First Banks (FBSPRA) 10-Q 15 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Entity Registrant Name	'FIRST BANKS, INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000710507	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Trading Symbol	'fbspra	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	23,661
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_UN

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and due from banks	$112,048	$92,369
Short-term investments	229,187	98,066
Total cash and cash equivalents	341,235	190,435
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	1,408,172	1,611,745
Held to maturity (fair value of $704,977 and $719,183, respectively)	718,672	740,186
Total investment securities	2,126,844	2,351,931
Loans:	'	'
Commercial, financial and agricultural	632,089	600,704
Real estate construction and development	121,237	121,662
Real estate mortgage	2,099,442	2,091,026
Consumer and installment	17,399	18,681
Loans held for sale	21,402	25,548
Net deferred loan fees	-588	-526
Total loans	2,890,981	2,857,095
Allowance for loan losses	-79,831	-81,033
Net loans	2,811,150	2,776,062
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	32,148	27,357
Bank premises and equipment, net	123,246	124,328
Deferred income taxes	330,833	315,881
Other real estate	61,485	66,702
Other assets	63,618	66,287
Total assets	5,890,559	5,918,983
LIABILITIES	'	'
Noninterest-bearing demand	1,273,662	1,243,545
Interest-bearing demand	699,158	679,527
Savings and money market	1,841,905	1,844,710
Time deposits of $100 or more	389,675	389,056
Other time deposits	638,031	657,057
Total deposits	4,842,431	4,813,895
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713	43,143
Subordinated debentures	354,229	354,210
Deferred income taxes	49,609	28,397
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	110,271	191,082
Total liabilities	5,393,253	5,430,727
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Common stock, $250.00 par value, 25,000 shares authorized, 23,661 shares issued and outstanding	5,915	5,915
Additional paid-in capital	12,480	12,480
Retained earnings	48,124	42,719
Accumulated other comprehensive income	11,202	7,502
Total First Banks, Inc. stockholders’ equity	403,527	394,422
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	93,779	93,834
Total stockholders’ equity	497,306	488,256
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,890,559	5,918,983
Class A Convertible Adjustable Rate Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock	12,822	12,822
Class B Adjustable Rate Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock	241	241
Class C Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock	295,400	295,400
Class D Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock	$17,343	$17,343

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_UN1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value (in dollars)	$704,977	$719,183
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$250	$250
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000	25,000
Common stock, shares issued	23,661	23,661
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,661	23,661
Class A Convertible Adjustable Rate Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$20	$20
Preferred stock, shares authorized	750,000	750,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	641,082	641,082
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	641,082	641,082
Class B Adjustable Rate Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1.50	$1.50
Preferred stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	160,505	160,505
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	160,505	160,505
Class C Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	295,400	295,400
Preferred stock, shares issued	295,400	295,400
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	295,400	295,400
Class D Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	14,770	14,770
Preferred stock, shares issued	14,770	14,770
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	14,770	14,770

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Interest income:	'	'
Interest and fees on loans	$29,079	$30,173
Investment securities	12,632	13,248
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	358	303
Short-term investments	120	262
Total interest income	42,189	43,986
Interest expense:	'	'
Interest-bearing demand	82	76
Savings and money market	744	635
Time deposits of $100 or more	486	656
Other time deposits	722	1,103
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	4	3
Subordinated debentures	3,811	3,676
Total interest expense	5,849	6,149
Net interest income	36,340	37,837
Provision for loan losses	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	36,340	37,837
Noninterest income:	'	'
Service charges on deposit accounts and customer service fees	8,333	8,314
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	865	1,553
Net gain (loss) on investment securities	1,280	-416
Net gain on sale of other real estate	442	366
(Decrease) increase in fair value of servicing rights	-232	154
Loan servicing fees	1,711	1,717
Other	2,276	3,707
Total noninterest income	14,675	15,395
Noninterest expense:	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	19,882	19,551
Occupancy, net of rental income	5,784	5,834
Furniture and equipment	2,360	2,583
Postage, printing and supplies	639	628
Information technology fees	5,610	5,285
Legal, examination and professional fees	1,291	1,663
Advertising and business development	622	432
FDIC insurance	1,264	1,882
Write-downs and expenses on other real estate	699	1,511
Other	4,597	4,678
Total noninterest expense	42,748	44,047
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	8,267	9,185
Provision for income taxes	2,917	365
Net income from continuing operations, net of tax	5,350	8,820
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-2,064
Net income	5,350	6,756
Less: net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	55	-46
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	5,405	6,710
Preferred stock dividends declared	0	4,881
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	0	898
Net income available to common stockholders	$5,405	$931
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$228.43	$126.59
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$192.46	$126.59
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$228.43	$39.35
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$192.46	$39.35
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	23,661	23,661

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$5,350	$6,756
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax	4,834	-2,252
Reclassification adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax	-753	5
Amortization of net unrealized gain associated with reclassification of available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities, net of tax	-402	-429
Amortization of net loss related to pension liability, net of tax	21	30
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on investment securities	0	-2,146
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on pension liability	0	24
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,700	-4,768
Comprehensive income	9,050	1,988
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-55	46
Comprehensive income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$9,105	$1,942

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Total	First Banks, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity, Preferred Stock [Member]	First Banks, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity, Common Stock [Member]	First Banks, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity, Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	First Banks, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity, Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	First Banks, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$299,959	$322,163	$5,915	$12,480	($179,513)	$45,259	$93,655
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	6,756	'	'	'	6,710	'	46
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,768	'	'	'	'	-4,768	'
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	0	898	'	'	-898	'	'
Preferred stock dividends declared	-4,881	'	'	'	-4,881	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	297,066	323,061	5,915	12,480	-178,582	40,491	93,701
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	488,256	325,806	5,915	12,480	42,719	7,502	93,834
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	5,350	'	'	'	5,405	'	-55
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,700	'	'	'	'	3,700	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$497,306	$325,806	$5,915	$12,480	$48,124	$11,202	$93,779

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$5,405	$6,710
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-55	46
Less: net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-2,064
Net income from continuing operations, net of tax	5,350	8,820
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization of bank premises and equipment	2,921	2,851
Amortization and accretion of investment securities	5,799	6,274
Originations of loans held for sale	-35,414	-87,616
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale	40,278	116,735
Provision for current income taxes	283	72
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	2,634	-866
Increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	0	1,159
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable	1,711	-1,309
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable	-62,685	3,505
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	-865	-1,553
Net (gain) loss on investment securities	-1,280	416
Decrease (increase) in fair value of servicing rights	232	-154
Write-downs on other real estate	97	258
Other operating activities, net	-156	5,570
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities – continuing operations	-41,095	54,162
Net cash used in operating activities – discontinued operations	0	-1,827
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-41,095	52,335
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Net cash paid for sale of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations, net of cash and cash equivalents sold	-15,467	0
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale	166,320	66,507
Maturities of investment securities available for sale	44,399	100,629
Maturities of investment securities held to maturity	17,783	52,087
Purchases of investment securities available for sale	-250	-197,735
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity	-1,429	-19,261
Net purchases of Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	-4,791	-295
Proceeds from sales of commercial loans	0	1,343
Net (increase) decrease in loans	-43,645	44,340
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	2,245	3,451
Purchases of bank premises and equipment	-1,923	-1,354
Net proceeds from sales of other real estate	5,876	5,033
Other investing activities, net	671	303
Net cash provided by investing activities – continuing operations	169,789	55,048
Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations	0	372
Net cash provided by investing activities	169,789	55,420
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in demand, savings and money market deposits	46,943	-50,603
Decrease in time deposits	-18,407	-66,755
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt	-6,430	10,830
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities – continuing operations	22,106	-106,528
Net cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations	0	-10,614
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	22,106	-117,142
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	150,800	-9,387
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	190,435	518,846
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	341,235	509,459
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest on liabilities	68,534	2,644
Cash paid for income taxes	257	2
Noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Reclassification of investment securities from available for sale to held to maturity	0	242,540
Loans transferred to other real estate	$1,031	$2,474

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements of First Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and conform to predominant practices within the banking industry. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods presented herein, have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. Certain reclassifications of 2013 amounts have been made to conform to the 2014 presentation. All financial information is reported on a continuing operations basis, unless otherwise noted. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion regarding discontinued operations.
	Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries, giving effect to the noncontrolling interest in subsidiary, as more fully described below and in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	The Company operates through its wholly owned subsidiary bank holding company, The San Francisco Company (SFC), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and SFC’s wholly owned subsidiary bank, First Bank, also headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. First Bank operates through its branch banking offices and subsidiaries. All of the subsidiaries are wholly owned as of March 31, 2014 except FB Holdings, LLC (FB Holdings), which is 53.23% owned by First Bank and 46.77% owned by First Capital America, Inc. (FCA), a corporation owned and operated by the Company’s Chairman of the Board and members of his immediate family, including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company, as further described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. FB Holdings is included in the consolidated financial statements and the noncontrolling ownership interest is reported as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets as “noncontrolling interest in subsidiary” and the earnings or loss, net of tax, attributable to the noncontrolling ownership interest, is reported as “net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary” in the consolidated statements of income.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Discontinued Operations. The assets and liabilities associated with the transactions described (and defined) below were previously reported in the First Bank segment and were sold as part of the Company’s Capital Optimization Plan (Capital Plan). The Company applied discontinued operations accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 205-20, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations,” to the operations of First Bank’s Association Bank Services line of business and Northern Florida Region for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The Company did not allocate any consolidated interest that is not directly attributable to or related to discontinued operations. All financial information in the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements is reported on a continuing operations basis, unless otherwise noted.
	Association Bank Services. On May 13, 2013, First Bank entered into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement that provided for the sale of certain assets and the transfer of certain liabilities, primarily deposits, of First Bank's Association Bank Services (ABS) line of business, to Union Bank, N.A. (Union Bank), headquartered in San Francisco, California. ABS, previously headquartered in Vallejo, California, provided a full range of services to homeowners associations and community management companies. The transaction was completed on November 22, 2013. Under the terms of the agreement, Union Bank assumed $572.1 million of deposits, as well as certain other liabilities, and paid a premium on certain deposit accounts acquired in the transaction. Union Bank also purchased certain assets, including $20.8 million of loans, at par value. The transaction resulted in a gain of $28.6 million, after the write-off of goodwill of $18.0 million allocated to the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	Northern Florida Region. On November 21, 2012, First Bank entered into a Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement that provided for the sale of certain assets and the transfer of certain liabilities associated with eight of First Bank’s retail branches located in Pinellas County, Florida to HomeBanc National Association (HomeBanc), headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida. The transaction was completed on April 19, 2013. Under the terms of the agreement, HomeBanc assumed $120.3 million of deposits, purchased the premises and equipment, and assumed the leases associated with these eight retail branches. The transaction resulted in a gain of $408,000, after the write-off of goodwill of $700,000 allocated to the Northern Florida Region, during the second quarter of 2013.
	On April 5, 2013, First Bank closed its three remaining retail branches located in Hillsborough County and in Pasco County. The closure of these three remaining retail branches in the Northern Florida Region resulted in expense of $2.3 million during the second quarter of 2013 attributable to continuing obligations under facility leasing arrangements.
	The eight branches sold and three branches closed during the second quarter of 2013 are collectively defined as the Northern Florida Region. First Bank presently continues to operate its remaining eight retail branches in Manatee County’s communities of Bradenton, Palmetto and Longboat Key, Florida.
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2013
		Association Bank Services			Northern Florida		Total
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$	365		—		365
	Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	88			192		280
	Net interest income (loss)	277			(192	)	85
	Provision for loan losses	—			—		—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	277			(192	)	85
	Noninterest income:
	Service charges and customer service fees	41			104		145
	Other	26			3		29
	Total noninterest income	67			107		174
	Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits	643			579		1,222
	Occupancy, net of rental income	2			455		457
	Furniture and equipment	12			39		51
	FDIC insurance	204			53		257
	Other	224			112		336
	Total noninterest expense	1,085			1,238		2,323
	Loss from operations of discontinued operations	(741		)	(1,323	)	(2,064	)
	Benefit for income taxes	—			—		—
	Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(741	)	(1,323	)	(2,064	)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES	'
	INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES
	Securities Available for Sale. The amortized cost, contractual maturity, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities available for sale at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Maturity									Total Amortized Cost	Gross					Weighted Average Yield
		1 Year			5-Jan		10-May		After			Unrealized				Fair
		or Less			Years		Years		10 Years			Gains		Losses		Value
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	8,418		30,058		20,136		132,248		190,860	4,281		(47	)	195,094	1.37	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	282			28,277		82,445		891,319		1,002,323	13,662		(12,540	)	1,003,445	2.37
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			—		789		—		789	62		—		851	4.95
	State and political subdivisions	1,367			1,681		200		28,417		31,665	67		(392	)	31,340	1.23
	Corporate notes	5,000			121,153		45,131		—		171,284	5,066		(599	)	175,751	2.82
	Equity investments	—			—		—		1,750		1,750	—		(59	)	1,691	2.13
	Total	$	15,067		181,169		148,701		1,053,734		1,398,671	23,138		(13,637	)	1,408,172	2.26
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	15,135		186,936		148,797		1,055,613
	Equity securities	—			—		—		1,691
	Total	$	15,135		186,936		148,797		1,057,304
	Weighted average yield	2.21		%	2.39	%	2.1	%	2.26	%
	December 31, 2013:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	8,450		40,243		88,666		135,679		273,038	3,525		(664	)	275,899	1.34	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			43,943		115,731		951,454		1,111,128	12,873		(18,214	)	1,105,787	2.32
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			—		793		—		793	63		—		856	4.94
	State and political subdivisions	1,369			2,035		200		28,432		32,036	81		(560	)	31,557	1.26
	Corporate notes	4,980			140,575		45,132		—		190,687	5,777		(261	)	196,203	2.69
	Equity investments	—			—		—		1,500		1,500	—		(57	)	1,443	2.17
	Total	$	14,799		226,796		250,522		1,117,065		1,609,182	22,319		(19,756	)	1,611,745	2.18
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	14,927		233,338		250,860		1,111,177
	Equity securities	—			—		—		1,443
	Total	$	14,927		233,338		250,860		1,112,620
	Weighted average yield	2.17		%	2.23	%	1.81	%	2.24	%
	Securities Held to Maturity. The amortized cost, contractual maturity, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities held to maturity at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Maturity									Total Amortized Cost	Gross					Weighted Average Yield
		1 Year			5-Jan		10-May		After			Unrealized				Fair
		or Less			Years		Years		10 Years			Gains		Losses		Value
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		14,373		—		14,373	—		(135	)	14,238	1.16	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			79,836		115,139		507,272		702,247	622		(14,101	)	688,768	1.91
	State and political subdivisions	445			574		—		1,033		2,052	1		(82	)	1,971	1.63
	Total	$	445		80,410		129,512		508,305		718,672	623		(14,318	)	704,977	1.89
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	445		80,347		128,038		496,147
	Weighted average yield	2.85		%	2.01	%	1.42	%	2	%
	December 31, 2013:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		16,119		—		16,119	—		(153	)	15,966	1.14	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			16,327		182,933		522,504		721,764	441		(21,206	)	700,999	1.88
	State and political subdivisions	640			575		55		1,033		2,303	2		(87	)	2,218	1.93
	Total	$	640		16,902		199,107		523,537		740,186	443		(21,446	)	719,183	1.86
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	642		16,926		195,647		505,968
	Weighted average yield	3.32		%	2.2	%	1.53	%	1.97	%
	Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities were $166.3 million and $66.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$	2,010		346
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	(730		)	(354	)
Other-than-temporary impairment	—			(408	)
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities	$	1,280		(416	)
Other-than-temporary impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 includes impairment of $407,000 recorded during the first quarter of 2013 on a municipal investment security classified as held-to-maturity. Investment securities with a carrying value of $304.8 million and $283.7 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, were pledged in connection with deposits of public and trust funds, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and for other purposes as required by law.
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More				Total
	Fair Value			Unrealized		Fair Value		Unrealized		Fair Value	Unrealized
				Losses				Losses			Losses
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
March 31, 2014:
Available for sale:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		14,670		(47	)	14,670	(47	)
Residential mortgage-backed	355,453			(11,046	)	25,617		(1,494	)	381,070	(12,540	)
State and political subdivisions	28,025			(392	)	—		—		28,025	(392	)
Corporate notes	19,826			(173	)	9,574		(426	)	29,400	(599	)
Equity investments	1,691			(59	)	—		—		1,691	(59	)
Total	$	404,995		(11,670	)	49,861		(1,967	)	454,856	(13,637	)
Held to maturity:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	14,238		(135	)	—		—		14,238	(135	)
Residential mortgage-backed	551,649			(10,990	)	84,920		(3,111	)	636,569	(14,101	)
State and political subdivisions	1,041			(82	)	—		—		1,041	(82	)
Total	$	566,928		(11,207	)	84,920		(3,111	)	651,848	(14,318	)
December 31, 2013:
Available for sale:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	16,005		(664	)	—		—		16,005	(664	)
Residential mortgage-backed	511,617			(18,119	)	5,473		(95	)	517,090	(18,214	)
State and political subdivisions	27,872			(560	)	—		—		27,872	(560	)
Corporate notes	9,959			(41	)	4,780		(220	)	14,739	(261	)
Equity investments	1,443			(57	)	—		—		1,443	(57	)
Total	$	566,896		(19,441	)	10,253		(315	)	577,149	(19,756	)
Held to maturity:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	15,966		(153	)	—		—		15,966	(153	)
Residential mortgage-backed	644,700			(20,759	)	10,527		(447	)	655,227	(21,206	)
State and political subdivisions	946			(87	)	—		—		946	(87	)
Total	$	661,612		(20,999	)	10,527		(447	)	672,139	(21,446	)
The Company does not believe the investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2014 are other-than-temporarily impaired. The unrealized losses on the investment securities were primarily attributable to fluctuations in interest rates. It is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit loss, and because the Company does not intend to sell these investments and it is more likely than not that First Bank will not be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis or maturity, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. The unrealized losses for investment securities for 12 months or more at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included 19 and 12 securities, respectively.

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES	'
	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
	The following table summarizes the composition of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	632,089			600,704
	Real estate construction and development	121,237				121,662
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	910,513				921,488
	Multi-family residential	125,116				121,304
	Commercial real estate	1,063,813				1,048,234
	Consumer and installment	17,399				18,681
	Loans held for sale	21,402				25,548
	Net deferred loan fees	(588		)		(526	)
	Total loans	$	2,890,981			2,857,095
	Aging of Loans. The following table presents the aging of loans by loan classification at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		30-59				60-89			Recorded		Nonaccrual			Total Past		Current		Total Loans
		Days				Days			Investment					Due
									> 90 Days
									Accruing
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	6,879			1,165			—		13,023			21,067		611,022		632,089
	Real estate construction and development	—				—			—		4,642			4,642		116,595		121,237
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	5,568				2,928			21		18,566			27,083		535,087		562,170
	Home equity	1,540				355			232		7,097			9,224		339,119		348,343
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—		1,638			1,638		123,478		125,116
	Commercial real estate	975				3			—		8,826			9,804		1,054,009		1,063,813
	Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees	82				96			—		13			191		16,620		16,811
	Loans held for sale	—				—			—		—			—		21,402		21,402
	Total	$	15,044			4,547			253		53,805			73,649		2,817,332		2,890,981
	December 31, 2013:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	447			394			80		10,523			11,444		589,260		600,704
	Real estate construction and development	—				—			—		4,914			4,914		116,748		121,662
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	4,262				2,637			162		20,063			27,124		545,040		572,164
	Home equity	2,256				963			182		7,361			10,762		338,562		349,324
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—		1,793			1,793		119,511		121,304
	Commercial real estate	1,423				391			—		8,283			10,097		1,038,137		1,048,234
	Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees	87				39			—		19			145		18,010		18,155
	Loans held for sale	—				—			—		—			—		25,548		25,548
	Total	$	8,475			4,424			424		52,956			66,279		2,790,816		2,857,095
	Under the Company’s loan policy, loans are placed on nonaccrual status once principal or interest payments become 90 days past due. However, individual loan officers may submit written requests for approval to continue the accrual of interest on loans that become 90 days past due. These requests may be submitted for approval consistent with the authority levels provided in the Company’s credit approval policies, and they are only granted if an expected near term future event, such as a pending renewal or expected payoff, exists at the time the loan becomes 90 days past due. If the expected near term future event does not occur as anticipated, the loan is then placed on nonaccrual status.
	Credit Quality Indicators. The Company’s credit management policies and procedures focus on identifying, measuring and controlling credit exposure. These procedures employ a lender-initiated system of rating credits, which is ratified in the loan approval process and subsequently tested in internal credit reviews, external audits and regulatory bank examinations. The system requires the rating of all loans at the time they are originated or acquired, except for homogeneous categories of loans, such as residential real estate mortgage loans and consumer loans. These homogeneous loans are assigned an initial rating based on the Company’s experience with each type of loan. The Company adjusts the ratings of the homogeneous loans based on payment experience subsequent to their origination.
	The Company includes adversely rated credits, including loans requiring close monitoring that would not normally be considered classified credits by the Company’s regulators, on its monthly loan watch list. Loans may be added to the Company’s watch list for reasons that are temporary and correctable, such as the absence of current financial statements of the borrower or a deficiency in loan documentation. Loans may also be added to the Company’s watch list whenever any adverse circumstance is detected which might affect the borrower’s ability to comply with the contractual terms of the loan. The delinquency of a scheduled loan payment, deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition identified in a review of periodic financial statements, a decrease in the value of the collateral securing the loan, or a change in the economic environment within which the borrower operates could initiate the addition of a loan to the Company’s watch list. Loans on the Company’s watch list require periodic detailed loan status reports prepared by the responsible officer which are discussed in formal meetings with credit review and credit administration staff members. Upgrades and downgrades of loan risk ratings may be initiated by the responsible loan officer. However, upgrades of risk ratings associated with significant credit relationships and/or problem credit relationships may only be made with the concurrence of appropriate regional credit officers.
	Under the Company’s risk rating system, special mention loans are those loans that do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification as substandard, troubled debt restructuring (TDR) or nonaccrual, but possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. Substandard loans include those loans characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. A loan is classified as a TDR when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties that lead to the restructuring of a loan, and the Company grants concessions to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. Loans classified as TDRs which are accruing interest are classified as performing TDRs. Loans classified as TDRs which are not accruing interest are classified as nonperforming TDRs and are included with all other nonaccrual loans for presentation purposes. Loans classified as nonaccrual have all the weaknesses inherent in those loans classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of the currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass-rated loans.
	The following tables present the credit exposure of the loan portfolio by internally assigned credit grade and payment activity as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Commercial Loan Portfolio	Commercial				Real Estate			Multi-family		Commercial			Total
	Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade	and				Construction					Real Estate
		Industrial				and
						Development
						(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Pass	$	593,492			43,306			95,032		1,019,458			1,751,288
	Special mention	14,690				238			—		21,775			36,703
	Substandard	10,884				73,051			610		9,265			93,810
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	—				—			27,836		4,489			32,325
	Nonaccrual	13,023				4,642			1,638		8,826			28,129
	Total	$	632,089			121,237			125,116		1,063,813			1,942,255
	December 31, 2013:
	Pass	$	559,243			42,429			91,001		1,001,719			1,694,392
	Special mention	16,211				929			—		21,714			38,854
Substandard	14,727				73,390			555		11,999			100,671
Performing troubled debt restructuring	—				—			27,955		4,519			32,474
Nonaccrual	10,523				4,914			1,793		8,283			25,513
Total	$	600,704			121,662			121,304		1,048,234			1,891,904
Consumer Loan Portfolio	Residential Mortgage				Home			Consumer		Total
Credit Exposure by Payment Activity					Equity			and
								Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
March 31, 2014:
Pass	$	458,330			339,119			16,620		814,069
Substandard	5,688				2,127			178		7,993
Performing troubled debt restructuring	79,586				—			—		79,586
Nonaccrual	18,566				7,097			13		25,676
Total	$	562,170			348,343			16,811		927,324
December 31, 2013:
Pass	$	468,642			338,562			18,010		825,214
Substandard	5,306				3,401			126		8,833
Performing troubled debt restructuring	78,153				—			—		78,153
Nonaccrual	20,063				7,361			19		27,443
Total	$	572,164			349,324			18,155		939,643
Impaired Loans. Loans deemed to be impaired include performing TDRs and nonaccrual loans. Impaired loans with outstanding balances equal to or greater than $500,000 are evaluated individually for impairment. For these loans, the Company measures the level of impairment based on the present value of the estimated projected cash flows, or if the impaired loans are collateral dependent, the estimated value of the collateral, less applicable selling costs. If the current valuation is lower than the current book balance of the loan, the amount of the difference is evaluated for possible charge-off. In instances where management determines that a charge-off is not appropriate, a specific reserve is established for the individual loan in question. This specific reserve is included as a part of the overall allowance for loan losses.
The following tables present the recorded investment, unpaid principal balance, related allowance for loan losses, average recorded investment and interest income recognized while on impaired status for impaired loans without a related allowance for loan losses and for impaired loans with a related allowance for loan losses by loan classification at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Recorded				Unpaid			Related		Average			Interest
	Investment				Principal			Allowance for		Recorded			Income
					Balance			Loan Losses		Investment			Recognized
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
March 31, 2014:
With No Related Allowance Recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	5,833			8,852			—		5,273			—
Real estate construction and development	3,085				12,851			—		3,175			—
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	—				—			—		—			—
Home equity	—				—			—		—			—
Multi-family residential	442				709			—		444			—
Commercial real estate	6,809				9,157			—		6,678			29
Consumer and installment	—				—			—		—			—
	16,169				31,569			—		15,570			29
With A Related Allowance Recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	7,190				21,094			678		6,500			—
Real estate construction and development	1,557				3,881			242		1,603			—
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	98,152				116,685			8,860		98,184			521
Home equity	7,097				8,027			1,419		7,229			—
Multi-family residential	29,032				29,177			2,342		29,167			297
Commercial real estate	6,506				10,100			994		6,381			6
Consumer and installment	13				13			—		16			—
	149,547				188,977			14,535		149,080			824
Total:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	13,023				29,946			678		11,773			—
Real estate construction and development	4,642				16,732			242		4,778			—
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	98,152				116,685			8,860		98,184			521
Home equity	7,097				8,027			1,419		7,229			—
Multi-family residential	29,474				29,886			2,342		29,611			297
Commercial real estate	13,315				19,257			994		13,059			35
Consumer and installment	13				13			—		16			—
	$	165,716			220,546			14,535		164,650			853
	Recorded				Unpaid			Related		Average			Interest
	Investment				Principal			Allowance for		Recorded			Income
					Balance			Loan Losses		Investment			Recognized
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
December 31, 2013:
With No Related Allowance Recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	3,119			4,342			—		4,270			1
Real estate construction and development	3,172				12,931			—		17,152			418
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	—				—			—		—			—
Home equity	596				632			—		564			—
Multi-family residential	443				709			—		474			—
Commercial real estate	6,884				9,221			—		11,636			273
Consumer and installment	—				—			—		—			—
	14,214				27,835			—		34,096			692
With A Related Allowance Recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	7,404				21,565			497		10,136			—
Real estate construction and development	1,742				4,326			294		9,419			—
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	98,216				118,305			9,740		102,775			2,043
Home equity	6,765				7,637			1,472		6,406			—
Multi-family residential	29,305				29,322			2,438		31,377			1,226
Commercial real estate	5,918				9,468			990		10,003			26
Consumer and installment	19				19			—		22			—
	149,369				190,642			15,431		170,138			3,295
Total:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	10,523				25,907			497		14,406			1
Real estate construction and development	4,914				17,257			294		26,571			418
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	98,216				118,305			9,740		102,775			2,043
Home equity	7,361				8,269			1,472		6,970			—
Multi-family residential	29,748				30,031			2,438		31,851			1,226
Commercial real estate	12,802				18,689			990		21,639			299
Consumer and installment	19				19			—		22			—
	$	163,583			218,477			15,431		204,234			3,987
Recorded investment represents the Company’s investment in its impaired loans reduced by cumulative charge-offs recorded against the allowance for loan losses on these same loans. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded charge-offs of $54.8 million and $54.9 million, respectively, on its impaired loans, representing the difference between the unpaid principal balance and the recorded investment reflected in the tables above. The unpaid principal balance represents the principal amount contractually owed to the Company by the borrowers on the impaired loans.
Troubled Debt Restructurings. In the ordinary course of business, the Company modifies loan terms across loan types, including both consumer and commercial loans, for a variety of reasons. Modifications to consumer loans may include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rate, maturity, amortization and financial covenants. In the original underwriting, loan terms are established that represent the then current and projected financial condition of the borrower. Over any period of time, modifications to these loan terms may be required due to changes in the original underwriting assumptions. These changes may include the financial covenants of the borrower as well as underwriting standards.
Loan modifications are generally performed at the request of the borrower, whether commercial or consumer, and may include reductions in interest rates, changes in payments and maturity date extensions. Although the Company does not have formal, standardized loan modification programs for its commercial or consumer loan portfolios, it addresses loan modifications on a case-by-case basis and also participates in the United States Department of the Treasury's (U.S. Treasury) Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). HAMP gives qualifying homeowners an opportunity to refinance into more affordable monthly payments, with the U.S. Treasury compensating the Company for a portion of the reduction in monthly amounts due from borrowers participating in this program. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $75.7 million and $75.3 million, respectively, of modified loans in the HAMP program.
For a loan modification to be classified as a TDR, all of the following conditions must be present: (1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, (2) the Company makes a concession to the original contractual loan terms and (3) the Company would not consider the concessions but for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulty. Modifications of loan terms to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are made in an attempt to protect as much of the investment in the loan as possible. These modifications are generally made to either prevent a loan from becoming nonaccrual or to return a nonaccrual loan to performing status based on the expectations that the borrower can adequately perform in accordance with the modified terms.
The determination of whether a modification should be classified as a TDR requires significant judgment after taking into consideration all facts and circumstances surrounding the transaction. No single characteristic or factor, taken alone, is determinative of whether a modification should be classified as a TDR. The fact that a single characteristic is present is not considered sufficient to overcome the preponderance of contrary evidence. Assuming all of the TDR criteria are met, the Company considers one or more of the following concessions to the loan terms to represent a TDR: (1) a reduction of the stated interest rate, (2) an extension of the maturity date or dates at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar terms or (3) forgiveness of principal or accrued interest.
Loans renegotiated at a rate equal to or greater than that of a new loan with comparable risk at the time the contract is modified are excluded from TDR classification in the calendar years subsequent to the renegotiation if the loan is in compliance with the modified terms for at least six months.
The Company does not accrue interest on any TDRs unless it believes collection of all principal and interest under the modified terms is reasonably assured. Generally, six months of consecutive payment performance by the borrower under the restructured terms is required before a TDR is returned to accrual status. However, the period could vary depending upon the individual facts and circumstances of the loan. TDRs accruing interest are classified as performing TDRs. The following table presents the categories of performing TDRs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	March 31,				December 31,
	2014				2013
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Performing Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	$	79,586			78,153
Multi-family residential	27,836				27,955
Commercial real estate	4,489				4,519
Total performing troubled debt restructurings	$	111,911			110,627
The Company does not accrue interest on TDRs which have been modified for a period less than six months or are not in compliance with the modified terms. These loans are considered nonperforming TDRs and are included with other nonaccrual loans for classification purposes. The following table presents the categories of loans considered nonperforming TDRs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	March 31,				December 31,
	2014				2013
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	484			711
Real estate construction and development	3,531				3,605
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	5,147				6,266
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$	9,162			10,582
Both performing and nonperforming TDRs are considered to be impaired loans. When an individual loan is determined to be a TDR, the amount of impairment is based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral less applicable selling costs. The impairment amount is either charged off as a reduction to the allowance for loan losses or provided for as a specific reserve within the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses allocated to TDRs was $8.1 million and $9.1 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
The following tables present loans classified as TDRs that were modified during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014									Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Number		Pre-				Post-			Number		Pre-			Post-
	of		Modification				Modification			of		Modification			Modification
	Contracts		Outstanding				Outstanding			Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding
			Recorded				Recorded					Recorded			Recorded
			Investment				Investment					Investment			Investment
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Loan Modifications Classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	—		$	—			$	—		1		$	90		$	45
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	15		2,580				2,157			10		2,223			1,898
The following tables present TDRs that defaulted within 12 months of modification during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2014						March 31, 2013
	Number of		Recorded				Number of		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment				Contracts		Investment
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	1		$	438			—		—
Upon default of a TDR, which is considered to be 90 days or more past due under the modified terms, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral less applicable selling costs. The impairment amount is either charged off as a reduction to the allowance for loan losses or provided for as a specific reserve within the allowance for loan losses.
Allowance for Loan Losses. Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2014				2013
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	81,033			91,602
Loans charged-off	(3,447		)		(6,883	)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	2,245				3,451
Net loans charged-off	(1,202		)		(3,432	)
Provision for loan losses	—				—
Balance, end of period	$	79,831			88,170
The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-		Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
	and				Construction			Four-Family		Family			Real Estate		and
	Industrial				and			Residential		Residential					Installment
					Development
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014:
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,401			7,407			32,619		5,249			22,052		305		81,033
Charge-offs	(1,622		)		(30	)		(1,426	)	(132	)		(188	)	(49	)	(3,447	)
Recoveries	752				600			791		7			57		38		2,245
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	1,340				(891	)		(764	)	145			122		48		—
Ending balance	$	13,871			7,086			31,220		5,269			22,043		342		79,831
The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013:
	Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-		Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
	and				Construction			Four-Family		Family			Real Estate		and
	Industrial				and			Residential		Residential					Installment
					Development
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013:
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,572			14,434			38,897		4,252			20,048		399		91,602
Charge-offs	(676		)		(282	)		(4,389	)	(3	)		(1,477	)	(56	)	(6,883	)
Recoveries	1,067				395			1,231		—			718		40		3,451
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	205				(1,544	)		921		(47	)		431		34		—
Ending balance	$	14,168			13,003			36,660		4,202			19,720		417		88,170
The following table represents a summary of the impairment method used by loan category at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-		Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
	and				Construction			Four-Family		Family			Real Estate		and
	Industrial				and			Residential		Residential					Installment and Net Deferred Loans Fees
					Development
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
March 31, 2014:
Allowance for loan losses:
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	—			—			1,421		808			301		—		2,530
Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	678				242			8,858		1,534			693		—		12,005
All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	13,193				6,844			20,941		2,927			21,049		342		65,296
Total allowance for loan losses	$	13,871			7,086			31,220		5,269			22,043		342		79,831
Loans:
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	6,190			2,881			10,515		28,483			9,012		—		57,081
Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	6,833				1,761			94,734		991			4,303		13		108,635
All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	619,066				116,595			805,264		95,642			1,050,498		16,798		2,703,863
Total loans	$	632,089			121,237			910,513		125,116			1,063,813		16,811		2,869,579
December 31, 2013:
Allowance for loan losses:
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	—			62			2,275		1,034			385		—		3,756
Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	497				232			8,937		1,404			605		—		11,675
All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	12,904				7,113			21,407		2,811			21,062		305		65,602
Total allowance for loan losses	$	13,401			7,407			32,619		5,249			22,052		305		81,033
Loans:
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	3,480			3,440			12,276		28,641			9,168		—		57,005
Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	7,043				1,474			93,301		1,107			3,634		19		106,578
All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	590,181				116,748			815,911		91,556			1,035,432		18,136		2,667,964
Total loans	$	600,704			121,662			921,488		121,304			1,048,234		18,155		2,831,547

SERVICING_RIGHTS

SERVICING RIGHTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Servicing Asset [Abstract]	'
SERVICING RIGHTS	'
	SERVICING RIGHTS
	Mortgage Banking Activities. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company serviced mortgage loans for others totaling $1.31 billion and $1.33 billion, respectively. Changes in mortgage servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	14,211		9,152
	Originated mortgage servicing rights	455			1,229
	Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model (1)	151			854
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(422		)	(583	)
	Balance, end of period	$	14,395		10,652
	____________________
	-1	The change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model primarily reflects the change in discount rates and prepayment speed assumptions, primarily due to changes in interest rates.
	-2	Other changes in fair value reflect changes due to the collection/realization of expected cash flows over time.
	Other Servicing Activities. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company serviced United States Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for others totaling $135.8 million and $139.1 million, respectively. Changes in SBA servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	4,643		5,640
	Originated SBA servicing rights	—			—
	Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model (1)	175			22
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(136		)	(139	)
	Balance, end of period	$	4,682		5,523
	____________________
	-1	The change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model primarily reflects the change in discount rates and prepayment speed assumptions, primarily due to changes in interest rates.
	-2	Other changes in fair value reflect changes due to the collection/realization of expected cash flows over time.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	The Company utilizes derivative instruments to assist in the management of interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing, maturity and option characteristics of certain assets and liabilities. The following table summarizes derivative instruments held by the Company, their notional amount, estimated fair values and their location in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
							Derivatives in Other Assets
		Notional Amount					Fair Value Gain (Loss)
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	$	20,537		14,237		332		217
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	27,800			29,100		14		296
	Total	$	48,337		43,337		346		513
	Interest Rate Lock Commitments / Forward Commitments to Sell Mortgage-Backed Securities. Derivative instruments issued by the Company consist of interest rate lock commitments to originate fixed-rate loans to be sold. Commitments to originate fixed-rate loans consist primarily of residential real estate loans. These interest rate lock commitments and loans held for sale are hedged with forward contracts to sell mortgage-backed securities, which expire in June 2014.
	The following table summarizes amounts included in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 related to non-hedging derivative instruments:
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
			in Operations on Derivatives	in Operations on Derivatives
				Three Months Ended
				March 31,
				2014			2013
				(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Interest rate lock commitments		Gain on loans sold and held for sale	$	115		(722	)
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities		Gain on loans sold and held for sale	(282		)	240

SUBORDINATED_DEBENTURES

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subordinated Borrowings [Abstract]	'
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES	'
	SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company had 13 affiliated Delaware or Connecticut statutory and business trusts (collectively, the Trusts) that were created for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The trust preferred securities were issued in private placements, with the exception of First Preferred Capital Trust IV, which was issued in a publicly underwritten offering.
	The Company’s distributions accrued on the junior subordinated debentures were $3.8 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. The structure of the trust preferred securities currently satisfies the regulatory requirements for inclusion, subject to certain limitations, in the Company’s capital base, as further discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2009, the Company announced the deferral of its regularly scheduled interest payments on its outstanding junior subordinated debentures relating to its $345.0 million of trust preferred securities beginning with the regularly scheduled quarterly interest payments that would otherwise have been made in September and October, 2009. The terms of the junior subordinated debentures and the related trust indentures allow the Company to defer such payments of interest for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods without triggering a payment default or penalty. The Company had deferred such payments for 18 quarterly periods as of December 31, 2013. The Company had deferred $56.0 million of its regularly scheduled interest payments as of December 31, 2013. In addition, the Company had accrued additional interest expense of $6.7 million as of December 31, 2013 on the regularly scheduled deferred interest payments based on the interest rate in effect for each junior subordinated note issuance in accordance with the respective terms of the underlying agreements. During the deferral period, the respective trusts suspend the declaration and payment of dividends on the trust preferred securities.
	During the deferral period, the Company may not, among other things and with limited exceptions, pay cash dividends on or repurchase its common stock or preferred stock nor make any payment on outstanding debt obligations that rank equally with or junior to the junior subordinated debentures. Accordingly, the Company also suspended the payment of cash dividends on its outstanding common stock and preferred stock beginning with the regularly scheduled quarterly dividend payments on the preferred stock that would otherwise have been made in August and September, 2009, as further described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Under its agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRB), the Company agreed, among other things, to provide certain information to the FRB, including, but not limited to, prior notice regarding the issuance of additional trust preferred securities. The Company also agreed not to make any distributions of interest or other sums on its outstanding trust preferred securities without the prior approval of the FRB, as further described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.
	On January 31, 2014, the Company received regulatory approval from the FRB, subject to certain conditions, which granted First Bank the authority to pay a dividend to the Company, and the authority to the Company to utilize such funds, for the sole purpose of paying the accumulated deferred interest payments on the Company's outstanding junior subordinated debentures issued in connection with the Company's trust preferred securities. In February 2014, First Bank paid a dividend of $70.0 million to the Company and the Company notified the trustees of the trust preferred securities of its intention to pay all cumulative interest that had been deferred on the junior subordinated debentures relating to the trust preferred securities, on the regularly scheduled quarterly payment dates in March and April, 2014. The aggregate amount owed on all of the junior subordinated debentures relating to the trust preferred securities at the respective March and April, 2014 payments totaled $66.4 million. On March 14, 2014, the Company paid interest on the junior subordinated debentures of $66.4 million to the respective trustees, which was subsequently distributed to the trust preferred securities holders on the respective interest payment dates in March and April, 2014.
	The Company and First Bank must receive approval from the FRB prior to making any future interest payments on the Company's outstanding junior subordinated debentures. The Company is unable to predict whether or when the FRB will grant approval to the Company to make any such future interest payments. Without the payment of dividends from First Bank, the Company currently lacks the source of income and the liquidity to make future interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures associated with its trust preferred securities. Given restrictions placed upon First Bank, including regulatory restrictions, it may not be able to provide the Company with dividends in an amount sufficient to pay the future interest on the trust preferred securities. In such case, the Company would have to pursue alternative funding sources, but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify and obtain alternative funding due to the uncertainty that such alternative funding sources would be available to the Company on terms and conditions that are acceptable to the Company. Subsequent to the payment made on March 14, 2014, the Company has the ability to enter into future deferral periods of up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods without triggering a payment default or penalty.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Common Stock. There is no established public trading market for the Company’s common stock. Various trusts, which were established by and are administered by and for the benefit of the Company’s Chairman of the Board and members of his immediate family (including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company), own all of the voting stock of the Company.
	Preferred Stock. The Company has four classes of preferred stock outstanding. On February 15, 2014, the annual dividend rate on the Class C Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (Class C Preferred Stock) increased from 5% to 9%.
	The Company suspended the payment of cash dividends on its outstanding common stock and preferred stock beginning with the regularly scheduled quarterly dividend payments on the preferred stock that would otherwise have been made in August and September, 2009. The Company has declared and accrued $68.4 million of its regularly scheduled dividend payments on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (Class D Preferred Stock) at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and has accrued an additional $9.4 million of cumulative dividends on such deferred dividend payments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. As such, the aggregate amount of these deferred and accrued dividend payments was $77.8 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company ceased declaring dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock. Previously, the Company had declared and accrued dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock quarterly throughout the deferral period. If the Company had continued to declare and accrued dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock during the fourth quarter of 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company would have accrued an additional $4.1 million and $5.5 million, respectively, of dividend payments, and the Company's aggregate deferred and accrued dividend payments would have been $87.4 million at March 31, 2014. The Company will continue to evaluate whether declaring dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock is appropriate in future periods. The Company's cessation of declaring and accruing dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock did not have any effect on the terms of the outstanding Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock, including the Company's obligations thereunder.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component, for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Total
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	10,151		(2,649	)	7,502
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,432			21		4,453
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(753		)	—		(753	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income	3,679			21		3,700
	Balance, end of period	$	13,830		(2,628	)	11,202
	The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component, for the three months ended March 31, 2013:
		Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance		Total
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	35,186		(3,544	)	13,617		45,259
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(2,681		)	30		(2,122	)	(4,773	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	5			—		—		5
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(2,676		)	30		(2,122	)	(4,768	)
	Balance, end of period	$	32,510		(3,514	)	11,495		40,491

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]	'
REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS	'
	REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS
	Regulatory Capital. The Company and First Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the operations and financial condition of the Company and First Bank. Under these capital requirements, the Company and First Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
	Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and First Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets, or Tier1 leverage ratio.
	The Company was categorized as adequately capitalized under minimum regulatory capital standards established for bank holding companies by the Federal Reserve at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company must maintain minimum total capital, Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below in order to meet the minimum capital adequacy standards.
	First Bank was categorized as well capitalized at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 under the prompt corrective action provisions of the regulatory capital standards. First Bank must maintain minimum total capital, Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below in order to be categorized as well capitalized.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's and First Bank’s required and actual capital ratios were as follows:
												To be Well
		Actual								For Capital Adequacy Purposes		Capitalized
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013						Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	$	425,829	11.73	%	$	405,856	11.13	%	8	%	N/A
	First Bank (1)	679,594		18.7		734,535		20.12		8		10	%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	253,332		6.98		239,868		6.58		4		N/A
	First Bank (1)	633,700		17.43		688,427		18.86		4		6
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	253,332		4.51		239,868		4.12		4		N/A
	First Bank (1)	633,700		11.3		688,427		11.77		4		5
	____________________
	-1	The reduction in First Bank's regulatory capital ratios during the first quarter of 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of a $70 million dividend to the Company, as further described below.
	Regulatory Agreements. On March 24, 2010, the Company, SFC and First Bank entered into a Written Agreement (Agreement) with the FRB requiring the Company and First Bank to take certain steps intended to improve their overall financial condition. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company prepared and filed with the FRB a number of specific plans designed to strengthen and/or address the following matters: (i) board oversight over the management and operations of the Company and First Bank; (ii) credit risk management practices; (iii) lending and credit administration policies and procedures; (iv) asset improvement; (v) capital; (vi) earnings and overall financial condition; and (vii) liquidity and funds management.
	The Agreement requires, among other things, that the Company and First Bank obtain prior approval from the FRB in order to pay dividends. In addition, the Company must obtain prior approval from the FRB to: (i) take any other form of payment from First Bank representing a reduction in capital of First Bank; (ii) make any distributions of interest, principal or other sums on junior subordinated debentures or trust preferred securities; (iii) incur, increase or guarantee any debt; or (iv) purchase or redeem any shares of the Company’s stock. The FRB has complete discretion to grant any such approval and therefore, it is not known whether the FRB will approve any request. On January 31, 2014, the Company received regulatory approval from the FRB, which granted First Bank the authority to pay a dividend to the Company, and the authority to the Company to utilize such funds, for the sole purpose of paying the accumulated deferred interest payments on the Company's outstanding junior subordinated debentures issued in connection with the Company's trust preferred securities. In February 2014, First Bank paid a dividend of $70.0 million to the Company and the Company notified the trustees of the trust preferred securities of its intention to pay all cumulative interest that had been deferred on the junior subordinated debentures relating to its trust preferred securities, on the regularly scheduled quarterly payment dates in March and April, 2014, as further described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company and First Bank submitted a written plan to the FRB to maintain sufficient capital at the Company, on a consolidated basis, and at First Bank, on a standalone basis. In addition, the Agreement also provides that the Company and First Bank must notify the FRB if the regulatory capital ratios of either entity fall below those set forth in the capital plans that were accepted by the FRB, and specifically if First Bank falls below the criteria for being well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The Company must also notify the FRB before appointing any new directors or senior executive officers or changing the responsibilities of any senior executive officer position. The Agreement also requires the Company and First Bank to comply with certain restrictions regarding indemnification and severance payments although First Bank was notified, as of October 16, 2013, by the FRB that such restriction is no longer applicable to First Bank. The Agreement is specifically enforceable by the FRB in court.
	The description of the Agreement above represents a summary and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Agreement which is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2010.
	Prior to entering into the Agreement on March 24, 2010, the Company and First Bank had entered into a memorandum of understanding and an informal agreement, respectively, with the FRB and the Missouri Division of Finance (MDOF). Each of the agreements were characterized by regulatory authorities as informal actions that were neither published nor made publicly available by the agencies and are used when circumstances warrant a milder form of action than a formal supervisory action, such as a written agreement or cease and desist order. The memorandum of understanding with the FRB was replaced and superseded by the Agreement. The informal agreement with the MDOF, dated September 18, 2008, was terminated effective September 11, 2013.
	While the Company and First Bank intend to take such actions as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the Agreement with the FRB, there can be no assurance that the Company and First Bank will be able to comply fully with the requirements of the Agreement, that compliance with the Agreement will not be more time consuming or more expensive than anticipated, that compliance with the Agreement will enable the Company and First Bank to maintain profitable operations, or that efforts to comply with the Agreement will not have adverse effects on the operations and financial condition of the Company or First Bank. If the Company or First Bank is unable to comply with the terms of the Agreement, the Company and First Bank could become subject to various requirements limiting the ability to develop new business lines, mandating additional capital, and/or requiring the sale of certain assets and liabilities. Failure of the Company or First Bank to meet these conditions could lead to further enforcement action by the regulatory agencies. The terms of any such additional regulatory actions, orders or agreements could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
	Basel III Regulatory Capital Reforms. In July, 2013, the Federal Reserve approved revisions to the capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action rules that implement the revised standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, commonly called Basel III, and address relevant provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. “Basel III” refers to two consultative documents released by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2009, the rules text released in December 2010, and loss absorbency rules issued in January 2011, which include significant changes to bank capital, leverage and liquidity requirements. The final rule, Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital, Implementation of Basel III, Capital Adequacy, Transition Provisions, Prompt Corrective Action, Standardized Approach for Risk-weighted Assets, Market Discipline and Disclosure Requirements, Advanced Approaches Risk-Based Capital Rule, and Market Risk Capital Rule, incorporates certain revisions to the Basel capital framework, including Basel III and other elements. The final rule increases risk-based capital requirements and makes selected changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets. The final rule:
	•	Includes a new minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets and raises the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets;
	•	Requires institutions to maintain a capital conservation buffer composed of common equity Tier 1 capital of 2.5% above the minimum risk-based capital requirements. Institutions that do not maintain the capital conservation buffer are precluded from: (1) paying dividends and making certain other capital distributions; (2) making interest payments on trust preferred securities (unless the non-payment of interest would otherwise trigger an event of default); and (3) making certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The capital conservation buffer is measured relative to risk-weighted assets and will be phased in over a four-year period beginning on January 1, 2016 with an initial requirement of 0.625% above the minimum capital requirement. The capital conservation buffer subsequently increases to 1.25%, 1.875% and 2.5% on January 1, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively;
	•	Implements new constraints on the inclusion of minority interests, mortgage servicing assets, deferred tax assets and certain investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions in Tier 1 capital;
	•	Increases risk-weightings for past-due loans, certain commercial real estate loans and some equity exposures;
	•	Requires trust preferred securities and cumulative perpetual preferred stock to be phased out of Tier 1 capital for banks with assets greater than $15.0 billion as of December 31, 2009; and
	•	Allows non-advanced banking organizations, such as us, a one-time option to filter certain accumulated other comprehensive income components, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities, out of regulatory capital.
	The calculation of common equity Tier 1 capital is different from the calculation of common equity under GAAP. Most significantly for the Company, the Company's net deferred tax assets, which are included in the calculation of common equity under GAAP, will be substantially phased out over time from the required calculation of common equity Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes. The net deferred tax assets attributable to net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, which comprised over 88.0% of the Company's net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2014, are scheduled to be phased out entirely from inclusion in the calculation of common equity Tier 1 capital in 2018. The Company is in the process of more fully evaluating the impact the final Basel III capital rules may have on its regulatory capital levels and capital planning strategies.
	In light of the Company's current capital and the future changes in the calculation of regulatory capital as a result of Basel III, absent a substantial increase in qualifying common equity, the Company is not likely to meet the common equity Tier 1 requirement as it will be calculated in 2015, or to meet the common equity Tier 1 requirement as it will be calculated in 2016 when the capital conservation buffer goes into effect. The inability to remain adequately capitalized under the new Basel III capital requirements could materially adversely impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and ability to grow. In addition, the inability to meet the capital conservation buffer would preclude the Company from making dividend payments on capital stock and interest payments on trust preferred securities absent a waiver of the Basel III rules by the Federal Reserve when the capital conservation rules become applicable to the Company in 2016.

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES	'
	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
	In accordance with ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value subsequent to initial recognition are grouped into three levels of inputs or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the reliability of assumptions used to determine fair value. The three input levels of the valuation hierarchy are as follows:
	Level 1 Inputs –	Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 Inputs –	Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
	Level 3 Inputs –	Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
	The following describes valuation methodologies used to measure financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value, as well as the general classification of such financial instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:
	Available-for-sale investment securities. Available-for-sale investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Available-for-sale investment securities included in Level 1 are valued using quoted market prices. Where quoted market prices are unavailable, the fair value included in Level 2 is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments obtained from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information.
	Loans held for sale. Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments obtained from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information. Other loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value, which is determined on an individual loan basis. The fair value is based on the prices secondary markets are offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. The Company classifies mortgage loans held for sale subjected to recurring fair value adjustments as recurring Level 2. The Company classifies other loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as nonrecurring Level 2.
	Impaired loans. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans are considered impaired when, in the judgment of management based on current information and events, it is probable that payment of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. Acquired impaired loans are classified as nonaccrual loans and are initially measured at fair value with no allocated allowance for loan losses. An allowance for loan losses is recorded to the extent there is further credit deterioration subsequent to the acquisition date. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. Once a loan is identified as impaired, management measures the impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10-35, “Receivables.” Impairment is measured by reference to an observable market price, if one exists, the expected future cash flows of an impaired loan discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral for a collateral-dependent loan. In most cases, the Company measures fair value based on the value of the collateral securing the loan. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or personal property, including equipment and inventory. The vast majority of the collateral is real estate. The value of the collateral is determined based on third party appraisals as well as internal estimates. These measurements are classified as nonrecurring Level 3.
	Other real estate. Certain other real estate, upon initial recognition, is re-measured and reported at fair value through a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses based upon the estimated fair value of the other real estate. The fair value of other real estate, upon initial recognition, is estimated using Level 3 inputs based on third party appraisals, and where applicable, discounted based on management’s judgment taking into account current market conditions, distressed or forced sale price comparisons and other factors in effect at the time of valuation. The Company classifies other real estate subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 3.
	Derivative instruments. Substantially all derivative instruments utilized by the Company are traded in over-the-counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. Derivative instruments utilized by the Company include interest rate swap agreements, interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities. For these derivative instruments, fair value is based on market observable inputs utilizing pricing systems and valuation models, and where applicable, the values are compared to the market values calculated independently by the respective counterparties. The Company classifies its derivative instruments as Level 2.
	Servicing rights. The valuation of mortgage and SBA servicing rights is performed by an independent third party. The valuation models estimate the present value of estimated future net servicing income, using market-based discount rate assumptions, and utilize assumptions based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including principal balance, interest rate, weighted average life, and certain unobservable inputs, including cost to service, estimated prepayment speed rates and default rates. Changes in the fair value of servicing rights occur primarily due to the realization of expected cash flows, as well as changes in valuation inputs and assumptions. Significant increases (decreases) in any of the unobservable inputs would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value of the servicing rights. The Company classifies its servicing rights as Level 3.
	Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan is recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The unfunded plan allows participants to hypothetically invest in various specified investment options such as equity funds, international stock funds, capital appreciation funds, money market funds, bond funds, mid-cap value funds and growth funds. The nonqualified deferred compensation plan liability is valued based on quoted market prices of the underlying investments. The Company classifies its nonqualified deferred compensation plan liability as Level 1.
	Items Measured on a Recurring Basis. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1			Level 2	Level 3	Fair Value
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Available-for-sale investment securities:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		195,094	—	195,094
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			1,003,445	—	1,003,445
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			851	—	851
	State and political subdivisions	—			31,340	—	31,340
	Corporate notes	—			175,751	—	175,751
	Equity investments	1,691			—	—	1,691
	Mortgage loans held for sale	—			21,402	—	21,402
	Derivative instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	—			332	—	332
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	—			14	—	14
	Servicing rights	—			—	19,077	19,077
	Total	$	1,691		1,428,229	19,077	1,448,997
	Liabilities:
	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	$	6,294		—	—	6,294
	Total	$	6,294		—	—	6,294
	December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Available-for-sale investment securities:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		275,899	—	275,899
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			1,105,787	—	1,105,787
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			856	—	856
	State and political subdivisions	—			31,557	—	31,557
	Corporate notes	—			196,203	—	196,203
	Equity investments	1,443			—	—	1,443
	Mortgage loans held for sale	—			25,548	—	25,548
	Derivative instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	—			217	—	217
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	—			296	—	296
	Servicing rights	—			—	18,854	18,854
	Total	$	1,443		1,636,363	18,854	1,656,660
	Liabilities:
	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	$	6,641		—	—	6,641
	Total	$	6,641		—	—	6,641
	There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets measured on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Servicing Rights
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	18,854		14,792
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings (1)	(232		)	154
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—
Issuances	455			1,229
Transfers in and/or out of level 3	—			—
Balance, end of period	$	19,077		16,175
____________________
-1	Gains or losses (realized/unrealized) are included in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.
Items Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis. From time to time, the Company measures certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or market value that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1			Level 2	Level 3	Fair Value
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
March 31, 2014:
Assets:
Impaired loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	—		—	12,345	12,345
Real estate construction and development	—			—	4,400	4,400
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	—			—	89,292	89,292
Home equity	—			—	5,678	5,678
Multi-family residential	—			—	27,132	27,132
Commercial real estate	—			—	12,321	12,321
Consumer and installment	—			—	13	13
Other real estate	—			—	61,485	61,485
Total	$	—		—	212,666	212,666
December 31, 2013:
Assets:
Impaired loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	—		—	10,026	10,026
Real estate construction and development	—			—	4,620	4,620
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	—			—	88,476	88,476
Home equity	—			—	5,889	5,889
Multi-family residential	—			—	27,310	27,310
Commercial real estate	—			—	11,812	11,812
Consumer and installment	—			—	19	19
Other real estate	—			—	66,702	66,702
Total	$	—		—	214,854	214,854
Non-Financial Assets and Non-Financial Liabilities. Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include other real estate (upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment), non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, and intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment.
Other real estate measured at fair value upon initial recognition totaled $1.0 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition to other real estate measured at fair value upon initial recognition, the Company recorded write-downs to the balance of other real estate of $97,000 and $258,000 to noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The fair value of financial instruments is management’s estimate of the values at which the instruments could be exchanged in a transaction between willing parties. These estimates are subjective and may vary significantly from amounts that would be realized in actual transactions. In addition, other significant assets are not considered financial assets including deferred income tax assets, bank premises and equipment and goodwill. Furthermore, the income taxes that would be incurred if the Company were to realize any of the unrealized gains or unrealized losses indicated between the estimated fair values and corresponding carrying values could have a significant effect on the fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.
The following summarizes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair value of all other financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents and accrued interest receivable. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value.
Held-to-maturity investment securities. The fair value of held-to-maturity investment securities is based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. The Company classifies its held-to-maturity investment securities as Level 2.
Loans. The fair value of loans held for portfolio uses an exit price concept and reflects discounts the Company believes are consistent with liquidity discounts in the market place. Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial and industrial, real estate construction and development, commercial real estate, one-to-four-family residential real estate, home equity and consumer and installment. The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows, utilizing assumptions for prepayment estimates over the loans’ remaining life and considerations for the current interest rate environment compared to the weighted average rate of the loan portfolio. The fair value analysis also includes other assumptions to estimate fair value, intended to approximate those factors a market participant would use in an orderly transaction, with adjustments for discount rates, interest rates, liquidity, and credit spreads, as appropriate. The Company classifies its loans held for portfolio as Level 3.
FRB and FHLB stock. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets for FRB and FHLB stock, which are carried at cost, represent redemption value and approximate fair value.
Deposits. The fair value of deposits payable on demand with no stated maturity (i.e., noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand, and savings and money market accounts) is considered equal to their respective carrying amounts as reported in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of demand deposits does not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market. The fair value disclosed for time deposits is estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on similar deposits to a schedule of aggregated monthly maturities of time deposits. If the estimated fair value is lower than the carrying value, the carrying value is reported as the fair value of time deposits. The Company classifies its time deposits as Level 3.
Other borrowings and accrued interest payable. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets for variable rate borrowings approximate fair value. The fair value of fixed rate borrowings is based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on discounting contractual maturities using an estimate of current market rates for similar instruments. The Company classifies its other borrowings, comprised of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, as Level 1. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets for accrued interest payable approximate fair value.
Subordinated debentures. The fair value of subordinated debentures is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. The Company classifies its subordinated debentures as Level 3.
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments. The fair value of commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees is based on estimated probable credit losses. The Company classifies its off-balance sheet financial instruments as Level 3.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2014 was as follows:
	March 31, 2014
	Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
	Value			Level 1	Level 2	Level 3		Total
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	341,235		341,235	—	—		341,235
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,408,172			1,691	1,406,481	—		1,408,172
Held to maturity	718,672			—	704,977	—		704,977
Loans held for portfolio	2,789,748			—	—	2,683,895		2,683,895
Loans held for sale	21,402			—	21,402	—		21,402
FRB and FHLB stock	32,148			32,148	—	—		32,148
Derivative instruments	346			—	346	—		346
Accrued interest receivable	16,087			16,087	—	—		16,087
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	1,273,662		1,273,662	—	—		1,273,662
Interest-bearing demand	699,158			699,158	—	—		699,158
Savings and money market	1,841,905			1,841,905	—	—		1,841,905
Time deposits	1,027,706			—	—	1,027,869		1,027,869
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713			36,713	—	—		36,713
Accrued interest payable	656			656	—	—		656
Subordinated debentures	354,229			—	—	287,981		287,981
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$	(2,715	)	—	—	(2,715	)	(2,715	)
The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	December 31, 2013
	Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
	Value			Level 1	Level 2	Level 3		Total
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	190,435		190,435	—	—		190,435
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,611,745			1,443	1,610,302	—		1,611,745
Held to maturity	740,186			—	719,183	—		719,183
Loans held for portfolio	2,750,514			—	—	2,562,160		2,562,160
Loans held for sale	25,548			—	25,548	—		25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	27,357			27,357	—	—		27,357
Derivative instruments	513			—	513	—		513
Accrued interest receivable	17,798			17,798	—	—		17,798
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	1,243,545		1,243,545	—	—		1,243,545
Interest-bearing demand	679,527			679,527	—	—		679,527
Savings and money market	1,844,710			1,844,710	—	—		1,844,710
Time deposits	1,046,113			—	—	1,046,485		1,046,485
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	43,143			43,143	—	—		43,143
Accrued interest payable	63,341			63,341	—	—		63,341
Subordinated debentures	354,210			—	—	242,678		242,678
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$	(2,715	)	—	—	(2,715	)	(2,715	)

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The realization of the Company’s net deferred tax assets is based on the expectation of future taxable income and the utilization of tax planning strategies. The Company previously had a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. The deferred tax asset valuation allowance was recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” Under ASC Topic 740, the Company is required to assess whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Pursuant to ASC Topic 740, concluding that a deferred tax asset valuation allowance is not required is difficult when there is significant evidence which is objective and verifiable, such as the lack of recoverable taxes, excess of reversing deductible differences over reversing taxable differences and cumulative losses in recent years.
	In evaluating the ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In projecting future taxable income, the Company begins with historical results adjusted for the results of discontinued operations and changes in accounting policies and incorporates assumptions including the amount of future state and federal pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts and future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates management uses to manage the underlying business.
	After analysis of all available positive and negative evidence, the Company reversed substantially all of its valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets, which was reflected as a benefit for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income and as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income during the fourth quarter of 2013. The Company concluded that, as of December 31, 2013, it was more likely than not that substantially all of its net deferred tax assets would be realized in future years. This conclusion was primarily based on projected future taxable income, in addition to cumulative earnings resulting from eight consecutive quarters of profitability (excluding the goodwill impairment charge recognized during the fourth quarter of 2013), significant improvement in asset quality metrics and certain other relevant factors. If the Company’s estimate of realizability of its net deferred tax assets changes in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded, which would either increase or decrease income tax expense in such period.
	The valuation allowance reserves for certain state net operating loss carryovers, federal and state tax credits and capital loss carryovers which are projected to expire prior to their utilization, based upon projected taxable income at December 31, 2013. The Company has reserved for this benefit in its valuation allowance but will continue to evaluate the potential future utilization of these items and will record an adjustment to the valuation allowance in the period a change is warranted.
	A summary of the Company’s deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Gross deferred tax assets	$	375,092		359,261
	Unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	(879		)	—
	Valuation allowance	(43,380		)	(43,380	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	330,833			315,881
	Deferred tax liabilities	49,609			28,397
	Net deferred tax assets	$	281,224		287,484
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, for federal income tax purposes, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $565.9 million and $571.8 million, respectively. For state income tax purposes, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $785.4 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and a related deferred tax asset of $66.7 million and $66.6 million, respectively.

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	'
	EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
	The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
		(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Basic:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	5,405	8,774
	Preferred stock dividends declared	—		(4,881	)
	Accretion of discount on preferred stock	—		(898	)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	5,405		2,995
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		(2,064	)
	Net income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,405	931
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661
	Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	228.43	126.59
	Basic loss per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	(87.24	)
	Basic earnings per common share	$	228.43	39.35
	Diluted:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	5,405	2,995
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		(2,064	)
	Net income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	5,405		931
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	—		—
	Diluted income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,405	931
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	4,421		—
	Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding	28,082		23,661
	Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	192.46	126.59
	Diluted loss per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	(87.24	)
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	192.46	39.35

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS	'
	BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS
	The Company’s business segment is First Bank. The reportable business segment is consistent with the management structure of the Company, First Bank and the internal reporting system that monitors performance. First Bank provides similar products and services in its defined geographic areas through its branch network. The products and services offered include a broad range of commercial and personal deposit products, including demand, savings, money market and time deposit accounts. In addition, First Bank markets combined basic services for various customer groups, including packaged accounts for more affluent customers, and sweep accounts, lock-box deposits and cash management products for commercial customers. First Bank also offers consumer and commercial loans. Consumer lending includes residential real estate, home equity and installment lending. Commercial lending includes commercial, financial and agricultural loans, real estate construction and development loans, commercial real estate loans and small business lending. Other financial services include mortgage banking, debit cards, brokerage services, internet banking, remote deposit, mobile banking, ATMs, telephone banking, safe deposit boxes, and trust and private banking services. The revenues generated by First Bank and its subsidiaries consist primarily of interest income generated from the loan and investment security portfolios, service charges and fees generated from deposit products and services, and fees generated by the Company’s mortgage banking and trust and private banking business units. The Company’s products and services are offered to customers primarily within its geographic areas, which include eastern Missouri, southern Illinois, southern and northern California, and Florida’s Bradenton, Palmetto and Longboat Key communities. Certain loan products are available nationwide.
	The business segment results are consistent with the Company’s internal reporting system and, in all material respects, with GAAP and practices predominant in the banking industry. The business segment results are summarized as follows:
		First Bank					Corporate, Other and				Consolidated Totals
							Intercompany
							Reclassifications
		March 31,			December 31,		March 31,		December 31,		March 31,		December 31,
		2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance sheet information:
	Investment securities	$	2,126,844		2,351,931		—		—		2,126,844		2,351,931
	Total loans	2,890,981			2,857,095		—		—		2,890,981		2,857,095
	FRB and FHLB stock	32,148			27,357		—		—		32,148		27,357
	Total assets	5,836,010			5,865,160		54,549		53,823		5,890,559		5,918,983
	Deposits	4,849,783			4,815,792		(7,352	)	(1,897	)	4,842,431		4,813,895
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713			43,143		—		—		36,713		43,143
	Subordinated debentures	—			—		354,229		354,210		354,229		354,210
	Stockholders’ equity	872,845			931,561		(375,539	)	(443,305	)	497,306		488,256
		First Bank					Corporate, Other and				Consolidated Totals
							Intercompany
							Reclassifications
		Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
		March 31,					March 31,				March 31,
		2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Income statement information:
	Interest income	$	42,189		43,986		—		—		42,189		43,986
	Interest expense	2,051			2,473		3,798		3,676		5,849		6,149
	Net interest income (loss)	40,138			41,513		(3,798	)	(3,676	)	36,340		37,837
	Provision for loan losses	—			—		—		—		—		—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	40,138			41,513		(3,798	)	(3,676	)	36,340		37,837
	Noninterest income	14,559			15,284		116		111		14,675		15,395
	Noninterest expense	42,993			43,863		(245	)	184		42,748		44,047
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	11,704			12,934		(3,437	)	(3,749	)	8,267		9,185
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,120			148		(1,203	)	217		2,917		365
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	7,584			12,786		(2,234	)	(3,966	)	5,350		8,820
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(2,064	)	—		—		—		(2,064	)
	Net income (loss)	7,584			10,722		(2,234	)	(3,966	)	5,350		6,756
	Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(55		)	46		—		—		(55	)	46
	Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	7,639		10,676		(2,234	)	(3,966	)	5,405		6,710

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_RELATED_PART

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES	'
	TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
	First Services, L.P. First Services, L.P. (First Services), a limited partnership indirectly owned by the Company’s Chairman and members of his immediate family, including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company, provides information technology, item processing and various related services to the Company and First Bank. Fees paid under agreements with First Services were $5.3 million and $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. First Services leases information technology and other equipment from First Bank. First Services paid First Bank rental fees for the use of such equipment of $390,000 and $244,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, First Services paid $435,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 in rental payments to First Bank for occupancy of certain First Bank premises from which business is conducted.
	First Services has an Affiliate Services Agreement with the Company and First Bank that relates to various services provided to First Services, including certain human resources, payroll, employee benefit and training services, accounting services, insurance services, vendor payment processing services and advisory services. Fees accrued under the Affiliate Services Agreement by First Services were $60,000 and $46,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	First Brokerage America, L.L.C. First Brokerage America, L.L.C. (First Brokerage), a limited liability company indirectly owned by the Company’s Chairman and members of his immediate family, including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company, received approximately $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in gross commissions paid by unaffiliated third-party companies. The commissions received primarily resulted from sales of annuities, securities and other insurance products to customers of First Bank. First Brokerage paid approximately $93,000 and $114,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to First Bank in rental payments for occupancy of certain First Bank premises from which brokerage business is conducted.
	Dierbergs Markets, Inc. First Bank leases certain of its in-store branch offices and automated teller machine (ATM) sites from Dierbergs Markets, Inc., a grocery store chain headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri that is owned and operated by the brother of the Company’s Chairman and members of his immediate family. Total rent expense incurred by First Bank under the lease obligation contracts was $126,000 and $122,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	First Capital America, Inc. / FB Holdings, LLC. The Company formed FB Holdings, a limited liability company organized in the state of Missouri, in May 2008. FB Holdings operates as a majority-owned subsidiary of First Bank and was formed for the primary purpose of holding and managing certain nonperforming loans and assets and to permit an efficient vehicle for the investment of additional capital by the Company’s sole owner of its Class A and Class B preferred stock. First Bank owned 53.23% and FCA, a corporation owned by the Company’s Chairman and members of his immediate family, owned the remaining 46.77% of FB Holdings as of March 31, 2014. FCA's ownership in FB Holdings is reflected as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Investors of America Limited Partnership. On March 20, 2013, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Note and a Stock Pledge Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with Investors of America Limited Partnership (Investors of America, LP). Investors of America, LP is a Nevada limited partnership that was created by and for the benefit of the Company’s Chairman and members of his immediate family, including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company. The Credit Agreement provided for a $5.0 million secured revolving line of credit to be utilized for general working capital needs. This borrowing arrangement, which matured on March 31, 2014, had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 300 basis points. There were no balances outstanding under the Credit Agreement from its origination date through its maturity date.
	Loans to Directors, Executive Officers and/or their Affiliates. First Bank has had in the past, and may have in the future, loan transactions in the ordinary course of business with its directors, executive officers and/or their affiliates. These loan transactions have been made on the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. Loans to directors, their affiliates and executive officers of the Company were $13.1 million and $12.0 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. First Bank does not extend credit to its officers or to officers of the Company, except extensions of credit secured by mortgages on personal residences, loans to purchase automobiles, personal credit card accounts and deposit account overdraft protection under a plan whereby a credit limit has been established in accordance with First Bank’s standard credit criteria.
	Depositary Accounts of Directors, Executive Officers and/or their Affiliates. Certain directors, executive officers and/or their affiliates maintain funds on deposit with First Bank in the ordinary course of business. These deposit transactions include demand, savings and time accounts, and have been established on the same terms, including interest rates, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons.

CONTINGENT_LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	'
	CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries become involved in legal proceedings, including litigation arising out of the Company’s efforts to collect outstanding loans. It is not uncommon for collection efforts to lead to so-called “lender liability” suits in which borrowers may assert various claims against the Company. From time to time, the Company is party to other legal matters arising in the normal course of business. While some matters pending against the Company specify damages claimed by plaintiffs, others do not seek a specified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. The Company records a loss accrual for all legal matters for which it deems a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, believes the ultimate resolution of these existing proceedings is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and/or its subsidiaries and the range of possible additional loss in excess of amounts accrued is not material.
	The Company and First Bank have entered into agreements with the FRB and MDOF, as further described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. The informal agreement with the MDOF, dated as of September 18, 2008, was terminated effective September 11, 2013.

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting	'
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and conform to predominant practices within the banking industry. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principals of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries, giving effect to the noncontrolling interest in subsidiary, as more fully described below and in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	The Company operates through its wholly owned subsidiary bank holding company, The San Francisco Company (SFC), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and SFC’s wholly owned subsidiary bank, First Bank, also headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. First Bank operates through its branch banking offices and subsidiaries. All of the subsidiaries are wholly owned as of March 31, 2014 except FB Holdings, LLC (FB Holdings), which is 53.23% owned by First Bank and 46.77% owned by First Capital America, Inc. (FCA), a corporation owned and operated by the Company’s Chairman of the Board and members of his immediate family, including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company, as further described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. FB Holdings is included in the consolidated financial statements and the noncontrolling ownership interest is reported as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets as “noncontrolling interest in subsidiary” and the earnings or loss, net of tax, attributable to the noncontrolling ownership interest, is reported as “net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary” in the consolidated statements of income.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statements [Table Text Block]	'
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2013
		Association Bank Services			Northern Florida		Total
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$	365		—		365
	Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	88			192		280
	Net interest income (loss)	277			(192	)	85
	Provision for loan losses	—			—		—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	277			(192	)	85
	Noninterest income:
	Service charges and customer service fees	41			104		145
	Other	26			3		29
	Total noninterest income	67			107		174
	Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits	643			579		1,222
	Occupancy, net of rental income	2			455		457
	Furniture and equipment	12			39		51
	FDIC insurance	204			53		257
	Other	224			112		336
	Total noninterest expense	1,085			1,238		2,323
	Loss from operations of discontinued operations	(741		)	(1,323	)	(2,064	)
	Benefit for income taxes	—			—		—
	Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(741	)	(1,323	)	(2,064	)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY1

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	The amortized cost, contractual maturity, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities available for sale at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Maturity									Total Amortized Cost	Gross					Weighted Average Yield
		1 Year			5-Jan		10-May		After			Unrealized				Fair
		or Less			Years		Years		10 Years			Gains		Losses		Value
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	8,418		30,058		20,136		132,248		190,860	4,281		(47	)	195,094	1.37	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	282			28,277		82,445		891,319		1,002,323	13,662		(12,540	)	1,003,445	2.37
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			—		789		—		789	62		—		851	4.95
	State and political subdivisions	1,367			1,681		200		28,417		31,665	67		(392	)	31,340	1.23
	Corporate notes	5,000			121,153		45,131		—		171,284	5,066		(599	)	175,751	2.82
	Equity investments	—			—		—		1,750		1,750	—		(59	)	1,691	2.13
	Total	$	15,067		181,169		148,701		1,053,734		1,398,671	23,138		(13,637	)	1,408,172	2.26
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	15,135		186,936		148,797		1,055,613
	Equity securities	—			—		—		1,691
	Total	$	15,135		186,936		148,797		1,057,304
	Weighted average yield	2.21		%	2.39	%	2.1	%	2.26	%
	December 31, 2013:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	8,450		40,243		88,666		135,679		273,038	3,525		(664	)	275,899	1.34	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			43,943		115,731		951,454		1,111,128	12,873		(18,214	)	1,105,787	2.32
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			—		793		—		793	63		—		856	4.94
	State and political subdivisions	1,369			2,035		200		28,432		32,036	81		(560	)	31,557	1.26
	Corporate notes	4,980			140,575		45,132		—		190,687	5,777		(261	)	196,203	2.69
	Equity investments	—			—		—		1,500		1,500	—		(57	)	1,443	2.17
	Total	$	14,799		226,796		250,522		1,117,065		1,609,182	22,319		(19,756	)	1,611,745	2.18
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	14,927		233,338		250,860		1,111,177
	Equity securities	—			—		—		1,443
	Total	$	14,927		233,338		250,860		1,112,620
	Weighted average yield	2.17		%	2.23	%	1.81	%	2.24	%
Held-to-maturity Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	The amortized cost, contractual maturity, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities held to maturity at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Maturity									Total Amortized Cost	Gross					Weighted Average Yield
		1 Year			5-Jan		10-May		After			Unrealized				Fair
		or Less			Years		Years		10 Years			Gains		Losses		Value
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		14,373		—		14,373	—		(135	)	14,238	1.16	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			79,836		115,139		507,272		702,247	622		(14,101	)	688,768	1.91
	State and political subdivisions	445			574		—		1,033		2,052	1		(82	)	1,971	1.63
	Total	$	445		80,410		129,512		508,305		718,672	623		(14,318	)	704,977	1.89
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	445		80,347		128,038		496,147
	Weighted average yield	2.85		%	2.01	%	1.42	%	2	%
	December 31, 2013:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		16,119		—		16,119	—		(153	)	15,966	1.14	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			16,327		182,933		522,504		721,764	441		(21,206	)	700,999	1.88
	State and political subdivisions	640			575		55		1,033		2,303	2		(87	)	2,218	1.93
	Total	$	640		16,902		199,107		523,537		740,186	443		(21,446	)	719,183	1.86
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	642		16,926		195,647		505,968
	Weighted average yield	3.32		%	2.2	%	1.53	%	1.97	%
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$	2,010		346
	Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	(730		)	(354	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment	—			(408	)
	Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities	$	1,280		(416	)
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More				Total
		Fair Value			Unrealized		Fair Value		Unrealized		Fair Value	Unrealized
					Losses				Losses			Losses
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Available for sale:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		14,670		(47	)	14,670	(47	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	355,453			(11,046	)	25,617		(1,494	)	381,070	(12,540	)
	State and political subdivisions	28,025			(392	)	—		—		28,025	(392	)
	Corporate notes	19,826			(173	)	9,574		(426	)	29,400	(599	)
	Equity investments	1,691			(59	)	—		—		1,691	(59	)
	Total	$	404,995		(11,670	)	49,861		(1,967	)	454,856	(13,637	)
	Held to maturity:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	14,238		(135	)	—		—		14,238	(135	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	551,649			(10,990	)	84,920		(3,111	)	636,569	(14,101	)
	State and political subdivisions	1,041			(82	)	—		—		1,041	(82	)
	Total	$	566,928		(11,207	)	84,920		(3,111	)	651,848	(14,318	)
	December 31, 2013:
	Available for sale:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	16,005		(664	)	—		—		16,005	(664	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	511,617			(18,119	)	5,473		(95	)	517,090	(18,214	)
	State and political subdivisions	27,872			(560	)	—		—		27,872	(560	)
	Corporate notes	9,959			(41	)	4,780		(220	)	14,739	(261	)
	Equity investments	1,443			(57	)	—		—		1,443	(57	)
	Total	$	566,896		(19,441	)	10,253		(315	)	577,149	(19,756	)
	Held to maturity:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	15,966		(153	)	—		—		15,966	(153	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	644,700			(20,759	)	10,527		(447	)	655,227	(21,206	)
	State and political subdivisions	946			(87	)	—		—		946	(87	)
	Total	$	661,612		(20,999	)	10,527		(447	)	672,139	(21,446	)

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L1

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the composition of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	632,089			600,704
	Real estate construction and development	121,237				121,662
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	910,513				921,488
	Multi-family residential	125,116				121,304
	Commercial real estate	1,063,813				1,048,234
	Consumer and installment	17,399				18,681
	Loans held for sale	21,402				25,548
	Net deferred loan fees	(588		)		(526	)
	Total loans	$	2,890,981			2,857,095
Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the aging of loans by loan classification at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		30-59				60-89			Recorded		Nonaccrual			Total Past		Current		Total Loans
		Days				Days			Investment					Due
									> 90 Days
									Accruing
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	6,879			1,165			—		13,023			21,067		611,022		632,089
	Real estate construction and development	—				—			—		4,642			4,642		116,595		121,237
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	5,568				2,928			21		18,566			27,083		535,087		562,170
	Home equity	1,540				355			232		7,097			9,224		339,119		348,343
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—		1,638			1,638		123,478		125,116
	Commercial real estate	975				3			—		8,826			9,804		1,054,009		1,063,813
	Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees	82				96			—		13			191		16,620		16,811
	Loans held for sale	—				—			—		—			—		21,402		21,402
	Total	$	15,044			4,547			253		53,805			73,649		2,817,332		2,890,981
	December 31, 2013:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	447			394			80		10,523			11,444		589,260		600,704
	Real estate construction and development	—				—			—		4,914			4,914		116,748		121,662
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	4,262				2,637			162		20,063			27,124		545,040		572,164
	Home equity	2,256				963			182		7,361			10,762		338,562		349,324
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—		1,793			1,793		119,511		121,304
	Commercial real estate	1,423				391			—		8,283			10,097		1,038,137		1,048,234
	Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees	87				39			—		19			145		18,010		18,155
	Loans held for sale	—				—			—		—			—		25,548		25,548
	Total	$	8,475			4,424			424		52,956			66,279		2,790,816		2,857,095
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present the credit exposure of the loan portfolio by internally assigned credit grade and payment activity as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Commercial Loan Portfolio	Commercial				Real Estate			Multi-family		Commercial			Total
	Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade	and				Construction					Real Estate
		Industrial				and
						Development
						(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Pass	$	593,492			43,306			95,032		1,019,458			1,751,288
	Special mention	14,690				238			—		21,775			36,703
	Substandard	10,884				73,051			610		9,265			93,810
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	—				—			27,836		4,489			32,325
	Nonaccrual	13,023				4,642			1,638		8,826			28,129
	Total	$	632,089			121,237			125,116		1,063,813			1,942,255
	December 31, 2013:
	Pass	$	559,243			42,429			91,001		1,001,719			1,694,392
	Special mention	16,211				929			—		21,714			38,854
	Substandard	14,727				73,390			555		11,999			100,671
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	—				—			27,955		4,519			32,474
	Nonaccrual	10,523				4,914			1,793		8,283			25,513
	Total	$	600,704			121,662			121,304		1,048,234			1,891,904
	Consumer Loan Portfolio	Residential Mortgage				Home			Consumer		Total
	Credit Exposure by Payment Activity					Equity			and
									Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Pass	$	458,330			339,119			16,620		814,069
	Substandard	5,688				2,127			178		7,993
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	79,586				—			—		79,586
	Nonaccrual	18,566				7,097			13		25,676
	Total	$	562,170			348,343			16,811		927,324
	December 31, 2013:
	Pass	$	468,642			338,562			18,010		825,214
	Substandard	5,306				3,401			126		8,833
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	78,153				—			—		78,153
	Nonaccrual	20,063				7,361			19		27,443
	Total	$	572,164			349,324			18,155		939,643
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present the recorded investment, unpaid principal balance, related allowance for loan losses, average recorded investment and interest income recognized while on impaired status for impaired loans without a related allowance for loan losses and for impaired loans with a related allowance for loan losses by loan classification at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Recorded				Unpaid			Related		Average			Interest
		Investment				Principal			Allowance for		Recorded			Income
						Balance			Loan Losses		Investment			Recognized
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	With No Related Allowance Recorded:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	5,833			8,852			—		5,273			—
	Real estate construction and development	3,085				12,851			—		3,175			—
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	—				—			—		—			—
	Home equity	—				—			—		—			—
	Multi-family residential	442				709			—		444			—
	Commercial real estate	6,809				9,157			—		6,678			29
	Consumer and installment	—				—			—		—			—
		16,169				31,569			—		15,570			29
	With A Related Allowance Recorded:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	7,190				21,094			678		6,500			—
	Real estate construction and development	1,557				3,881			242		1,603			—
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	98,152				116,685			8,860		98,184			521
	Home equity	7,097				8,027			1,419		7,229			—
	Multi-family residential	29,032				29,177			2,342		29,167			297
	Commercial real estate	6,506				10,100			994		6,381			6
	Consumer and installment	13				13			—		16			—
		149,547				188,977			14,535		149,080			824
	Total:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	13,023				29,946			678		11,773			—
	Real estate construction and development	4,642				16,732			242		4,778			—
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	98,152				116,685			8,860		98,184			521
	Home equity	7,097				8,027			1,419		7,229			—
	Multi-family residential	29,474				29,886			2,342		29,611			297
	Commercial real estate	13,315				19,257			994		13,059			35
	Consumer and installment	13				13			—		16			—
		$	165,716			220,546			14,535		164,650			853
		Recorded				Unpaid			Related		Average			Interest
		Investment				Principal			Allowance for		Recorded			Income
						Balance			Loan Losses		Investment			Recognized
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	December 31, 2013:
	With No Related Allowance Recorded:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	3,119			4,342			—		4,270			1
	Real estate construction and development	3,172				12,931			—		17,152			418
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	—				—			—		—			—
	Home equity	596				632			—		564			—
	Multi-family residential	443				709			—		474			—
	Commercial real estate	6,884				9,221			—		11,636			273
	Consumer and installment	—				—			—		—			—
		14,214				27,835			—		34,096			692
	With A Related Allowance Recorded:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	7,404				21,565			497		10,136			—
	Real estate construction and development	1,742				4,326			294		9,419			—
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	98,216				118,305			9,740		102,775			2,043
	Home equity	6,765				7,637			1,472		6,406			—
	Multi-family residential	29,305				29,322			2,438		31,377			1,226
	Commercial real estate	5,918				9,468			990		10,003			26
	Consumer and installment	19				19			—		22			—
		149,369				190,642			15,431		170,138			3,295
	Total:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	10,523				25,907			497		14,406			1
Real estate construction and development	4,914				17,257			294		26,571			418
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	98,216				118,305			9,740		102,775			2,043
Home equity	7,361				8,269			1,472		6,970			—
Multi-family residential	29,748				30,031			2,438		31,851			1,226
Commercial real estate	12,802				18,689			990		21,639			299
Consumer and installment	19				19			—		22			—
	$	163,583			218,477			15,431		204,234			3,987
Troubled Debt Restructurings On Performing Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the categories of performing TDRs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Performing Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	$	79,586			78,153
	Multi-family residential	27,836				27,955
	Commercial real estate	4,489				4,519
	Total performing troubled debt restructurings	$	111,911			110,627
Troubled Debt Restructurings On Nonperforming Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the categories of loans considered nonperforming TDRs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	484			711
	Real estate construction and development	3,531				3,605
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	5,147				6,266
	Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$	9,162			10,582
Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present loans classified as TDRs that were modified during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014									Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Number		Pre-				Post-			Number		Pre-			Post-
		of		Modification				Modification			of		Modification			Modification
		Contracts		Outstanding				Outstanding			Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding
				Recorded				Recorded					Recorded			Recorded
				Investment				Investment					Investment			Investment
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Loan Modifications Classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	—		$	—			$	—		1		$	90		$	45
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	15		2,580				2,157			10		2,223			1,898
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted On Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present TDRs that defaulted within 12 months of modification during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2014						March 31, 2013
		Number of		Recorded				Number of		Recorded
		Contracts		Investment				Contracts		Investment
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	1		$	438			—		—
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	81,033			91,602
	Loans charged-off	(3,447		)		(6,883	)
	Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	2,245				3,451
	Net loans charged-off	(1,202		)		(3,432	)
	Provision for loan losses	—				—
	Balance, end of period	$	79,831			88,170
	The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-		Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
		and				Construction			Four-Family		Family			Real Estate		and
		Industrial				and			Residential		Residential					Installment
						Development
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Beginning balance	$	13,401			7,407			32,619		5,249			22,052		305		81,033
	Charge-offs	(1,622		)		(30	)		(1,426	)	(132	)		(188	)	(49	)	(3,447	)
	Recoveries	752				600			791		7			57		38		2,245
	Provision (benefit) for loan losses	1,340				(891	)		(764	)	145			122		48		—
	Ending balance	$	13,871			7,086			31,220		5,269			22,043		342		79,831
	The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013:
		Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-		Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
		and				Construction			Four-Family		Family			Real Estate		and
		Industrial				and			Residential		Residential					Installment
						Development
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Beginning balance	$	13,572			14,434			38,897		4,252			20,048		399		91,602
	Charge-offs	(676		)		(282	)		(4,389	)	(3	)		(1,477	)	(56	)	(6,883	)
	Recoveries	1,067				395			1,231		—			718		40		3,451
	Provision (benefit) for loan losses	205				(1,544	)		921		(47	)		431		34		—
	Ending balance	$	14,168			13,003			36,660		4,202			19,720		417		88,170
Impairment Method by Loan Category [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table represents a summary of the impairment method used by loan category at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-		Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
		and				Construction			Four-Family		Family			Real Estate		and
		Industrial				and			Residential		Residential					Installment and Net Deferred Loans Fees
						Development
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	—			—			1,421		808			301		—		2,530
	Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	678				242			8,858		1,534			693		—		12,005
	All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	13,193				6,844			20,941		2,927			21,049		342		65,296
	Total allowance for loan losses	$	13,871			7,086			31,220		5,269			22,043		342		79,831
	Loans:
	Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	6,190			2,881			10,515		28,483			9,012		—		57,081
	Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	6,833				1,761			94,734		991			4,303		13		108,635
	All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	619,066				116,595			805,264		95,642			1,050,498		16,798		2,703,863
	Total loans	$	632,089			121,237			910,513		125,116			1,063,813		16,811		2,869,579
	December 31, 2013:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	—			62			2,275		1,034			385		—		3,756
	Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	497				232			8,937		1,404			605		—		11,675
	All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	12,904				7,113			21,407		2,811			21,062		305		65,602
	Total allowance for loan losses	$	13,401			7,407			32,619		5,249			22,052		305		81,033
	Loans:
	Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	3,480			3,440			12,276		28,641			9,168		—		57,005
	Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	7,043				1,474			93,301		1,107			3,634		19		106,578
	All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	590,181				116,748			815,911		91,556			1,035,432		18,136		2,667,964
	Total loans	$	600,704			121,662			921,488		121,304			1,048,234		18,155		2,831,547

SERVICING_RIGHTS_Tables

SERVICING RIGHTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Mortgage Banking [Member]	'
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in mortgage servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	14,211		9,152
	Originated mortgage servicing rights	455			1,229
	Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model (1)	151			854
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(422		)	(583	)
	Balance, end of period	$	14,395		10,652
	____________________
	-1	The change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model primarily reflects the change in discount rates and prepayment speed assumptions, primarily due to changes in interest rates.
	-2	Other changes in fair value reflect changes due to the collection/realization of expected cash flows over time.
SBA [Member]	'
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in SBA servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	4,643		5,640
	Originated SBA servicing rights	—			—
	Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model (1)	175			22
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(136		)	(139	)
	Balance, end of period	$	4,682		5,523
	____________________
	-1	The change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model primarily reflects the change in discount rates and prepayment speed assumptions, primarily due to changes in interest rates.
	-2	Other changes in fair value reflect changes due to the collection/realization of expected cash flows over time.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes derivative instruments held by the Company, their notional amount, estimated fair values and their location in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
							Derivatives in Other Assets
		Notional Amount					Fair Value Gain (Loss)
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	$	20,537		14,237		332		217
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	27,800			29,100		14		296
	Total	$	48,337		43,337		346		513
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes amounts included in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 related to non-hedging derivative instruments:
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
			in Operations on Derivatives	in Operations on Derivatives
				Three Months Ended
				March 31,
				2014			2013
				(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Interest rate lock commitments		Gain on loans sold and held for sale	$	115		(722	)
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities		Gain on loans sold and held for sale	(282		)	240

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component, for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Total
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	10,151		(2,649	)	7,502
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,432			21		4,453
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(753		)	—		(753	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income	3,679			21		3,700
	Balance, end of period	$	13,830		(2,628	)	11,202
	The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component, for the three months ended March 31, 2013:
		Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance		Total
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	35,186		(3,544	)	13,617		45,259
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(2,681		)	30		(2,122	)	(4,773	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	5			—		—		5
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(2,676		)	30		(2,122	)	(4,768	)
	Balance, end of period	$	32,510		(3,514	)	11,495		40,491

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R1

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Table Text Block]	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's and First Bank’s required and actual capital ratios were as follows:
												To be Well
		Actual								For Capital Adequacy Purposes		Capitalized
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013						Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	$	425,829	11.73	%	$	405,856	11.13	%	8	%	N/A
	First Bank (1)	679,594		18.7		734,535		20.12		8		10	%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	253,332		6.98		239,868		6.58		4		N/A
	First Bank (1)	633,700		17.43		688,427		18.86		4		6
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	253,332		4.51		239,868		4.12		4		N/A
	First Bank (1)	633,700		11.3		688,427		11.77		4		5
	____________________
	-1	The reduction in First Bank's regulatory capital ratios during the first quarter of 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of a $70 million dividend to the Company, as further described below.

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Tables

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1			Level 2	Level 3	Fair Value
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Available-for-sale investment securities:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		195,094	—	195,094
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			1,003,445	—	1,003,445
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			851	—	851
	State and political subdivisions	—			31,340	—	31,340
	Corporate notes	—			175,751	—	175,751
	Equity investments	1,691			—	—	1,691
	Mortgage loans held for sale	—			21,402	—	21,402
	Derivative instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	—			332	—	332
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	—			14	—	14
	Servicing rights	—			—	19,077	19,077
	Total	$	1,691		1,428,229	19,077	1,448,997
	Liabilities:
	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	$	6,294		—	—	6,294
	Total	$	6,294		—	—	6,294
	December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Available-for-sale investment securities:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		275,899	—	275,899
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			1,105,787	—	1,105,787
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			856	—	856
	State and political subdivisions	—			31,557	—	31,557
	Corporate notes	—			196,203	—	196,203
	Equity investments	1,443			—	—	1,443
	Mortgage loans held for sale	—			25,548	—	25,548
	Derivative instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	—			217	—	217
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	—			296	—	296
	Servicing rights	—			—	18,854	18,854
	Total	$	1,443		1,636,363	18,854	1,656,660
	Liabilities:
	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	$	6,641		—	—	6,641
	Total	$	6,641		—	—	6,641
Schedule Of Servicing Assets At Fair Value Measured At Level 3 On Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets measured on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Servicing Rights
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	18,854		14,792
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings (1)	(232		)	154
	Included in other comprehensive income	—			—
	Issuances	455			1,229
	Transfers in and/or out of level 3	—			—
	Balance, end of period	$	19,077		16,175
	____________________
	-1	Gains or losses (realized/unrealized) are included in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	'
	Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1			Level 2	Level 3	Fair Value
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	March 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Impaired loans:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	—		—	12,345	12,345
	Real estate construction and development	—			—	4,400	4,400
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	—			—	89,292	89,292
	Home equity	—			—	5,678	5,678
	Multi-family residential	—			—	27,132	27,132
	Commercial real estate	—			—	12,321	12,321
	Consumer and installment	—			—	13	13
	Other real estate	—			—	61,485	61,485
	Total	$	—		—	212,666	212,666
	December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Impaired loans:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	—		—	10,026	10,026
	Real estate construction and development	—			—	4,620	4,620
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	—			—	88,476	88,476
	Home equity	—			—	5,889	5,889
	Multi-family residential	—			—	27,310	27,310
	Commercial real estate	—			—	11,812	11,812
	Consumer and installment	—			—	19	19
	Other real estate	—			—	66,702	66,702
	Total	$	—		—	214,854	214,854
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2014 was as follows:
		March 31, 2014
		Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
		Value			Level 1	Level 2	Level 3		Total
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	341,235		341,235	—	—		341,235
	Investment securities:
	Available for sale	1,408,172			1,691	1,406,481	—		1,408,172
	Held to maturity	718,672			—	704,977	—		704,977
	Loans held for portfolio	2,789,748			—	—	2,683,895		2,683,895
	Loans held for sale	21,402			—	21,402	—		21,402
	FRB and FHLB stock	32,148			32,148	—	—		32,148
	Derivative instruments	346			—	346	—		346
	Accrued interest receivable	16,087			16,087	—	—		16,087
	Financial Liabilities:
	Deposits:
	Noninterest-bearing demand	$	1,273,662		1,273,662	—	—		1,273,662
	Interest-bearing demand	699,158			699,158	—	—		699,158
	Savings and money market	1,841,905			1,841,905	—	—		1,841,905
	Time deposits	1,027,706			—	—	1,027,869		1,027,869
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713			36,713	—	—		36,713
	Accrued interest payable	656			656	—	—		656
	Subordinated debentures	354,229			—	—	287,981		287,981
	Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
	Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$	(2,715	)	—	—	(2,715	)	(2,715	)
	The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		December 31, 2013
		Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
		Value			Level 1	Level 2	Level 3		Total
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	190,435		190,435	—	—		190,435
	Investment securities:
	Available for sale	1,611,745			1,443	1,610,302	—		1,611,745
	Held to maturity	740,186			—	719,183	—		719,183
	Loans held for portfolio	2,750,514			—	—	2,562,160		2,562,160
	Loans held for sale	25,548			—	25,548	—		25,548
	FRB and FHLB stock	27,357			27,357	—	—		27,357
	Derivative instruments	513			—	513	—		513
	Accrued interest receivable	17,798			17,798	—	—		17,798
	Financial Liabilities:
	Deposits:
	Noninterest-bearing demand	$	1,243,545		1,243,545	—	—		1,243,545
	Interest-bearing demand	679,527			679,527	—	—		679,527
	Savings and money market	1,844,710			1,844,710	—	—		1,844,710
	Time deposits	1,046,113			—	—	1,046,485		1,046,485
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	43,143			43,143	—	—		43,143
	Accrued interest payable	63,341			63,341	—	—		63,341
	Subordinated debentures	354,210			—	—	242,678		242,678
	Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
	Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$	(2,715	)	—	—	(2,715	)	(2,715	)

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the Company’s deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Gross deferred tax assets	$	375,092		359,261
	Unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	(879		)	—
	Valuation allowance	(43,380		)	(43,380	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	330,833			315,881
	Deferred tax liabilities	49,609			28,397
	Net deferred tax assets	$	281,224		287,484

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE1

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
		(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Basic:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	5,405	8,774
	Preferred stock dividends declared	—		(4,881	)
	Accretion of discount on preferred stock	—		(898	)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	5,405		2,995
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		(2,064	)
	Net income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,405	931
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661
	Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	228.43	126.59
	Basic loss per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	(87.24	)
	Basic earnings per common share	$	228.43	39.35
	Diluted:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	5,405	2,995
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		(2,064	)
	Net income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	5,405		931
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	—		—
	Diluted income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,405	931
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	4,421		—
	Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding	28,082		23,661
	Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	192.46	126.59
	Diluted loss per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	(87.24	)
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	192.46	39.35

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS_Table

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The business segment results are consistent with the Company’s internal reporting system and, in all material respects, with GAAP and practices predominant in the banking industry. The business segment results are summarized as follows:
		First Bank					Corporate, Other and				Consolidated Totals
							Intercompany
							Reclassifications
		March 31,			December 31,		March 31,		December 31,		March 31,		December 31,
		2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Balance sheet information:
	Investment securities	$	2,126,844		2,351,931		—		—		2,126,844		2,351,931
	Total loans	2,890,981			2,857,095		—		—		2,890,981		2,857,095
	FRB and FHLB stock	32,148			27,357		—		—		32,148		27,357
	Total assets	5,836,010			5,865,160		54,549		53,823		5,890,559		5,918,983
	Deposits	4,849,783			4,815,792		(7,352	)	(1,897	)	4,842,431		4,813,895
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713			43,143		—		—		36,713		43,143
	Subordinated debentures	—			—		354,229		354,210		354,229		354,210
	Stockholders’ equity	872,845			931,561		(375,539	)	(443,305	)	497,306		488,256
		First Bank					Corporate, Other and				Consolidated Totals
							Intercompany
							Reclassifications
		Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
		March 31,					March 31,				March 31,
		2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Income statement information:
	Interest income	$	42,189		43,986		—		—		42,189		43,986
	Interest expense	2,051			2,473		3,798		3,676		5,849		6,149
	Net interest income (loss)	40,138			41,513		(3,798	)	(3,676	)	36,340		37,837
	Provision for loan losses	—			—		—		—		—		—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	40,138			41,513		(3,798	)	(3,676	)	36,340		37,837
	Noninterest income	14,559			15,284		116		111		14,675		15,395
	Noninterest expense	42,993			43,863		(245	)	184		42,748		44,047
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	11,704			12,934		(3,437	)	(3,749	)	8,267		9,185
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,120			148		(1,203	)	217		2,917		365
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	7,584			12,786		(2,234	)	(3,966	)	5,350		8,820
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(2,064	)	—		—		—		(2,064	)
	Net income (loss)	7,584			10,722		(2,234	)	(3,966	)	5,350		6,756
	Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(55		)	46		—		—		(55	)	46
	Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	7,639		10,676		(2,234	)	(3,966	)	5,405		6,710

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Details_

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details Textual)	Mar. 31, 2014
First Bank [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	53.23%
First Capital America Inc [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	46.77%

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Discon

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Discontinued Operations Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Interest income:	'	'
Interest and fees on loans	'	$365
Interest expense:	'	'
Interest on deposits	'	280
Net interest income (loss)	'	85
Provision for loan losses	'	0
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	'	85
Noninterest income:	'	'
Service charges and customer service fees	'	145
Other	'	29
Total noninterest income	'	174
Noninterest expense:	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	'	1,222
Occupancy, net of rental income	'	457
Furniture and equipment	'	51
FDIC insurance	'	257
Other	'	336
Total noninterest expense	'	2,323
Loss from operations of discontinued operations	'	-2,064
Benefit for income taxes	'	0
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-2,064
Association Bank Services [Member]	'	'
Interest income:	'	'
Interest and fees on loans	'	365
Interest expense:	'	'
Interest on deposits	'	88
Net interest income (loss)	'	277
Provision for loan losses	'	0
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	'	277
Noninterest income:	'	'
Service charges and customer service fees	'	41
Other	'	26
Total noninterest income	'	67
Noninterest expense:	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	'	643
Occupancy, net of rental income	'	2
Furniture and equipment	'	12
FDIC insurance	'	204
Other	'	224
Total noninterest expense	'	1,085
Loss from operations of discontinued operations	'	-741
Benefit for income taxes	'	0
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	-741
Northern Florida Region [Member]	'	'
Interest income:	'	'
Interest and fees on loans	'	0
Interest expense:	'	'
Interest on deposits	'	192
Net interest income (loss)	'	-192
Provision for loan losses	'	0
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	'	-192
Noninterest income:	'	'
Service charges and customer service fees	'	104
Other	'	3
Total noninterest income	'	107
Noninterest expense:	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	'	579
Occupancy, net of rental income	'	455
Furniture and equipment	'	39
FDIC insurance	'	53
Other	'	112
Total noninterest expense	'	1,238
Loss from operations of discontinued operations	'	-1,323
Benefit for income taxes	'	0
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	($1,323)

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 22, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Apr. 05, 2013	Apr. 19, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Association Bank Services [Member]	Association Bank Services [Member]	Northern Florida Region [Member]	Northern Florida Region [Member]	Northern Florida Region [Member]	Bradenton, Palmetto, Longboat Key Florida [Member]
		Union Bank, N.A. [Member]		offices	HomeBanc National Association [Member]	offices
					offices
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of branch offices sold pursuant to sales agreement	'	'	'	'	8	'
Deposits assumed by third party in sale transaction	'	$572,100,000	'	'	$120,300,000	'
Loans purchased by third party in sale transaction	'	20,800,000	'	'	'	'
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	28,600,000	'	408,000	'	'	'
Goodwill allocated to sale transaction	18,000,000	'	700,000	'	'	'
Number of branch offices closed	'	'	'	3	'	'
Other expense from branch closures associated with discontinued operations	'	'	$2,300,000	'	'	'
Number of branches reclassified from discontinued to continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	8

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY2

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Securities Available for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities With In One Year Amortized Cost	$15,067	$14,799
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost	181,169	226,796
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost	148,701	250,522
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost	1,053,734	1,117,065
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,398,671	1,609,182
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	23,138	22,319
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-13,637	-19,756
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,408,172	1,611,745
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.26%	2.18%
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	15,135	14,927
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year One Through Five, Fair Value	186,936	233,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five Through Ten, Fair Value	148,797	250,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	1,057,304	1,112,620
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield With In One Year	2.21%	2.17%
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield After One Through Five Years	2.39%	2.23%
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield After Five Through Ten Years	2.10%	1.81%
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield After Ten Years	2.26%	2.24%
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities With In One Year Amortized Cost	8,418	8,450
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost	30,058	40,243
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost	20,136	88,666
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost	132,248	135,679
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	190,860	273,038
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4,281	3,525
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-47	-664
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	195,094	275,899
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.37%	1.34%
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities With In One Year Amortized Cost	282	0
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost	28,277	43,943
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost	82,445	115,731
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost	891,319	951,454
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,002,323	1,111,128
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	13,662	12,873
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-12,540	-18,214
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,003,445	1,105,787
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.37%	2.32%
Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities With In One Year Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost	789	793
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	789	793
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	62	63
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	851	856
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	4.95%	4.94%
State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities With In One Year Amortized Cost	1,367	1,369
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost	1,681	2,035
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost	200	200
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost	28,417	28,432
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	31,665	32,036
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	67	81
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-392	-560
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	31,340	31,557
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.23%	1.26%
Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities With In One Year Amortized Cost	5,000	4,980
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost	121,153	140,575
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost	45,131	45,132
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	171,284	190,687
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,066	5,777
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-599	-261
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	175,751	196,203
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.82%	2.69%
Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities With In One Year Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost	1,750	1,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,750	1,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-59	-57
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,691	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.13%	2.17%
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year One Through Five, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five Through Ten, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	1,691	1,443
Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	15,135	14,927
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year One Through Five, Fair Value	186,936	233,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five Through Ten, Fair Value	148,797	250,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	$1,055,613	$1,111,177

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY3

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES - (Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Within One Year, Net Carrying Amount	$445	$640
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	80,410	16,902
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	129,512	199,107
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	508,305	523,537
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Before Other Than Temporary Impairment	718,672	740,186
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	623	443
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-14,318	-21,446
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	704,977	719,183
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.89%	1.86%
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield With In One Year	2.85%	3.32%
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield After One Through Five Years	2.01%	2.20%
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield After Five Through Ten Years	1.42%	1.53%
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield After Ten Years	2.00%	1.97%
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Within One Year, Net Carrying Amount	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	14,373	16,119
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Before Other Than Temporary Impairment	14,373	16,119
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-135	-153
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	14,238	15,966
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.16%	1.14%
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Within One Year, Net Carrying Amount	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	79,836	16,327
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	115,139	182,933
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	507,272	522,504
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Before Other Than Temporary Impairment	702,247	721,764
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	622	441
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-14,101	-21,206
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	688,768	700,999
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.91%	1.88%
State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Within One Year, Net Carrying Amount	445	640
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	574	575
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	0	55
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	1,033	1,033
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Before Other Than Temporary Impairment	2,052	2,303
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1	2
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-82	-87
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	1,971	2,218
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.63%	1.93%
Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Within One Year, Fair Value	445	642
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Fair Value	80,347	16,926
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	128,038	195,647
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	$496,147	$505,968

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY4

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Gross Realized Gains and Losses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$2,010	$346
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	-730	-354
Other-than-temporary impairment	0	-408
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities	$1,280	($416)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY5

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Schedule of Continuous Unrealized Losses) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$404,995	$566,896
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-11,670	-19,441
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	49,861	10,253
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Aggregate Losses	-1,967	-315
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	454,856	577,149
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses	-13,637	-19,756
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	566,928	661,612
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-11,207	-20,999
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	84,920	10,527
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-3,111	-447
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	651,848	672,139
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	-14,318	-21,446
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	16,005
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	0	-664
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	14,670	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Aggregate Losses	-47	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	14,670	16,005
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses	-47	-664
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	14,238	15,966
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-135	-153
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	14,238	15,966
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	-135	-153
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	355,453	511,617
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-11,046	-18,119
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	25,617	5,473
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Aggregate Losses	-1,494	-95
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	381,070	517,090
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses	-12,540	-18,214
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	551,649	644,700
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-10,990	-20,759
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	84,920	10,527
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-3,111	-447
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	636,569	655,227
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	-14,101	-21,206
State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	28,025	27,872
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-392	-560
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	28,025	27,872
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses	-392	-560
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,041	946
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-82	-87
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,041	946
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	-82	-87
Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	19,826	9,959
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-173	-41
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	9,574	4,780
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Aggregate Losses	-426	-220
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	29,400	14,739
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses	-599	-261
Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,691	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-59	-57
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,691	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses	($59)	($57)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY6

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	security		security
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale	$166,320,000	$66,507,000	'
Securities pledged as collateral	304,800,000	'	283,700,000
Number of securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to one year	19	'	12
State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on a single municipal security classified as held-to-maturity	'	$407,000	'

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L2

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Loan Portfolio Composition) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$632,089	$600,704
Real estate construction and development	121,237	121,662
Real estate mortgage:	'	'
Real estate mortgage	2,099,442	2,091,026
Consumer and installment	17,399	18,681
Loans held for sale	21,402	25,548
Net deferred loan fees	-588	-526
Total loans	2,890,981	2,857,095
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'
Real estate mortgage:	'	'
Real estate mortgage	910,513	921,488
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Real estate mortgage:	'	'
Real estate mortgage	125,116	121,304
Total loans	125,116	121,304
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Real estate mortgage:	'	'
Real estate mortgage	1,063,813	1,048,234
Total loans	$1,063,813	$1,048,234

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L3

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Aging of Loans by Loan Classification) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	$15,044	$8,475
60-89 Days	4,547	4,424
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	253	424
Nonaccrual	53,805	52,956
Total Past Due	73,649	66,279
Current	2,817,332	2,790,816
Total loans	2,890,981	2,857,095
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	6,879	447
60-89 Days	1,165	394
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	0	80
Nonaccrual	13,023	10,523
Total Past Due	21,067	11,444
Current	611,022	589,260
Total loans	632,089	600,704
Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	0	0
60-89 Days	0	0
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	4,642	4,914
Total Past Due	4,642	4,914
Current	116,595	116,748
Total loans	121,237	121,662
Residential mortgage [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	5,568	4,262
60-89 Days	2,928	2,637
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	21	162
Nonaccrual	18,566	20,063
Total Past Due	27,083	27,124
Current	535,087	545,040
Total loans	562,170	572,164
Home equity [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	1,540	2,256
60-89 Days	355	963
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	232	182
Nonaccrual	7,097	7,361
Total Past Due	9,224	10,762
Current	339,119	338,562
Total loans	348,343	349,324
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	0	0
60-89 Days	0	0
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	1,638	1,793
Total Past Due	1,638	1,793
Current	123,478	119,511
Total loans	125,116	121,304
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	975	1,423
60-89 Days	3	391
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	8,826	8,283
Total Past Due	9,804	10,097
Current	1,054,009	1,038,137
Total loans	1,063,813	1,048,234
Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	82	87
60-89 Days	96	39
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	13	19
Total Past Due	191	145
Current	16,620	18,010
Total loans	16,811	18,155
Loans held for sale [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	0	0
60-89 Days	0	0
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	21,402	25,548
Total loans	$21,402	$25,548

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L4

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	$2,890,981	$2,857,095
Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,942,255	1,891,904
Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	927,324	939,643
Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	632,089	600,704
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	121,237	121,662
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	121,237	121,662
Multi-family [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	125,116	121,304
Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	125,116	121,304
Commercial Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,063,813	1,048,234
Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,063,813	1,048,234
Residential Mortgage [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	562,170	572,164
Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	562,170	572,164
Home Equity [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	348,343	349,324
Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	348,343	349,324
Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	16,811	18,155
Pass [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,751,288	1,694,392
Pass [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	814,069	825,214
Pass [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	593,492	559,243
Pass [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	43,306	42,429
Pass [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	95,032	91,001
Pass [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,019,458	1,001,719
Pass [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	458,330	468,642
Pass [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	339,119	338,562
Pass [Member] | Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	16,620	18,010
Special Mention [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	36,703	38,854
Special Mention [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	14,690	16,211
Special Mention [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	238	929
Special Mention [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	0	0
Special Mention [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	21,775	21,714
Substandard [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	93,810	100,671
Substandard [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	7,993	8,833
Substandard [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	10,884	14,727
Substandard [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	73,051	73,390
Substandard [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	610	555
Substandard [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	9,265	11,999
Substandard [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	5,688	5,306
Substandard [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	2,127	3,401
Substandard [Member] | Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	178	126
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	32,325	32,474
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	79,586	78,153
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	0	0
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	0	0
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	27,836	27,955
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	4,489	4,519
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	79,586	78,153
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	0	0
Performing trouble debt restructuring [Member] | Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	0	0
Non Accrual [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	28,129	25,513
Non Accrual [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	25,676	27,443
Non Accrual [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	13,023	10,523
Non Accrual [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	4,642	4,914
Non Accrual [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,638	1,793
Non Accrual [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	8,826	8,283
Non Accrual [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	18,566	20,063
Non Accrual [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	7,097	7,361
Non Accrual [Member] | Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	$13	$19

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L5

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Impaired Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	$16,169	$14,214
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	31,569	27,835
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	15,570	34,096
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	29	692
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	149,547	149,369
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	188,977	190,642
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	14,535	15,431
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	149,080	170,138
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	824	3,295
Recorded Investment, Total	165,716	163,583
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	220,546	218,477
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	14,535	15,431
Average Recorded Investment, Total	164,650	204,234
Interest Income Recognized, Total	853	3,987
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	5,833	3,119
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	8,852	4,342
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	5,273	4,270
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	1
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	7,190	7,404
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	21,094	21,565
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	678	497
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	6,500	10,136
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Recorded Investment, Total	13,023	10,523
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	29,946	25,907
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	678	497
Average Recorded Investment, Total	11,773	14,406
Interest Income Recognized, Total	0	1
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	3,085	3,172
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	12,851	12,931
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	3,175	17,152
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	418
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	1,557	1,742
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	3,881	4,326
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	242	294
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	1,603	9,419
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Recorded Investment, Total	4,642	4,914
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	16,732	17,257
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	242	294
Average Recorded Investment, Total	4,778	26,571
Interest Income Recognized, Total	0	418
Residential mortgage [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	98,152	98,216
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	116,685	118,305
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	8,860	9,740
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	98,184	102,775
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	521	2,043
Recorded Investment, Total	98,152	98,216
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	116,685	118,305
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	8,860	9,740
Average Recorded Investment, Total	98,184	102,775
Interest Income Recognized, Total	521	2,043
Home equity [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	0	596
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	0	632
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	0	564
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	7,097	6,765
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	8,027	7,637
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	1,419	1,472
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	7,229	6,406
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Recorded Investment, Total	7,097	7,361
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	8,027	8,269
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	1,419	1,472
Average Recorded Investment, Total	7,229	6,970
Interest Income Recognized, Total	0	0
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	442	443
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	709	709
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	444	474
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	29,032	29,305
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	29,177	29,322
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	2,342	2,438
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	29,167	31,377
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	297	1,226
Recorded Investment, Total	29,474	29,748
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	29,886	30,031
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	2,342	2,438
Average Recorded Investment, Total	29,611	31,851
Interest Income Recognized, Total	297	1,226
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	6,809	6,884
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	9,157	9,221
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	6,678	11,636
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	29	273
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	6,506	5,918
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	10,100	9,468
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	994	990
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	6,381	10,003
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	6	26
Recorded Investment, Total	13,315	12,802
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	19,257	18,689
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	994	990
Average Recorded Investment, Total	13,059	21,639
Interest Income Recognized, Total	35	299
Consumer and installment [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	13	19
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	13	19
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	16	22
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Recorded Investment, Total	13	19
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	13	19
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	0	0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	16	22
Interest Income Recognized, Total	$0	$0

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L6

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Troubled Debt Restructurings on Performing Financing Receivables) (Details) (Performing Troubled Debt Restructurings [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	$111,911	$110,627
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	79,586	78,153
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	27,836	27,955
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	$4,489	$4,519

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L7

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Troubled Debt Restructurings on Nonperforming Financing Receivables) (Details) (Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$9,162	$10,582
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	484	711
Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	3,531	3,605
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$5,147	$6,266

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L8

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Modified Troubled Debt Restructurings) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	contracts	contracts
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Contracts	0	1
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$0	$90
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	45
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Contracts	15	10
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	2,580	2,223
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$2,157	$1,898

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L9

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Modified Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted) (Details) (One-to-four-family residential [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	contracts	contracts
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Contracts	1	0
Recorded Investment, Subsequently Defaulted	$438	$0

Recovered_Sheet1

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$81,033	$91,602
Loans charged-off	-3,447	-6,883
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	2,245	3,451
Net loans charged-off	-1,202	-3,432
Provision for loan losses	0	0
Balance, end of period	$79,831	$88,170

Recovered_Sheet2

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables By Portfolio Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$81,033	$91,602
Charge-offs	-3,447	-6,883
Recoveries	2,245	3,451
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	0	0
Balance, end of period	79,831	88,170
Commercial and Industrial [Member]	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	13,401	13,572
Charge-offs	-1,622	-676
Recoveries	752	1,067
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	1,340	205
Balance, end of period	13,871	14,168
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member]	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	7,407	14,434
Charge-offs	-30	-282
Recoveries	600	395
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	-891	-1,544
Balance, end of period	7,086	13,003
One-to-Four-Family Residential [Member]	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	32,619	38,897
Charge-offs	-1,426	-4,389
Recoveries	791	1,231
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	-764	921
Balance, end of period	31,220	36,660
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	5,249	4,252
Charge-offs	-132	-3
Recoveries	7	0
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	145	-47
Balance, end of period	5,269	4,202
Commercial Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	22,052	20,048
Charge-offs	-188	-1,477
Recoveries	57	718
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	122	431
Balance, end of period	22,043	19,720
Consumer and installment [Member]	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	305	399
Charge-offs	-49	-56
Recoveries	38	40
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	48	34
Balance, end of period	$342	$417

Recovered_Sheet3

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Impairment Method by Loan Category) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$2,530	$3,756	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	12,005	11,675	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	65,296	65,602	'	'
Balance, end of period	79,831	81,033	88,170	91,602
Total loans:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	57,081	57,005	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	108,635	106,578	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	2,703,863	2,667,964	'	'
Ending balance	2,869,579	2,831,547	'	'
Commercial and Industrial [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	0	0	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	678	497	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	13,193	12,904	'	'
Balance, end of period	13,871	13,401	14,168	13,572
Total loans:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	6,190	3,480	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	6,833	7,043	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	619,066	590,181	'	'
Ending balance	632,089	600,704	'	'
Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	0	62	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	242	232	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	6,844	7,113	'	'
Balance, end of period	7,086	7,407	13,003	14,434
Total loans:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	2,881	3,440	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,761	1,474	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	116,595	116,748	'	'
Ending balance	121,237	121,662	'	'
One-to-Four-Family Residential [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	1,421	2,275	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	8,858	8,937	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	20,941	21,407	'	'
Balance, end of period	31,220	32,619	36,660	38,897
Total loans:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	10,515	12,276	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	94,734	93,301	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	805,264	815,911	'	'
Ending balance	910,513	921,488	'	'
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	808	1,034	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,534	1,404	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	2,927	2,811	'	'
Balance, end of period	5,269	5,249	4,202	4,252
Total loans:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	28,483	28,641	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	991	1,107	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	95,642	91,556	'	'
Ending balance	125,116	121,304	'	'
Commercial Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	301	385	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	693	605	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	21,049	21,062	'	'
Balance, end of period	22,043	22,052	19,720	20,048
Total loans:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	9,012	9,168	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	4,303	3,634	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,050,498	1,035,432	'	'
Ending balance	1,063,813	1,048,234	'	'
Consumer and installment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	0	0	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	0	0	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	342	305	'	'
Balance, end of period	342	305	417	399
Total loans:	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	0	0	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	13	19	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	16,798	18,136	'	'
Ending balance	$16,811	$18,155	'	'

Recovered_Sheet4

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Impaired financing receivable individually evaluated for impairment	$57,081,000	$57,005,000
Allowance allocated to troubled debt restructurings	14,535,000	15,431,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Impaired financing receivable individually evaluated for impairment	500,000	'
Troubled Debt Restructurings [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Allowance allocated to troubled debt restructurings	8,100,000	9,100,000
Impaired Loans [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, accumulated write-downs	54,800,000	54,900,000
Hamp Program [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings under HAMP Program	$75,700,000	$75,300,000

SERVICING_RIGHTS_Schedule_of_S

SERVICING RIGHTS (Schedule of Servicing Assets at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Mortgage Banking [Member]	'		'
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	$14,211		$9,152
Originated servicing rights	455		1,229
Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model	151	[1]	854	[1]
Other changes in fair value	-422	[2]	-583	[2]
Balance, end of period	14,395		10,652
SBA [Member]	'		'
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	4,643		5,640
Originated servicing rights	0		0
Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model	175	[1]	22	[1]
Other changes in fair value	-136	[2]	-139	[2]
Balance, end of period	$4,682		$5,523
[1]	The change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model primarily reflects the change in discount rates and prepayment speed assumptions, primarily due to changes in interest rates.
[2]	Other changes in fair value reflect changes due to the collection/realization of expected cash flows over time.

SERVICING_RIGHTS_Details_Textu

SERVICING RIGHTS (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Banking [Member]	'	'
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Servicing Portfolio	$1,310	$1,330
SBA [Member]	'	'
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Servicing Portfolio	$135.80	$139.10

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Schedul

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$48,337	$43,337
Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	20,537	14,237
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	27,800	29,100
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	346	513
Other Assets [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	332	217
Other Assets [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	$14	$296

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Schedul1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Location in Statements of Income) (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	$115	($722)
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	($282)	$240

SUBORDINATED_DEBENTURES_Detail

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 10, 2009
	trust		installment
	installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number Of Trusts Created For Issuing Trust Preferred Securities	13	'	'	'
Distributions Accrued On Junior Subordinated Debentures	$3,800,000	$3,700,000	'	'
Trust Preferred Securities	'	'	'	345,000,000
Number Of Quarterly Periods For Deferral Of Cash Interest Payments On Junior Subordinated Debt	'	'	18	'
Interest Paid	68,534,000	2,644,000	'	'
Regularly Scheduled Deferred Interest Payments Accrued [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest Payable	'	'	56,000,000	'
Additional Deferred Interest Payments Accrued [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest Payable	'	'	6,700,000	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends paid by First Bank to First Banks, Inc.	70,000,000	'	'	'
Subordinated Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest Paid	$66,400,000	'	'	'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Schedule_o

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$7,502	$45,259
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	4,453	-4,773
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-753	5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,700	-4,768
Balance, end of period	11,202	40,491
Investment Securities [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	10,151	35,186
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	4,432	-2,681
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-753	5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,679	-2,676
Balance, end of period	13,830	32,510
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	-2,649	-3,544
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	21	30
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	21	30
Balance, end of period	-2,628	-3,514
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	13,617
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	'	-2,122
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	-2,122
Balance, end of period	'	$11,495

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_Te

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2008	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	class	Preferred Class C [Member]	Preferred Class C [Member]	Preferred Class C [Member]	Preferred Class C D [Member]	Preferred Class C D [Member]	Preferred Class C D [Member]	Preferred Class C D [Member]	Preferred Class C D [Member]	Preferred Class C D [Member]
			Dividend Rate First Five Years [Member]	Dividend Rate After First Five Years [Member]			Regularly Scheduled Dividend Payments [Member]	Regularly Scheduled Dividend Payments [Member]	Cumulative Dividends On Unpaid Regular Dividends [Member]	Cumulative Dividends On Unpaid Regular Dividends [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of classes of preferred stock outstanding	4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, Class C dividend rate percentage, after first five years (increased effective February 15, 2014)	'	'	'	9.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, Class C dividend rate percentage, initial rate for first five years	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class C Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate Increase February 15, 2014	'	'Class C Preferred Stock carries an annual dividend rate equal to 5% for the first five years and the annual dividend rate increases to 9% per annum on and after February 15, 2014, payable quarterly in arrears beginning February 15, 2009.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends deferred and accrued on preferred stock	'	'	'	'	$77.80	$77.80	$68.40	$68.40	$9.40	$9.40
Dividends on preferred stock if the Company had continued to declare and accrue dividends	'	'	'	'	5.5	4.1	'	'	'	'
Dividends that would have been accrued and deferred as of the balance sheet date if the Company had continued to declare and accrue dividends	'	'	'	'	$87.40	'	'	'	'	'

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R2

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Schedule of Regulatory Capital ) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
First Banks, Inc. [Member]	'		'
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]	'		'
Total Capital	$425,829		$405,856
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	11.73%		11.13%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	8.00%		'
Tier One Capital	253,332		239,868
Tier One Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	6.98%		6.58%
Tier One Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%		'
Tier One Leverage Capital	253,332		239,868
Tier One Leverage Capital to Average Assets	4.51%		4.12%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%		'
First Bank [Member]	'		'
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]	'		'
Total Capital	679,594	[1]	734,535
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	18.70%	[1]	20.12%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	8.00%		'
Total Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	10.00%		'
Tier One Capital	633,700	[1]	688,427
Tier One Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	17.43%	[1]	18.86%
Tier One Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%		'
Tier One Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	6.00%		'
Tier One Leverage Capital	$633,700	[1]	$688,427
Tier One Leverage Capital to Average Assets	11.30%	[1]	11.77%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%		'
Tier One Leverage Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	5.00%		'
[1]	The reduction in First Bank's regulatory capital ratios during the first quarter of 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of a $70 million dividend to the Company, as further described below.

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R3

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Net deferred tax assets attributable to net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards as a percentage of total net deferred tax assets	88.00%
Parent Company [Member]	'
Cash dividends paid by First Bank to First Banks, Inc.	$70

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Schedul

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Schedule of Items Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$1,448,997	$1,656,660
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,294	6,641
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	195,094	275,899
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,003,445	1,105,787
Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	851	856
State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	31,340	31,557
Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	175,751	196,203
Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,691	1,443
Mortgage loans held for sale [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	21,402	25,548
Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	332	217
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	14	296
Servicing rights [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	19,077	18,854
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,294	6,641
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,691	1,443
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,294	6,641
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,691	1,443
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mortgage loans held for sale [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Servicing rights [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Nonqualified deferred compensation plan [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,294	6,641
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,428,229	1,636,363
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	195,094	275,899
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,003,445	1,105,787
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	851	856
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	31,340	31,557
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	175,751	196,203
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mortgage loans held for sale [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	21,402	25,548
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	332	217
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	14	296
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Servicing rights [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Nonqualified deferred compensation plan [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	19,077	18,854
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mortgage loans held for sale [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Servicing rights [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	19,077	18,854
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Nonqualified deferred compensation plan [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$0	$0

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Schedul1

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):	'		'
Included in earnings	($232)		$154
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Servicing Asset at Fair Value, Amount [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	18,854		14,792
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):	'		'
Included in earnings	-232	[1]	154	[1]
Included in other comprehensive income	0		0
Issuances	455		1,229
Transfers in and/or out of level 3	0		0
Balance, end of period	$19,077		$16,175
[1]	Gains or losses (realized/unrealized) are included in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Schedul2

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Schedule of Items Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$212,666	$214,854
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	12,345	10,026
Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	4,400	4,620
Residential mortgage [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	89,292	88,476
Home equity [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	5,678	5,889
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	27,132	27,310
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	12,321	11,812
Consumer and installment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	13	19
Other real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	61,485	66,702
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Residential mortgage [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Home equity [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Consumer and installment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Other real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential mortgage [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Home equity [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Consumer and installment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Other real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	212,666	214,854
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	12,345	10,026
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	4,400	4,620
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Residential mortgage [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	89,292	88,476
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Home equity [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	5,678	5,889
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	27,132	27,310
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	12,321	11,812
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Consumer and installment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	13	19
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$61,485	$66,702

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Estimat

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale	$1,408,172	$1,611,745
Held to maturity	704,977	719,183
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	341,235	190,435
Investment securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale	1,408,172	1,611,745
Held to maturity	704,977	719,183
Loans held for portfolio	2,683,895	2,562,160
Loans held for sale	21,402	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	32,148	27,357
Derivative instruments	346	513
Accrued interest receivable	16,087	17,798
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Noninterest-bearing demand	1,273,662	1,243,545
Interest-bearing demand	699,158	679,527
Savings and money market	1,841,905	1,844,710
Time deposits	1,027,869	1,046,485
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713	43,143
Accrued interest payable	656	63,341
Subordinated debentures	287,981	242,678
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	-2,715	-2,715
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	341,235	190,435
Investment securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale	1,691	1,443
Held to maturity	0	0
Loans held for portfolio	0	0
Loans held for sale	0	0
FRB and FHLB stock	32,148	27,357
Derivative instruments	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	16,087	17,798
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Noninterest-bearing demand	1,273,662	1,243,545
Interest-bearing demand	699,158	679,527
Savings and money market	1,841,905	1,844,710
Time deposits	0	0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713	43,143
Accrued interest payable	656	63,341
Subordinated debentures	0	0
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investment securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale	1,406,481	1,610,302
Held to maturity	704,977	719,183
Loans held for portfolio	0	0
Loans held for sale	21,402	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	0	0
Derivative instruments	346	513
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Noninterest-bearing demand	0	0
Interest-bearing demand	0	0
Savings and money market	0	0
Time deposits	0	0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Subordinated debentures	0	0
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investment securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale	0	0
Held to maturity	0	0
Loans held for portfolio	2,683,895	2,562,160
Loans held for sale	0	0
FRB and FHLB stock	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Noninterest-bearing demand	0	0
Interest-bearing demand	0	0
Savings and money market	0	0
Time deposits	1,027,869	1,046,485
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Subordinated debentures	287,981	242,678
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	-2,715	-2,715
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	341,235	190,435
Investment securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale	1,408,172	1,611,745
Held to maturity	718,672	740,186
Loans held for portfolio	2,789,748	2,750,514
Loans held for sale	21,402	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	32,148	27,357
Derivative instruments	346	513
Accrued interest receivable	16,087	17,798
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Noninterest-bearing demand	1,273,662	1,243,545
Interest-bearing demand	699,158	679,527
Savings and money market	1,841,905	1,844,710
Time deposits	1,027,706	1,046,113
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713	43,143
Accrued interest payable	656	63,341
Subordinated debentures	354,229	354,210
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	($2,715)	($2,715)

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Details

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Loans transferred to other real estate	$1,031	$2,474
Write-downs on other real estate	$97	$258

INCOME_TAXES_Schedule_of_Defer

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gross deferred tax assets	$375,092	$359,261
Unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	-879	0
Valuation allowance	-43,380	-43,380
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	330,833	315,881
Deferred tax liabilities	49,609	28,397
Net deferred tax assets	$281,224	$287,484

INCOME_TAXES_Details_Textual

INCOME TAXES (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Federal [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$565,900,000	$571,800,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	785,400,000	785,400,000
Deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carryforwards	$66,700,000	$66,600,000

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE2

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$5,405	$8,774
Preferred stock dividends declared	0	-4,881
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	0	-898
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	5,405	2,995
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	0	-2,064
Net income available to common stockholders	5,405	931
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	23,661	23,661
Basic earnings per common share - continuing operations	$228.43	$126.59
Basic loss per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($87.24)
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$228.43	$39.35
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	5,405	2,995
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	0	-2,064
Net Income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	5,405	931
Effect of dilutive Securities - Class A convertible preferred stock	0	0
Diluted income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$5,405	$931
Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	4,421	0
Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	28,082	23,661
Diluted earnings per common share - continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$192.46	$126.59
Diluted loss per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($87.24)
Diluted earnings per common share	$192.46	$39.35

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS_Sched

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS (Schedule of Business Segment Results) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities	$2,126,844	'	$2,351,931	'
Total loans	2,890,981	'	2,857,095	'
FRB and FHLB stock	32,148	'	27,357	'
Total assets	5,890,559	'	5,918,983	'
Deposits	4,842,431	'	4,813,895	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713	'	43,143	'
Subordinated debentures	354,229	'	354,210	'
Stockholders' equity	497,306	297,066	488,256	299,959
Interest income	42,189	43,986	'	'
Interest expense	5,849	6,149	'	'
Net interest income (loss)	36,340	37,837	'	'
Provision for loan losses	0	0	'	'
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	36,340	37,837	'	'
Noninterest income	14,675	15,395	'	'
Noninterest expense	42,748	44,047	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	8,267	9,185	'	'
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	2,917	365	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	5,350	8,820	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-2,064	'	'
Net income (loss)	5,350	6,756	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-55	46	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	5,405	6,710	'	'
First Bank [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities	2,126,844	'	2,351,931	'
Total loans	2,890,981	'	2,857,095	'
FRB and FHLB stock	32,148	'	27,357	'
Total assets	5,836,010	'	5,865,160	'
Deposits	4,849,783	'	4,815,792	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	36,713	'	43,143	'
Subordinated debentures	0	'	0	'
Stockholders' equity	872,845	'	931,561	'
Interest income	42,189	43,986	'	'
Interest expense	2,051	2,473	'	'
Net interest income (loss)	40,138	41,513	'	'
Provision for loan losses	0	0	'	'
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	40,138	41,513	'	'
Noninterest income	14,559	15,284	'	'
Noninterest expense	42,993	43,863	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	11,704	12,934	'	'
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,120	148	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	7,584	12,786	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-2,064	'	'
Net income (loss)	7,584	10,722	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-55	46	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	7,639	10,676	'	'
Corporate, Other and Intercompany Reclassifications [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities	0	'	0	'
Total loans	0	'	0	'
FRB and FHLB stock	0	'	0	'
Total assets	54,549	'	53,823	'
Deposits	-7,352	'	-1,897	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	'	0	'
Subordinated debentures	354,229	'	354,210	'
Stockholders' equity	-375,539	'	-443,305	'
Interest income	0	0	'	'
Interest expense	3,798	3,676	'	'
Net interest income (loss)	-3,798	-3,676	'	'
Provision for loan losses	0	0	'	'
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	-3,798	-3,676	'	'
Noninterest income	116	111	'	'
Noninterest expense	-245	184	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-3,437	-3,749	'	'
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-1,203	217	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-2,234	-3,966	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	'	'
Net income (loss)	-2,234	-3,966	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	0	0	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	($2,234)	($3,966)	'	'

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_RELATED_PART1

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (Details Textual) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 20, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

First Services L P [Member]

First Services L P [Member]

First Services L P [Member]

First Services L P [Member]

First Services L P [Member]

First Services L P [Member]

First Services L P [Member]

First Services L P [Member]

First Brokerage America L L C [Member]

First Brokerage America L L C [Member]

First Brokerage America L L C [Member]

First Brokerage America L L C [Member]

Dierbergs Markets Inc [Member]

Dierbergs Markets Inc [Member]

First Capital America Inc [Member]

First Bank [Member]

Investors Of America Limited Partnership [Member]

Investors Of America Limited Partnership [Member]

Investors Of America Limited Partnership [Member]

Directors Affliates and Executive Officers [Member]

Directors Affliates and Executive Officers [Member]

Affiliate Services Agreement [Member]

Affiliate Services Agreement [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Premises [Member]

Premises [Member]

Premises [Member]

Premises [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Service Fees Paid

$5,300,000

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Rental Payments

'

'

'

'

390,000

244,000

435,000

435,000

'

'

93,000

114,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fees Receivable

'

'

60,000

46,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commissions Received From Unaffliated Third Party Companies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,026,000

1,163,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

126,000

122,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46.77%

53.23%

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving Credit Note Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus 300 basis points

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13,100,000

$12,000,000