SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation and Business – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Financial Service Corporation (the “Corporation”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”). First Federal Savings Bank has two wholly owned subsidiaries, First Service Corporation of Elizabethtown and Heritage Properties, LLC. Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references to "us," "we," or "our" include First Financial Service Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, collectively referred to as the “Company”. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Our business consists primarily of attracting deposits from the general public and origination of mortgage loans on single-family residences, commercial property and multi-family housing. We also make home improvement loans, consumer loans and commercial business loans. Our primary lending area is a region within North Central Kentucky. The economy within this region is diversified with a variety of medical service, manufacturing, and agricultural industries, and Fort Knox, a military installation.

The principal sources of funds for our lending and investment activities are deposits, repayment of loans, Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings. Our principal source of income is interest on loans. In addition, other income is derived from loan origination fees, service charges, returns on investment securities, gains on sale of mortgage loans, and brokerage and insurance commissions.

Our subsidiary First Service Corporation is a licensed broker providing investment services and offering tax-deferred annuities, government securities and stocks and bonds to our customers. Heritage Properties, LLC holds real estate acquired through foreclosure which is available for sale.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Estimates and Assumptions – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of the amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, other real estate owned and deferred tax asset realization are particularly subject to change and such change could be material.

Inventory, Cash Flow Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash Flows – For purposes of the statement of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and certain interest bearing deposits. Net cash flows are reported for interest-bearing deposits, loans, short-term borrowings and deposits.

Marketable Securities, Held-to-maturity Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Securities – Historically we have classified investments into held-to-maturity and available-for-sale. At December 31, 2013, all of our investments are classified as available-for-sale. Debt securities in which management has a positive intent and ability to hold are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at cost adjusted for the amortization of premiums and discounts using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Debt and equity securities, which do not fall into this category, are classified as available-for-sale. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings.  For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.

Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Loans – Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their recorded investment, which is the outstanding principal balance net of any deferred loan origination fees and charge-offs. We defer loan origination fees and discounts net of certain direct origination costs. These net deferred fees are amortized using the level yield method on a loan-by-loan basis over the lives of the underlying loans. Under applicable accounting guidance, for reporting purposes, the loan portfolio is categorized by portfolio segment and, within each portfolio segment, by class of financing receivables. The following classes of financing receivables have been identified: commercial, commercial real estate including land development and building lot loans, construction real estate, residential mortgage, consumer and home equity, and indirect consumer.

Interest income on commercial, commercial real estate, construction real estate and residential mortgage loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer and home equity and indirect consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 120 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. A loan is moved to non-accrual status in accordance with our policy, typically after 90 days of non-payment. 

All interest accrued but not received for a loan placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Loan Losses –The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Our periodic evaluation of the allowance is based on our past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and current economic conditions. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired. The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history we have experienced over the most recent three years with additional weight given to more recent losses. This 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: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. The following portfolio segments have been identified: commercial, commercial real estate, residential mortgage, consumer and home equity, and indirect consumer.

Commercial loans generally are made to small-to-medium size businesses located within our defined market area. Commercial loans generally carry a higher yield and are made for a shorter term than real estate loans. Commercial loans, however, involve a higher degree of risk than residential real estate loans due to potentially greater volatility in the value of the assigned collateral, the need for more technical analysis of the borrower’s financial position, the potentially greater impact that changing economic conditions may have on the borrower’s ability to retire debt, and the additional expertise required for commercial lending personnel.

Commercial loans that are primarily secured by real estate are made to a variety of industries and primarily in our market area. Substantially all of the commercial real estate loans we originate have adjustable interest rates with maturities of 25 years or less or are loans with fixed interest rates and maturities of five years or less. The security for commercial real estate loans includes retail businesses, warehouses, churches, apartment buildings and motels. In addition, the payment experience of loans secured by income producing properties typically depends on the success of the related business project and thus may be more vulnerable to adverse conditions in the real estate market or in the economy generally.

Residential mortgage loans are secured primarily by single-family homes. The majority of our mortgage loan portfolio is secured by real estate in our markets outside of Louisville and our residential mortgage loans do not have sub-prime characteristics. Appraisals are obtained to support the loan amount. We limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on one-to-four-family residential first mortgages to 90% of the appraised value.

Consumer loans include loans on automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles and other consumer goods, as well as loans secured by savings accounts, home improvement loans, and unsecured lines of credit. These loans involve a higher risk of default than loans secured by one-to-four-family residential loans. Our underwriting standards reflect the greater risk in consumer lending than in residential real estate lending. Among other things, the capacity of individual borrowers to repay can change rapidly, particularly during an economic downturn, collection costs can be relatively higher for smaller loans, and the value of collateral may be more likely to depreciate. We require detailed financial information and credit bureau reports for each consumer loan applicant to establish the applicant’s credit history, the adequacy of income for debt retirement, and job stability based on the applicant’s employment records. Co-signers are required for applicants who are determined marginal or who fail to qualify individually under these standards. Adequate collateral is required on the majority of consumer loans.

The indirect consumer loan portfolio is comprised of new and used automobile, motorcycle and all terrain vehicle loans originated on our behalf by a select group of auto dealers within the service area. Indirect consumer loans are considered to have greater risk of loan losses than direct consumer loans due to, among other things: borrowers may have no existing relationship with us; borrowers may not be residents of the lending area; less detailed financial statement information may be collected at application; collateral values can be more difficult to determine; and the condition of vehicles securing the loan can deteriorate rapidly. To address the additional risks associated with indirect consumer lending, the Executive Loan Committee continually evaluates data regarding the dealers enrolled in the program, including monitoring turn down and delinquency rates. All applications are approved by specific lending officers, selected based on experience in this field, who obtain credit bureau reports on each application to assist in the decision. Aggressive collection procedures encourage more timely recovery of late payments.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that full principal or interest payments are not anticipated in accordance with the contractual loan terms. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. 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. We determine 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. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to require an increase, such increase is reported in the provision for loan losses.

Impaired commercial and commercial real estate loans are individually evaluated for impairment. Individual residential mortgage, consumer and home equity and indirect consumer loans are evaluated for impairment based on the aging status of the loan and by payment activity and are separately identified for impairment disclosures. When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual status, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual status, contractual interest is credited to interest income when received under the cash basis method.

A troubled debt restructuring is where we have agreed to a loan modification in the form of a concession for a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty. 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, we determine the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Mortgage Banking Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Mortgage  Banking Activities – Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. To deliver closed loans to the secondary market and to control its interest rate risk prior to sale, we enter into “best efforts” agreements to sell loans (sales contracts). The aggregate fair value of mortgage loans held for sale considers the price of the sales contracts. The loans are sold with servicing released.

Loan commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans held for sale (interest rate locks) are accounted for as derivative instruments. Our commitments are for fixed rate mortgage loans, generally lasting 60 to 90 days and are at market rates when initiated. We had commitments to originate $840,000 and $20.9 million in loans at December 31, 2013 and 2012, which we intend to sell after the loans are closed.

Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. The fair value of mortgage derivatives was not material. Substantially all of the gain on sale generated from mortgage banking activities continues to be recorded when closed loans are delivered into the sales contracts.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock [Policy Text Block]

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock – The Bank is a member of the 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. Investment in stock of Federal Home Loan Bank is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Cash Surrender Value Of Life Insurance [Policy Text Block]

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance – We have purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Premises and Equipment – Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 5 to 40 years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years.

Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Real Estate Owned – Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure and in settlement of loans are stated at fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure. The excess of cost over fair value less the estimated costs to sell at the time of foreclosure is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Costs relating to development and improvement of property are capitalized when such amounts do not exceed fair value. Costs relating to holding property are not capitalized and are charged against operations in the current period.

Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Real Estate Owned-Bank Lots – Bank owned properties held for sale are carried at the lower of cost, including cost of development and improvement subsequent to acquisition, or fair value less estimated selling costs. The portion of interest costs relating to the development of real estate is capitalized.

Other Repossessed Assets [Policy Text Block]

Other Repossessed Assets – Consumer assets acquired through repossession and in settlement of loans, typically automobiles, are carried at lower of cost or fair value at the date of repossession. The excess cost over fair value at time of repossession is charged to the allowance for loan losses.

Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Intangible Assets –Intangible assets consist of core deposit and acquired customer relationship intangible assets arising from whole bank and branch acquisitions. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 10 years. The remaining other intangible assets were fully amortized with the branch divestiture in 2012.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment [Policy Text Block]

Long-Term Assets – Premises and equipment, core deposit and other intangible assets, and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Low Income Housing Investments – We enter into and invest in limited partnerships in order to invest in affordable housing projects for the primary purpose of obtaining available tax benefits. We are a limited partner in these investments and, as such, we are not involved in the management or operation of such investments. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, we record our share of the partnership’s earnings or losses in our income statement and adjust the carrying amount of the investments on the consolidated balance sheet. These investments are evaluated for impairment when events indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The investments recorded at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $7.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively.

Revenue Recognition, Services, Commissions [Policy Text Block]

Brokerage and Insurance Commissions – Brokerage commissions are recognized as income on settlement date. Insurance commissions on loan products (credit life, mortgage life, accidental death, and guaranteed auto protection) are recognized as income over the life of the loan.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock Based Compensation – Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and 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 our common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes – Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. 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. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Policy [Policy Text Block]

Employee Stock Ownership Plan – Compensation expense is based on the market price of shares as they are committed to be released to participant accounts. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings. Since the ESOP has not acquired shares in advance of allocation to participant accounts, the plan has no unallocated shares.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings/(Loss) Per Common Share – Basic earnings (loss) per common share is net income attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options and warrants. Earnings (loss) and dividends per share are restated for all stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Loss Contingencies – In the normal course of business, there are various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. In the opinion of management the disposition of such legal proceedings and claims will not materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income/(Loss) – Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and the unrecognized loss on held-to-maturity securities for which an other-than-temporary charge has been recorded, which are also recognized as a separate component of equity, net of tax.

Loan Commitments And Related Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments – Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Policyholders Dividend, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Dividend Restriction – Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders. For additional information, see Note 14.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications – Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year operations or stockholders’ equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Adoption of New Accounting Standards – Effective February 2013, we adopted, ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (ASU 2013-02).  This guidance is the culmination of the FASB’s deliberation on reporting reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). The amendments in ASU 2013-02 do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income.  However, the amendments require disclosure of amounts reclassified out of AOCI in its entirety, by component, on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes thereto.  Amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income must be cross-referenced to other disclosures that provide additional detail. This standard was effective for public entities for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (ASU 2013-11). Current GAAP does not include explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 will require an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, unless an exception applies. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement – In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (ASU 2014-01). ASU 2014-01 permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. This new guidance also requires new disclosures for all investors in these projects. ASU 2014-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Upon adoption, the guidance must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. However, entities that use the effective yield method to account for investments in these projects before adoption may continue to do so for these pre-existing investments. The adoption of ASU 2014-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.