per common share (EPS) are computed by dividing the income (loss) available to common stockholders (the numerator) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding (the denominator) during the year. The computation of dilutive EPS is similar except the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential shares had been issued. In addition, in computing the dilutive effect of convertible securities, the numerator is adjusted to add back any convertible preferred dividends.