Business First Bancshares (BFST) 10-K 12 Mar 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 04, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Business First Bancshares, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001624322
Trading Symbol	bfst
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Ex Transition Period	true
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		13,437,633
Entity Public Float			$ 323
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Cash and Due from Banks	$ 89,371	$ 96,072
Federal Funds Sold	61,372	41,836
Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Values	278,193	309,516
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	251	58
Loans and Lease Receivable, Net of Allowance for Loan Losses of $12,124 in 2019 and $11,220 in 2018	1,698,141	1,517,249
Premises and Equipment, Net	29,280	15,114
Accrued Interest Receivable	8,025	8,223
Other Equity Securities	12,565	9,282
Other Real Estate Owned	4,036	1,909
Cash Value of Life Insurance	32,568	31,882
Deferred Taxes	2,145	3,848
Goodwill	48,495	49,488
Core Deposit Intangible	6,694	7,885
Other Assets	2,699	2,534
Total Assets	2,273,835	2,094,896
Liabilities:
Noninterest Bearing	398,847	382,354
Interest Bearing	1,383,163	1,351,580
Total Deposits	1,782,010	1,733,934
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase	67,989	12,229
Subordinated Debt	25,000	25,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings	93,000	55,000
Accrued Interest Payable	1,533	1,374
Other Liabilities	19,206	7,301
Total Liabilities	1,988,738	1,834,838
Commitments and Contingencies (See Notes 19, 21 and 22)
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, No Par Value; 5,000,000 Shares Authorized
Common Stock, $1 Par Value; 50,000,000 Shares Authorized; 13,279,363 and 13,213,280 Shares Issued and Outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	13,279	13,213
Additional Paid-in Capital	212,505	212,332
Retained Earnings	56,700	37,982
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,613	(3,469)
Total Shareholders' Equity	285,097	260,058
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 2,273,835	$ 2,094,896

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allowance for loan losses	$ 12,124	$ 11,220
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	13,279,363	13,213,280
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	13,279,363	13,213,280

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest Income:
Interest and Fees on Loans	$ 95,433	$ 69,780	$ 47,516
Interest and Dividends on Securities	7,225	5,834	3,829
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Due From Banks	809	581	256
Total Interest Income	103,467	76,195	51,601
Interest Expense:
Interest on Deposits	19,753	11,833	6,328
Interest on Borrowings	3,516	2,133	901
Total Interest Expense	23,269	13,966	7,229
Net Interest Income	80,198	62,229	44,372
Provision for Loan Losses	2,606	2,390	4,237
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses	77,592	59,839	40,135
Other Income:
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts	4,035	2,810	2,109
Gain on Sales of Securities	106	7	31
Other Income	6,567	4,962	3,478
Total Other Income	10,708	7,779	5,618
Other Expenses:
Salaries and Employee Benefits	35,126	27,862	21,482
Occupancy and Equipment Expense	7,628	5,865	4,820
Other Expenses	15,694	16,521	10,500
Total Other Expenses	58,448	50,248	36,802
Income Before Income Taxes	29,852	17,370	8,951
Provision for Income Taxes	6,080	3,279	4,103
Net Income	$ 23,772	$ 14,091	$ 4,848
Earnings Per Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.79	$ 1.27	$ 0.63
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.74	$ 1.22	$ 0.61

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Net Income	$ 23,772	$ 14,091	$ 4,848
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Securities	7,592	(2,317)	1,419
Reclassification Adjustment for Gains (Loss) included in Net Income	106	7	31
Income Tax Effect	(1,616)	485	(493)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6,082	(1,825)	957
Consolidated Comprehensive Income	$ 29,854	$ 12,266	$ 5,805

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balance at Beginning of Year at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 6,917	$ 85,133	$ 23,839	$ (2,330)	$ 113,559
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income			4,848		4,848
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)				957	957
Reclassify Stranded Tax Effects			271	(271)
Cash Dividends Declared			(1,792)		(1,792)
Stock Issuance	3,299	59,156			62,455
Stock Based Compensation Cost	18
Stock Based Compensation Cost		(77)			(59)
Stock Repurchase	(2)	(40)			(33)
Stock Repurchase			9
Balance at End of Year at Dec. 31, 2017	10,232	144,172	27,175	(1,644)	179,935
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income			14,091		14,091
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)				(1,825)	(1,825)
Cash Dividends Declared			(3,281)		(3,281)
Stock Issuance	2,936	67,192			70,128
Stock Based Compensation Cost	49	1,050			1,099
Stock Repurchase					0
Surrendered Shares of Stock Based Compensation	(4)	(82)	(3)		(89)
Balance at End of Year at Dec. 31, 2018	13,213	212,332	37,982	(3,469)	260,058
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income			23,772		23,772
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)				6,082	6,082
Cash Dividends Declared			(5,054)		(5,054)
Stock Issuance	143	1,556			1,699
Stock Based Compensation Cost	44	1,257			1,301
Stock Repurchase	(111)	(2,442)			(2,553)
Surrendered Shares of Stock Based Compensation	(10)	(198)			(208)
Balance at End of Year at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 13,279	$ 212,505	$ 56,700	$ 2,613	$ 285,097

Consolidated Statements of Ch_2

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.30	$ 0.23

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Consolidated Net Income	$ 23,772	$ 14,091	$ 4,848
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:
Provision for Loan Losses	2,606	2,390	4,237
Depreciation and Amortization	1,588	1,172	1,181
Net Accretion of Purchase Accounting Valuations	(2,646)	(719)	(4,529)
Noncash Compensation (Income) Expense	1,093	1,010	(59)
Net Amortization of Securities	1,688	2,038	1,750
Gain on Sales of Securities	(106)	(7)	(31)
Noncash (Income) Loss on Other Equity Securities	(1,684)	(334)	(243)
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Other Real Estate Owned, Net of Writedowns	546	(14)	276
Increase in Cash Value of Life Insurance	(686)	(681)	(633)
Provision (Credit) for Deferred Income Taxes	336	(402)	3,126
Gain on Sale of Branch	(581)
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
(Increase) Decrease in Accrued Interest Receivable	198	(970)	(726)
(Increase) Decrease in Other Assets	(318)	1,275	(675)
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Payable	159	184	(30)
Increase (Decrease) in Other Liabilities	(1,547)	243	(524)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	24,418	19,276	7,968
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of Securities Available for Sale	(27,223)	(16,106)	(8,581)
Proceeds from Maturities / Sales of Securities Available for Sale	25,984	11,417	7,881
Proceeds from Paydowns of Securities Available for Sale	38,678	33,670	19,625
Net Cash Paid in Merger		(9,148)
Net Cash Paid in Sale of Branch	(17,448)
Purchases of Other Equity Securities	(3,031)	(1,175)	(2,453)
Redemption of Other Equity Securities	1,432	3,176	189
Net Increase in Loans	(189,361)	(168,371)	(164,419)
Net Purchases of Premises and Equipment	(3,959)	(919)	(505)
Loss on Disposal of Premises and Equipment	774
Proceeds from Sales of Other Real Estate	1,400	654	1,084
Net Increase in Federal Funds Sold	(19,536)	(23,516)	(6,264)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(192,290)	(170,318)	(153,443)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net Increase in Deposits	73,319	124,471	122,738
Net Increase (Decrease) in Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase	55,760	(5,757)	(781)
Net Advances (Repayments) on Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings	38,000	(25,000)	28,606
Net Decrease in Short Term Borrowings		(862)
Net Proceeds (Repayments) from Long Term Borrowings		(2,700)	(300)
Proceeds from Issuance of Subordinated Debt		25,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	823	27,652	62,455
Repurchase of Common Stock	(2,553)		(33)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Warrants	876
Payment of Dividends on Common Stock	(5,054)	(3,281)	(1,792)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities	161,171	139,523	210,893
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(6,701)	(11,519)	65,418
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	96,072	107,591	42,173
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	89,371	96,072	107,591
Supplemental Disclosures for Cash Flow Information:
Interest on Deposits	19,616	11,384	6,351
Interest on Borrowings	3,494	2,098	908
Income Tax Payments	5,600	3,342	1,800
Supplemental Schedule for Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Change in the Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale	7,698	(2,310)	1,450
Change in Deferred Tax Effect on the Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Securities Available for Sale	(1,616)	485	(493)
Transfer of Loans to Other Real Estate	4,102	395	566
Transfer of Other Real Estate to Premises and Equipment		$ 1,373	$ 175

Note 1 - Nature of Operations -

Note 1 - Nature of Operations - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1 Nature of Operations – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – The accounting principles followed by Business First Bancshares, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, b1BANK Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Business First Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, b1BANK Nature of Operations The Bank operates out of full-service banking centers in markets across Louisiana and in Dallas, Texas. As a state bank, it is subject to regulation by the Office of Financial Institutions, State of Louisiana, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and undergoes periodic examinations by these agencies. The Company is also regulated by the Federal Reserve and is subject to periodic examinations. On January 1, 2018, $56.2 $23.20 December 31, 2017, $317.4 $192.7 $264.0 $30.6 two After the close of business on November 30, 2018, 1,679,559 $42.4 November 30, 2018, $316.4 $190.8 $290.0 $25.4 Estimates Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may not may not economic conditions in our markets, and changes in applicable banking regulations. Actual results may The Bank’s loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral including real property, business assets, and consumer assets. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on local economic conditions in the Bank’s market area. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans may may Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimated losses on loans may Acquisition Accounting Acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Purchased assets and assumed liabilities are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value. If the consideration given exceeds the fair value of the net assets received, goodwill is recognized. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to one Securities Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities (held to maturity, available for sale or trading) at the time of purchase and re-evaluates this classification quarterly. Securities classified as available for sale are those debt securities the Bank intends to hold for an indefinite period of time but not Securities classified as held to maturity are those debt securities the Bank has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general economic conditions. These securities are recorded at cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by various methods approximating the interest method over their contractual lives. The Bank has no December 31, 2019 2018. Securities classified as trading are those securities held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movements. These securities are recorded at market value with any market adjustments included in earnings. The Bank has no December 31, 2019 2018. The Bank has invested in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, and other similar stock, which is reflected at cost in these financial statements. As a member of the FHLB System, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in an amount determined by the FHLB. The FHLB stock is redeemable at par value at the discretion of the FHLB. Loans Loans are stated at principal amounts outstanding, adjusted for net deferred fees or costs, less the allowance for loan losses. Interest on commercial and consumer loans is accrued daily based on the principal outstanding. Generally, the Bank discontinues the accrual of interest income when a loan becomes 90 may The Bank classifies loans as impaired when it is probable the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The measurement of impaired loans is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the loan’s observable market price, or based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Acquired Loans Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date and there is no The Company accounts for acquired impaired loans in accordance with ASC 310 30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310 30” not The performing loans are accounted for under ASC 310 20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (“ASC 310 20” Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is based upon management’s review and evaluation of the loan portfolio. Factors considered in the establishment of the allowance for loan losses include management’s evaluation of specific loans; the level and composition of classified loans; historical loss experience; results of examinations by regulatory agencies; an internal asset review process; expectations of future economic conditions and their impact on particular borrowers; and other judgmental factors. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Management obtains independent appraisals for significant collateral in determining collateral values. Although management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, because of uncertainties associated with local economic conditions, collateral values, and future cash flows on impaired loans, it is reasonably possible that a material change could occur in the allowance for loan losses in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated. Loans acquired in business combinations are initially recorded at fair value, which includes an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans and, therefore, no not The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates of probable future losses, and ultimate losses may Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates based upon estimated useful service lives using the straight-line method for financial reporting and accelerated methods for tax reporting purposes. The costs of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts in the year of disposal and the resulting gains or losses are included in current operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized. Other Real Estate Owned Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosure or negotiated settlement are initially recorded at the fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of acquisition. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a property exceeds its fair value. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed. Valuations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of its cost or fair value less cost to sell. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite useful life are not Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment. If impaired, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Core deposit intangibles representing the value of the acquired core deposit base are generally recorded in connection with business combinations involving banks and branch locations. The Company’s policy is to amortize core deposit intangibles on a straight line basis over their estimated useful life of 10 may not Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is based on amounts reported in the statement of income after exclusion of nontaxable income such as interest on state and municipal securities. Also, certain items of income and expense are recognized in different time periods for financial statement purposes than for income tax purposes. Thus, provisions for deferred taxes are recorded in recognition of such temporary differences. Deferred taxes are provided utilizing a liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the reported amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Consolidated income tax expense is allocated on the basis of each entity’s income adjusted for permanent differences. The Company evaluates all significant tax positions as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As of December 31, 2019 2018, not The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and applicable states. With few exceptions, the Company is no 2016. not Stock Based Compensation As described in Note 16, Statements of Cash Flows For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and deposits in other financial institutions. Comprehensive Income Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. The components of comprehensive income are disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for all periods presented. Advertising The Company expenses all costs of advertising and promotion the first December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, $1.5 $1.2 $1.2 Accounting Standards Adopted in 201 9 In February 2016, 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842 January 1, 2019. $13.2 December 31, 2019. Accounting Standards Not In June 2016, 2016 13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326 not may first October 18, 2019, January 2023. 2020. may On January 26, 2017, 2017 04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350 2 not one zero zero 2020 January 1, 2017. not 2, not

Note 2 - Reclassifications -

Note 2 - Reclassifications -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Reclassifications [Text Block]	Note 2 Certain reclassifications may 2019. no

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisitio

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisitions -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 3 On January 1, 2018, $56.2 $23.20 December 31, 2017, $317.4 $192.7 $264.0 $30.6 two Cost and Allocation of Purchase Price for Minden Bancorp, Inc. (MBI): (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Purchase Price: MBI Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,407,627 MBI Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,480 MBI Shares Cashed Out Under Terms of Merger 2,409,107 Exchange Ratio 23.20 Cash Paid to Shareholders for Shares of Common Stock $ 55,891 MBI Stock Options Outstanding at December 31, 2017 17,822 Shares at $31.50 Less Strike Price Cash Paid on MBI Options 296 Total Purchase Price $ 56,187 Net Assets Acquired: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 15,891 Securities Available for Sale 99,867 Loans and Leases Receivable 192,714 Premises and Equipment, Net 2,678 Cash Value of Life Insurance 741 Core Deposit Intangible 2,494 Other Assets 3,055 Total Assets 317,440 Deposits 263,951 Borrowings 21,047 Other Liabilities 1,858 Total Liabilities 286,856 Net Assets Acquired 30,584 Goodwill Resulting from Merger $ 25,603 After the close of business on November 30, 2018, 1,679,559 $42.4 November 30, 2018, $316.4 $190.8 $290.0 $25.4 Cost and Allocation of Purchase Price for Richland State Bancorp, Inc. (RSBI): (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Purchase Price: Shares Issued to RSBI Shareholders on December 1, 2018 1,679,559 Closing Stock Price on November 30, 2018 25.29 Total Purchase Price $ 42,476 Net Assets Acquired: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 40,648 Securities Available for Sale 63,823 Loans and Leases Receivable 190,802 Premises and Equipment, Net 5,282 Cash Value of Life Insurance 7,260 Core Deposit Intangible 3,947 Other Assets 4,668 Total Assets 316,430 Deposits 289,979 Other Liabilities 1,074 Total Liabilities 291,053 Net Assets Acquired 25,377 Goodwill Resulting from Merger $ 17,099 On June 28, 2019, $581,000 $1.3 The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information is presented to reflect estimated results assuming MBI and RSBI were acquired as of January 1, 2017. not January 1, 2017 not For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) (except per share data) Interest Income $ 88,277 $ 79,230 Interest Expense 15,132 9,308 Net Interest Income 73,145 69,922 Provision for Loan Losses 2,590 4,237 Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses 70,555 65,685 Noninterest Income 11,496 8,705 Noninterest Expense 58,520 52,184 Income Before Income Taxes 23,531 22,206 Income Tax Expense 4,506 8,676 Net Income $ 19,025 $ 13,530 Earnings Per Common Share Basic $ 1.50 $ 1.03 Diluted $ 1.45 $ 1.01

Note 4 - Earnings Per Common Sh

Note 4 - Earnings Per Common Share -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 4 – Earnings per Common Share – Basic earnings per share (EPS) represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding; no may Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net Income Available to Common Shares $ 23,772 $ 14,091 $ 4,848 Denominator: Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding 13,310,577 11,124,585 7,658,137 Dilutive Effect of Stock Options and Warrants 360,200 421,358 345,822 Weighted Average Dilutive Common Shares 13,670,777 11,545,943 8,003,959 Basic Earnings Per Common Share From Net Income Available to Common Shares $ 1.79 $ 1.27 $ 0.63 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share From Net Income Available to Common Shares $ 1.74 $ 1.22 $ 0.61

Note 5 - Cash and Due From Bank

Note 5 - Cash and Due From Bank -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5 – Cash and Due From Bank – The Bank is required to maintain funds in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank had no December 31, 2019 $1.6 December 31, 2018.

Note 6 - Securities -

Note 6 - Securities -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6 – Securities – The amortized cost and fair values of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2019 2018 December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value U.S. Government Agencies $ 15,654 $ 303 $ 20 $ 15,937 Corporate Securities 23,774 98 158 23,714 Mortgage-Backed Securities 137,817 2,139 497 139,459 Municipal Securities 97,641 1,447 5 99,083 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 274,886 $ 3,987 $ 680 $ 278,193 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value U.S. Government Agencies $ 17,529 $ 54 $ 144 $ 17,439 Corporate Securities 13,052 76 436 12,692 Mortgage-Backed Securities 168,854 328 3,564 165,618 Municipal Securities 114,472 250 955 113,767 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 313,907 $ 708 $ 5,099 $ 309,516 The following table is a summary of securities with gross unrealized losses and fair values at December 31, 2019 2018, December 31, 2019 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total (Dollars in thousands) Gross Gross Gross Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses U.S. Government Agencies $ 2,486 $ 20 $ - $ - $ 2,486 $ 20 Corporate Securities - - 6,360 158 6,360 158 Mortgage-Backed Securities 950 4 44,366 493 45,316 497 Municipal Securities 948 4 1,261 1 2,209 5 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 4,384 $ 28 $ 51,987 $ 652 $ 56,371 $ 680 December 31, 2018 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total (Dollars in thousands) Gross Gross Gross Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses U.S. Government Agencies $ 4,399 $ 28 $ 4,610 $ 116 $ 9,009 $ 144 Corporate Securities 6,274 260 2,324 176 8,598 436 Mortgage-Backed Securities 67,770 1,264 61,271 2,300 129,041 3,564 Municipal Securities 40,473 484 29,782 471 70,255 955 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 118,916 $ 2,036 $ 97,987 $ 3,063 $ 216,903 $ 5,099 Management evaluates securities for other than temporary impairment when economic and market conditions warrant such evaluations. Consideration is given to the extent and length of time the fair value has been below cost, the reasons for the decline in value, and the Company’s intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not The amortized cost and fair values of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2019 may may Amortized Fair Cost Value (Dollars in thousands) Less Than One Year $ 26,988 $ 27,017 One to Five Years 50,511 51,099 Over Five to Ten Years 129,486 131,158 Over Ten Years 67,901 68,919 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 274,886 $ 278,193 Securities available for sale with a fair value of $165.9 $172.2 December 31, 2019 2018. There were $112,000, $7,000 $31,000 December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, $6,000 December 31, 2019, no December 31, 2018 2017, Other Equity Securities The Company has invested in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas which is included in other equity securities and reflected at cost in these financial statements. The cost of these securities was $6.1 $3.6 December 31, 2019 2018. December 31, 2019 2018. $202,000 $202,000 $310,000 $621,000 $655,000 $655,000 December 31, 2019 2018, $1.9 $1.5 $1.8 $1.6 $1.6 $1.1 $12,000 $13,000 2, December 31, 2019 2018,

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowanc

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Financing Receivables [Text Block]	Note 7 – Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses – Loans receivable at December 31, 2019 2018 December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Real estate loans: Construction and land $ 244,181 $ 211,054 Farmland 48,681 45,989 1-4 family residential 293,142 270,583 Multi-family residential 36,454 39,273 Nonfarm nonresidential 612,608 518,660 Commercial 390,398 363,640 Consumer 84,801 79,270 Total loans held for investment 1,710,265 1,528,469 Less: Allowance for loan losses (12,124 ) (11,220 ) Net loans $ 1,698,141 $ 1,517,249 The performing one four December 31, 2019 2018. Net deferred loan origination fees were $3.0 $1.7 December 31, 2019 2018, December 31, 2019 2018, $276,000 $858,000, The Bank is the lead lender on participations sold, without recourse, to other financial institutions which amounts are not $129.7 $147.0 December 31, 2019 2018, The Bank grants loans and extensions of credit to individuals and a variety of businesses and corporations located in its general market areas throughout Louisiana and Texas. Management segregates the loan portfolio into portfolio segments which is defined as the level at which the Bank develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for loan losses. The portfolio segments are segregated based on loan types and the underlying risk factors present in each loan type. Such risk factors are periodically reviewed by management and revised as deemed appropriate. Loans acquired in business combinations are initially recorded at fair value, which includes an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans and, therefore, no not Loans acquired in business combinations were recorded at estimated fair value at the acquisition date with no Total loans held for investment at December 31, 2019 $180.0 December 31, 2019 310 30 $5.0 not 310 30 $177.1 $2.0 Total loans held for investment at December 31, 2018 $334.8 December 31, 2018 310 30 $10.7 not 310 30 $327.3 $3.2 The following tables set forth, as of December 31, 2019 2018, not not Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate: Real Estate: Real Estate: Real Estate: Construction Real Estate: 1-4 Family Multi-family Nonfarm and Land Farmland Residential Residential Nonresidential Commercial Consumer Total Allowance for credit losses: Beginning Balance $ 1,590 $ 104 $ 1,538 $ 236 $ 2,715 $ 4,453 $ 584 $ 11,220 Charge-offs (2 ) (2 ) (162 ) - (51 ) (1,556 ) (52 ) (1,825 ) Recoveries - - 14 - 4 41 64 123 Provision 280 127 498 (10 ) 1,214 476 21 2,606 Ending Balance $ 1,868 $ 229 $ 1,888 $ 226 $ 3,882 $ 3,414 $ 617 $ 12,124 Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment $ - $ 4 $ 30 $ - $ 52 $ 421 $ 49 $ 556 Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,868 $ 225 $ 1,858 $ 226 $ 3,830 $ 2,993 $ 568 $ 11,568 Purchased Credit Impaired (1) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Loans receivable: Ending Balance $ 244,181 $ 48,681 $ 293,142 $ 36,454 $ 612,608 $ 390,398 $ 84,801 $ 1,710,265 Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment $ 397 $ 222 $ 2,531 $ - $ 4,101 $ 4,175 $ 421 $ 11,847 Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 243,784 $ 48,324 $ 290,549 $ 36,454 $ 603,891 $ 386,027 $ 84,380 $ 1,693,409 Purchased Credit Impaired (1) $ - $ 135 $ 62 $ - $ 4,616 $ 196 $ - $ 5,009 ( 1 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate: Real Estate: Real Estate: Real Estate: Construction Real Estate: 1-4 Family Multi-family Nonfarm and Land Farmland Residential Residential Nonresidential Commercial Consumer Total Allowance for credit losses: Beginning balance $ 1,421 $ 76 $ 1,284 $ 144 $ 2,323 $ 3,147 $ 370 $ 8,765 Charge-offs (90 ) - (294 ) - - - (88 ) (472 ) Recoveries 398 - 18 - 13 28 80 537 Provision (139 ) 28 530 92 379 1,278 222 2,390 Ending Balance $ 1,590 $ 104 $ 1,538 $ 236 $ 2,715 $ 4,453 $ 584 $ 11,220 Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment $ - $ - $ 96 $ - $ 47 $ 1,112 $ 25 $ 1,280 Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,590 $ 104 $ 1,442 $ 236 $ 2,668 $ 3,341 $ 559 $ 9,940 Purchased Credit Impaired (1) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Loans receivable: Ending Balance $ 211,054 $ 45,989 $ 270,583 $ 39,273 $ 518,660 $ 363,640 $ 79,270 $ 1,528,469 Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment $ 32 $ 112 $ 2,728 $ - $ 4,155 $ 5,208 $ 125 $ 12,360 Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 211,022 $ 45,713 $ 267,761 $ 39,273 $ 507,506 $ 354,985 $ 79,145 $ 1,505,405 Purchased Credit Impaired (1) $ - $ 164 $ 94 $ - $ 6,999 $ 3,447 $ - $ 10,704 ( 1 Portfolio Segment Risk Factors Construction and land include loans to small-to-midsized businesses to construct owner-user properties, loans to developers of commercial real estate investment properties and residential developments and, to a lesser extent, loans to individual clients for construction of single-family homes in our market areas. Risks associated with these loans include fluctuations in the value of real estate, project completion risk and change in market trends. We are also exposed to risk based on the ability of the construction loan borrower to finance the loan or sell the property upon completion of the project, which may Farmland loans are often for investments related to agricultural businesses and may One to four first second one four Multifamily residential loans are generally originated to provide permanent financing for multifamily residential income producing properties. Repayment of these loans primarily relies on successful rental and management of the property. Nonfarm nonresidential loans are extensions of credit secured by owner occupied and non-owner occupied collateral. Repayment is generally relied upon from the successful operations of the property. General economic conditions may Commercial loans include general commercial and industrial, or C&I, loans, including commercial lines of credit, working capital loans, term loans, equipment financing, asset acquisition, expansion and development loans, borrowing base loans, letters of credit and other loan products, primarily in our target markets that are underwritten on the basis of the borrower’s ability to service the debt from income. Commercial loan risk is derived from the expectation that such loans generally are serviced principally from the operations of the business, and those operations may not may not Consumer loans include a variety of loans to individuals for personal, family and household purposes, including secured and unsecured installment and term loans. The risk is based on changes in the borrower’s financial condition, which could be affected by numerous factors, including divorce, job loss, illness or other personal hardship, and fluctuations in the value of the real estate or personal property securing the consumer loan, if any. Management further disaggregates the loan portfolio segments into classes of loans, which are based on the initial measurement of the loan, risk characteristics of the loan and the method for monitoring and assessing the credit risk of the loan. As of December 31, 2019 2018, Credit Quality Indicators December 31, 2019 Pass Special Mention Substandard Doubtful Total (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 241,519 $ 1,141 $ 1,124 $ 397 $ 244,181 Farmland 46,591 1,737 14 339 48,681 1-4 family residential 284,381 3,175 3,237 2,349 293,142 Multi-family residential 36,422 - 32 - 36,454 Nonfarm nonresidential 594,046 11,077 3,830 3,655 612,608 Commercial 374,500 9,219 4,854 1,825 390,398 Consumer 82,726 1,538 125 412 84,801 Total $ 1,660,185 $ 27,887 $ 13,216 $ 8,977 $ 1,710,265 December 31, 2018 Pass Special Mention Substandard Doubtful Total (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 209,027 $ 718 $ 1,277 $ 32 $ 211,054 Farmland 45,563 153 161 112 45,989 1-4 family residential 260,325 4,601 2,929 2,728 270,583 Multi-family residential 39,237 - 36 - 39,273 Nonfarm nonresidential 494,698 14,421 3,510 6,031 518,660 Commercial 347,839 5,690 7,448 2,663 363,640 Consumer 77,731 1,180 234 125 79,270 Total $ 1,474,420 $ 26,763 $ 15,595 $ 11,691 $ 1,528,469 The above classifications follow regulatory guidelines and can generally be described as follows: ● Pass loans are of satisfactory quality. ● Special mention loans have an existing weakness that could cause future impairment, including the deterioration of financial ratios, past due status, questionable management capabilities and possible reduction in the collateral values. ● Substandard loans have an existing specific and well defined weakness that may may ● Doubtful loans have specific weaknesses that are severe enough to make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable. As of December 31, 2019 2018, 90 $72,000 $1.9 December 31, 2019 2018, $9.0 $11.7 90 The following tables reflect certain information with respect to the loan portfolio delinquencies by loan class and amount as of December 31, 2019 2018. 90 Aged Analysis of Past Due Loans Receivable December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Recorded Greater Investment Over 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Than 90 Days Total Total Loans 90 Days Past Due Past Due Past Due Past Due Past Due Current Receivable and Still Accruing Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 483 $ 17 $ 379 $ 879 $ 243,302 $ 244,181 $ - Farmland 18 16 143 177 48,504 48,681 - 1-4 family residential 1,245 975 1,000 3,220 289,922 293,142 29 Multi-family residential 32 - - 32 36,422 36,454 - Nonfarm nonresidential 181 610 1,529 2,320 610,288 612,608 - Commercial 126 142 1,311 1,579 388,819 390,398 - Consumer 143 34 405 582 84,219 84,801 43 Total $ 2,228 $ 1,794 $ 4,767 $ 8,789 $ 1,701,476 $ 1,710,265 $ 72 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Recorded Greater Investment Over 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Than 90 Days Total Total Loans 90 Days Past Due Past Due Past Due Past Due Past Due Current Receivable and Still Accruing Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 325 $ 13 $ 89 $ 427 $ 210,627 $ 211,054 $ 60 Farmland - 96 - 96 45,893 45,989 - 1-4 family residential 1,596 588 1,400 3,584 266,999 270,583 270 Multi-family residential 36 - - 36 39,237 39,273 - Nonfarm nonresidential 2,437 - 3,967 6,404 512,256 518,660 450 Commercial 328 287 3,241 3,856 359,784 363,640 1,038 Consumer 237 89 106 432 78,838 79,270 58 Total $ 4,959 $ 1,073 $ 8,803 $ 14,835 $ 1,513,634 $ 1,528,469 $ 1,876 Loan Receivables on Nonaccrual Status December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 397 $ 32 Farmland 339 112 1-4 family residential 2,349 2,728 Multi-family residential - - Nonfarm nonresidential 3,655 6,031 Commercial 1,825 2,663 Consumer 412 125 Total $ 8,977 $ 11,691 The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans as of December 31, 2019 2018. $292,000 $254,000 December 31, 2019 2018, December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid Average Recorded Principal Related Recorded Investment Balance Allowance Investment With an allowance recorded: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ - $ - $ - $ 1 Farmland 20 21 4 21 1-4 family residential 136 167 30 163 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 721 738 52 601 Other Loans: Commercial 851 926 421 1,053 Consumer 120 123 49 116 Total $ 1,848 $ 1,975 $ 556 $ 1,955 With no allowance recorded: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 397 $ 420 $ - $ 184 Farmland 202 207 - 177 1-4 family residential 2,395 3,041 - 2,531 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 3,381 3,693 - 3,644 Other Loans: Commercial 3,323 4,173 - 4,157 Consumer 301 358 - 192 Total $ 9,999 $ 11,892 $ - $ 10,885 Total Impaired Loans: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 397 $ 420 $ - $ 185 Farmland 222 228 4 198 1-4 family residential 2,531 3,208 30 2,694 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 4,102 4,431 52 4,245 Other Loans: Commercial 4,174 5,099 421 5,210 Consumer 421 481 49 308 Total $ 11,847 $ 13,867 $ 556 $ 12,840 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid Average Recorded Principal Related Recorded Investment Balance Allowance Investment With an allowance recorded: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ - $ - $ - $ 22 Farmland - - - - 1-4 family residential 363 451 96 303 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 447 501 47 367 Other Loans: Commercial 1,883 2,935 1,112 547 Consumer 25 25 25 2 Total $ 2,718 $ 3,912 $ 1,280 $ 1,241 With no allowance recorded: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 32 $ 56 $ - $ 15 Farmland 112 193 - 9 1-4 family residential 2,365 3,975 - 2,708 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 3,708 3,833 - 5,240 Other Loans: Commercial 3,325 4,198 - 5,350 Consumer 100 144 - 261 Total $ 9,642 $ 12,399 $ - $ 13,583 Total Impaired Loans: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 32 $ 56 $ - $ 37 Farmland 112 193 - 9 1-4 family residential 2,728 4,426 96 3,011 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 4,155 4,334 47 5,607 Other Loans: Commercial 5,208 7,133 1,112 5,897 Consumer 125 169 25 263 Total $ 12,360 $ 16,311 $ 1,280 $ 14,824 The Company elected to account for certain loans acquired in business combinations as acquired impaired loans under ASC 310 30 The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of the purchased impaired credits accounted for under ASC 310 30 Purchased Impaired Credits (Dollars in thousands) Carrying amount - December 31, 2017 $ 696 Carrying amount of purchased impaired credits acquired in MBI acquisition 5,798 Carrying amount of purchased impaired credits acquired in RSBI acquisition 4,533 Payments received, net of discounts realized (507 ) Purchased impaired credit participation interest sales proceeds, net of discount realized 210 Charge-offs (26 ) Carrying amount - December 31, 2018 10,704 Payments received, net of discounts realized (5,695 ) Carrying amount - December 31, 2019 $ 5,009 The Bank seeks to assist customers that are experiencing financial difficulty by renegotiating loans within lending regulations and guidelines. The Bank makes loan modifications, primarily utilizing internal renegotiation programs via direct customer contact, that manage customers’ debt exposures held only by the Bank. Additionally, the Bank makes loan modifications with customers who have elected to work with external renegotiation agencies and these modifications provide solutions to customers’ entire unsecured debt structures. During the periods ended December 31, 2019 2018, Once modified in a troubled debt restructuring, a loan is generally considered impaired until its contractual maturity. At the time of the restructuring, the loan is evaluated for an allowance for credit losses. The Bank continues to specifically reevaluate the loan in subsequent periods, regardless of the borrower’s performance under the modified terms. If a borrower subsequently defaults on the loan after it is restructured, the Bank provides an allowance for credit losses for the amount of the loan that exceeds the value of the related collateral. The following tables present informative data regarding troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2019 2018. Modifications as of December 31, 2019: Pre-Modification Post-Modification Number Outstanding Outstanding of Recorded Recorded Contracts Investment Investment (Dollars in thousands) Troubled Debt Restructuring Real Estate Loans: 1-4 family residential 3 $ 235 $ 219 Nonfarm nonresidential 3 2,411 2,044 Other Loans: Commercial 6 5,914 2,755 Consumer 1 11 9 Total 13 $ 8,571 $ 5,027 Modifications as of December 31, 2018: Pre-Modification Post-Modification Number Outstanding Outstanding of Recorded Recorded Contracts Investment Investment (Dollars in thousands) Troubled Debt Restructuring Real Estate Loans: 1-4 family residential 1 $ - $ - Nonfarm nonresidential 3 2,412 2,308 Other Loans: Commercial 6 5,914 3,512 Total 10 $ 8,326 $ 5,820 The Bank had $79,000 December 31, 2018 none December 31, 2019.

Note 8 - Premises and Equipment

Note 8 - Premises and Equipment -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 8 – Premises and Equipment – Bank premises and equipment at December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Land $ 2,784 $ 2,984 Buildings and Leasehold Improvements 12,078 15,473 Furniture and Equipment 11,862 9,373 Right of Use Asset 13,242 - Total Bank Premises and Equipment 39,966 27,830 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (10,686 ) (12,716 ) Total Bank Premises and Equipment, net $ 29,280 $ 15,114 The provision for depreciation and amortization attributable to bank premises and equipment charged to operating expenses was $1.6 $1.2 $1.2 December 31, 2019, 2018 2017,

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Int

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets – Goodwill was acquired in acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2018 December 31, 2015, December 31, 2019 2018 $48.5 $49.5 $1.0 2019. $1.0 December 31, 2019. not Core deposit intangibles were acquired in conjunction with the business combinations. A summary of the core deposit intangible asset as of December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Gross Carrying Amount $ 9,203 $ 2,762 Acquisitions - 6,441 Adjustment for Sale of Branch (286 ) - Less: Accumulated Amortization (2,223 ) (1,318 ) Net Carrying Amount $ 6,694 $ 7,885 Amortization expense on the core deposit intangible asset totaled approximately $905,000, $559,000 $276,000 December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2020 $ 890 2021 890 2022 890 2023 890 2024 890 Thereafter 2,244 Total Core Deposit Intangible $ 6,694

Note 10 - Deposits -

Note 10 - Deposits -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 10 – Deposits – Deposit accounts at December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Noninterest Bearing - DDA $ 398,847 $ 382,354 Noninterest Bearing Deposits 398,847 382,354 Interest Bearing - DDA 45,058 40,969 NOW and Super NOW Accounts 295,620 310,527 Money Market Accounts 365,114 334,763 Savings Accounts 81,915 94,211 Certificates of Deposit Over $250,000 152,859 160,145 Other Certificates of Deposit 442,597 410,965 Interest Bearing Deposits 1,383,163 1,351,580 Total Deposits $ 1,782,010 $ 1,733,934 Approximately 68.7% December 31, 2019 2020 31.3% 2021 At December 31, 2019 2018, three $144.5 $146.2 8.1% 8.4% $100.9 $111.8 December 31, 2019 2018, $35.4 $30.9 December 31, 2019 2018, $266.8 $263.8 December 31, 2019 2018,

Note 11 - Borrowings -

Note 11 - Borrowings -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 1 1 – Borrowings – The Bank had outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of $93.0 $55.0 December 31, 2019 2018, One fixed rate loan of $30.0 December 31, 2019 2018, 2.41% November 2022. One fixed rate loan of $10.0 December 31, 2019, 2.14% June 2020. One fixed rate loan of $30.0 December 31, 2019, 2.03% June 2022. One fixed rate loan of $23.0 December 31, 2019, 1.59% June 2024. One fixed rate loan of $25.0 December 31, 2018, 2.54% June 2019. These advances are collateralized by the Bank’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock and a blanket lien on qualifying loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio consisting of performing 1 4 $626.3 December 31, 2019 $330.2 The Bank has outstanding lines of credit with several of its correspondent banks available to assist in the management of short-term liquidity. These agreements provide for interest based upon the federal funds rate on the outstanding balance. Total available lines of credit as of December 31, 2019 2018 $126.0 $126.0 no December 31, 2019 2018. The Company has a line of credit with First National Bankers Bank (FNBB) and is allowed to borrow on a revolving basis up to $5.0 September 12, 2016, b1BANK. not December 31, 2019 2018, In December 2018, $25.0 6.75% December 31, 2028 2033. 2 2028.

Note 12 - Securities Sold Under

Note 12 - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Repurchase Agreements, Resale Agreements, Securities Borrowed, and Securities Loaned Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 12 At December 31, 2019 2018, one 1.3% 7.0% 2020 2045. $68.0 $12.2 December 31, 2019 2018,

Note 13 - Income Taxes -

Note 13 - Income Taxes -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 1 3 – Income Taxes – The consolidated provision (credit) for income taxes consists of the following at December 31, 2019, 2018 2017: 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Provision for Current Taxes - Federal $ 6,416 $ 3,681 $ 977 Provision (Credit) for Deferred Taxes (336 ) (402 ) 1,458 Adjustment to Deferred Taxes for Enactment of 21% Federal Statutory Rate on December 22, 2017 - - 1,668 Total Provision for Income Taxes $ 6,080 $ 3,279 $ 4,103 The provision (credit) for federal income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying federal statutory rates to income from operations as indicated in the following analysis at December 31, 2019, 2018 2017: 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Federal Statutory Income Tax $ 6,269 $ 3,648 $ 3,043 Tax Exempt Income (556 ) (512 ) (701 ) Adjustment to Deferred Taxes for Enactment of 21% Federal Statutory Rate on December 22, 2017 - - 1,668 Goodwill write-off 216 - - Other - Net 151 143 93 Total Provision for Income Taxes $ 6,080 $ 3,279 $ 4,103 Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The components of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows: 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for Loan Losses $ 2,546 $ 2,356 Acquried Loans Fair Market Value Adjustment 743 1,397 Acquired Securities Difference in Basis 43 (241 ) Amortization of Start-Up Costs 9 17 Stock Awards 734 718 Depreciation (462 ) (517 ) Reserve on Unfunded Commitments 22 - Unrealized Loss on Securities (694 ) 922 Other Real Estate 124 55 Core Deposit Intangible (1,406 ) (1,656 ) Deposit Premium - 67 Deferred Compensation 571 548 Alternative Minimum Tax Credit - 193 Branch Closures (115 ) (47 ) Net Operating Loss Carryforward 30 36 Net Deferred Tax Asset $ 2,145 $ 3,848 The Company acquired certain deferred tax attributes and liabilities as a result of a merger during 2015, $287,000 $984,000. may December 31, 2019 $144,000 2033. 2019.

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Com

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Note 1 4 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – The following is a summary of the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2019 2018: 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale: Balance at Beginning of Year $ (3,469 ) $ (1,644 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications - Net of Tax 5,998 (1,831 ) Reclassification Adjustment for Gains Realized - Net of Tax 84 6 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 6,082 (1,825 ) Balance at End of Year $ 2,613 $ (3,469 )

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity and Regulatory Matters -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Text Block]	Note 1 5 – S hare holders’ Equity and Regulatory Matters – Shareholders’ Equity of the Company includes the undistributed earnings of the Bank. The Company pays dividends from its assets, which are provided primarily by dividends from the Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to pay cash distributions. Louisiana statutes require approval to pay distributions in excess of a bank’s earnings in the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding year. The Company paid quarterly common stock dividends totaling $0.38 $0.30 December 31, 2019 2018, Common Stock Repurchase Plan On December 13, 2018, $15 24 not $2.5 $0 December 31, 2019 2018, Regulatory Matters The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum regulatory capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s financial statements. Under the regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification under the prompt corrective action guidelines are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios. As detailed below, as of December 31, 2019 2018, As of December 31, 2019 2018, no The following is a summary of the Company’s (consolidated) and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2019 2018. To Be Well Capitalized Under For Capital Prompt Corrective Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Consolidated) Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019: Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 264,495 13.30 % $ 159,120 8.00 % N/A N/A Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 227,265 11.43 % $ 119,340 6.00 % N/A N/A Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 227,265 11.43 % $ 89,505 4.50 % N/A N/A Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets) $ 227,265 10.56 % $ 86,058 4.00 % N/A N/A December 31, 2018: Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 242,144 13.91 % $ 139,237 8.00 % N/A N/A Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 205,924 11.83 % $ 104,428 6.00 % N/A N/A Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 205,924 11.83 % $ 78,321 4.50 % N/A N/A Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets) $ 205,924 11.66 % $ 70,641 4.00 % N/A N/A To Be Well Capitalized Under For Capital Prompt Corrective b1BANK Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019: Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 254,520 12.80 % $ 159,033 8.00 % $ 198,791 10.00 % Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 242,290 12.19 % $ 119,275 6.00 % $ 159,033 8.00 % Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 242,290 12.19 % $ 89,456 4.50 % $ 129,214 6.50 % Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets) $ 242,290 11.27 % $ 86,015 4.00 % $ 107,518 5.00 % December 31, 2018: Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 224,356 12.90 % $ 139,126 8.00 % $ 173,908 10.00 % Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 213,136 12.26 % $ 104,345 6.00 % $ 139,126 8.00 % Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 213,136 12.26 % $ 78,259 4.50 % $ 113,040 6.50 % Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets) $ 213,136 12.08 % $ 70,592 4.00 % $ 88,241 5.00 %

Note 16 - Stock Based Compensat

Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]	Note 1 6 – Stock Based Compensation – Equity Incentive Plan The Company previously granted options to its employees under its 2006 December 22, 2016. June 29, 2017, 2017 500,000 may December 31, 2019, 93,525 406,475 Restricted Stock Awards The Company issues restricted stock under various plans for certain officers and other key employees. The restricted stock awards may not During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, three December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, $1.0 $766,000 $129,000 December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, $1.7 $1.1 $92,000. $1.7 December 31, 2019 1.9 The table below summarizes the restricted stock award activity for the period presented. Year Ended December 31, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Weighted Average Weighted Average Weighted Average Shares Grant Date Fair Value Shares Grant Date Fair Value Shares Grant Date Fair Value Balance, at Beginning of Period 31,002 $ 19.58 8,662 $ 17.00 - $ - Granted 39,994 23.96 39,789 20.00 12,981 17.00 Forfeited (530 ) 19.47 - - - - Earned and Issued (30,495 ) 21.31 (17,449 ) 19.26 (4,319 ) 17.00 Balance, at End of Period 39,971 $ 22.64 31,002 $ 19.58 8,662 $ 17.00 Stock Grants During the years ended December 31, 2019 2018, 4,440 3,750 $23.96 December 31, 2019 $20.00 December 31, 2018. December 31, 2018, 5,552 $25.16 December 31, 2019 $197,000, $75,000 $140,000, December 31, 2018. Stock Warrants In connection with the organization of the Company and the Bank, stock warrants were issued to organizers. The warrants were exercisable by their holders for the purchase of 101,000 $10 December 31, 2019. $1.1 At December 31, 2018, 87,625 $10.00 December 31, 2018, 87,625 no February 1, 2016 February 2, 2019 $10 $48,000 409A 1986, February 2, 2019 Using the Black-Scholes pricing model for the 87,625 $2.50 1%, 6.5 5.04%, 13.19%. Stock Options In 2006, 1,500,000 ten 2006 December 22, 2016 no Compensation expense recognized as a result of vesting was approximately $77,000, $119,000 $207,000 December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the calculated value of the various share-based awards for the year ended December 31, 2016. no December 31, 2019 2018, December 22, 2016. The following is an analysis of the activity related to the stock options: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Number of Weighted Average Number of Weighted Average Number of Weighted Average Options Exercise Price Options Exercise Price Options Exercise Price Outstanding Options, at Beginning of Period 780,080 $ 12.74 831,080 $ 12.73 998,480 $ 12.82 Granted - - - - - - Exercised (54,780 ) 15.28 (49,000 ) 12.42 - - Forfeited or Expired - - (2,000 ) 17.11 (167,400 ) 13.25 Outstanding Options, at End of Period 725,300 $ 12.55 780,080 $ 12.74 831,080 $ 12.73 Exercisable, at End of Period 724,300 $ 12.55 761,747 $ 12.64 784,698 $ 12.49 At December 31, 2019, 724,300 $12.55 1,000 $5,000 one December 31, 2019 $9.0 1.4 In December 2017, 105,250 December 2017 January 15, 2021, $63,000 December 2016, 330,000 December 2016 January 15, 2020, $168,000 409A 1986,

Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plan

Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plans -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Note 1 7 – Employee Benefit Plans – Defined Contribution Plan The Bank has a defined contribution plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code 401 may 4% $967,000, $690,000 $542,000 December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, Deferred Compensation The Company has established certain unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation agreements for the purpose of providing deferred compensation as retirement benefits for a select group of management. At December 31, 2019 2018, $2.5 $2.4 $256,000, $224,000 $209,000 December 31, 2019, 2018 2017,

Note 18 - Other Expenses -

Note 18 - Other Expenses -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 1 8 – Other Expenses – An analysis of Other Expenses is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 2017: 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Business Development $ 1,535 $ 1,239 $ 1,193 Communications 1,063 885 830 Ad Valorem Shares Tax 1,423 1,135 804 Data Processing Fees 2,049 1,557 1,537 Directors' Fees 570 436 400 Insurance 347 256 283 Legal and Professional Fees 1,319 1,695 1,159 Office Supplies and Printing 670 578 421 Regulatory Assessments 389 1,359 904 Taxes and Licenses 88 201 11 Merger and Conversion Costs 330 3,024 129 Other 5,911 4,156 2,829 Total Other Expenses $ 15,694 $ 16,521 $ 10,500

Note 19 - Financial Instruments

Note 19 - Financial Instruments With Off-balance-sheet Risk -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk [Text Block]	Note 1 9 – Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk – In the normal course of business, the Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit which are not The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank’s policy for obtaining collateral, and the nature of such collateral, is essentially the same as that involved in making commitments to extend credit. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making such commitments and conditional obligations as it does for instruments that are included in the balance sheet. In the normal course of business, the Bank has made commitments to extend credit of approximately $389.9 $24.4 December 31, 2019.

Note 20 - Concentrations of Cre

Note 20 - Concentrations of Credit -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 20 – Concentrations of Credit – The majority of the Bank’s business activities are with customers in the Bank’s market area, which consists primarily of East and West Baton Rouge, Bossier, Caddo, St. Tammany, Lafayette, Calcasieu, Terrebonne, Jefferson, Webster, Richland and adjacent parishes, and the Dallas, Texas area. The majority of such customers are depositors of the Bank. The concentrations of credit by type of loan are shown in Note 7. not Within the loan portfolio, the Bank has a concentration of credits secured by real estate. The Bank had extended credit secured by non-farm non-residential real estate totaling approximately $612.6 $518.7 35.8% 33.9% December 31, 2019 2018, $244.2 $211.1 14.3% 13.8% December 31, 2019 2018, The Bank maintains amounts on deposit and federal funds sold with correspondent banks which may

Note 21 - Leases -

Note 21 - Leases -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block]	Note 2 1 – Leases – The Bank leases certain branch offices through non-cancelable operating leases with terms that range from one ten $2.9 $2.5 $1.8 December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, December 31, 2019, 8.3 3.10%. Future minimum lease payments under these leases are as follows: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2020 $ 2,200 2021 1,990 2022 1,809 2023 1,701 2024 and Thereafter 7,341 Total Future Minimum Lease Payments 15,041 Less Imputed Interest (1,799 ) Present Value of Lease Liabilities $ 13,242

Note 22 - Commitments -

Note 22 - Commitments -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2 2 – Commitments – SBIC Capital Commitment The SBIC is a program initiated by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 1958 first The Bank has agreed to participate as an investor with McLarty Capital Partners SBIC, L.P. (McLarty), McLarty Capital Partners SBIC II, L.P. (McLarty II), Bluehenge Capital Secured Debt SBIC, L.P. (Bluehenge) and New Louisiana Angel Fund 2, December 31, 2019 McLarty McLarty II Bluehenge New Louisiana (Dollars in thousands) Total Capital Commitment $ 2,000 $ 2,500 $ 1,500 $ 50 Capital Called $ 1,802 $ 2,004 $ 1,387 $ 13 Remaining Unfunded Capital Commitment $ 198 $ 496 $ 113 $ 37 Federal Home Loan Bank Letters of Credit The Bank had outstanding letters of credit on behalf of others from the FHLB of $203.1 $137.3 December 31, 2019 2018, December 31, 2019 Three letters of credit totaling $30.1 January 2020. One letter of credit of $19.0 February 2020. Six letters of credit totaling $133.0 March 2020. Three letters of credit totaling $7.7 April 2020. One letter of credit of $157,000 August 2020. One letter of credit of $100,000 October 2020. One letter of credit of $197,000 November 2020. Two letters of credit totaling $1.3 December 2020. One letter of credit of $11.5 January 2022.

Note 23 - Related Party Transac

Note 23 - Related Party Transactions -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2 3 – Related Party Transactions – In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has granted loans to directors, officers and their affiliates. Such loans were made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers. Such loans amounted to $24.6 $27.4 December 31, 2019 2018, The activity in loans to directors, officers and their affiliates is as follows: 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Balance - Beginning of Year $ 27,359 $ 24,047 New Loans 13,767 13,478 Repayments (16,562 ) (10,166 ) Balance - End of Year $ 24,564 $ 27,359 Related party deposits totaled $34.4 $35.5 December 31, 2019 2018,

Note 24 - Fair Value of Financi

Note 24 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 2 4 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Fair Value Disclosures The Company groups its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three three ● Level 1 ● Level 2 ● Level 3 Recurring Basis Fair values of investment securities available for sale were primarily measured using information from a third The fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors within the secondary market for loans with similar characteristics. The following tables present the balance of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 2018. not Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019 Available for Sale: U.S. Government Agency Securities $ 15,937 $ - $ 15,937 $ - Corporate Securities 23,714 - 23,714 - Mortgage-Backed Securities 139,459 - 139,459 - Municipal Securities 99,083 - 92,496 6,587 Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 251 - 251 - Total $ 278,444 $ - $ 271,857 $ 6,587 December 31, 2018 Available for Sale: U.S. Government Agency Securities $ 17,439 $ - $ 17,439 $ - Corporate Securities 12,692 - 12,692 - Mortgage-Backed Securities 165,618 - 165,618 - Municipal Securities 113,767 - 105,383 8,384 Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 58 - 58 - Total $ 309,574 $ - $ 301,190 $ 8,384 Nonrecurring Basis The Company has segregated all financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date in the table below. The Company did not The fair value of the impaired loans is measured at the fair value of the collateral for collateral-dependent loans. Impaired loans are Level 2 2. Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019 Assets: Impaired Loans $ 15,876 $ - $ 15,876 $ - Repossessed Assets 4,196 - 4,196 - Total $ 20,072 $ - $ 20,072 $ - December 31, 2018 Assets: Impaired Loans $ 21,557 $ - $ 21,557 $ - Repossessed Assets 1,920 - 1,920 - Total $ 23,477 $ - $ 23,477 $ - Fair Value Financial Instruments The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no not may not may not The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value: Cash and Short-Term Investments – For those short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Securities – Fair value of securities is based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not Loans – The fair value for loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, with interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit rates. Loans with similar classifications are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. The allowance for loan losses, which was used to measure the credit risk, is subtracted from loans. Cash Value of Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) – The carrying amount approximates its fair value. Other Equity Securities – The carrying amount approximates its fair value. Deposits – The fair value of demand deposits and certain money market deposits is the amount payable at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, with interest rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Borrowings – The fair value of FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings is estimated using the rates currently offered for advances of similar maturities. The carrying amount of short-term borrowings maturing within ninety Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby and Commercial Letters of Credit – The fair values of commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit do not The estimated approximate fair values of the Bank’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2019 2018 Carrying Total Amount Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019 Financial Assets: Cash and Short-Term Investments $ 150,743 $ 150,743 $ 150,743 $ - $ - Securities 278,193 278,193 - 271,606 6,587 Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 251 251 - 251 - Loans - Net 1,698,141 1,696,470 - - 1,696,470 Cash Value of BOLI 32,568 32,568 - 32,568 - Other Equity Securities 12,565 12,565 - - 12,565 Total $ 2,172,461 $ 2,170,790 $ 150,743 $ 304,425 $ 1,715,622 Financial Liabilities: Deposits $ 1,782,010 $ 1,782,692 $ - $ - $ 1,782,692 Borrowings 185,989 202,863 - 202,863 - Total $ 1,967,999 $ 1,985,555 $ - $ 202,863 $ 1,782,692 December 31, 2018 Financial Assets: Cash and Short-Term Investments $ 137,908 $ 137,908 $ 137,908 $ - $ - Securities 309,516 309,516 - 301,132 8,384 Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 58 58 - 58 - Loans - Net 1,517,249 1,495,454 - - 1,495,454 Cash Value of BOLI 31,882 31,882 - 31,882 - Other Equity Securities 9,282 9,282 - - 9,282 Total $ 2,005,895 $ 1,984,100 $ 137,908 $ 333,072 $ 1,513,120 Financial Liabilities: Deposits $ 1,733,934 $ 1,717,698 $ - $ - $ 1,717,698 Borrowings 92,229 104,930 - 104,930 - Total $ 1,826,163 $ 1,822,628 $ - $ 104,930 $ 1,717,698

Note 25 - Litigation and Contin

Note 25 - Litigation and Contingencies -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2 5 – Litigation and Contingencies – In the normal course of business, the Bank is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management and counsel, the disposition or ultimate resolution of such proceedings would not

Note 26 - Subsequent Events -

Note 26 - Subsequent Events -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 2 6 – Subsequent Events – On January 22, 2020,

Note 27 - Financial Statements

Note 27 - Financial Statements - Parent Company Only -	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2 7 – Financial Statements – Parent Company Only – The balance sheets and statements of income for Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company) are as follows: BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) 2019 2018 Assets: Cash $ 6,154 $ 14,643 Investment in Subsidiaries 300,122 267,270 Other Assets 3,843 3,217 Total Assets $ 310,119 $ 285,130 Liabilities: Accrued Interest Payable 22 69 Subordinated Debt 25,000 25,000 Other Liabilities - 3 Total Liabilities 25,022 25,072 Shareholders' Equity: Common Stock 13,279 13,213 Additional Paid-in Capital 212,505 212,332 Retained Earnings 56,700 37,982 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2,613 (3,469 ) Total Shareholders' Equity 285,097 260,058 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 310,119 $ 285,130 STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Income: Interest Income $ 45 $ 46 $ - Expenses: Interest Expense 1,688 237 155 Other Operating Expenses 2,138 3,275 544 Income (Loss) before Income Taxes and Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries (3,781 ) (3,466 ) (699 ) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (783 ) (623 ) 233 Income (Loss) before Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries (2,998 ) (2,843 ) (932 ) Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries 26,770 16,934 5,780 Net Income $ 23,772 $ 14,091 $ 4,848

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Business First Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, b1BANK
Nature of Operations [Policy Text Block]	Nature of Operations The Bank operates out of full-service banking centers in markets across Louisiana and in Dallas, Texas. As a state bank, it is subject to regulation by the Office of Financial Institutions, State of Louisiana, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and undergoes periodic examinations by these agencies. The Company is also regulated by the Federal Reserve and is subject to periodic examinations. On January 1, 2018, $56.2 $23.20 December 31, 2017, $317.4 $192.7 $264.0 $30.6 two After the close of business on November 30, 2018, 1,679,559 $42.4 November 30, 2018, $316.4 $190.8 $290.0 $25.4
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Estimates Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may not may not economic conditions in our markets, and changes in applicable banking regulations. Actual results may The Bank’s loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral including real property, business assets, and consumer assets. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on local economic conditions in the Bank’s market area. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans may may Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimated losses on loans may
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Acquisition Accounting Acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Purchased assets and assumed liabilities are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value. If the consideration given exceeds the fair value of the net assets received, goodwill is recognized. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to one
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Securities Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities (held to maturity, available for sale or trading) at the time of purchase and re-evaluates this classification quarterly. Securities classified as available for sale are those debt securities the Bank intends to hold for an indefinite period of time but not Securities classified as held to maturity are those debt securities the Bank has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general economic conditions. These securities are recorded at cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by various methods approximating the interest method over their contractual lives. The Bank has no December 31, 2019 2018. Securities classified as trading are those securities held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movements. These securities are recorded at market value with any market adjustments included in earnings. The Bank has no December 31, 2019 2018. The Bank has invested in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, and other similar stock, which is reflected at cost in these financial statements. As a member of the FHLB System, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in an amount determined by the FHLB. The FHLB stock is redeemable at par value at the discretion of the FHLB.
Financing Receivable [Policy Text Block]	Loans Loans are stated at principal amounts outstanding, adjusted for net deferred fees or costs, less the allowance for loan losses. Interest on commercial and consumer loans is accrued daily based on the principal outstanding. Generally, the Bank discontinues the accrual of interest income when a loan becomes 90 may The Bank classifies loans as impaired when it is probable the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The measurement of impaired loans is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the loan’s observable market price, or based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
Certain Loans and Debt Securities Acquired in Transfer, Recognizing Interest Income on Impaired Loans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Acquired Loans Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date and there is no The Company accounts for acquired impaired loans in accordance with ASC 310 30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310 30” not The performing loans are accounted for under ASC 310 20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (“ASC 310 20”
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is based upon management’s review and evaluation of the loan portfolio. Factors considered in the establishment of the allowance for loan losses include management’s evaluation of specific loans; the level and composition of classified loans; historical loss experience; results of examinations by regulatory agencies; an internal asset review process; expectations of future economic conditions and their impact on particular borrowers; and other judgmental factors. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Management obtains independent appraisals for significant collateral in determining collateral values. Although management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, because of uncertainties associated with local economic conditions, collateral values, and future cash flows on impaired loans, it is reasonably possible that a material change could occur in the allowance for loan losses in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated. Loans acquired in business combinations are initially recorded at fair value, which includes an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans and, therefore, no not The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates of probable future losses, and ultimate losses may
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates based upon estimated useful service lives using the straight-line method for financial reporting and accelerated methods for tax reporting purposes. The costs of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts in the year of disposal and the resulting gains or losses are included in current operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized.
Financing Receivable, Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure [Policy Text Block]	Other Real Estate Owned Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosure or negotiated settlement are initially recorded at the fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of acquisition. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a property exceeds its fair value. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed. Valuations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of its cost or fair value less cost to sell.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite useful life are not Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment. If impaired, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Core deposit intangibles representing the value of the acquired core deposit base are generally recorded in connection with business combinations involving banks and branch locations. The Company’s policy is to amortize core deposit intangibles on a straight line basis over their estimated useful life of 10 may not
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is based on amounts reported in the statement of income after exclusion of nontaxable income such as interest on state and municipal securities. Also, certain items of income and expense are recognized in different time periods for financial statement purposes than for income tax purposes. Thus, provisions for deferred taxes are recorded in recognition of such temporary differences. Deferred taxes are provided utilizing a liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the reported amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Consolidated income tax expense is allocated on the basis of each entity’s income adjusted for permanent differences. The Company evaluates all significant tax positions as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As of December 31, 2019 2018, not The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and applicable states. With few exceptions, the Company is no 2016. not
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]	Stock Based Compensation As described in Note 16,
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Statements of Cash Flows For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and deposits in other financial institutions.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Income Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. The components of comprehensive income are disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for all periods presented.
Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]	Advertising The Company expenses all costs of advertising and promotion the first December 31, 2019, 2018 2017, $1.5 $1.2 $1.2
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Standards Adopted in 201 9 In February 2016, 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842 January 1, 2019. $13.2 December 31, 2019. Accounting Standards Not In June 2016, 2016 13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326 not may first October 18, 2019, January 2023. 2020. may On January 26, 2017, 2017 04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350 2 not one zero zero 2020 January 1, 2017. not 2, not

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisit_2

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisitions - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	Purchase Price: MBI Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,407,627 MBI Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,480 MBI Shares Cashed Out Under Terms of Merger 2,409,107 Exchange Ratio 23.20 Cash Paid to Shareholders for Shares of Common Stock $ 55,891 MBI Stock Options Outstanding at December 31, 2017 17,822 Shares at $31.50 Less Strike Price Cash Paid on MBI Options 296 Total Purchase Price $ 56,187 Net Assets Acquired: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 15,891 Securities Available for Sale 99,867 Loans and Leases Receivable 192,714 Premises and Equipment, Net 2,678 Cash Value of Life Insurance 741 Core Deposit Intangible 2,494 Other Assets 3,055 Total Assets 317,440 Deposits 263,951 Borrowings 21,047 Other Liabilities 1,858 Total Liabilities 286,856 Net Assets Acquired 30,584 Goodwill Resulting from Merger $ 25,603 Cost and Allocation of Purchase Price for Richland State Bancorp, Inc. (RSBI): (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Purchase Price: Shares Issued to RSBI Shareholders on December 1, 2018 1,679,559 Closing Stock Price on November 30, 2018 25.29 Total Purchase Price $ 42,476 Net Assets Acquired: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 40,648 Securities Available for Sale 63,823 Loans and Leases Receivable 190,802 Premises and Equipment, Net 5,282 Cash Value of Life Insurance 7,260 Core Deposit Intangible 3,947 Other Assets 4,668 Total Assets 316,430 Deposits 289,979 Other Liabilities 1,074 Total Liabilities 291,053 Net Assets Acquired 25,377 Goodwill Resulting from Merger $ 17,099
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) (except per share data) Interest Income $ 88,277 $ 79,230 Interest Expense 15,132 9,308 Net Interest Income 73,145 69,922 Provision for Loan Losses 2,590 4,237 Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses 70,555 65,685 Noninterest Income 11,496 8,705 Noninterest Expense 58,520 52,184 Income Before Income Taxes 23,531 22,206 Income Tax Expense 4,506 8,676 Net Income $ 19,025 $ 13,530 Earnings Per Common Share Basic $ 1.50 $ 1.03 Diluted $ 1.45 $ 1.01

Note 4 - Earnings Per Common _2

Note 4 - Earnings Per Common Share - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net Income Available to Common Shares $ 23,772 $ 14,091 $ 4,848 Denominator: Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding 13,310,577 11,124,585 7,658,137 Dilutive Effect of Stock Options and Warrants 360,200 421,358 345,822 Weighted Average Dilutive Common Shares 13,670,777 11,545,943 8,003,959 Basic Earnings Per Common Share From Net Income Available to Common Shares $ 1.79 $ 1.27 $ 0.63 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share From Net Income Available to Common Shares $ 1.74 $ 1.22 $ 0.61

Note 6 - Securities - (Tables)

Note 6 - Securities - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value U.S. Government Agencies $ 15,654 $ 303 $ 20 $ 15,937 Corporate Securities 23,774 98 158 23,714 Mortgage-Backed Securities 137,817 2,139 497 139,459 Municipal Securities 97,641 1,447 5 99,083 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 274,886 $ 3,987 $ 680 $ 278,193 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value U.S. Government Agencies $ 17,529 $ 54 $ 144 $ 17,439 Corporate Securities 13,052 76 436 12,692 Mortgage-Backed Securities 168,854 328 3,564 165,618 Municipal Securities 114,472 250 955 113,767 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 313,907 $ 708 $ 5,099 $ 309,516
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total (Dollars in thousands) Gross Gross Gross Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses U.S. Government Agencies $ 2,486 $ 20 $ - $ - $ 2,486 $ 20 Corporate Securities - - 6,360 158 6,360 158 Mortgage-Backed Securities 950 4 44,366 493 45,316 497 Municipal Securities 948 4 1,261 1 2,209 5 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 4,384 $ 28 $ 51,987 $ 652 $ 56,371 $ 680 December 31, 2018 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total (Dollars in thousands) Gross Gross Gross Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses U.S. Government Agencies $ 4,399 $ 28 $ 4,610 $ 116 $ 9,009 $ 144 Corporate Securities 6,274 260 2,324 176 8,598 436 Mortgage-Backed Securities 67,770 1,264 61,271 2,300 129,041 3,564 Municipal Securities 40,473 484 29,782 471 70,255 955 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 118,916 $ 2,036 $ 97,987 $ 3,063 $ 216,903 $ 5,099
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	Amortized Fair Cost Value (Dollars in thousands) Less Than One Year $ 26,988 $ 27,017 One to Five Years 50,511 51,099 Over Five to Ten Years 129,486 131,158 Over Ten Years 67,901 68,919 Total Securities Available for Sale $ 274,886 $ 278,193

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowa_2

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Real estate loans: Construction and land $ 244,181 $ 211,054 Farmland 48,681 45,989 1-4 family residential 293,142 270,583 Multi-family residential 36,454 39,273 Nonfarm nonresidential 612,608 518,660 Commercial 390,398 363,640 Consumer 84,801 79,270 Total loans held for investment 1,710,265 1,528,469 Less: Allowance for loan losses (12,124 ) (11,220 ) Net loans $ 1,698,141 $ 1,517,249
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate: Real Estate: Real Estate: Real Estate: Construction Real Estate: 1-4 Family Multi-family Nonfarm and Land Farmland Residential Residential Nonresidential Commercial Consumer Total Allowance for credit losses: Beginning Balance $ 1,590 $ 104 $ 1,538 $ 236 $ 2,715 $ 4,453 $ 584 $ 11,220 Charge-offs (2 ) (2 ) (162 ) - (51 ) (1,556 ) (52 ) (1,825 ) Recoveries - - 14 - 4 41 64 123 Provision 280 127 498 (10 ) 1,214 476 21 2,606 Ending Balance $ 1,868 $ 229 $ 1,888 $ 226 $ 3,882 $ 3,414 $ 617 $ 12,124 Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment $ - $ 4 $ 30 $ - $ 52 $ 421 $ 49 $ 556 Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,868 $ 225 $ 1,858 $ 226 $ 3,830 $ 2,993 $ 568 $ 11,568 Purchased Credit Impaired (1) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Loans receivable: Ending Balance $ 244,181 $ 48,681 $ 293,142 $ 36,454 $ 612,608 $ 390,398 $ 84,801 $ 1,710,265 Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment $ 397 $ 222 $ 2,531 $ - $ 4,101 $ 4,175 $ 421 $ 11,847 Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 243,784 $ 48,324 $ 290,549 $ 36,454 $ 603,891 $ 386,027 $ 84,380 $ 1,693,409 Purchased Credit Impaired (1) $ - $ 135 $ 62 $ - $ 4,616 $ 196 $ - $ 5,009 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate: Real Estate: Real Estate: Real Estate: Construction Real Estate: 1-4 Family Multi-family Nonfarm and Land Farmland Residential Residential Nonresidential Commercial Consumer Total Allowance for credit losses: Beginning balance $ 1,421 $ 76 $ 1,284 $ 144 $ 2,323 $ 3,147 $ 370 $ 8,765 Charge-offs (90 ) - (294 ) - - - (88 ) (472 ) Recoveries 398 - 18 - 13 28 80 537 Provision (139 ) 28 530 92 379 1,278 222 2,390 Ending Balance $ 1,590 $ 104 $ 1,538 $ 236 $ 2,715 $ 4,453 $ 584 $ 11,220 Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment $ - $ - $ 96 $ - $ 47 $ 1,112 $ 25 $ 1,280 Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,590 $ 104 $ 1,442 $ 236 $ 2,668 $ 3,341 $ 559 $ 9,940 Purchased Credit Impaired (1) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Loans receivable: Ending Balance $ 211,054 $ 45,989 $ 270,583 $ 39,273 $ 518,660 $ 363,640 $ 79,270 $ 1,528,469 Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment $ 32 $ 112 $ 2,728 $ - $ 4,155 $ 5,208 $ 125 $ 12,360 Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 211,022 $ 45,713 $ 267,761 $ 39,273 $ 507,506 $ 354,985 $ 79,145 $ 1,505,405 Purchased Credit Impaired (1) $ - $ 164 $ 94 $ - $ 6,999 $ 3,447 $ - $ 10,704
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 Pass Special Mention Substandard Doubtful Total (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 241,519 $ 1,141 $ 1,124 $ 397 $ 244,181 Farmland 46,591 1,737 14 339 48,681 1-4 family residential 284,381 3,175 3,237 2,349 293,142 Multi-family residential 36,422 - 32 - 36,454 Nonfarm nonresidential 594,046 11,077 3,830 3,655 612,608 Commercial 374,500 9,219 4,854 1,825 390,398 Consumer 82,726 1,538 125 412 84,801 Total $ 1,660,185 $ 27,887 $ 13,216 $ 8,977 $ 1,710,265 December 31, 2018 Pass Special Mention Substandard Doubtful Total (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 209,027 $ 718 $ 1,277 $ 32 $ 211,054 Farmland 45,563 153 161 112 45,989 1-4 family residential 260,325 4,601 2,929 2,728 270,583 Multi-family residential 39,237 - 36 - 39,273 Nonfarm nonresidential 494,698 14,421 3,510 6,031 518,660 Commercial 347,839 5,690 7,448 2,663 363,640 Consumer 77,731 1,180 234 125 79,270 Total $ 1,474,420 $ 26,763 $ 15,595 $ 11,691 $ 1,528,469
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Recorded Greater Investment Over 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Than 90 Days Total Total Loans 90 Days Past Due Past Due Past Due Past Due Past Due Current Receivable and Still Accruing Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 483 $ 17 $ 379 $ 879 $ 243,302 $ 244,181 $ - Farmland 18 16 143 177 48,504 48,681 - 1-4 family residential 1,245 975 1,000 3,220 289,922 293,142 29 Multi-family residential 32 - - 32 36,422 36,454 - Nonfarm nonresidential 181 610 1,529 2,320 610,288 612,608 - Commercial 126 142 1,311 1,579 388,819 390,398 - Consumer 143 34 405 582 84,219 84,801 43 Total $ 2,228 $ 1,794 $ 4,767 $ 8,789 $ 1,701,476 $ 1,710,265 $ 72 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Recorded Greater Investment Over 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Than 90 Days Total Total Loans 90 Days Past Due Past Due Past Due Past Due Past Due Current Receivable and Still Accruing Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 325 $ 13 $ 89 $ 427 $ 210,627 $ 211,054 $ 60 Farmland - 96 - 96 45,893 45,989 - 1-4 family residential 1,596 588 1,400 3,584 266,999 270,583 270 Multi-family residential 36 - - 36 39,237 39,273 - Nonfarm nonresidential 2,437 - 3,967 6,404 512,256 518,660 450 Commercial 328 287 3,241 3,856 359,784 363,640 1,038 Consumer 237 89 106 432 78,838 79,270 58 Total $ 4,959 $ 1,073 $ 8,803 $ 14,835 $ 1,513,634 $ 1,528,469 $ 1,876
Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 397 $ 32 Farmland 339 112 1-4 family residential 2,349 2,728 Multi-family residential - - Nonfarm nonresidential 3,655 6,031 Commercial 1,825 2,663 Consumer 412 125 Total $ 8,977 $ 11,691
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid Average Recorded Principal Related Recorded Investment Balance Allowance Investment With an allowance recorded: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ - $ - $ - $ 1 Farmland 20 21 4 21 1-4 family residential 136 167 30 163 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 721 738 52 601 Other Loans: Commercial 851 926 421 1,053 Consumer 120 123 49 116 Total $ 1,848 $ 1,975 $ 556 $ 1,955 With no allowance recorded: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 397 $ 420 $ - $ 184 Farmland 202 207 - 177 1-4 family residential 2,395 3,041 - 2,531 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 3,381 3,693 - 3,644 Other Loans: Commercial 3,323 4,173 - 4,157 Consumer 301 358 - 192 Total $ 9,999 $ 11,892 $ - $ 10,885 Total Impaired Loans: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 397 $ 420 $ - $ 185 Farmland 222 228 4 198 1-4 family residential 2,531 3,208 30 2,694 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 4,102 4,431 52 4,245 Other Loans: Commercial 4,174 5,099 421 5,210 Consumer 421 481 49 308 Total $ 11,847 $ 13,867 $ 556 $ 12,840 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid Average Recorded Principal Related Recorded Investment Balance Allowance Investment With an allowance recorded: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ - $ - $ - $ 22 Farmland - - - - 1-4 family residential 363 451 96 303 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 447 501 47 367 Other Loans: Commercial 1,883 2,935 1,112 547 Consumer 25 25 25 2 Total $ 2,718 $ 3,912 $ 1,280 $ 1,241 With no allowance recorded: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 32 $ 56 $ - $ 15 Farmland 112 193 - 9 1-4 family residential 2,365 3,975 - 2,708 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 3,708 3,833 - 5,240 Other Loans: Commercial 3,325 4,198 - 5,350 Consumer 100 144 - 261 Total $ 9,642 $ 12,399 $ - $ 13,583 Total Impaired Loans: Real Estate Loans: Construction and land $ 32 $ 56 $ - $ 37 Farmland 112 193 - 9 1-4 family residential 2,728 4,426 96 3,011 Multi-family residential - - - - Nonfarm nonresidential 4,155 4,334 47 5,607 Other Loans: Commercial 5,208 7,133 1,112 5,897 Consumer 125 169 25 263 Total $ 12,360 $ 16,311 $ 1,280 $ 14,824
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net [Table Text Block]	Purchased Impaired Credits (Dollars in thousands) Carrying amount - December 31, 2017 $ 696 Carrying amount of purchased impaired credits acquired in MBI acquisition 5,798 Carrying amount of purchased impaired credits acquired in RSBI acquisition 4,533 Payments received, net of discounts realized (507 ) Purchased impaired credit participation interest sales proceeds, net of discount realized 210 Charge-offs (26 ) Carrying amount - December 31, 2018 10,704 Payments received, net of discounts realized (5,695 ) Carrying amount - December 31, 2019 $ 5,009
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Table Text Block]	Pre-Modification Post-Modification Number Outstanding Outstanding of Recorded Recorded Contracts Investment Investment (Dollars in thousands) Troubled Debt Restructuring Real Estate Loans: 1-4 family residential 3 $ 235 $ 219 Nonfarm nonresidential 3 2,411 2,044 Other Loans: Commercial 6 5,914 2,755 Consumer 1 11 9 Total 13 $ 8,571 $ 5,027 Pre-Modification Post-Modification Number Outstanding Outstanding of Recorded Recorded Contracts Investment Investment (Dollars in thousands) Troubled Debt Restructuring Real Estate Loans: 1-4 family residential 1 $ - $ - Nonfarm nonresidential 3 2,412 2,308 Other Loans: Commercial 6 5,914 3,512 Total 10 $ 8,326 $ 5,820

Note 8 - Premises and Equipme_2

Note 8 - Premises and Equipment - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Land $ 2,784 $ 2,984 Buildings and Leasehold Improvements 12,078 15,473 Furniture and Equipment 11,862 9,373 Right of Use Asset 13,242 - Total Bank Premises and Equipment 39,966 27,830 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (10,686 ) (12,716 ) Total Bank Premises and Equipment, net $ 29,280 $ 15,114

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other I_2

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Gross Carrying Amount $ 9,203 $ 2,762 Acquisitions - 6,441 Adjustment for Sale of Branch (286 ) - Less: Accumulated Amortization (2,223 ) (1,318 ) Net Carrying Amount $ 6,694 $ 7,885
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2020 $ 890 2021 890 2022 890 2023 890 2024 890 Thereafter 2,244 Total Core Deposit Intangible $ 6,694

Note 10 - Deposits - (Tables)

Note 10 - Deposits - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Summary of Deposits [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Noninterest Bearing - DDA $ 398,847 $ 382,354 Noninterest Bearing Deposits 398,847 382,354 Interest Bearing - DDA 45,058 40,969 NOW and Super NOW Accounts 295,620 310,527 Money Market Accounts 365,114 334,763 Savings Accounts 81,915 94,211 Certificates of Deposit Over $250,000 152,859 160,145 Other Certificates of Deposit 442,597 410,965 Interest Bearing Deposits 1,383,163 1,351,580 Total Deposits $ 1,782,010 $ 1,733,934

Note 13 - Income Taxes - (Table

Note 13 - Income Taxes - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Provision for Current Taxes - Federal $ 6,416 $ 3,681 $ 977 Provision (Credit) for Deferred Taxes (336 ) (402 ) 1,458 Adjustment to Deferred Taxes for Enactment of 21% Federal Statutory Rate on December 22, 2017 - - 1,668 Total Provision for Income Taxes $ 6,080 $ 3,279 $ 4,103
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Federal Statutory Income Tax $ 6,269 $ 3,648 $ 3,043 Tax Exempt Income (556 ) (512 ) (701 ) Adjustment to Deferred Taxes for Enactment of 21% Federal Statutory Rate on December 22, 2017 - - 1,668 Goodwill write-off 216 - - Other - Net 151 143 93 Total Provision for Income Taxes $ 6,080 $ 3,279 $ 4,103
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for Loan Losses $ 2,546 $ 2,356 Acquried Loans Fair Market Value Adjustment 743 1,397 Acquired Securities Difference in Basis 43 (241 ) Amortization of Start-Up Costs 9 17 Stock Awards 734 718 Depreciation (462 ) (517 ) Reserve on Unfunded Commitments 22 - Unrealized Loss on Securities (694 ) 922 Other Real Estate 124 55 Core Deposit Intangible (1,406 ) (1,656 ) Deposit Premium - 67 Deferred Compensation 571 548 Alternative Minimum Tax Credit - 193 Branch Closures (115 ) (47 ) Net Operating Loss Carryforward 30 36 Net Deferred Tax Asset $ 2,145 $ 3,848

Note 14 - Accumulated Other C_2

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale: Balance at Beginning of Year $ (3,469 ) $ (1,644 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications - Net of Tax 5,998 (1,831 ) Reclassification Adjustment for Gains Realized - Net of Tax 84 6 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 6,082 (1,825 ) Balance at End of Year $ 2,613 $ (3,469 )

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equit_2

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity and Regulatory Matters - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Table Text Block]	To Be Well Capitalized Under For Capital Prompt Corrective Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Consolidated) Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019: Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 264,495 13.30 % $ 159,120 8.00 % N/A N/A Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 227,265 11.43 % $ 119,340 6.00 % N/A N/A Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 227,265 11.43 % $ 89,505 4.50 % N/A N/A Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets) $ 227,265 10.56 % $ 86,058 4.00 % N/A N/A December 31, 2018: Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 242,144 13.91 % $ 139,237 8.00 % N/A N/A Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 205,924 11.83 % $ 104,428 6.00 % N/A N/A Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 205,924 11.83 % $ 78,321 4.50 % N/A N/A Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets) $ 205,924 11.66 % $ 70,641 4.00 % N/A N/A To Be Well Capitalized Under For Capital Prompt Corrective b1BANK Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019: Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 254,520 12.80 % $ 159,033 8.00 % $ 198,791 10.00 % Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 242,290 12.19 % $ 119,275 6.00 % $ 159,033 8.00 % Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 242,290 12.19 % $ 89,456 4.50 % $ 129,214 6.50 % Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets) $ 242,290 11.27 % $ 86,015 4.00 % $ 107,518 5.00 % December 31, 2018: Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 224,356 12.90 % $ 139,126 8.00 % $ 173,908 10.00 % Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 213,136 12.26 % $ 104,345 6.00 % $ 139,126 8.00 % Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 213,136 12.26 % $ 78,259 4.50 % $ 113,040 6.50 % Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets) $ 213,136 12.08 % $ 70,592 4.00 % $ 88,241 5.00 %

Note 16 - Stock Based Compens_2

Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Nonvested Restricted Stock Shares Activity [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Weighted Average Weighted Average Weighted Average Shares Grant Date Fair Value Shares Grant Date Fair Value Shares Grant Date Fair Value Balance, at Beginning of Period 31,002 $ 19.58 8,662 $ 17.00 - $ - Granted 39,994 23.96 39,789 20.00 12,981 17.00 Forfeited (530 ) 19.47 - - - - Earned and Issued (30,495 ) 21.31 (17,449 ) 19.26 (4,319 ) 17.00 Balance, at End of Period 39,971 $ 22.64 31,002 $ 19.58 8,662 $ 17.00
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Number of Weighted Average Number of Weighted Average Number of Weighted Average Options Exercise Price Options Exercise Price Options Exercise Price Outstanding Options, at Beginning of Period 780,080 $ 12.74 831,080 $ 12.73 998,480 $ 12.82 Granted - - - - - - Exercised (54,780 ) 15.28 (49,000 ) 12.42 - - Forfeited or Expired - - (2,000 ) 17.11 (167,400 ) 13.25 Outstanding Options, at End of Period 725,300 $ 12.55 780,080 $ 12.74 831,080 $ 12.73 Exercisable, at End of Period 724,300 $ 12.55 761,747 $ 12.64 784,698 $ 12.49

Note 18 - Other Expenses - (Tab

Note 18 - Other Expenses - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Business Development $ 1,535 $ 1,239 $ 1,193 Communications 1,063 885 830 Ad Valorem Shares Tax 1,423 1,135 804 Data Processing Fees 2,049 1,557 1,537 Directors' Fees 570 436 400 Insurance 347 256 283 Legal and Professional Fees 1,319 1,695 1,159 Office Supplies and Printing 670 578 421 Regulatory Assessments 389 1,359 904 Taxes and Licenses 88 201 11 Merger and Conversion Costs 330 3,024 129 Other 5,911 4,156 2,829 Total Other Expenses $ 15,694 $ 16,521 $ 10,500

Note 21 - Leases - (Tables)

Note 21 - Leases - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2020 $ 2,200 2021 1,990 2022 1,809 2023 1,701 2024 and Thereafter 7,341 Total Future Minimum Lease Payments 15,041 Less Imputed Interest (1,799 ) Present Value of Lease Liabilities $ 13,242

Note 22 - Commitments - (Tables

Note 22 - Commitments - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Other Commitments [Table Text Block]	McLarty McLarty II Bluehenge New Louisiana (Dollars in thousands) Total Capital Commitment $ 2,000 $ 2,500 $ 1,500 $ 50 Capital Called $ 1,802 $ 2,004 $ 1,387 $ 13 Remaining Unfunded Capital Commitment $ 198 $ 496 $ 113 $ 37

Note 23 - Related Party Trans_2

Note 23 - Related Party Transactions - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Balance - Beginning of Year $ 27,359 $ 24,047 New Loans 13,767 13,478 Repayments (16,562 ) (10,166 ) Balance - End of Year $ 24,564 $ 27,359

Note 24 - Fair Value of Finan_2

Note 24 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019 Available for Sale: U.S. Government Agency Securities $ 15,937 $ - $ 15,937 $ - Corporate Securities 23,714 - 23,714 - Mortgage-Backed Securities 139,459 - 139,459 - Municipal Securities 99,083 - 92,496 6,587 Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 251 - 251 - Total $ 278,444 $ - $ 271,857 $ 6,587 December 31, 2018 Available for Sale: U.S. Government Agency Securities $ 17,439 $ - $ 17,439 $ - Corporate Securities 12,692 - 12,692 - Mortgage-Backed Securities 165,618 - 165,618 - Municipal Securities 113,767 - 105,383 8,384 Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 58 - 58 - Total $ 309,574 $ - $ 301,190 $ 8,384
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019 Assets: Impaired Loans $ 15,876 $ - $ 15,876 $ - Repossessed Assets 4,196 - 4,196 - Total $ 20,072 $ - $ 20,072 $ - December 31, 2018 Assets: Impaired Loans $ 21,557 $ - $ 21,557 $ - Repossessed Assets 1,920 - 1,920 - Total $ 23,477 $ - $ 23,477 $ -
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	Carrying Total Amount Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019 Financial Assets: Cash and Short-Term Investments $ 150,743 $ 150,743 $ 150,743 $ - $ - Securities 278,193 278,193 - 271,606 6,587 Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 251 251 - 251 - Loans - Net 1,698,141 1,696,470 - - 1,696,470 Cash Value of BOLI 32,568 32,568 - 32,568 - Other Equity Securities 12,565 12,565 - - 12,565 Total $ 2,172,461 $ 2,170,790 $ 150,743 $ 304,425 $ 1,715,622 Financial Liabilities: Deposits $ 1,782,010 $ 1,782,692 $ - $ - $ 1,782,692 Borrowings 185,989 202,863 - 202,863 - Total $ 1,967,999 $ 1,985,555 $ - $ 202,863 $ 1,782,692 December 31, 2018 Financial Assets: Cash and Short-Term Investments $ 137,908 $ 137,908 $ 137,908 $ - $ - Securities 309,516 309,516 - 301,132 8,384 Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 58 58 - 58 - Loans - Net 1,517,249 1,495,454 - - 1,495,454 Cash Value of BOLI 31,882 31,882 - 31,882 - Other Equity Securities 9,282 9,282 - - 9,282 Total $ 2,005,895 $ 1,984,100 $ 137,908 $ 333,072 $ 1,513,120 Financial Liabilities: Deposits $ 1,733,934 $ 1,717,698 $ - $ - $ 1,717,698 Borrowings 92,229 104,930 - 104,930 - Total $ 1,826,163 $ 1,822,628 $ - $ 104,930 $ 1,717,698

Note 27 - Financial Statement_2

Note 27 - Financial Statements - Parent Company Only - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 Assets: Cash $ 6,154 $ 14,643 Investment in Subsidiaries 300,122 267,270 Other Assets 3,843 3,217 Total Assets $ 310,119 $ 285,130 Liabilities: Accrued Interest Payable 22 69 Subordinated Debt 25,000 25,000 Other Liabilities - 3 Total Liabilities 25,022 25,072 Shareholders' Equity: Common Stock 13,279 13,213 Additional Paid-in Capital 212,505 212,332 Retained Earnings 56,700 37,982 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2,613 (3,469 ) Total Shareholders' Equity 285,097 260,058 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 310,119 $ 285,130
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 2017 Income: Interest Income $ 45 $ 46 $ - Expenses: Interest Expense 1,688 237 155 Other Operating Expenses 2,138 3,275 544 Income (Loss) before Income Taxes and Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries (3,781 ) (3,466 ) (699 ) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (783 ) (623 ) 233 Income (Loss) before Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries (2,998 ) (2,843 ) (932 ) Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries 26,770 16,934 5,780 Net Income $ 23,772 $ 14,091 $ 4,848

Note 1 - Nature of Operations_2

Note 1 - Nature of Operations - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets, Total			$ 2,273,835	$ 2,094,896
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total			1,710,265	1,528,469
Deposits, Total			1,782,010	1,733,934
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance			285,097	260,058	$ 179,935	$ 113,559
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Total			0	0
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Total			$ 0	0
Open Tax Year			2016 2017 2018 2019
Advertising Expense			$ 1,500	$ 1,200	1,200
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset			13,200
Other Liabilities [Member]
Operating Lease, Liability, Total			$ 13,242
Core Deposits [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			10 years
Minden Bancorp [Member]
Assets, Total					317,400
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total					192,700
Deposits, Total					264,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance					$ 30,600
Richland State Bancorp [Member]
Assets, Total	$ 316,400
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total	190,800
Deposits, Total	290,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance	$ 25,400
Minden Bancorp [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		$ 56,187
Business Acquisition, Price Paid Per Share of Common Stock of Acquired Entity		$ 23.20
Richland State Bancorp [Member]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	1,679,559
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Total	$ 42,476

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisit_3

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisitions - (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets, Total				$ 2,273,835,000	$ 2,094,896,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total				1,710,265,000	1,528,469,000
Deposits, Total				1,782,010,000	1,733,934,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance				285,097,000	$ 260,058,000	$ 179,935,000	$ 113,559,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business				(1,000,000)
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit				$ 1,000,000
Minden Bancorp [Member]
Assets, Total						317,400,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total						192,700,000
Deposits, Total						264,000,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance						$ 30,600,000
Richland State Bancorp [Member]
Assets, Total		$ 316,400,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total		190,800,000
Deposits, Total		290,000,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance		$ 25,400,000
Minden Bancorp [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross			$ 56,187,000
Business Acquisition, Price Paid Per Share of Common Stock of Acquired Entity			$ 23.20
Richland State Bancorp [Member]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares		1,679,559
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Total		$ 42,476,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	$ 581,000
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	$ 1,300,000

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisit_4

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisitions - Cost and Allocation of Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Assets Acquired:
Goodwill Resulting from Merger			$ 48,495	$ 49,488
Richland State Bancorp [Member]
Purchase Price:
Shares Issued to RSBI Shareholders on December 1, 2018 (in shares)	1,679,559
Closing Stock Price on November 30, 2018 (in dollars per share)	$ 25.29
Total Purchase Price	$ 42,476
Net Assets Acquired:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	40,648
Securities Available for Sale	63,823
Loans and Leases Receivable	190,802
Premises and Equipment, Net	5,282
Cash Value of Life Insurance	7,260
Core Deposit Intangible	3,947
Other Assets	4,668
Total Assets	316,430
Deposits	289,979
Other Liabilities	1,074
Total Liabilities	291,053
Net Assets Acquired	25,377
Goodwill Resulting from Merger	17,099
Net Assets Acquired	$ 25,377
Minden Bancorp [Member]
Purchase Price:
MBI Shares Cashed Out Under Terms of Merger		$ 2,409,107
Exchange Ratio (in dollars per share)		$ 23.20
Cash Paid to Shareholders for Shares of Common Stock		$ 55,891
Cash Paid on MBI Options		296
Total Purchase Price		56,187
Net Assets Acquired:
Cash and Cash Equivalents		15,891
Securities Available for Sale		99,867
Loans and Leases Receivable		192,714
Premises and Equipment, Net		2,678
Cash Value of Life Insurance		741
Core Deposit Intangible		2,494
Other Assets		3,055
Total Assets		317,440
Deposits		263,951
Borrowings		21,047
Other Liabilities		1,858
Total Liabilities		286,856
Net Assets Acquired		30,584
Goodwill Resulting from Merger		25,603
Net Assets Acquired		$ 30,584
Minden Bancorp [Member]
Purchase Price:
MBI Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2017 (in shares)		2,407,627
MBI Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding at December 31, 2017 (in shares)		1,480

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisit_5

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisitions - Cost and Allocation of Purchase Price (Details) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
MBI Stock Options Outstanding (in shares)	725,300	780,080		831,080	998,480
MBI Stock Options Strike Price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.55	$ 12.74		$ 12.73	$ 12.82
Minden Bancorp [Member]
MBI Stock Options Outstanding (in shares)			17,822
MBI Stock Options Strike Price (in dollars per share)			$ 31.50

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisit_6

Note 3 - Mergers and Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest Income	$ 103,467	$ 76,195	$ 51,601
Interest Expense	23,269	13,966	7,229
Net Interest Income	80,198	62,229	44,372
Provision for Loan Losses	2,606	2,390	4,237
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses	77,592	59,839	40,135
Noninterest Income	10,708	7,779	5,618
Noninterest Expense	58,448	50,248	36,802
Income Before Income Taxes	29,852	17,370	8,951
Provision for Income Taxes	6,080	3,279	4,103
Net Income	$ 23,772	$ 14,091	$ 4,848
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.79	$ 1.27	$ 0.63
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.74	$ 1.22	$ 0.61
Pro Forma [Member] | Minden Bancorp and Richland State Bancorp [Member]
Interest Income		$ 88,277	$ 79,230
Interest Expense		15,132	9,308
Net Interest Income		73,145	69,922
Provision for Loan Losses		2,590	4,237
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses		70,555	65,685
Noninterest Income		11,496	8,705
Noninterest Expense		58,520	52,184
Income Before Income Taxes		23,531	22,206
Provision for Income Taxes		4,506	8,676
Net Income		$ 19,025	$ 13,530
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ 1.50	$ 1.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 1.45	$ 1.01

Note 4 - Earnings Per Common _3

Note 4 - Earnings Per Common Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Income Available to Common Shares	$ 23,772	$ 14,091	$ 4,848
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (in shares)	13,310,577	11,124,585	7,658,137
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options and Warrants (in shares)	360,200	421,358	345,822
Weighted Average Dilutive Common Shares (in shares)	13,670,777	11,545,943	8,003,959
Basic Earnings Per Common Share From Net Income Available to Common Shares (in dollars per share)	$ 1.79	$ 1.27	$ 0.63
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share From Net Income Available to Common Shares (in dollars per share)	$ 1.74	$ 1.22	$ 0.61

Note 5 - Cash and Due From Ba_2

Note 5 - Cash and Due From Bank - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reserve Requirements with Federal Reserve	$ 0	$ 1,600

Note 6 - Securities - (Details

Note 6 - Securities - (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Restricted	$ 165,900,000	$ 172,200,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain	112,000	7,000	$ 31,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Loss	6,000	0	$ 0
Other Equity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,565,000	9,282,000
The Independent Bankers Bank [Member]
Other Equity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	202,000	202,000
Bankers Insurance LLC [Member]
Other Equity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	310,000	621,000
First National Bankers Bank [Member]
Other Equity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	655,000	655,000
Mc Larty Capital Partners SBIC L.P [Member]
Other Equity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,900,000	1,500,000
McLarty Capital Partners SBIC II, L.P. [Member]
Other Equity Securities, Equity Method	1,800,000	1,600,000
Bluehenge Capital Secured Debt SBIC L.P [Member]
Other Equity Securities, Equity Method	1,600,000	1,100,000
New Louisiana Angel Fund 2, LLC [Member]
Other Equity Securities, Equity Method	12,000	13,000
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas [Member]
Other Equity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 6,100,000	$ 3,600,000

Note 6 - Securities - Securitie

Note 6 - Securities - Securities Available-for-sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Amortized cost	$ 274,886	$ 313,907
Gross unrealized gains	3,987	708
Gross unrealized losses	680	5,099
Fair value	278,193	309,516
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost	15,654	17,529
Gross unrealized gains	303	54
Gross unrealized losses	20	144
Fair value	15,937	17,439
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost	23,774	13,052
Gross unrealized gains	98	76
Gross unrealized losses	158	436
Fair value	23,714	12,692
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Amortized cost	137,817	168,854
Gross unrealized gains	2,139	328
Gross unrealized losses	497	3,564
Fair value	139,459	165,618
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost	97,641	114,472
Gross unrealized gains	1,447	250
Gross unrealized losses	5	955
Fair value	$ 99,083	$ 113,767

Note 6 - Securities - Securit_2

Note 6 - Securities - Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Less than 12 months, fair value	$ 4,384	$ 118,916
Less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	28	2,036
12 months or greater, fair value	51,987	97,987
12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	652	3,063
Total, fair value	56,371	216,903
Total, gross unrealized losses	680	5,099
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Less than 12 months, fair value	2,486	4,399
Less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	20	28
12 months or greater, fair value		4,610
12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses		116
Total, fair value	2,486	9,009
Total, gross unrealized losses	20	144
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Less than 12 months, fair value		6,274
Less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses		260
12 months or greater, fair value	6,360	2,324
12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	158	176
Total, fair value	6,360	8,598
Total, gross unrealized losses	158	436
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Less than 12 months, fair value	950	67,770
Less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	4	1,264
12 months or greater, fair value	44,366	61,271
12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	493	2,300
Total, fair value	45,316	129,041
Total, gross unrealized losses	497	3,564
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Less than 12 months, fair value	948	40,473
Less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	4	484
12 months or greater, fair value	1,261	29,782
12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses	1	471
Total, fair value	2,209	70,255
Total, gross unrealized losses	$ 5	$ 955

Note 6 - Securities - Securit_3

Note 6 - Securities - Securities Available-for-sale by Contractual Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Less Than One Year, Amortized Cost	$ 26,988
Less Than One Year, Fair Value	27,017
One to Five Years, Amortized Cost	50,511
One to Five Years, Fair Value	51,099
Over Five to Ten Years, Amortized Cost	129,486
Over Five to Ten Years, Fair Value	131,158
Over Ten Years, Amortized Cost	67,901
Over Ten Years, Fair Value	68,919
Amortized Cost	274,886
Fair Value	$ 278,193

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowa_3

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Loans and Leases Receivable, Deferred Income, Total	$ 3,000,000		$ 1,700,000
Loans and Leases Receivable Reclassified from Overdraft	276,000		858,000
Loans Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	129,700,000		147,000,000
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net	5,009,000	[1]	10,704,000	[1]	$ 696,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total	1,710,265,000		1,528,469,000
Financing Receivable, 90 Days or More Past Due, Still Accruing	72,000		1,876,000
Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual	8,977,000		11,691,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method, Total	292,000		254,000
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Subsequent Default	0		79,000
Minden Bancorp and Richland State Bancorp [Member] | Performing Financial Instruments [Member]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Deferred Income, Total	2,000,000
Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	180,000,000
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net	5,000,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total	$ 177,100,000
American Gateway Financial Corporation [Member]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net			10,700,000
American Gateway Financial Corporation [Member] | Performing Financial Instruments [Member]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Deferred Income, Total			3,200,000
Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure			334,800,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total			$ 327,300,000
[1]	Purchased credit impaired loans are evaluated for impairment on an individual basis.

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowa_4

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - Loans Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loans	$ 1,710,265	$ 1,528,469
Allowance for loan losses	(12,124)	(11,220)	$ (8,765)
Net loans	1,698,141	1,517,249
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member]
Loans	244,181	211,054
Allowance for loan losses	(1,868)	(1,590)	(1,421)
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member]
Loans	48,681	45,989
Allowance for loan losses	(229)	(104)	(76)
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member]
Loans	612,608	518,660
Allowance for loan losses	(3,882)	(2,715)	(2,323)
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member]
Loans	293,142	270,583
Allowance for loan losses	(1,888)	(1,538)	(1,284)
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member]
Loans	36,454	39,273
Allowance for loan losses	(226)	(236)	(144)
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans	390,398	363,640
Allowance for loan losses	(3,414)	(4,453)	(3,147)
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans	84,801	79,270
Allowance for loan losses	$ (617)	$ (584)	$ (370)

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowa_5

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Beginning Balance		$ 11,220		$ 8,765
Charge-offs		(1,825)		(472)
Recoveries		123		537
Provision		2,606		2,390		$ 4,237
Ending Balance		12,124		11,220		8,765
Allowance for credit losses, individually evaluated for impairment		556		1,280
Allowance for credit losses, collectively evaluated for impairment		11,568		9,940
Allowance for credit losses, purchased credit impaired	[1]
Loans receivable		1,710,265		1,528,469
Loans receivable, individually evaluated for impairment		11,847		12,360
Loans receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment		1,693,409		1,505,405
Loans receivable, purchased credit impaired		5,009	[1]	10,704	[1]	696
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member]
Beginning Balance		1,590		1,421
Charge-offs		(2)		(90)
Recoveries				398
Provision		280		(139)
Ending Balance		1,868		1,590		1,421
Allowance for credit losses, individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance for credit losses, collectively evaluated for impairment		1,868		1,590
Allowance for credit losses, purchased credit impaired	[1]	0		0
Loans receivable		244,181		211,054
Loans receivable, individually evaluated for impairment		397		32
Loans receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment		243,784		211,022
Loans receivable, purchased credit impaired	[1]
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member]
Beginning Balance		104		76
Charge-offs		(2)		0
Recoveries		0		0
Provision		127		28
Ending Balance		229		104		76
Allowance for credit losses, individually evaluated for impairment		4		0
Allowance for credit losses, collectively evaluated for impairment		225		104
Allowance for credit losses, purchased credit impaired	[1]	0		0
Loans receivable		48,681		45,989
Loans receivable, individually evaluated for impairment		222		112
Loans receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment		48,324		45,713
Loans receivable, purchased credit impaired	[1]	135		164
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member]
Beginning Balance		2,715		2,323
Charge-offs		(51)
Recoveries		4		13
Provision		1,214		379
Ending Balance		3,882		2,715		2,323
Allowance for credit losses, individually evaluated for impairment		52		47
Allowance for credit losses, collectively evaluated for impairment		3,830		2,668
Allowance for credit losses, purchased credit impaired	[1]	0		0
Loans receivable		612,608		518,660
Loans receivable, individually evaluated for impairment		4,101		4,155
Loans receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment		603,891		507,506
Loans receivable, purchased credit impaired	[1]	4,616		6,999
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member]
Beginning Balance		1,538		1,284
Charge-offs		(162)		(294)
Recoveries		14		18
Provision		498		530
Ending Balance		1,888		1,538		1,284
Allowance for credit losses, individually evaluated for impairment		30		96
Allowance for credit losses, collectively evaluated for impairment		1,858		1,442
Allowance for credit losses, purchased credit impaired	[1]
Loans receivable		293,142		270,583
Loans receivable, individually evaluated for impairment		2,531		2,728
Loans receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment		290,549		267,761
Loans receivable, purchased credit impaired	[1]	62		94
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member]
Beginning Balance		236		144
Charge-offs		0		0
Recoveries		0		0
Provision		(10)		92
Ending Balance		226		236		144
Allowance for credit losses, individually evaluated for impairment		0		0
Allowance for credit losses, collectively evaluated for impairment		226		236
Allowance for credit losses, purchased credit impaired	[1]	0		0
Loans receivable		36,454		39,273
Loans receivable, individually evaluated for impairment		0		0
Loans receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment		36,454		39,273
Loans receivable, purchased credit impaired	[1]	0		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance		4,453		3,147
Charge-offs		(1,556)
Recoveries		41		28
Provision		476		1,278
Ending Balance		3,414		4,453		3,147
Allowance for credit losses, individually evaluated for impairment		421		1,112
Allowance for credit losses, collectively evaluated for impairment		2,993		3,341
Allowance for credit losses, purchased credit impaired	[1]	0		0
Loans receivable		390,398		363,640
Loans receivable, individually evaluated for impairment		4,175		5,208
Loans receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment		386,027		354,985
Loans receivable, purchased credit impaired	[1]	196		3,447
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Beginning Balance		584		370
Charge-offs		(52)		(88)
Recoveries		64		80
Provision		21		222
Ending Balance		617		584		$ 370
Allowance for credit losses, individually evaluated for impairment		49		25
Allowance for credit losses, collectively evaluated for impairment		568		559
Allowance for credit losses, purchased credit impaired	[1]	0		0
Loans receivable		84,801		79,270
Loans receivable, individually evaluated for impairment		421		125
Loans receivable, collectively evaluated for impairment		84,380		79,145
Loans receivable, purchased credit impaired	[1]	$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Purchased credit impaired loans are evaluated for impairment on an individual basis.

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowa_6

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - Credit Quality Indicators (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loans	$ 1,710,265	$ 1,528,469
Pass [Member]
Loans	1,660,185	1,474,420
Special Mention [Member]
Loans	27,887	26,763
Substandard [Member]
Loans	13,216	15,595
Doubtful [Member]
Loans	8,977	11,691
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member]
Loans	244,181	211,054
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans	241,519	209,027
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans	1,141	718
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans	1,124	1,277
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans	397	32
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member]
Loans	48,681	45,989
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans	46,591	45,563
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans	1,737	153
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans	14	161
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans	339	112
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member]
Loans	612,608	518,660
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans	594,046	494,698
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans	11,077	14,421
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans	3,830	3,510
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans	3,655	6,031
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member]
Loans	293,142	270,583
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans	284,381	260,325
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans	3,175	4,601
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans	3,237	2,929
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans	2,349	2,728
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member]
Loans	36,454	39,273
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans	36,422	39,237
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans	0	0
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans	32	36
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans	0	0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans	390,398	363,640
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans	374,500	347,839
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans	9,219	5,690
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans	4,854	7,448
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans	1,825	2,663
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans	84,801	79,270
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Pass [Member]
Loans	82,726	77,731
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Loans	1,538	1,180
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Loans	125	234
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Doubtful [Member]
Loans	$ 412	$ 125

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowa_7

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - Past Due Loans Receivable (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Past due	$ 8,789,000	$ 14,835,000
Current	1,701,476,000	1,513,634,000
Loans	1,710,265,000	1,528,469,000
Recorded investment over 90 days past due and still accruing	72,000	1,876,000
Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	2,228,000	4,959,000
Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	1,794,000	1,073,000
Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	4,767,000	8,803,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member]
Past due	879,000	427,000
Current	243,302,000	210,627,000
Loans	244,181,000	211,054,000
Recorded investment over 90 days past due and still accruing		60,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	483,000	325,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	17,000	13,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member] | Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	379,000	89,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member]
Past due	177,000	96,000
Current	48,504,000	45,893,000
Loans	48,681,000	45,989,000
Recorded investment over 90 days past due and still accruing		0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	18,000	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	16,000	96,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member] | Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	143,000	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member]
Past due	2,320,000	6,404,000
Current	610,288,000	512,256,000
Loans	612,608,000	518,660,000
Recorded investment over 90 days past due and still accruing		450,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	181,000	2,437,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	610,000
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member] | Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	1,529,000	3,967,000
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member]
Past due	3,220,000	3,584,000
Current	289,922,000	266,999,000
Loans	293,142,000	270,583,000
Recorded investment over 90 days past due and still accruing	29,000	270,000
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	1,245,000	1,596,000
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	975,000	588,000
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member] | Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	1,000,000	1,400,000
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member]
Past due	32,000	36,000
Current	36,422,000	39,237,000
Loans	36,454,000	39,273,000
Recorded investment over 90 days past due and still accruing	0	0
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	32,000	36,000
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	0	0
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member] | Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	0	0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Past due	1,579,000	3,856,000
Current	388,819,000	359,784,000
Loans	390,398,000	363,640,000
Recorded investment over 90 days past due and still accruing		1,038,000
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	126,000	328,000
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	142,000	287,000
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	1,311,000	3,241,000
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Past due	582,000	432,000
Current	84,219,000	78,838,000
Loans	84,801,000	79,270,000
Recorded investment over 90 days past due and still accruing	43,000	58,000
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	143,000	237,000
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	34,000	89,000
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] | Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Past due	$ 405,000	$ 106,000

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowa_8

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - Loan Receivables on Nonaccrual Status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loans receivable on nonaccrual status	$ 8,977	$ 11,691
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member]
Loans receivable on nonaccrual status	397	32
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member]
Loans receivable on nonaccrual status	339	112
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member]
Loans receivable on nonaccrual status	3,655	6,031
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member]
Loans receivable on nonaccrual status	2,349	2,728
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member]
Loans receivable on nonaccrual status
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable on nonaccrual status	1,825	2,663
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans receivable on nonaccrual status	$ 412	$ 125

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowa_9

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - Impaired Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	$ 1,848	$ 2,718
Unpaid principal balance, with an allowance recorded	1,975	3,912
Related allowance	556	1,280
Average recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	1,955	1,241
Recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	9,999	9,642
Unpaid principal balance, with no allowance recorded	11,892	12,399
Average recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	10,885	13,583
Recorded investment	11,847	12,360
Unpaid principal balance	13,867	16,311
Average recorded investment	12,840	14,824
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member]
Recorded investment, with an allowance recorded
Unpaid principal balance, with an allowance recorded
Related allowance
Average recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	1	22
Recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	397	32
Unpaid principal balance, with no allowance recorded	420	56
Average recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	184	15
Recorded investment	397	32
Unpaid principal balance	420	56
Average recorded investment	185	37
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Farmland [Member]
Recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	20	0
Unpaid principal balance, with an allowance recorded	21	0
Related allowance	4	0
Average recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	21	0
Recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	202	112
Unpaid principal balance, with no allowance recorded	207	193
Average recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	177	9
Recorded investment	222	112
Unpaid principal balance	228	193
Average recorded investment	198	9
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member]
Recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	721	447
Unpaid principal balance, with an allowance recorded	738	501
Related allowance	52	47
Average recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	601	367
Recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	3,381	3,708
Unpaid principal balance, with no allowance recorded	3,693	3,833
Average recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	3,644	5,240
Recorded investment	4,102	4,155
Unpaid principal balance	4,431	4,334
Average recorded investment	4,245	5,607
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member]
Recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	136	363
Unpaid principal balance, with an allowance recorded	167	451
Related allowance	30	96
Average recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	163	303
Recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	2,395	2,365
Unpaid principal balance, with no allowance recorded	3,041	3,975
Average recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	2,531	2,708
Recorded investment	2,531	2,728
Unpaid principal balance	3,208	4,426
Average recorded investment	2,694	3,011
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Multi-family Residential [Member]
Recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	0	0
Unpaid principal balance, with an allowance recorded	0	0
Related allowance	0	0
Average recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	0	0
Recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	0	0
Unpaid principal balance, with no allowance recorded	0	0
Average recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	0	0
Recorded investment	0	0
Unpaid principal balance	0	0
Average recorded investment	0	0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	851	1,883
Unpaid principal balance, with an allowance recorded	926	2,935
Related allowance	421	1,112
Average recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	1,053	547
Recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	3,323	3,325
Unpaid principal balance, with no allowance recorded	4,173	4,198
Average recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	4,157	5,350
Recorded investment	4,174	5,208
Unpaid principal balance	5,099	7,133
Average recorded investment	5,210	5,897
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	120	25
Unpaid principal balance, with an allowance recorded	123	25
Related allowance	49	25
Average recorded investment, with an allowance recorded	116	2
Recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	301	100
Unpaid principal balance, with no allowance recorded	358	144
Average recorded investment, with no allowance recorded	192	261
Recorded investment	421	125
Unpaid principal balance	481	169
Average recorded investment	$ 308	$ 263

Note 7 - Loans and the Allow_10

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - Purchased Impaired Credits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Carrying amount, beginning balance		$ 10,704	[1]	$ 696
Payments received, net of discounts realized		(5,695)		(507)
Purchased impaired credit participation interest sales proceeds, net of discount realized				210
Charge-offs				(26)
Carrying amount, ending balance	[1]	$ 5,009		10,704
Minden Bancorp [Member]
Carrying amount of purchased impaired credits acquired in acquisition				5,798
Richland State Bancorp [Member]
Carrying amount of purchased impaired credits acquired in acquisition				$ 4,533
[1]	Purchased credit impaired loans are evaluated for impairment on an individual basis.

Note 7 - Loans and the Allow_11

Note 7 - Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses - Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Number of contracts	13	10
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 8,571	$ 8,326
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 5,027	$ 5,820
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Real Estate Residential One- to Four-Family [Member]
Number of contracts	3	1
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 235
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 219
Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member]
Number of contracts	3	3
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 2,411	$ 2,412
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 2,044	$ 2,308
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Number of contracts	6	6
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 5,914	$ 5,914
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 2,755	$ 3,512
Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member]
Number of contracts	1
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 11
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment	$ 9

Note 8 - Premises and Equipme_3

Note 8 - Premises and Equipment - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total	$ 1,588	$ 1,172	$ 1,181

Note 8 - Premises and Equipme_4

Note 8 - Premises and Equipment - Bank Premises and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 39,966	$ 27,830
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	29,280	15,114
Less: Accumulated Depreciation	(10,686)	(12,716)
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,784	2,984
Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	12,078	15,473
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	11,862	9,373
Right of Use Asset [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 13,242

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other I_3

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 48,495,000	$ 49,488,000
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	1,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	(1,000,000)
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total	$ 905,000	$ 559,000	$ 276,000

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other I_4

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Core Deposit Intangible Asset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 9,203	$ 2,762
Acquisitions		6,441
Adjustment for Sale of Branch	(286)
Less: Accumulated Amortization	(2,223)	(1,318)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 6,694	$ 7,885

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other I_5

Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
2020	$ 890
2021	890
2022	890
2023	890
2024	890
Thereafter	2,244
Total Core Deposit Intangible	$ 6,694	$ 7,885

Note 10 - Deposits - (Details T

Note 10 - Deposits - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Percentage of Certificate of Deposit Maturities Year One	68.70%
Percentage of Certificate of Deposit Maturities Year Two and Thereafter	31.30%
Deposits, Total	$ 1,782,010	$ 1,733,934
Interest-bearing Domestic Deposit, Brokered	100,900	111,800
Interest Bearing Deposits Public Funds Brokered	35,400	30,900
Deposits Public Funds Non-brokered	266,800	263,800
Interest and Non-interest Bearing Deposits Liability [Member] | Top three customers [Member]
Deposits, Total	$ 144,500	$ 146,200
Percentage of Interest and Non-interest Bearing Domestic Deposits to Deposits	8.10%	8.40%

Note 10 - Deposits - Summary of

Note 10 - Deposits - Summary of Deposit Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Noninterest Bearing - DDA	$ 398,847	$ 382,354
Noninterest Bearing Deposits	398,847	382,354
Interest Bearing - DDA	45,058	40,969
NOW and Super NOW Accounts	295,620	310,527
Money Market Accounts	365,114	334,763
Savings Accounts	81,915	94,211
Certificates of Deposit Over $250,000	152,859	160,145
Other Certificates of Deposit	442,597	410,965
Interest Bearing Deposits	1,383,163	1,351,580
Total Deposits	$ 1,782,010	$ 1,733,934

Note 11 - Borrowings - (Details

Note 11 - Borrowings - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 17, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 12, 2016
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks, Net of Unaccreted Market Value Adjustment		$ 93,000	$ 55,000
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks, Total		93,000	55,000
Pledged Financial Instruments, Not Separately Reported, Loans Receivable, for Federal Home Loan Bank Debt		626,300
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, General Debt Obligations, Amount of Available, Unused Funds		330,200
Subordinated Debt, Ending Balance	$ 25,000	25,000	25,000
Subordinated Borrowing, Interest Rate	6.75%
Federal Funds Purchased [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity		126,000	126,000
Long-term Line of Credit, Total		0	0
FNBB Line of Credit [Member]
Long-term Line of Credit, Total		0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 5,000
November 2022 [Member]
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks, Total		$ 30,000	$ 30,000
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Interest Rate		2.41%	2.41%
June 2020 [Member]
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks, Total		$ 10,000
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Interest Rate		2.14%
June 2022 [Member]
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks, Total		$ 30,000
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Interest Rate		2.03%
June 2024 [Member]
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks, Total		$ 23,000
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Interest Rate		1.59%
June 2019 [Member]
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks, Total		$ 25,000
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Interest Rate		2.54%

Note 12 - Securities Sold Und_2

Note 12 - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Total	$ 67,989	$ 12,229
Minimum [Member]
Interest Rate on Investment Percentage	1.30%
Maximum [Member]
Interest Rate on Investment Percentage	7.00%

Note 13 - Income Taxes - (Detai

Note 13 - Income Taxes - (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total	$ 144,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax		$ 193,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Year	2033
American Gateway Financial Corporation [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total			$ 287,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax			$ 984,000

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Provis

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Continuing Operations, Provision (Credit) for Current Taxes - Federal	$ 6,416	$ 3,681	$ 977
Continuing Operations, Provision (Credit) for Deferred Taxes	(336)	(402)	1,458
Adjustment to Deferred Taxes for Enactment of 21% Federal Statutory Rate on December 22, 2017			1,668
Provision for Income Taxes	$ 6,080	$ 3,279	$ 4,103

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Prov_2

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes (Details) (Parentheticals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Federal Statutory Income Tax, Percentage	21.00%	21.00%

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Reconc

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation Between Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Federal Statutory Income Tax	$ 6,269	$ 3,648	$ 3,043
Tax Exempt Income	(556)	(512)	(701)
Adjustment to Deferred Taxes for Enactment of 21% Federal Statutory Rate on December 22, 2017			1,668
Goodwill write-off	216
Other - Net	151	143	93
Provision for Income Taxes	$ 6,080	$ 3,279	$ 4,103

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Reco_2

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation Between Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate (Details) (Parentheticals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Federal Statutory Income Tax, Percentage	21.00%	21.00%

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Compon

Note 13 - Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allowance for Loan Losses	$ 2,546	$ 2,356
Acquried Loans Fair Market Value Adjustment	743	1,397
Acquired Securities Difference in Basis	43
Acquired Securities Difference in Basis		(241)
Amortization of Start-Up Costs	9	17
Stock Awards	734	718
Depreciation	(462)	(517)
Reserve on Unfunded Commitments	22
Unrealized Loss on Securities	(694)
Unrealized Loss on Securities		922
Other Real Estate	124	55
Core Deposit Intangible	1,406	1,656
Deposit Premium		67
Deferred Compensation	571	548
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit		193
Branch Closures	(115)	(47)
Net Operating Loss Carryforward	30	36
Net Deferred Tax Asset	$ 2,145	$ 3,848

Note 14 - Accumulated Other C_3

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 260,058	$ 179,935	$ 113,559
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6,082	(1,825)	957
Balance at End of Year	285,097	260,058	179,935
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Year	(3,469)	(1,644)	(2,330)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications - Net of Tax	5,998	(1,831)
Reclassification Adjustment for Gains (Losses) Realized - Net of Tax	84	6
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6,082	(1,825)	957
Balance at End of Year	$ 2,613	$ (3,469)	$ (1,644)

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equit_3

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity and Regulatory Matters - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 13, 2018
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.38	$ 0.30
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 15,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	$ 2,553	$ 0	$ 33

Note 15 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 15 - Stockholders' Equity and Regulatory Matters - Actual Capital Amounts and Ratios (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Total Capital, Amount	$ 264,495	$ 242,144
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio	13.30%	13.91%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Amount	$ 159,120	$ 139,237
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Tier I Capital, Amount	$ 227,265	$ 205,924
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio	11.43%	11.83%
Tier I Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Amount	$ 119,340	$ 104,428
Tier I Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, Amount	$ 227,265	$ 205,924
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio	11.43%	11.83%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Amount	$ 89,505	$ 78,321
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Ratio	4.50%	4.50%
Tier I Leveraged Capital, Amount	$ 227,265	$ 205,924
Tier I Leveraged Capital to Average Assets Ratio	10.56%	11.66%
Tier I Leveraged Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Amount	$ 86,058	$ 70,641
Tier I Leveraged Capital Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Business First Bank [Member]
Total Capital, Amount	$ 254,520	$ 224,356
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio	12.80%	12.90%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Amount	$ 159,033	$ 139,126
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Tier I Capital, Amount	$ 242,290	$ 213,136
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio	12.19%	12.26%
Tier I Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Amount	$ 119,275	$ 104,345
Tier I Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, Amount	$ 242,290	$ 213,136
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio	12.19%	12.26%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Amount	$ 89,456	$ 78,259
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Ratio	4.50%	4.50%
Tier I Leveraged Capital, Amount	$ 242,290	$ 213,136
Tier I Leveraged Capital to Average Assets Ratio	11.27%	12.08%
Tier I Leveraged Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Amount	$ 86,015	$ 70,592
Tier I Leveraged Capital Capital Required for Capital Adequacy, Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Total Capital to be Well Capitalized, Amount	$ 198,791	$ 173,908
Total Capital to be Well Capitalized, Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier I Capital to be Well Capitalized, Amount	$ 159,033	$ 139,126
Tier I Capital to be Well Capitalized, Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to be Well Capitalized, Amount	$ 129,214	$ 113,040
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to be Well Capitalized, Ratio	6.50%	6.50%
Tier I Leveraged Capital to be Well Capitalized, Amount	$ 107,518	$ 88,241
Tier I Leveraged Capital to be Well Capitalized, Ratio	5.00%	5.00%

Note 16 - Stock Based Compens_3

Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - (Details Textual)	Dec. 20, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2006shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 29, 2017shares	Feb. 01, 2016$ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant						1,500,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense | $		$ 63,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services			4,440	3,750
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, before Forfeiture				5,552
Noninterest Expense Directors Fees | $			$ 570,000	$ 436,000	$ 400,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares			$ 10	$ 10			$ 10		$ 10
Warrants and Rights, Intrinsic Value Upon Exercise | $			$ 1,100,000				$ 1,100,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				87,625
Class of Warrant or Right, Expense Recognized | $				$ 48,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Warrants Assumed Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares				$ 2.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number			724,300				724,300
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares			$ 12.55				$ 12.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares, Ending Balance			1,000				1,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount | $			$ 5,000				$ 5,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value | $			$ 9,000,000				$ 9,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term			1 year 146 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options, Amended, Number of Shares	330,000	105,250
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term						10 years
Measurement Input, Expected Dividend Rate [Member]
Warrants and Rights Outstanding, Measurement Input				1
Measurement Input, Expected Term [Member]
Warrants and Rights Outstanding, Measurement Input				6.5
Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member]
Warrants and Rights Outstanding, Measurement Input				0.0504
Measurement Input, Price Volatility [Member]
Warrants and Rights Outstanding, Measurement Input				0.1319
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights			101,000				101,000
Non-employee Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares			$ 23.96	$ 20
Noninterest Expense Directors Fees | $			$ 197,000	$ 75,000
Employee [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense | $				$ 140,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares				$ 25.16
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vesting, Number of Equal Installments			3	3	3
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense | $			$ 1,000,000	$ 766,000	$ 129,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount | $		$ 92,000	$ 1,700,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 92,000		$ 1,700,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			1 year 328 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares			$ 23.96	$ 20	$ 17
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense | $	$ 168,000		$ 77,000	$ 119,000	$ 207,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			1 year
The 2017 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance								500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Grants in Period, Gross							93,525
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant			406,475				406,475

Note 16 - Stock Based Compens_4

Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance, at Beginning of Period (in shares)	31,002	8,662
Balance, at Beginning of Period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 19.58	$ 17
Granted (in shares)	39,994	39,789	12,981
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 23.96	$ 20	$ 17
Forfeited (in shares)	(530)
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 19.47
Earned and Issued (in shares)	(30,495)	(17,449)	(4,319)
Earned and Issued, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 21.31	$ 19.26	$ 17
Balance, at End of Period (in shares)	39,971	31,002	8,662
Balance, at End of Period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 22.64	$ 19.58	$ 17

Note 16 - Stock Based Compens_5

Note 16 - Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Outstanding Options, at Beginning of Period (in shares)	780,080	831,080	998,480
Outstanding Options, at Beginning of Period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.74	$ 12.73	$ 12.82
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0	0
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)
Exercised (in shares)	(54,780)	(49,000)
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.28	$ 12.42
Forfeited or Expired (in shares)		(2,000)	(167,400)
Forfeited or Expired, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 17.11	$ 13.25
Outstanding Options, at End of Period (in shares)	725,300	780,080	831,080
Outstanding Options, at End of Period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.55	$ 12.74	$ 12.73
Exercisable, at End of Period (in shares)	724,300	761,747	784,698
Exercisable, at End of Period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.55	$ 12.64	$ 12.49

Note 17 - Employee Benefit Pl_2

Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plans - (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	4.00%
Employee Compensation and Benefits	$ 967,000	$ 690,000	$ 542,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Recorded Liability	2,500,000	2,400,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	$ 256,000	$ 224,000	$ 209,000

Note 18 - Other Expenses - Sche

Note 18 - Other Expenses - Schedule of Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Development	$ 1,535	$ 1,239	$ 1,193
Communications	1,063	885	830
Ad Valorem Shares Tax	1,423	1,135	804
Data Processing Fees	2,049	1,557	1,537
Directors' Fees	570	436	400
Insurance	347	256	283
Legal and Professional Fees	1,319	1,695	1,159
Office Supplies and Printing	670	578	421
Regulatory Assessments	389	1,359	904
Taxes and Licenses	88	201	11
Merger and Conversion Costs	330	3,024	129
Other	5,911	4,156	2,829
Total Other Expenses	$ 15,694	$ 16,521	$ 10,500

Note 19 - Financial Instrumen_2

Note 19 - Financial Instruments With Off-balance-sheet Risk - (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Commitments to Extend Credit [Member]
Contractual Obligation, Total	$ 389.9
Standby and commercial Letters of Credit [Member]
Contractual Obligation, Total	$ 24.4

Note 20 - Concentrations of C_2

Note 20 - Concentrations of Credit - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total	$ 1,710,265	$ 1,528,469
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total	$ 612,608	$ 518,660
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonfarm Nonresidential [Member] | Loan Secured by Real Estate [Member] | Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	35.80%	33.90%
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income, Total	$ 244,181	$ 211,054
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment [Member] | Construction and Land [Member] | Loan Secured by Real Estate [Member] | Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	14.30%	13.80%

Note 21 - Leases - (Details Tex

Note 21 - Leases - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 2.9	$ 2.5	$ 1.8
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	8 years 109 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	3.10%
Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	10 years

Note 21 - Leases - Future Minim

Note 21 - Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
2020	$ 2,200
2021	1,990
2022	1,809
2023	1,701
2024 and Thereafter	7,341
Total Future Minimum Lease Payments	15,041
Less Imputed Interest	(1,799)
Other Liabilities [Member]
Operating Lease, Liability, Total	$ 13,242

Note 22 - Commitments - (Detail

Note 22 - Commitments - (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 203,100,000	$ 137,300,000
Letters of Credit Expiring January 2020 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	30,100,000
Letters of Credit of Expiring in February 2020 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	19,000,000
Letters of Credit of Expiring in March 2020 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	133,000,000
Letters of Credit of Expiring in April 2020 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	7,700,000
Letters of Credit of Expiring in August 2020 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	157,000
Letters of Credit of Expiring in October 2020 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	100,000
Letters of Credit of Expiring in November 2020 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	197,000
Letters of Credit of Expiring in December 2020 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	1,300,000
Letters of Credit of Expiring in January 2022 [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 11,500,000

Note 22 - Commitments - Funds L

Note 22 - Commitments - Funds Lent to Small Business Borrowers (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Mc Larty Capital Partners SBIC L.P [Member]
Total Capital Commitment	$ 2,000
Capital Called	1,802
Remaining Unfunded Capital Commitment	198
McLarty Capital Partners SBIC II, L.P. [Member]
Total Capital Commitment	2,500
Capital Called	2,004
Remaining Unfunded Capital Commitment	496
Bluehenge Capital Secured Debt SBIC L.P [Member]
Total Capital Commitment	1,500
Capital Called	1,387
Remaining Unfunded Capital Commitment	113
New Louisiana Angel Fund 2, LLC [Member]
Total Capital Commitment	50
Capital Called	13
Remaining Unfunded Capital Commitment	$ 37

Note 23 - Related Party Trans_3

Note 23 - Related Party Transactions - (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties, Ending Balance	$ 24,564	$ 27,359	$ 24,047
Related Party Deposit Liabilities	$ 34,400	$ 35,500

Note 23 - Related Party Trans_4

Note 23 - Related Party Transactions - Schedule of Activity in Loans to Directors, Officers and Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Balance - Beginning of Year	$ 27,359	$ 24,047
New Loans	13,767	13,478
Repayments	(16,562)	(10,166)
Balance - End of Year	$ 24,564	$ 27,359

Note 24 - Fair Value of Finan_3

Note 24 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0

Note 24 - Fair Value of Finan_4

Note 24 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured On a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securities available for sale	$ 278,193	$ 309,516
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	251	58
Total	278,444	309,574
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Total
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	251	58
Total	271,857	301,190
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Total	6,587	8,384
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Securities available for sale	15,937	17,439
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Securities available for sale	15,937	17,439
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available for sale
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available for sale	15,937	17,439
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available for sale
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Securities available for sale	23,714	12,692
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Securities available for sale	23,714	12,692
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available for sale
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available for sale	23,714	12,692
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available for sale
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Securities available for sale	139,459	165,618
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Securities available for sale	139,459	165,618
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available for sale
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available for sale	139,459	165,618
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available for sale
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Securities available for sale	99,083	113,767
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Securities available for sale	99,083	113,767
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Securities available for sale
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Securities available for sale	92,496	105,383
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Securities available for sale	$ 6,587	$ 8,384

Note 24 - Fair Value of Finan_5

Note 24 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis	$ 20,072	$ 23,477
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis	20,072	23,477
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis
Impaired Loans [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis	15,876	21,557
Impaired Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis
Impaired Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis	15,876	21,557
Impaired Loans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis
Repossessed Assets [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis	4,196	1,920
Repossessed Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis
Repossessed Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis	4,196	1,920
Repossessed Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis

Note 24 - Fair Value of Finan_6

Note 24 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financial Assets:
Other Equity Securities	$ 12,565	$ 9,282
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and Short-Term Investments	150,743	137,908
Securities	278,193	309,516
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	251	58
Loans - Net	1,698,141	1,517,249
Cash Value of BOLI	32,568	31,882
Other Equity Securities	12,565	9,282
Total	2,172,461	2,005,895
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	1,782,010	1,733,934
Borrowings	185,989	92,229
Total	1,967,999	1,826,163
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and Short-Term Investments	150,743	137,908
Securities	278,193	309,516
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	251	58
Loans - Net	1,696,470	1,495,454
Cash Value of BOLI	32,568	31,882
Other Equity Securities	12,565	9,282
Total	2,170,790	1,984,100
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	1,782,692	1,717,698
Borrowings	202,863	104,930
Total	1,985,555	1,822,628
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and Short-Term Investments	150,743	137,908
Securities
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Loans - Net
Cash Value of BOLI
Other Equity Securities
Total	150,743	137,908
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits
Borrowings
Total
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and Short-Term Investments
Securities	271,606	301,132
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	251	58
Loans - Net
Cash Value of BOLI	32,568	31,882
Other Equity Securities
Total	304,425	333,072
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits
Borrowings	202,863	104,930
Total	202,863	104,930
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and Short-Term Investments
Securities	6,587	8,384
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Loans - Net	1,696,470	1,495,454
Cash Value of BOLI
Other Equity Securities	12,565	9,282
Total	1,715,622	1,513,120
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	1,782,692	1,717,698
Borrowings
Total	$ 1,782,692	$ 1,717,698

Note 27 - Financial Statement_3

Note 27 - Financial Statements - Parent Company Only - Balance Sheets for Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 17, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Other Assets	$ 2,699	$ 2,534
Total Assets	2,273,835	2,094,896
Liabilities:
Accrued Interest Payable	1,533	1,374
Subordinated Debt	25,000	25,000	$ 25,000
Other Liabilities	19,206	7,301
Total Liabilities	1,988,738	1,834,838
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Stock	13,279	13,213
Additional Paid-in Capital	212,505	212,332
Retained Earnings	56,700	37,982
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,613	(3,469)
Total Shareholders' Equity	285,097	260,058		$ 179,935	$ 113,559
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	2,273,835	2,094,896
Parent Company [Member]
Assets:
Cash	6,154	14,643
Investment in Subsidiaries	300,122	267,270
Other Assets	3,843	3,217
Total Assets	310,119	285,130
Liabilities:
Accrued Interest Payable	22	69
Subordinated Debt	25,000	25,000
Other Liabilities		3
Total Liabilities	25,022	25,072
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Stock	13,279	13,213
Additional Paid-in Capital	212,505	212,332
Retained Earnings	56,700	37,982
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,613	(3,469)
Total Shareholders' Equity	285,097	260,058
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 310,119	$ 285,130

Note 27 - Financial Statement_4

Note 27 - Financial Statements - Parent Company Only - Statements of Income for Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest Income	$ 103,467	$ 76,195	$ 51,601
Interest Expense	23,269	13,966	7,229
Provision for Income Taxes	6,080	3,279	4,103
Net Income	23,772	14,091	4,848
Parent Company [Member]
Interest Income	45	46
Interest Expense	1,688	237	155
Other Operating Expenses	2,138	3,275	544
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes and Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries	(3,781)	(3,466)	(699)
Provision for Income Taxes	(783)	(623)	233
Income (Loss) before Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries	(2,998)	(2,843)	(932)
Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries	26,770	16,934	5,780
Net Income	$ 23,772	$ 14,091	$ 4,848