SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Keystone Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Keystone Community Bank (the "Bank"). All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

The Corporation, headquartered in Berwick, Pennsylvania, provides a full range of banking, trust and related services through its wholly-owned Bank subsidiary and is subject to competition from other financial institutions in connection with these services. The Bank serves a customer base which includes individuals, businesses, governments, and public and institutional customers primarily located in the Northeast Region of Pennsylvania. The Bank has 18 full service offices and 20 Automated Teller Machines ("ATM") located in Columbia, Luzerne, Montour and Monroe counties. The Corporation and its subsidiary must also adhere to certain federal and state banking laws and regulations and are subject to periodic examinations made by various state and federal agencies.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

The Corporation's subsidiary acts as an independent community financial services provider, and offers traditional banking and related financial services to individual, business, government, and public and institutional customers. Through its branch and ATM network, the Bank offers a full array of commercial and retail financial services, including the taking of time, savings and demand deposits; the making of commercial, consumer and mortgage loans; and the providing of other financial services. The Bank also performs personal, corporate, pension and fiduciary services through its Trust Department.

Management does not separately allocate expenses, including the cost of funding loan demand, between the commercial, retail, trust and mortgage banking operations of the Corporation. Currently, management measures the performance and allocates the resources of the Corporation as a single segment.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, 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 these consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes include the assessment for impairment of certain investment securities, the allowance for loan losses, deferred tax assets and liabilities, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets and foreclosed assets held for resale. Assumptions and factors used in the estimates are evaluated on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the previous assumptions and factors have changed. The result of the analysis could result in adjustments to the estimates.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

The Corporation classifies its investment securities as either "Held-to-Maturity" or "Available-for-Sale" at the time of purchase. Investment securities are accounted for on a trade date basis. Debt securities are classified as Held-to-Maturity when the Corporation has the ability and positive intent to hold the securities to maturity. Investment securities classified as Held-to-Maturity are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount to maturity.

Debt securities not classified as Held-to-Maturity and equity securities are included in the Available-for-Sale category and are carried at fair value. The amount of any unrealized gain or loss, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, is reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Management's decision to sell Available-for-Sale securities is based on changes in economic conditions controlling the sources and applications of funds, terms, availability of and yield of alternative investments, interest rate risk and the need for liquidity.

The cost of debt securities classified as Held-to-Maturity or Available-for-Sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to expected maturity. Such amortization and accretion, as well as interest and dividends, are included in interest and dividend income from investment securities. Realized gains and losses are included in net investment securities gains and losses. The cost of investment securities sold, redeemed or matured is based on the specific identification method.

Restricted Securities

Restricted Securities

Restricted equity securities consist of stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh ("FHLB-Pittsburgh") and Atlantic Central Bankers Bank ("ACBB"). These securities do not have a readily determinable fair value because their ownership is restricted and they can be sold back only to the FHLB-Pittsburgh, ACBB or to another member institution. Therefore, these securities are classified as restricted equity investment securities, carried at cost, and evaluated for impairment. At December 31, 2013, the Corporation held $4,726,000 in stock of FHLB-Pittsburgh and $35,000 in stock of ACBB. At December 31, 2012, the Corporation held $4,848,000 in stock of FHLB-Pittsburgh and $35,000 in stock of ACBB.

The Corporation evaluated its holding of restricted stock for impairment and deemed the stock to not be impaired due to the expected recoverability of cost, which equals the value reflected within the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. The decision was based on several items ranging from the estimated true economic losses embedded within FHLB's mortgage portfolio to the FHLB's liquidity position and credit rating. The Corporation utilizes the impairment framework outlined in GAAP to evaluate stock for impairment. The following factors were evaluated to determine the ultimate recoverability of the cost of the Corporation's restricted stock holdings; (i) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted; (ii) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB; (iii) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the FHLB; (iv) the liquidity position of the FHLB; and (v) whether a decline is temporary or whether it affects the ultimate recoverability of the FHLB stock based on (a) the materiality of the carrying amount to the member institution and (b) whether an assessment of the institution's operational needs for the foreseeable future allow management to dispose of the stock. Based on the analysis of these factors, the Corporation determined that its holdings of restricted stock were not impaired at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Loans

Loans

Loans are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of deferred fees or costs, unearned income and the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is recognized as income over the term of each loan, generally, by the accrual method. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs have been deferred with the net amount amortized using the straight line method or the interest method over the contractual life of the related loans as an interest yield adjustment.

Residential mortgage loans held for resale are carried at the lower of cost or market on an aggregate basis determined by independent pricing from appropriate federal or state agency investors. These loans are sold without recourse.

Past-Due Loans - Generally, a loan is considered to be past-due when scheduled loan payments are in arrears 15 days or more. Delinquent notices are generated automatically when a loan is 15 days past-due. Collection efforts continue on past-due loans that have not been brought current, when it is believed that some chance exists for improvement in the status of the loan. Past-due loans are continually evaluated with the determination for charge-off being made when no reasonable chance remains that the status of the loan can be improved.

Charge-Offs - Commercial real estate loans are charged off in whole or in part when they become sufficiently delinquent based upon the terms of the underlying loan contract and when a collateral deficiency exists. Because all or part of the contractual cash flows are not expected to be collected, the loan is considered to be impaired, and the Bank estimates the impairment based on its analysis of the cash flows and collateral estimated at fair value less cost to sell.

Consumer loans are charged off when they become non-performing assets, or when the value of the underlying collateral is not sufficient to support the loan balance and a loss is expected. At that time, the amount of estimated collateral deficiency, if any, is charged off for loans secured by collateral, and all other loans are charged off in full. Loans in which the borrower is in bankruptcy are considered on a case by case basis and are either charged off by the Bank or reaffirmed by the borrower. Loans with collateral are charged down to the estimated fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.

Non-Accrual Loans - Generally, a loan is classified as non-accrual and the accrual of interest on such a loan is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan currently is performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against interest income. Certain non-accrual loans may continue to perform, that is, payments are still being received. Generally, the payments are applied to principal. These loans remain under constant scrutiny and if performance continues, interest income may be recorded on a cash basis based on management's judgment as to collectability of principal.

Impaired Loans - A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Under current accounting standards, the allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans is based on discounted cash flows using the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for certain collateral dependent loans. The recognition of interest income on impaired loans is the same as for non-accrual loans discussed above.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs") - The restructuring of a loan is considered a "troubled debt restructuring" if both the following conditions are met: (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, and (ii) the Bank has granted a concession. The most common concessions granted include one or more modifications to the terms of the debt, such as (a) a reduction in the interest rate for the remaining life of the debt, (b) an extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, (c) a temporary period of interest-only payments, and (d) a reduction in the contractual payment amount for either a short period or remaining term of the loan. A less common concession is the forgiveness of a portion of the principal.

The determination of whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties takes into account not only the current financial condition of the borrower, but also the potential financial condition of the borrower were a concession not granted. Similarly, the determination of whether a concession has been granted is very subjective in nature. For example, simply extending the term of a loan at its original interest rate or even at a higher interest rate could be interpreted as a concession unless the borrower could readily obtain similar credit terms from a different lender.

Loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring may or may not be placed on non-accrual status until the Bank determines the future collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured, which generally requires that the borrower demonstrates a period of performance according to the restructured terms of six months.

Allowance for Loan Losses - The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged against income. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level estimated by management to be adequate to absorb potential loan losses. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on the Corporation's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans that may be susceptible to significant change.

In addition, the Corporation is subject to periodic examination by its federal and state examiners, and may be required by such regulators to recognize additions to the allowance for loan losses based on their assessment of credit information available to them at the time of their examinations.

In addition, an allowance is provided for possible credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures. This allowance is estimated by management and if deemed necessary, the allowance would be classified in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, an allowance for possible credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures was not recorded.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired. Select loans are not aggregated for collective impairment evaluation, as such; all loans are subject to individual impairment evaluation should the facts and circumstances pertinent to a particular loan suggest that such evaluation is necessary. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status 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. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from collateral. Troubled debt restructurings are separately identified for impairment disclosures and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's effective rate at inception. If a troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, the Corporation determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.

The general component covers all other loans not identified as impaired and is based on historical losses adjusted for current factors. The historical loss component of the allowance is determined by losses recognized by portfolio segment over the preceding two years. In calculating the historical component of our allowance, we aggregate loans into one of four portfolio segments: Commercial and Industrial, Commercial real estate, Residential real estate and Consumer. Risk factors impacting loans in each of the portfolio segments include broad deterioration of property values, reduced consumer and business spending as a result of continued high unemployment and reduced credit availability and lack of confidence in a sustainable recovery. Actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: the concentration of special mention, substandard and doubtful loans as a percentage of total loans, levels of loan concentration within the portfolio segment or division of a portfolio segment, broad economic conditions, delinquency trends, volume trends and terms, and policy and management changes.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment

Premises, improvements, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation computed principally utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recovered. Maintenance and minor repairs are charged to operations as incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation of the premises and equipment retired or sold are eliminated from the property accounts at the time of retirement or sale, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in current operations.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage Servicing Rights

The Corporation originates and sells real estate loans to investors in the secondary mortgage market. After the sale, the Corporation may retain the right to service these loans. When originated mortgage loans are sold and servicing is retained, a servicing asset is capitalized based on relative fair value at the date of sale. Servicing assets are amortized as an offset to other fees in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. The unamortized cost is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The servicing rights are periodically evaluated for impairment based on their relative fair value.

Foreclosed Assets Held for Resale

Foreclosed Assets Held for Resale

Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value on the date of foreclosure establishing a new cost basis. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed and if fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. The real estate is carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Revenues derived from and costs to maintain the assets and subsequent gains and losses on sales are included in non-interest income and expense on the consolidated statements of income. The total of foreclosed real estate properties amounted to $480,000 at December 31, 2013 and $468,000 at December 31, 2012.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank Owned Life Insurance

The Corporation invests in Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI") with split dollar life provisions. Purchase of BOLI provides life insurance coverage on certain employees with the Corporation being owner and beneficiary of the policies.

Investments in Real Estate Ventures

Investments in Real Estate Ventures

The Bank is a limited partner in real estate ventures that own and operate affordable residential low-income housing apartment buildings for elderly and mentally challenged adult residents. The investments are accounted for under the effective yield method. Under the effective yield method, the Bank recognizes tax credits as they are allocated and amortizes the initial cost of the investment to provide a constant effective yield over the period that the tax credits are allocated to the Bank. Under this method, the tax credits allocated, net of any amortization of the investment in the limited partnerships, are recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of income tax expense. The amount of tax credits allocated to the Bank were $267,000 in 2013, $277,000 in 2012, and $160,000 in 2011, and the amortization of the investments in the limited partnerships were $191,000, $183,000 and $116,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on the results of operations, adjusted primarily for tax-exempt income. Certain items of income and expense are reported in different periods for financial reporting and tax return purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the consolidated financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities measured by using the enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the timing differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax expense or benefit is based on the difference between deferred tax asset or liability from period to period.

In assessing the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the "more likely than not" test, no tax benefit is recorded.

The Corporation and the Bank are subject to U.S. federal income tax and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania tax. The Corporation is no longer subject to examination by Federal or State taxing authorities for the years before 2010. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not have any unrecognized tax benefits. The Corporation does not expect the amount of any unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase in the next twelve months. The Corporation recognizes interest related to income tax matters as interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as non-interest expense. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Corporation does not have any amounts accrued for interest and/or penalties.

Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets, and Premium Discount

Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets, and Premium Discount

Goodwill resulted from the acquisition of the Pocono Community Bank in November 2007 and of certain fixed and operating assets acquired and deposit liabilities assumed of the branch of another financial institution in Danville, Pennsylvania, in January 2004. Such goodwill represents the excess cost of the acquired assets relative to the assets fair value at the dates of acquisition. During the first quarter of 2008, $152,000 of liabilities related to the Pocono acquisition were recorded as a purchase accounting adjustment resulting in an increase in the excess purchase price. The amount was comprised of the finalization of severance agreements and contract terminations related to the acquisition. In accordance with current accounting standards, goodwill is not amortized. Management performs an annual evaluation for impairment. Any impairment of goodwill results in a charge to income. The Corporation periodically assesses whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of goodwill and other intangible assets may be impaired. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level and an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. The Corporation has evaluated the goodwill included in its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013, and has determined there was no impairment as of that date. No assurance can be given that future impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

Intangible assets are comprised of core deposit intangibles and premium discount (negative premium) on certificates of deposit acquired. The core deposit intangible is being amortized over the average life of the deposits acquired as determined by an independent third party. Premium discount (negative premium) on acquired certificates of deposit resulted from the valuation of certificate of deposit accounts by an independent third party. The book value of certificates of deposit acquired was greater than their fair value at the date of acquisition which resulted in a negative premium due to higher cost of the certificates of deposit compared to the cost of similar term financing. The Corporation has evaluated the core deposit intangible included in its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and has determined there was no impairment as of that date. No assurance can be given that future impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation

The Corporation adopted a stock option incentive plan in 1998. Compensation cost is recognized for stock options to employees based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The Plan expired in 2008, and therefore, no stock options are available for issuance. After adjustments for the effects of stock dividends, options exercised and options forfeited, there remains 4,823 exercisable options issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

Per Share Data

Per Share Data

FASB ASC 260-10, Earnings Per Share, requires dual presentation of basic and fully diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by increasing the denominator for the assumed conversion of all potentially dilutive securities. The Corporation's dilutive securities are limited to stock options. The most recent options issued were in December 2007.

Per share data has been adjusted retroactively for stock splits and stock dividends. The reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Weighted Average
	Net Income		Number of Shares		Per Share
	Numerators		Denominators		Amount

Net income	$	10,273
Basic earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	10,273		5,481	$	1.87
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options				5
Diluted earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	10,273		5,486	$	1.87

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Weighted Average
	Net Income		Number of Shares		Per Share
	Numerators		Denominators		Amount

Net income	$	10,170
Basic earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	10,170		5,455	$	1.86
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options				12
Diluted earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	10,170		5,467	$	1.86

	Year Ended December 31, 2011
			Weighted Average
	Net Income		Number of Shares		Per Share
	Numerators		Denominators		Amount

Net income	$	9,907
Basic earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	9,907		5,445	$	1.82
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options				11
Diluted earnings per share:
Income available to common stockholders	$	9,907		5,456	$	1.82

Cash Flow Information

Cash Flow Information

For purposes of reporting consolidated cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and federal funds sold. The Corporation considers cash classified as interest-bearing deposits with other banks as a cash equivalent since they are represented by cash accounts essentially on a demand basis. Federal funds are also included as a cash equivalent because they are generally purchased and sold for one-day periods.

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

The purchase of the Corporation's common stock is recorded at cost. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on a first-in-first-out basis.

Trust Assets and Income

Trust Assets and Income

Property held by the Corporation in a fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since such items are not assets of the Corporation. Trust Department income is generally recognized on a cash basis and is not materially different than if it were reported on an accrual basis.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Corporation is required to present accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in a full set of general-purpose financial statements for all periods presented. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net unrealized holding gains (losses) on the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio. The Corporation has elected to report these effects on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Accounting Policies Recently Adopted and Pending Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Policies Recently Adopted and Pending Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued an update (ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) impacting FASB ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. This update requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). An entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about these amounts. This update became effective for the Corporation for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012 and did not have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

It is the Corporation's policy to expense advertising costs in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $441,000, $336,000 and $299,000, respectively.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements of prior periods have been reclassified to conform with presentations used in the 2013 consolidated financial statements. Such reclassifications have no effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition or net income.