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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LNB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Corporation”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Lorain National Bank (the “Bank”). The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of North Coast Community Development Corporation which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Certain reclassifications of prior years' amounts have been made to conform to current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or shareholders' equity.
Use of Estimates
LNB Bancorp Inc. prepares its financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which requires the Corporation’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Areas involving the use of management’s estimates and assumptions include the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of goodwill, the realization of deferred tax assets and fair values of financial instruments.
Segment Information
The Corporation’s activities are considered to be a single industry segment for financial reporting purposes. LNB Bancorp, Inc. is a financial holding company engaged in the business of commercial and retail banking, investment management and trust services, title insurance, and insurance with operations conducted through its main office and banking centers located throughout Lorain, Erie, Cuyahoga, Summit, and Franklin counties of Ohio. This market provides the source for substantially all of the Bank’s deposit and loan and trust activities. The majority of the Bank’s income is derived from a diverse base of commercial, mortgage and retail lending activities and investments.
Statement of Cash Flows
For purposes of reporting in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents include currency on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal funds sold, and securities purchased under resale agreements. Generally, Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements are for one day periods.
Securities
Securities that are bought and held for the sole purpose of being sold in the near term are deemed trading securities with any related unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not hold any trading securities. Securities that the Corporation has a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, LNB Bancorp, Inc. did not hold any securities classified as held to maturity. Securities that are not classified as trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Securities classified as available for sale are carried at their fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Interest and dividends on securities, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the effective interest method over the period to maturity or call, are included in interest income. Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the specific identification method.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. When evaluating investment securities consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions and whether the Corporation has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, the Corporation may consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.
When OTTI occurs, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, but the entity does not intend to sell the security, only the credit portion of the estimated loss is recognized in earnings, with the other portion of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income.
Restricted Stock
The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. The Bank is also a member of and owns stock in the Federal Reserve Bank. The Corporation also owns stock in Bankers Bancshares Inc., an institution that provides correspondent banking services to community banks. Stock in these institutions is classified as restricted stock and is recorded at redemption value which approximates fair value. The Corporation periodically evaluates the restricted stock for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
Loans Held For Sale
Held for sale loans are carried at the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value, determined on an aggregate basis for each type of loan. Net unrealized losses are recognized by charges to income. Gains and losses on loan sales (sales proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in the noninterest income section of the consolidated statement of income.
Mortgage banking
The Corporation sells originated mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage loan markets. During the period of loan origination and prior to the sale of the loans in the secondary market, the Corporation has exposure to movements in interest rates associated with mortgage loans that are in the “mortgage pipeline” and the “mortgage warehouse”. A pipeline loan is one in which the Corporation has entered into a written mortgage loan commitment with a potential borrower that will be held for resale. Written loan commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for resale are considered free-standing derivatives and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Written loan commitments generally have a term of up to 60 days before the closing of the loan. The loan commitment does not bind the potential borrower to entering into the loan, nor does it guarantee that the Corporation will approve the potential borrower for the loan. Therefore, when determining fair value, the Corporation makes estimates of expected “fallout” (loan commitments not expected to close), using models, which consider cumulative historical fallout rates and other factors. Fallout can occur for a variety of reasons including falling interest rate environments where a borrower abandons an interest rate lock loan commitment when a borrower is not approved as an acceptable credit by the lender or for a variety of other non-economic reasons.
Written loan commitments in which the borrower has locked in an interest rate results in market risk to the Corporation to the extent market interest rates change from the rate quoted to the borrower. The Corporation economically hedges the risk of changing interest rates associated with its interest rate lock commitments by entering into mandatory forward sales contracts.
The Corporation's mortgage loans held for sale are subject to changes in fair value, due to changes in interest rates from the loan's closing date through the date the mortgage loan is sold in the secondary market. The fair value of the mortgage loan declines in value when interest rates increase and conversely increases in value when interest rates decrease. To mitigate the risk of changes in interest rates the Corporation enters into mandatory forward sales contracts on a portion of the mortgage loans held for sale to provide an economic hedge against those changes in fair value. The mandatory forward sales contracts were recorded at fair value with changes in value recorded in current earnings.
Indirect Lending
The Corporation’s indirect auto lending program originates new and used automobile loans to highly-qualified borrowers, generated through a network of automobile dealers located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana and North Carolina. In addition to generating interest and fee income, the Corporation sells certain loans generated through this program as a means to manage the Bank’s balance sheet as well as maintain and build relationships with a network of investors that purchase the indirect auto loans from the Corporation. The indirect loans that are held for sale are carried at amortized cost and are typically sold to investors for a premium. The Corporation sells the indirect auto loans on terms that are determined on a deal by deal basis, with servicing retained by the Corporation.
 
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Corporation uses interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments and forward contracts sold to hedge interest rate risk for asset and liability management purposes. All derivatives are accounted for in accordance with ASC-815, Derivatives and Hedging, and are recorded as either other assets or other liabilities at fair value. The Corporation engages in an interest rate program to mitigate its exposure to rising interest rates. The interest rate program provides that a customer receives a fixed interest rate commercial loan and the Corporation subsequently converts that fixed rate loan to a variable rate instrument over the term of the loan by entering into an interest rate swap with a dealer counterparty based on a London Inter-Bank Offered Rate index. The Corporation then receives a fixed rate payment from the customer on the loan and pays the equivalent amount to the dealer counterparty on the swap in exchange for a variable rate payment stream. Based upon accounting guidance each swap is accounted for as a stand-alone derivative and designated as a fair value hedge with any changes in fair value presented in current earnings. Additional information regarding fair value measurement is included in Note 20 (Financial Instruments with Off Balance Sheet Risk and Contingencies) in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Loans
Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income and premiums and discounts. Loans acquired through business combinations are valued at fair market value on or near the date of acquisition. The difference between the principal amount outstanding and the fair market valuation is amortized over the aggregate average life of each class of loan. Unearned income includes deferred fees, net of deferred direct incremental loan origination costs. Unearned income is amortized to interest income, over the contractual life of the loan, using the interest method. Direct loan origination fees and costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the loan, using the interest method.
Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they are 90 days past due for interest or principal or when the full and timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain. When a loan has been placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed against interest income. Generally, a loan is returned to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal becomes current under the terms of the loan agreement and when the collectability is no longer doubtful.

A loan is impaired when based on current information and events it is probable the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as real estate mortgages and installment loans, and on an individual loan basis for commercial loans that are graded substandard or below. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance may be allocated so that the loan is reported, net, using either the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loans effective interest rate, the loan's observable market value or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Management’s determination of the allowance, and the resulting provision, is based on judgments and assumptions, including general economic conditions, loan portfolio composition, loan loss experience, management’s evaluation of credit risk relating to pools of loans and individual borrowers, sensitivity analysis and expected loss models, value of underlying collateral, and observations of internal loan review staff or banking regulators.
The provision for loan losses is determined based on Management’s evaluation of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses under current economic conditions and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition.
Small Business Administration Lending
The Corporation is approved to originate loans under the Small Business Administration (SBA) which are sometimes sold in the secondary market. The SBA’s program affords the Corporation a higher level of delegated credit autonomy, translating to a significantly shorter turnaround time from application to funding. The Corporation retains the unguaranteed portion of these loans and sells the guaranteed portion of these loans. The guaranteed portion of these loans is readily marketable on a servicing-retained basis in an active national secondary market. In general, the SBA guarantees up to 85% of the loan amount depending on loan size. The Corporation continues to service these loans after sale and is required under the SBA programs to retain specified amounts. The servicing spread is 1% on the majority of loans. In calculating gain on the sale of SBA loans, the Corporation performs an allocation based on the relative fair values of the sold portion and retained portion of the loan. The Corporation's assumptions are validated by reference to external market information.
Servicing
Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through sale of financial assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual stratum, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the stratum.
Bank Premises and Equipment
Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed generally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Upon the sale or other disposition of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are retired and the resulting gain or loss is recognized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while renewals and improvements are capitalized. Software costs related to externally developed systems are capitalized at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life.

Fair Value Measurement
The Corporation uses fair value measurements to record certain assets and liabilities at fair value and determine fair value disclosures. Additional information regarding fair value measurement is included in Note 21 (Estimated Fair Value Financial Instruments) in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles
Intangible assets arise from acquisitions and include goodwill and core deposit intangibles. Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identified net assets in acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles represent the value of depositor relationships purchased. Goodwill is evaluated at least annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Corporation evaluates goodwill impairment annually as of November 30th of each year. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over ten years and are subject to annual impairment testing.

To simplify the process of testing goodwill for impairment for both public and nonpublic entities, on September 15, 2011 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. ASU 2011-08 gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (impairment). If the entity finds after the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not (impairment indicators) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the entity is then required to perform a full impairment test. Prior to the update, entities were required to test goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis. The Corporation early adopted the ASU for 2011.
Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate owned (OREO) is comprised of property acquired through a foreclosure proceeding or acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, and loans classified as in-substance foreclosure. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan at the time of acquisition or the fair value of the underlying property collateral, less estimated selling costs. Any write-down in the carrying value of a property at the time of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent write-downs to reflect current fair market value, as well as gains and losses on disposition and revenues and expenses incurred in maintaining such properties, are treated as period costs. Banking premises are transferred at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs.


Bank Owned Life Insurance
Bank owned life insurance policies are stated at the current cash surrender value of the policy, or the policy death proceeds less any obligation to provide a death benefit to an insured's beneficiaries if that value is less than the cash surrender value. Increases in the asset value are recorded as earnings in other income.

Split-Dollar Life Insurance
The Corporation recognizes a liability and related compensation costs for endorsement split-dollar life insurance policies that provide a benefit to certain employees extending to postretirement periods. Based on the present value of expected future cash flows, the liability is recognized based on the substantive agreement with the employee.
Share-Based Compensation
The Corporation’s stock based compensation plans are described in detail in Note 18 (Share-Based Compensation). Compensation expense is recognized for stock options and unvested (restricted) stock awards issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Corporation’s common shares at the date of grant is used to estimate the fair value of unvested (restricted) stock awards.
Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period for stock option awards and as the unvested period for nonvested (restricted) stock awards. Certain of the Corporation’s share-based awards contain terms that provide for a graded vesting schedule whereby portions of the award vest in increments over the requisite service period.
Investment and Trust Services Assets and Income
Property held by the Corporation in fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers is not included in the Corporation’s financial statements as such items are not assets of the Corporation. Income from the Investment and Trust Services Division is reported on an accrual basis.
Off Balance Sheet Instruments
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. Additional information regarding Off Balance Sheet Instruments is included in Note 20 (Commitments and Contingencies) in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes
The Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary file an annual consolidated Federal income tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be removed or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are deemed more likely than not to be realized.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of shareholders’ equity. Unrealized losses on the Corporation’s available-for-sale securities (after applicable income tax expense) totaling $3,892 and unrealized gains of $3,295 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the minimum pension liability adjustment (after applicable income tax benefit) totaling $1,296 and $2,055 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Recent Financial Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU No. 2013-01 clarifies that ASU No. 2011-11 applies only to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Entities with other types of financial assets and financial liabilities subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement are no longer subject to the disclosure requirements in ASU No. 2011-11. The amendments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, to improve the transparency of reporting these reclassifications. The ASU does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements but requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income and separately present reclassification adjustments and current period other comprehensive income. The provisions of this ASU also requires that entities present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line item affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, entities would instead cross reference to the related note to the financial statements for additional information. Note 23 contains additional information regarding reclassifications out of AOCI and into net income
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The ASU requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. No new recurring disclosures are required. The amendments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and are to be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.