First Banks (FBSPRA) 10-Q 13 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 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	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_UN

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and due from banks	$91,877	$92,369
Short-term investments	171,589	98,066
Total cash and cash equivalents	263,466	190,435
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	1,461,552	1,611,745
Held to maturity (fair value of $658,343 and $719,183, respectively)	667,831	740,186
Total investment securities	2,129,383	2,351,931
Loans:	'	'
Commercial, financial and agricultural	645,862	600,704
Real estate construction and development	75,609	121,662
Real estate mortgage	2,213,321	2,091,026
Consumer and installment	16,840	18,681
Loans held for sale	28,866	25,548
Net deferred loan fees	-921	-526
Total loans	2,979,577	2,857,095
Allowance for loan losses	-74,694	-81,033
Net loans	2,904,883	2,776,062
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	30,623	27,357
Bank premises and equipment, net	122,080	124,328
Deferred income taxes	318,897	315,881
Other real estate	55,709	66,702
Other assets	61,774	66,287
Total assets	5,886,815	5,918,983
LIABILITIES	'	'
Noninterest-bearing demand	1,302,622	1,243,545
Interest-bearing demand	693,670	679,527
Savings and money market	1,883,993	1,844,710
Time deposits of $100 or more	352,323	389,056
Other time deposits	594,322	657,057
Total deposits	4,826,930	4,813,895
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682	43,143
Subordinated debentures	354,267	354,210
Deferred income taxes	44,067	28,397
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	110,176	191,082
Total liabilities	5,378,122	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	59,397	42,719
Accumulated other comprehensive income	11,347	7,502
Total First Banks, Inc. stockholders’ equity	414,945	394,422
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	93,748	93,834
Total stockholders’ equity	508,693	488,256
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,886,815	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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value (in dollars)	$658,343	$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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest income:	'	'	'	'
Interest and fees on loans	$29,437	$28,859	$88,698	$88,917
Investment securities	11,972	12,858	36,507	39,423
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	362	303	1,080	913
Short-term investments	174	346	436	831
Total interest income	41,945	42,366	126,721	130,084
Interest expense:	'	'	'	'
Interest-bearing demand	97	83	266	233
Savings and money market	822	675	2,335	1,942
Time deposits of $100 or more	471	529	1,440	1,758
Other time deposits	661	860	2,078	2,941
Other borrowings	-1	1	5	-11
Subordinated debentures	3,048	3,804	9,886	11,213
Total interest expense	5,098	5,952	16,010	18,076
Net interest income	36,847	36,414	110,711	112,008
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-5,000	0	-5,000	0
Net interest income after (benefit) provision for loan losses	41,847	36,414	115,711	112,008
Noninterest income:	'	'	'	'
Service charges on deposit accounts and customer service fees	8,948	8,788	25,948	25,709
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	1,393	1,314	3,812	4,439
Net (loss) gain on investment securities	-1	108	1,278	37
Net gain on sale of other real estate	148	795	1,282	4,819
(Decrease) increase in fair value of servicing rights	-501	283	-1,634	907
Loan servicing fees	1,627	1,740	5,002	5,233
Other	2,460	2,501	7,275	8,723
Total noninterest income	14,074	15,529	42,963	49,867
Noninterest expense:	'	'	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	20,922	19,777	61,187	58,973
Occupancy, net of rental income	5,809	5,602	17,072	17,371
Furniture and equipment	2,674	2,463	7,677	7,584
Postage, printing and supplies	558	533	1,751	1,872
Information technology fees	5,775	5,365	17,259	15,920
Legal, examination and professional fees	1,528	1,610	4,266	4,770
Advertising and business development	803	663	2,075	1,679
FDIC insurance	1,254	1,852	3,759	5,572
Write-downs and expenses on other real estate	2,068	1,966	3,406	4,736
Other	5,308	5,474	14,583	15,018
Total noninterest expense	46,699	45,305	133,035	133,495
Income from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	9,222	6,638	25,639	28,380
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,212	-65	9,047	-45
Net income from continuing operations, net of tax	6,010	6,703	16,592	28,425
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-881	0	-6,279
Net income	6,010	5,822	16,592	22,146
Less: net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-32	-38	-86	113
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	6,042	5,860	16,678	22,033
Preferred stock dividends declared	0	5,013	0	14,841
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	0	919	0	2,725
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$6,042	($72)	$16,678	$4,467
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$255.34	$34.19	$704.88	$454.17
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$222.43	$34.19	$604.22	$454.17
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$255.34	($3.04)	$704.88	$188.80
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$222.43	($3.04)	$604.22	$188.80
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	23,661	23,661	23,661	23,661

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	$6,010	$5,822	$16,592	$22,146
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax	-3,161	-896	5,742	-19,699
Reclassification adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities gains included in net income, net of tax	0	-60	-752	-246
Amortization of net unrealized gain associated with reclassification of available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities, net of tax	-405	-467	-1,208	-1,327
Amortization of net loss related to pension liability, net of tax	21	30	63	90
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on investment securities	0	-1,141	0	-17,056
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on pension liability	0	24	0	72
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-3,545	-2,510	3,845	-38,166
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,465	3,312	20,437	-16,020
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-32	-38	-86	113
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$2,497	$3,350	$20,523	($16,133)

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, beginning of period 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	22,146	'	'	'	22,033	'	113
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-38,166	'	'	'	'	-38,166	'
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	'	2,725	'	'	-2,725	'	'
Preferred stock dividends declared	-14,841	'	'	'	-14,841	'	'
Balance, end of period at Sep. 30, 2013	269,098	324,888	5,915	12,480	-175,046	7,093	93,768
Balance, beginning of period 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	16,592	'	'	'	16,678	'	-86
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,845	'	'	'	'	3,845	'
Balance, end of period at Sep. 30, 2014	$508,693	$325,806	$5,915	$12,480	$59,397	$11,347	$93,748

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$16,678	$22,033
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-86	113
Less: net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-6,279
Net income from continuing operations, net of tax	16,592	28,425
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization of bank premises and equipment	8,736	8,710
Amortization and accretion of investment securities	16,968	19,692
Originations of loans held for sale	-163,826	-233,259
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale	162,818	272,245
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-5,000	0
Provision (benefit) for current income taxes	655	-248
Provision for deferred income taxes	8,392	6,715
Decrease in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	0	-6,512
Decrease in accrued interest receivable	2,398	714
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable	-62,552	10,763
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	-3,812	-4,439
Net gain on investment securities	-1,278	-37
Decrease (increase) in fair value of servicing rights	1,634	-907
Write-downs on other real estate	1,814	2,230
Other operating activities, net	2,933	4,426
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities – continuing operations	-13,528	108,518
Net cash used in operating activities – discontinued operations	0	-5,422
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-13,528	103,096
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	-115,044
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale	166,320	143,675
Maturities of investment securities available for sale	137,444	314,707
Maturities of investment securities held to maturity	59,344	117,859
Purchases of investment securities available for sale	-147,180	-306,063
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity	-2,641	-21,473
Net (purchases) redemptions of Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	-3,266	192
Proceeds from sales of commercial loans	5,532	7,681
Purchase of one-to-four-family residential real estate loans	-52,658	0
Net (increase) decrease in loans	-92,715	43,401
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	10,582	13,469
Purchases of bank premises and equipment	-6,946	-4,882
Net proceeds from sales of other real estate	14,457	25,557
Other investing activities, net	1,179	3,601
Net cash provided by investing activities – continuing operations	73,985	222,680
Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations	0	2,168
Net cash provided by investing activities	73,985	224,848
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in deposits	13,035	-115,401
(Decrease) increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase	-461	11,052
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities – continuing operations	12,574	-104,349
Net cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations	0	-28,286
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,574	-132,635
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	73,031	195,309
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	190,435	518,846
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	263,466	714,155
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest on liabilities	78,562	7,313
Cash paid (received) for income taxes	448	-213
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	$5,239	$8,217

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 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, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 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, primarily 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.
	Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013						September 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Association Bank Services			Northern Florida	Total		Association Bank Services		Northern Florida		Total
	Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$	332		—	332		1,036		—		1,036
	Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	78			—	78		248		233		481
	Net interest income (loss)	254			—	254		788		(233	)	555
	Provision for loan losses	—			—	—		—		—		—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	254			—	254		788		(233	)	555
	Noninterest income:
	Service charges and customer service fees	17			—	17		74		134		208
	Other	28			—	28		81		4		85
	Total noninterest income	45			—	45		155		138		293
	Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits	753			—	753		2,209		885		3,094
	Occupancy, net of rental income	1			—	1		5		579		584
	Furniture and equipment	13			—	13		34		40		74
	FDIC insurance	194			—	194		603		53		656
	Other	233			—	233		675		2,452		3,127
	Total noninterest expense	1,194			—	1,194		3,526		4,009		7,535
	Loss from operations of discontinued operations	(895		)	—	(895	)	(2,583	)	(4,104	)	(6,687	)
	Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	—			14	14		—		408		408
	Benefit for income taxes	—			—	—		—		—		—
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(895	)	14	(881	)	(2,583	)	(3,696	)	(6,279	)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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
	(dollars in thousands)	or Less			Years		Years		10 Years			Gains		Losses		Value
	September 30, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	8,355		29,981		20,125		155,035		213,496	3,989		(292	)	217,193	1.33	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	270			65,773		43,199		914,904		1,024,146	14,034		(10,613	)	1,027,567	2.37
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			782		—		—		782	55		—		837	4.95
	State and political subdivisions	1,612			838		—		28,387		30,837	74		—		30,911	1.15
	Corporate notes	11,961			109,536		57,998		—		179,495	4,345		(505	)	183,335	2.81
	Equity investments	—			—		—		1,750		1,750	—		(41	)	1,709	2.1
	Total	$	22,198		206,910		121,322		1,100,076		1,450,506	22,497		(11,451	)	1,461,552	2.25
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	22,430		211,554		121,748		1,104,111
	Equity securities	—			—		—		1,709
	Total	$	22,430		211,554		121,748		1,105,820
	Weighted average yield	2.54		%	2.27	%	2.27	%	2.23	%
	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 September 30, 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
	(dollars in thousands)	or Less			Years		Years		10 Years			Gains		Losses		Value
	September 30, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		11,713		—		11,713	—		(77	)	11,636	1.22	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			133,567		52,574		467,145		653,286	1,247		(10,580	)	643,953	1.89
	State and political subdivisions	521			820		489		1,002		2,832	1		(79	)	2,754	1.84
	Total	$	521		134,387		64,776		468,147		667,831	1,248		(10,736	)	658,343	1.88
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	521		133,995		64,713		459,114
	Weighted average yield	2.62		%	1.88	%	1.12	%	1.98	%
	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 zero and $166.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to $25.1 million and $143.7 million for the comparable periods in 2013. Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$	—		110		2,010		802
	Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	—			—		(730	)	(354	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment	(1		)	(2	)	(2	)	(411	)
	Net realized (loss) gain on investment securities	$	(1	)	108		1,278		37
Other-than-temporary impairment for the nine months ended September 30, 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 $311.4 million and $283.7 million at September 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value			Unrealized		Fair Value		Unrealized		Fair Value	Unrealized
				Losses				Losses			Losses
September 30, 2014:
Available for sale:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	24,573		(273	)	14,707		(19	)	39,280	(292	)
Residential mortgage-backed	179,472			(1,076	)	259,445		(9,537	)	438,917	(10,613	)
Corporate notes	12,079			(421	)	9,916		(84	)	21,995	(505	)
Equity investments	1,709			(41	)	—		—		1,709	(41	)
Total	$	217,833		(1,811	)	284,068		(9,640	)	501,901	(11,451	)
Held to maturity:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	11,636		(77	)	—		—		11,636	(77	)
Residential mortgage-backed	179,822			(1,651	)	342,062		(8,929	)	521,884	(10,580	)
State and political subdivisions	512			(3	)	926		(76	)	1,438	(79	)
Total	$	191,970		(1,731	)	342,988		(9,005	)	534,958	(10,736	)
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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included 52 and 12 securities, respectively.

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	September 30,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	645,862			600,704
	Real estate construction and development	75,609				121,662
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	997,581				921,488
	Multi-family residential	126,310				121,304
	Commercial real estate	1,089,430				1,048,234
	Consumer and installment	16,840				18,681
	Loans held for sale	28,866				25,548
	Net deferred loan fees	(921		)		(526	)
	Total loans	$	2,979,577			2,857,095
	Aging of Loans. The following table presents the aging of loans by loan classification at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	30-59				60-89			Recorded			Nonaccrual			Total Past		Current		Total Loans
		Days				Days			Investment						Due
									> 90 Days
									Accruing
	September 30, 2014:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	506			661			197			11,508			12,872		632,990		645,862
	Real estate construction and development	—				178			—			4,191			4,369		71,240		75,609
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	3,770				1,320			252			15,326			20,668		600,629		621,297
	Home equity	1,087				123			320			6,979			8,509		367,775		376,284
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—			726			726		125,584		126,310
	Commercial real estate	916				51			—			9,127			10,094		1,079,336		1,089,430
	Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees	57				52			26			4			139		15,780		15,919
	Loans held for sale	—				—			—			—			—		28,866		28,866
	Total	$	6,336			2,385			795			47,861			57,377		2,922,200		2,979,577
	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 September 30, 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
	(dollars in thousands)	Industrial				and
						Development
	September 30, 2014:
	Pass	$	598,309			70,735			93,829			1,048,210			1,811,083
	Special mention	20,532				141			6,278			23,075			50,026
	Substandard	15,226				178			610			4,591			20,605
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	287				364			24,867			4,427			29,945
	Nonaccrual	11,508				4,191			726			9,127			25,552
	Total	$	645,862			75,609			126,310			1,089,430			1,937,211
	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 and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees			Total
Credit Exposure by Payment Activity					Equity
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2014:
Pass	$	523,867			367,775			15,781			907,423
Substandard	4,380				1,530			134			6,044
Performing troubled debt restructuring	77,724				—			—			77,724
Nonaccrual	15,326				6,979			4			22,309
Total	$	621,297			376,284			15,919			1,013,500
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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(dollars in thousands)	Recorded				Unpaid			Related			Average			Interest
	Investment				Principal			Allowance for			Recorded			Income
					Balance			Loan Losses			Investment			Recognized
September 30, 2014:
With No Related Allowance Recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	5,157			6,777			—			5,212			—
Real estate construction and development	2,869				12,389			—			2,890			—
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	—				—			—			—			—
Home equity	—				—			—			—			—
Multi-family residential	—				—			—			—			—
Commercial real estate	4,681				5,168			—			4,330			87
Consumer and installment	—				—			—			—			—
	12,707				24,334			—			12,432			87
With A Related Allowance Recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	6,638				20,579			598			6,708			2
Real estate construction and development	1,686				4,356			231			1,698			12
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	93,050				110,018			7,905			96,014			1,561
Home equity	6,979				7,898			1,396			7,112			—
Multi-family residential	25,593				28,602			3,188			27,737			857
Commercial real estate	8,873				11,356			2,162			8,209			20
Consumer and installment	4				4			—			12			—
	142,823				182,813			15,480			147,490			2,452
Total:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	11,795				27,356			598			11,920			2
Real estate construction and development	4,555				16,745			231			4,588			12
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	93,050				110,018			7,905			96,014			1,561
Home equity	6,979				7,898			1,396			7,112			—
Multi-family residential	25,593				28,602			3,188			27,737			857
Commercial real estate	13,554				16,524			2,162			12,539			107
Consumer and installment	4				4			—			12			—
	$	155,530			207,147			15,480			159,922			2,539
(dollars in thousands)	Recorded				Unpaid			Related			Average			Interest
	Investment				Principal			Allowance for			Recorded			Income
					Balance			Loan Losses			Investment			Recognized
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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded charge-offs of $51.6 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $73.4 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(dollars in thousands)	September 30,				December 31,
	2014				2013
Performing Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	287			—
Real estate construction and development	364				—
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	77,724				78,153
Multi-family residential	24,867				27,955
Commercial real estate	4,427				4,519
Total performing troubled debt restructurings	$	107,669			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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(dollars in thousands)	September 30,				December 31,
	2014				2013
Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	456			711
Real estate construction and development	3,479				3,605
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	4,145				6,266
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$	8,080			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 $8.6 million and $9.1 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
The following tables present loans classified as TDRs that were modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014										Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	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
Loan Modifications Classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	1		$	287			$	287			—		$	—		$	—
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	14		2,167				2,095				15		3,405			3,095
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014										Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	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
Loan Modifications Classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	1		$	287			$	287			2		$	246		$	201
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	41		6,214				5,429				35		8,275			7,637
The following tables present TDRs that defaulted within 12 months of modification during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2014						September 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Number of		Recorded				Number of		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment				Contracts		Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	—		$	—			1		$	156
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	2		183				1		110
	Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2014						September 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Number of		Recorded				Number of		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment				Contracts		Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	—		$	—			1		$	156
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	8		1,385				2		193
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,							September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013			2014			2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	78,018			85,633			81,033			91,602
Loans charged-off	(2,234		)		(7,040	)		(11,921	)		(20,794	)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	3,910				5,684			10,582			13,469
Net loan recoveries (charge-offs)	1,676				(1,356	)		(1,339	)		(7,325	)
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(5,000		)		—			(5,000	)		—
Balance, end of period	$	74,694			84,277			74,694			84,277
The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
(dollars in thousands)	Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-			Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
	and				Construction			Four-Family			Family			Real Estate		and
	Industrial				and			Residential			Residential					Installment
					Development
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,731			6,600			29,145			7,374			20,820		348		78,018
Charge-offs	(399		)		(2	)		(1,316	)		(71	)		(436	)	(10	)	(2,234	)
Recoveries	1,763				114			938			114			946		35		3,910
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(1,236		)		(3,979	)		335			340			(415	)	(45	)	(5,000	)
Ending balance	$	13,859			2,733			29,102			7,757			20,915		328		74,694
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,401			7,407			32,619			5,249			22,052		305		81,033
Charge-offs	(3,015		)		(67	)		(4,943	)		(3,155	)		(645	)	(96	)	(11,921	)
Recoveries	3,778				1,470			3,207			123			1,918		86		10,582
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(305		)		(6,077	)		(1,781	)		5,540			(2,410	)	33		(5,000	)
Ending balance	$	13,859			2,733			29,102			7,757			20,915		328		74,694
The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
(dollars in thousands)	Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-			Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
	and				Construction			Four-Family			Family			Real Estate		and
	Industrial				and			Residential			Residential					Installment
					Development
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,966			11,412			35,266			4,122			20,573		294		85,633
Charge-offs	(2,241		)		—			(2,256	)		—			(2,488	)	(55	)	(7,040	)
Recoveries	1,773				2,557			879			—			443		32		5,684
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	526				(4,967	)		824			39			3,551		27		—
Ending balance	$	14,024			9,002			34,713			4,161			22,079		298		84,277
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,572			14,434			38,897			4,252			20,048		399		91,602
Charge-offs	(3,927		)		(448	)		(10,983	)		(162	)		(5,121	)	(153	)	(20,794	)
Recoveries	3,863				4,273			3,398			141			1,683		111		13,469
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	516				(9,257	)		3,401			(70	)		5,469		(59	)	—
Ending balance	$	14,024			9,002			34,713			4,161			22,079		298		84,277
The following table represents a summary of the impairment method used by loan category at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(dollars in thousands)	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
September 30, 2014:
Allowance for loan losses:
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	—			—			1,198			1,891			1,475		—		4,564
Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	598				231			8,103			1,297			687		—		10,916
All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	13,261				2,502			19,801			4,569			18,753		328		59,214
Total allowance for loan losses	$	13,859			2,733			29,102			7,757			20,915		328		74,694
Loans:
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	5,512			2,869			8,764			24,900			9,176		—		51,221
Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	6,283				1,686			91,265			693			4,378		4		104,309
All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	634,067				71,054			897,552			100,717			1,075,876		15,915		2,795,181
Total loans	$	645,862			75,609			997,581			126,310			1,089,430		15,919		2,950,711
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Servicing Asset [Abstract]	'
SERVICING RIGHTS	'
	SERVICING RIGHTS
	Mortgage Banking Activities. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company serviced mortgage loans for others totaling $1.35 billion and $1.33 billion, respectively. Changes in mortgage servicing rights for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	14,103		12,341		14,211		9,152
	Originated mortgage servicing rights	770			942		1,802		3,059
	Purchased mortgage servicing rights	53			—		84		—
	Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model (1)	124			1,160		(185	)	3,467
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(432		)	(593	)	(1,294	)	(1,828	)
	Balance, end of period	$	14,618		13,850		14,618		13,850
	____________________
	-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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company serviced United States Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for others totaling $119.8 million and $139.1 million, respectively. Changes in SBA servicing rights for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	4,681		5,192		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)	107			(127	)	458		(163	)
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(300		)	(157	)	(613	)	(569	)
	Balance, end of period	$	4,488		4,908		4,488		4,908
	____________________
	-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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)						Derivatives in Other Assets
		Notional Amount					Fair Value Gain (Loss)
		September 30,			December 31, 2013		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014					2014
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	$	17,800		14,237		378		217
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	33,200			29,100		(150	)	296
	Total	$	51,000		43,337		228		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 December 2014.
	The following table summarizes amounts included in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 related to non-hedging derivative instruments:
	(dollars in thousands)		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
			in Operations on Derivatives	in Operations on Derivatives
				Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
				September 30,					September 30,
				2014			2013		2014		2013
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments		Gain on loans sold and held for sale	$	(157	)	675		161		(1,094	)
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities		Gain on loans sold and held for sale	291			(3,115	)	(446	)	(332	)

SUBORDINATED_DEBENTURES

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subordinated Borrowings [Abstract]	'
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES	'
	SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
	As of September 30, 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 $3.0 million and $9.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $3.8 million and $11.2 million for the comparable periods in 2013, 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 a deferral period, the respective trusts suspend the declaration and payment of dividends on the trust preferred securities.
	During a 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 previous Written Agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRB), which was terminated on May 19, 2014, 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 under the then-existing Written Agreement, 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. 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. Since that time, the Company has continued to pay interest on its junior subordinated debentures to the respective trustees on the regularly scheduled quarterly payment dates. Such interest payments have been funded through additional dividends from First Bank.
	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. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and has accrued an additional $9.4 million of cumulative dividends on such deferred dividend payments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. As such, the aggregate amount of these deferred and accrued dividend payments was $77.8 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	The Company ceased declaring dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock during the fourth quarter of 2013. 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 accrue dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock during the fourth quarter of 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company would have accrued an additional $4.1 million and $23.8 million, respectively, of dividend payments, and the Company's aggregate deferred and accrued dividend payments would have been $105.7 million at September 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Total
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	17,499		(2,607	)	14,892
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,566		)	21		(3,545	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		—
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,566		)	21		(3,545	)
	Balance, end of period	$	13,933		(2,586	)	11,347
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	10,151		(2,649	)	7,502
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,534			63		4,597
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(752		)	—		(752	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income	3,782			63		3,845
	Balance, end of period	$	13,933		(2,586	)	11,347
	The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance		Total
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	15,337		(3,484	)	(2,250	)	9,603
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,363		)	30		(1,117	)	(2,450	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(60		)	—		—		(60	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,423		)	30		(1,117	)	(2,510	)
	Balance, end of period	$	13,914		(3,454	)	(3,367	)	7,093
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	35,186		(3,544	)	13,617		45,259
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(21,026		)	90		(16,984	)	(37,920	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(246		)	—		—		(246	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(21,272		)	90		(16,984	)	(38,166	)
	Balance, end of period	$	13,914		(3,454	)	(3,367	)	7,093

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013						Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
	Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	$	458,806	12.39	%	$	405,856	11.13	%	8	%	N/A
	First Bank (1)	687,643		18.56		734,535		20.12		8		10	%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	274,767		7.42		239,868		6.58		4		N/A
	First Bank (1)	640,940		17.3		688,427		18.86		4		6
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	274,767		4.86		239,868		4.12		4		N/A
	First Bank (1)	640,940		11.37		688,427		11.77		4		5
	____________________
	-1	The reduction in First Bank's regulatory capital ratios during the first nine months of 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of a $70 million dividend to the Company in February 2014, as further described below.
	Regulatory Agreements. On May 19, 2014, the FRB terminated the Written Agreement (Written Agreement), dated March 24, 2010, by and among the Company, SFC, First Bank and the FRB. The Written Agreement previously required the Company and First Bank to take certain steps intended to improve their overall financial condition, as previously described in "Item 1. – Business – Supervision and Regulation —Regulatory Agreements" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013. Pursuant to the Written 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 Written Agreement required, among other things, that the Company and First Bank obtain prior approval from the FRB to pay dividends. In addition, the Company was required to 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 had complete discretion to grant any such approval. On January 31, 2014, the Company received regulatory approval from the FRB under the former Written Agreement, 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 subsequently paid interest on the junior subordinated debentures of $66.4 million, as further described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
	On May 19, 2014, the Company and its Board of Directors entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FRB. The MOU is characterized by regulatory authorities as an informal action that is neither published nor made publicly available by the FRB and is used when circumstances warrant a milder form of action than a formal supervisory action. Under the terms of the MOU, the Company agreed, among other things, to provide certain information to the FRB including, but not limited to, progress of achieving its Capital Plan, notice of plans to materially change its Capital Plan, parent company cash flow plans and summaries of nonperforming asset classifications. In addition, the Company agreed not to do any of the following without the prior approval of the FRB: (i) declare or pay any dividends on its common or preferred stock; (ii) incur or guarantee any debt; (iii) redeem any of the Company's outstanding common or preferred stock; and (iv) cause First Bank to pay dividends in excess of its earnings or make a capital distribution that would cause First Bank's Tier 1 Leverage Ratio to fall below 9.0%. The FRB has complete discretion to grant any such approval and therefore, it is not known whether the FRB would approve any such request.
	While the Company intends to take such actions as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the MOU with the FRB, there can be no assurance that such efforts will not have adverse effects on the operations and financial condition of the Company or First Bank. If the Company fails to comply with the terms of the MOU, further enforcement action could be taken by the FRB which 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 (unless a waiver is granted by the Federal Reserve); and (2) making certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers (unless a waiver is granted by the Federal Reserve). In addition, such institutions may be precluded from making interest payments on trust preferred securities (unless the non-payment of interest would otherwise trigger an event of default or a waiver is granted by the Federal Reserve). 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 September 30, 2014, are scheduled to be phased out entirely from inclusion in the calculation of common equity Tier 1 capital in 2019. The Company is continuing to evaluate 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 may preclude the Company from making 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 and it is not known whether the Federal Reserve would grant such a waiver.

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
	(dollars in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	September 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Available-for-sale investment securities:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		217,193		—		217,193
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			1,027,567		—		1,027,567
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			837		—		837
	State and political subdivisions	—			30,911		—		30,911
	Corporate notes	—			183,335		—		183,335
	Equity investments	1,709			—		—		1,709
	Mortgage loans held for sale	—			28,866		—		28,866
	Derivative instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	—			378		—		378
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	—			(150	)	—		(150	)
	Servicing rights	—			—		19,106		19,106
	Total	$	1,709		1,488,937		19,106		1,509,752
	Liabilities:
	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	$	6,575		—		—		6,575
	Total	$	6,575		—		—		6,575
	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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets measured on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Servicing Rights
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	18,784		17,533		18,854		14,792
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings (1)	(501		)	283		(1,634	)	907
	Included in other comprehensive income	—			—		—		—
	Issuances	770			942		1,802		3,059
Purchases	53			—		84		—
Transfers in and/or out of level 3	—			—		—		—
Balance, end of period	$	19,106		18,758		19,106		18,758
____________________
-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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
	Fair Value Measurements
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
September 30, 2014:
Assets:
Impaired loans	$	—		—		140,050		140,050
Other real estate	—			—		55,709		55,709
Total	$	—		—		195,759		195,759
December 31, 2013:
Assets:
Impaired loans	$	—		—		148,152		148,152
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 $5.2 million and $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 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 $1.6 million and $1.8 million to noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to $1.4 million and $2.2 million for the comparable periods in 2013.
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 September 30, 2014 was as follows:
	September 30, 2014
	Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
(dollars in thousands)	Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	263,466		263,466		—		—		263,466
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,461,552			1,709		1,459,843		—		1,461,552
Held to maturity	667,831			—		658,343		—		658,343
Loans held for portfolio	2,876,017			—		—		2,768,334		2,768,334
Loans held for sale	28,866			—		28,866		—		28,866
FRB and FHLB stock	30,623			30,623		—		—		30,623
Derivative instruments	228			—		228		—		228
Accrued interest receivable	15,400			15,400		—		—		15,400
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	$	4,826,930		3,880,285		—		945,991		4,826,276
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682			42,682		—		—		42,682
Accrued interest payable	789			789		—		—		789
Subordinated debentures	354,267			—		—		302,041		302,041
Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$	2,430		—		—		2,430		2,430
The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	December 31, 2013
	Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
(dollars in thousands)	Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
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	$	4,813,895		3,767,782		—		1,046,485		4,814,267
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
Liability for 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 carryforwards, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Gross deferred tax assets	$	363,148		359,261
	Unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	(871		)	—
	Valuation allowance	(43,380		)	(43,380	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	318,897			315,881
	Deferred tax liabilities	44,067			28,397
	Net deferred tax assets	$	274,830		287,484
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, for federal income tax purposes, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $545.5 million and $571.8 million, respectively. For state income tax purposes, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $792.9 million and $785.4 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and a related deferred tax asset of $66.9 million and $66.6 million, respectively.

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)	2014		2013		2014	2013
	Basic:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	6,042	6,741		16,678	28,312
	Preferred stock dividends declared	—		(5,013	)	—	(14,841	)
	Accretion of discount on preferred stock	—		(919	)	—	(2,725	)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	6,042		809		16,678	10,746
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		(881	)	—	(6,279	)
	Net income (loss) available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	6,042	(72	)	16,678	4,467
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661		23,661	23,661
	Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	255.34	34.19		704.88	454.17
	Basic loss per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	(37.23	)	—	(265.37	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	255.34	(3.04	)	704.88	188.8
	Diluted:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	6,042	809		16,678	10,746
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		(881	)	—	(6,279	)
	Net income (loss) available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	6,042		(72	)	16,678	4,467
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	—		—		—	—
	Diluted income (loss) available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	6,042	(72	)	16,678	4,467
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661		23,661	23,661
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	3,501		—		3,942	—
	Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding	27,162		23,661		27,603	23,661
	Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	222.43	34.19		604.22	454.17
	Diluted loss per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	(37.23	)	—	(265.37	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	222.43	(3.04	)	604.22	188.8

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 client groups, including packaged accounts for more affluent clients, and sweep accounts, lock-box deposits and cash management products for commercial clients. 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 clients 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
	(dollars in thousands)	September 30,			December 31,		September 30,		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
		2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Balance sheet information:
	Investment securities	$	2,129,383		2,351,931		—		—		2,129,383		2,351,931
	Total loans	2,979,577			2,857,095		—		—		2,979,577		2,857,095
	FRB and FHLB stock	30,623			27,357		—		—		30,623		27,357
	Total assets	5,834,780			5,865,160		52,035		53,823		5,886,815		5,918,983
	Deposits	4,843,161			4,815,792		(16,231	)	(1,897	)	4,826,930		4,813,895
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682			43,143		—		—		42,682		43,143
	Subordinated debentures	—			—		354,267		354,210		354,267		354,210
	Stockholders’ equity	875,145			931,561		(366,452	)	(443,305	)	508,693		488,256
		First Bank					Corporate, Other and				Consolidated Totals
							Intercompany
							Reclassifications
		Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,				September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income statement information:
	Interest income	$	41,945		42,366		—		—		41,945		42,366
	Interest expense	2,056			2,149		3,042		3,803		5,098		5,952
	Net interest income (loss)	39,889			40,217		(3,042	)	(3,803	)	36,847		36,414
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(5,000		)	—		—		—		(5,000	)	—
	Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	44,889			40,217		(3,042	)	(3,803	)	41,847		36,414
	Noninterest income	13,982			15,414		92		115		14,074		15,529
	Noninterest expense	46,551			44,994		148		311		46,699		45,305
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	12,320			10,637		(3,098	)	(3,999	)	9,222		6,638
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,296			(64	)	(1,084	)	(1	)	3,212		(65	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	8,024			10,701		(2,014	)	(3,998	)	6,010		6,703
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(881	)	—		—		—		(881	)
	Net income (loss)	8,024			9,820		(2,014	)	(3,998	)	6,010		5,822
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(32		)	(38	)	—		—		(32	)	(38	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	8,056		9,858		(2,014	)	(3,998	)	6,042		5,860
		First Bank					Corporate, Other and				Consolidated Totals
							Intercompany
							Reclassifications
		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,				September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income statement information:
	Interest income	$	126,691		130,084		30		—		126,721		130,084
	Interest expense	6,148			6,866		9,862		11,210		16,010		18,076
	Net interest income (loss)	120,543			123,218		(9,832	)	(11,210	)	110,711		112,008
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(5,000		)	—		—		—		(5,000	)	—
	Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	125,543			123,218		(9,832	)	(11,210	)	115,711		112,008
	Noninterest income	42,665			49,529		298		338		42,963		49,867
	Noninterest expense	133,151			132,882		(116	)	613		133,035		133,495
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	35,057			39,865		(9,418	)	(11,485	)	25,639		28,380
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	10,317			(44	)	(1,270	)	(1	)	9,047		(45	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	24,740			39,909		(8,148	)	(11,484	)	16,592		28,425
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(6,279	)	—		—		—		(6,279	)
	Net income (loss)	24,740			33,630		(8,148	)	(11,484	)	16,592		22,146
	Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(86		)	113		—		—		(86	)	113
	Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	24,826		33,517		(8,148	)	(11,484	)	16,678		22,033

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_RELATED_PART

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director 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 $5.4 million and $16.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $5.1 million and $15.0 million for the comparable periods in 2013. 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 $403,000 and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $283,000 and $820,000 for the comparable periods in 2013. In addition, First Services paid $435,000 and $1.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $435,000 and $1.3 million for the comparable periods in 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 $180,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $46,000 and $137,000 for the comparable periods in 2013.
	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, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director of the Company, received approximately $1.2 million and $3.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $943,000 and $3.4 million for the comparable periods in 2013, in gross commissions paid by unaffiliated third-party companies. The commissions received primarily resulted from sales of annuities, securities and other insurance products to clients of First Bank. First Brokerage paid approximately $113,000 and $355,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $98,000 and $343,000 for the comparable periods in 2013, 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 $378,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $124,000 and $368,000 for the comparable periods in 2013.
	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, including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director of the Company, owned the remaining 46.77% of FB Holdings as of September 30, 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, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director 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 $14.9 million and $12.0 million at September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 entered into an MOU with the FRB, dated May 19, 2014. Additionally, on May 19, 2014, the FRB terminated the Written Agreement, dated March 24, 2010, by and among the Company, SFC, First Bank and the FRB. These agreements are further described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statements [Table Text Block]	'
	Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013						September 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Association Bank Services			Northern Florida	Total		Association Bank Services		Northern Florida		Total
	Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$	332		—	332		1,036		—		1,036
	Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	78			—	78		248		233		481
	Net interest income (loss)	254			—	254		788		(233	)	555
	Provision for loan losses	—			—	—		—		—		—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	254			—	254		788		(233	)	555
	Noninterest income:
	Service charges and customer service fees	17			—	17		74		134		208
	Other	28			—	28		81		4		85
	Total noninterest income	45			—	45		155		138		293
	Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits	753			—	753		2,209		885		3,094
	Occupancy, net of rental income	1			—	1		5		579		584
	Furniture and equipment	13			—	13		34		40		74
	FDIC insurance	194			—	194		603		53		656
	Other	233			—	233		675		2,452		3,127
	Total noninterest expense	1,194			—	1,194		3,526		4,009		7,535
	Loss from operations of discontinued operations	(895		)	—	(895	)	(2,583	)	(4,104	)	(6,687	)
	Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	—			14	14		—		408		408
	Benefit for income taxes	—			—	—		—		—		—
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(895	)	14	(881	)	(2,583	)	(3,696	)	(6,279	)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY1

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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
	(dollars in thousands)	or Less			Years		Years		10 Years			Gains		Losses		Value
	September 30, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	8,355		29,981		20,125		155,035		213,496	3,989		(292	)	217,193	1.33	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	270			65,773		43,199		914,904		1,024,146	14,034		(10,613	)	1,027,567	2.37
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			782		—		—		782	55		—		837	4.95
	State and political subdivisions	1,612			838		—		28,387		30,837	74		—		30,911	1.15
	Corporate notes	11,961			109,536		57,998		—		179,495	4,345		(505	)	183,335	2.81
	Equity investments	—			—		—		1,750		1,750	—		(41	)	1,709	2.1
	Total	$	22,198		206,910		121,322		1,100,076		1,450,506	22,497		(11,451	)	1,461,552	2.25
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	22,430		211,554		121,748		1,104,111
	Equity securities	—			—		—		1,709
	Total	$	22,430		211,554		121,748		1,105,820
	Weighted average yield	2.54		%	2.27	%	2.27	%	2.23	%
	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 September 30, 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
	(dollars in thousands)	or Less			Years		Years		10 Years			Gains		Losses		Value
	September 30, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		11,713		—		11,713	—		(77	)	11,636	1.22	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			133,567		52,574		467,145		653,286	1,247		(10,580	)	643,953	1.89
	State and political subdivisions	521			820		489		1,002		2,832	1		(79	)	2,754	1.84
	Total	$	521		134,387		64,776		468,147		667,831	1,248		(10,736	)	658,343	1.88
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	521		133,995		64,713		459,114
	Weighted average yield	2.62		%	1.88	%	1.12	%	1.98	%
	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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$	—		110		2,010		802
	Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	—			—		(730	)	(354	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment	(1		)	(2	)	(2	)	(411	)
	Net realized (loss) gain on investment securities	$	(1	)	108		1,278		37
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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More				Total
	(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value			Unrealized		Fair Value		Unrealized		Fair Value	Unrealized
					Losses				Losses			Losses
	September 30, 2014:
	Available for sale:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	24,573		(273	)	14,707		(19	)	39,280	(292	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	179,472			(1,076	)	259,445		(9,537	)	438,917	(10,613	)
	Corporate notes	12,079			(421	)	9,916		(84	)	21,995	(505	)
	Equity investments	1,709			(41	)	—		—		1,709	(41	)
	Total	$	217,833		(1,811	)	284,068		(9,640	)	501,901	(11,451	)
	Held to maturity:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	11,636		(77	)	—		—		11,636	(77	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	179,822			(1,651	)	342,062		(8,929	)	521,884	(10,580	)
	State and political subdivisions	512			(3	)	926		(76	)	1,438	(79	)
	Total	$	191,970		(1,731	)	342,988		(9,005	)	534,958	(10,736	)
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	September 30,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	645,862			600,704
	Real estate construction and development	75,609				121,662
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	997,581				921,488
	Multi-family residential	126,310				121,304
	Commercial real estate	1,089,430				1,048,234
	Consumer and installment	16,840				18,681
	Loans held for sale	28,866				25,548
	Net deferred loan fees	(921		)		(526	)
	Total loans	$	2,979,577			2,857,095
Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the aging of loans by loan classification at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	30-59				60-89			Recorded			Nonaccrual			Total Past		Current		Total Loans
		Days				Days			Investment						Due
									> 90 Days
									Accruing
	September 30, 2014:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	506			661			197			11,508			12,872		632,990		645,862
	Real estate construction and development	—				178			—			4,191			4,369		71,240		75,609
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	3,770				1,320			252			15,326			20,668		600,629		621,297
	Home equity	1,087				123			320			6,979			8,509		367,775		376,284
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—			726			726		125,584		126,310
	Commercial real estate	916				51			—			9,127			10,094		1,079,336		1,089,430
	Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees	57				52			26			4			139		15,780		15,919
	Loans held for sale	—				—			—			—			—		28,866		28,866
	Total	$	6,336			2,385			795			47,861			57,377		2,922,200		2,979,577
	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 September 30, 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
	(dollars in thousands)	Industrial				and
						Development
	September 30, 2014:
	Pass	$	598,309			70,735			93,829			1,048,210			1,811,083
	Special mention	20,532				141			6,278			23,075			50,026
	Substandard	15,226				178			610			4,591			20,605
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	287				364			24,867			4,427			29,945
	Nonaccrual	11,508				4,191			726			9,127			25,552
	Total	$	645,862			75,609			126,310			1,089,430			1,937,211
	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 and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees			Total
	Credit Exposure by Payment Activity					Equity
	(dollars in thousands)
	September 30, 2014:
	Pass	$	523,867			367,775			15,781			907,423
	Substandard	4,380				1,530			134			6,044
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	77,724				—			—			77,724
	Nonaccrual	15,326				6,979			4			22,309
	Total	$	621,297			376,284			15,919			1,013,500
	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	Recorded				Unpaid			Related			Average			Interest
		Investment				Principal			Allowance for			Recorded			Income
						Balance			Loan Losses			Investment			Recognized
	September 30, 2014:
	With No Related Allowance Recorded:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	5,157			6,777			—			5,212			—
	Real estate construction and development	2,869				12,389			—			2,890			—
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	—				—			—			—			—
	Home equity	—				—			—			—			—
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—			—			—
	Commercial real estate	4,681				5,168			—			4,330			87
	Consumer and installment	—				—			—			—			—
		12,707				24,334			—			12,432			87
	With A Related Allowance Recorded:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	6,638				20,579			598			6,708			2
	Real estate construction and development	1,686				4,356			231			1,698			12
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	93,050				110,018			7,905			96,014			1,561
	Home equity	6,979				7,898			1,396			7,112			—
	Multi-family residential	25,593				28,602			3,188			27,737			857
	Commercial real estate	8,873				11,356			2,162			8,209			20
	Consumer and installment	4				4			—			12			—
		142,823				182,813			15,480			147,490			2,452
	Total:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	11,795				27,356			598			11,920			2
	Real estate construction and development	4,555				16,745			231			4,588			12
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	93,050				110,018			7,905			96,014			1,561
	Home equity	6,979				7,898			1,396			7,112			—
	Multi-family residential	25,593				28,602			3,188			27,737			857
	Commercial real estate	13,554				16,524			2,162			12,539			107
	Consumer and installment	4				4			—			12			—
		$	155,530			207,147			15,480			159,922			2,539
	(dollars in thousands)	Recorded				Unpaid			Related			Average			Interest
		Investment				Principal			Allowance for			Recorded			Income
						Balance			Loan Losses			Investment			Recognized
	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	September 30,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Performing Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	287			—
	Real estate construction and development	364				—
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	77,724				78,153
	Multi-family residential	24,867				27,955
	Commercial real estate	4,427				4,519
	Total performing troubled debt restructurings	$	107,669			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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	September 30,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	456			711
	Real estate construction and development	3,479				3,605
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	4,145				6,266
	Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$	8,080			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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014										Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	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
	Loan Modifications Classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	1		$	287			$	287			—		$	—		$	—
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	14		2,167				2,095				15		3,405			3,095
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014										Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	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
	Loan Modifications Classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	1		$	287			$	287			2		$	246		$	201
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	41		6,214				5,429				35		8,275			7,637
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		September 30, 2014						September 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Number of		Recorded				Number of		Recorded
		Contracts		Investment				Contracts		Investment
	Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	—		$	—			1		$	156
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	2		183				1		110
		Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014						September 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Number of		Recorded				Number of		Recorded
		Contracts		Investment				Contracts		Investment
	Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	—		$	—			1		$	156
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	8		1,385				2		193
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013			2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	78,018			85,633			81,033			91,602
	Loans charged-off	(2,234		)		(7,040	)		(11,921	)		(20,794	)
	Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	3,910				5,684			10,582			13,469
	Net loan recoveries (charge-offs)	1,676				(1,356	)		(1,339	)		(7,325	)
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(5,000		)		—			(5,000	)		—
	Balance, end of period	$	74,694			84,277			74,694			84,277
	The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-			Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
		and				Construction			Four-Family			Family			Real Estate		and
		Industrial				and			Residential			Residential					Installment
						Development
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Beginning balance	$	13,731			6,600			29,145			7,374			20,820		348		78,018
	Charge-offs	(399		)		(2	)		(1,316	)		(71	)		(436	)	(10	)	(2,234	)
	Recoveries	1,763				114			938			114			946		35		3,910
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(1,236		)		(3,979	)		335			340			(415	)	(45	)	(5,000	)
	Ending balance	$	13,859			2,733			29,102			7,757			20,915		328		74,694
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Beginning balance	$	13,401			7,407			32,619			5,249			22,052		305		81,033
	Charge-offs	(3,015		)		(67	)		(4,943	)		(3,155	)		(645	)	(96	)	(11,921	)
	Recoveries	3,778				1,470			3,207			123			1,918		86		10,582
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(305		)		(6,077	)		(1,781	)		5,540			(2,410	)	33		(5,000	)
	Ending balance	$	13,859			2,733			29,102			7,757			20,915		328		74,694
	The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	Commercial				Real Estate			One-to-			Multi-			Commercial		Consumer		Total
		and				Construction			Four-Family			Family			Real Estate		and
		Industrial				and			Residential			Residential					Installment
						Development
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Beginning balance	$	13,966			11,412			35,266			4,122			20,573		294		85,633
	Charge-offs	(2,241		)		—			(2,256	)		—			(2,488	)	(55	)	(7,040	)
	Recoveries	1,773				2,557			879			—			443		32		5,684
	Provision (benefit) for loan losses	526				(4,967	)		824			39			3,551		27		—
	Ending balance	$	14,024			9,002			34,713			4,161			22,079		298		84,277
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Beginning balance	$	13,572			14,434			38,897			4,252			20,048		399		91,602
	Charge-offs	(3,927		)		(448	)		(10,983	)		(162	)		(5,121	)	(153	)	(20,794	)
	Recoveries	3,863				4,273			3,398			141			1,683		111		13,469
	Provision (benefit) for loan losses	516				(9,257	)		3,401			(70	)		5,469		(59	)	—
	Ending balance	$	14,024			9,002			34,713			4,161			22,079		298		84,277
Impairment Method by Loan Category [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table represents a summary of the impairment method used by loan category at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	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
	September 30, 2014:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	—			—			1,198			1,891			1,475		—		4,564
	Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	598				231			8,103			1,297			687		—		10,916
	All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	13,261				2,502			19,801			4,569			18,753		328		59,214
	Total allowance for loan losses	$	13,859			2,733			29,102			7,757			20,915		328		74,694
	Loans:
	Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	5,512			2,869			8,764			24,900			9,176		—		51,221
	Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	6,283				1,686			91,265			693			4,378		4		104,309
	All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	634,067				71,054			897,552			100,717			1,075,876		15,915		2,795,181
	Total loans	$	645,862			75,609			997,581			126,310			1,089,430		15,919		2,950,711
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	14,103		12,341		14,211		9,152
	Originated mortgage servicing rights	770			942		1,802		3,059
	Purchased mortgage servicing rights	53			—		84		—
	Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model (1)	124			1,160		(185	)	3,467
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(432		)	(593	)	(1,294	)	(1,828	)
	Balance, end of period	$	14,618		13,850		14,618		13,850
	____________________
	-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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	4,681		5,192		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)	107			(127	)	458		(163	)
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(300		)	(157	)	(613	)	(569	)
	Balance, end of period	$	4,488		4,908		4,488		4,908
	____________________
	-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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)						Derivatives in Other Assets
		Notional Amount					Fair Value Gain (Loss)
		September 30,			December 31, 2013		September 30,		December 31, 2013
		2014					2014
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	$	17,800		14,237		378		217
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	33,200			29,100		(150	)	296
	Total	$	51,000		43,337		228		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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 related to non-hedging derivative instruments:
	(dollars in thousands)		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
			in Operations on Derivatives	in Operations on Derivatives
				Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
				September 30,					September 30,
				2014			2013		2014		2013
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments		Gain on loans sold and held for sale	$	(157	)	675		161		(1,094	)
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities		Gain on loans sold and held for sale	291			(3,115	)	(446	)	(332	)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Total
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	17,499		(2,607	)	14,892
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,566		)	21		(3,545	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		—
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,566		)	21		(3,545	)
	Balance, end of period	$	13,933		(2,586	)	11,347
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	10,151		(2,649	)	7,502
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,534			63		4,597
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(752		)	—		(752	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income	3,782			63		3,845
	Balance, end of period	$	13,933		(2,586	)	11,347
	The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance		Total
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	15,337		(3,484	)	(2,250	)	9,603
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,363		)	30		(1,117	)	(2,450	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(60		)	—		—		(60	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,423		)	30		(1,117	)	(2,510	)
	Balance, end of period	$	13,914		(3,454	)	(3,367	)	7,093
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	35,186		(3,544	)	13,617		45,259
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(21,026		)	90		(16,984	)	(37,920	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(246		)	—		—		(246	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(21,272		)	90		(16,984	)	(38,166	)
	Balance, end of period	$	13,914		(3,454	)	(3,367	)	7,093

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R1

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Table Text Block]	'
	At September 30, 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
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013						Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
	Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	$	458,806	12.39	%	$	405,856	11.13	%	8	%	N/A
	First Bank (1)	687,643		18.56		734,535		20.12		8		10	%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	274,767		7.42		239,868		6.58		4		N/A
	First Bank (1)	640,940		17.3		688,427		18.86		4		6
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	274,767		4.86		239,868		4.12		4		N/A
	First Bank (1)	640,940		11.37		688,427		11.77		4		5
	____________________
	-1	The reduction in First Bank's regulatory capital ratios during the first nine months of 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of a $70 million dividend to the Company in February 2014, as further described below.

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Tables

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
	(dollars in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	September 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Available-for-sale investment securities:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		217,193		—		217,193
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			1,027,567		—		1,027,567
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			837		—		837
	State and political subdivisions	—			30,911		—		30,911
	Corporate notes	—			183,335		—		183,335
	Equity investments	1,709			—		—		1,709
	Mortgage loans held for sale	—			28,866		—		28,866
	Derivative instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	—			378		—		378
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	—			(150	)	—		(150	)
	Servicing rights	—			—		19,106		19,106
	Total	$	1,709		1,488,937		19,106		1,509,752
	Liabilities:
	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	$	6,575		—		—		6,575
	Total	$	6,575		—		—		6,575
	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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Servicing Rights
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	18,784		17,533		18,854		14,792
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings (1)	(501		)	283		(1,634	)	907
	Included in other comprehensive income	—			—		—		—
	Issuances	770			942		1,802		3,059
	Purchases	53			—		84		—
	Transfers in and/or out of level 3	—			—		—		—
	Balance, end of period	$	19,106		18,758		19,106		18,758
	____________________
	-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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
	(dollars in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	September 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Impaired loans	$	—		—		140,050		140,050
	Other real estate	—			—		55,709		55,709
	Total	$	—		—		195,759		195,759
	December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Impaired loans	$	—		—		148,152		148,152
	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 September 30, 2014 was as follows:
		September 30, 2014
		Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
	(dollars in thousands)	Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	263,466		263,466		—		—		263,466
	Investment securities:
	Available for sale	1,461,552			1,709		1,459,843		—		1,461,552
	Held to maturity	667,831			—		658,343		—		658,343
	Loans held for portfolio	2,876,017			—		—		2,768,334		2,768,334
	Loans held for sale	28,866			—		28,866		—		28,866
	FRB and FHLB stock	30,623			30,623		—		—		30,623
	Derivative instruments	228			—		228		—		228
	Accrued interest receivable	15,400			15,400		—		—		15,400
	Financial Liabilities:
	Deposits	$	4,826,930		3,880,285		—		945,991		4,826,276
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682			42,682		—		—		42,682
	Accrued interest payable	789			789		—		—		789
	Subordinated debentures	354,267			—		—		302,041		302,041
	Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
	Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$	2,430		—		—		2,430		2,430
	The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		December 31, 2013
		Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
	(dollars in thousands)	Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	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	$	4,813,895		3,767,782		—		1,046,485		4,814,267
	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
	Liability for 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Gross deferred tax assets	$	363,148		359,261
	Unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	(871		)	—
	Valuation allowance	(43,380		)	(43,380	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	318,897			315,881
	Deferred tax liabilities	44,067			28,397
	Net deferred tax assets	$	274,830		287,484

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE1

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)	2014		2013		2014	2013
	Basic:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	6,042	6,741		16,678	28,312
	Preferred stock dividends declared	—		(5,013	)	—	(14,841	)
	Accretion of discount on preferred stock	—		(919	)	—	(2,725	)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	6,042		809		16,678	10,746
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		(881	)	—	(6,279	)
	Net income (loss) available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	6,042	(72	)	16,678	4,467
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661		23,661	23,661
	Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	255.34	34.19		704.88	454.17
	Basic loss per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	(37.23	)	—	(265.37	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	255.34	(3.04	)	704.88	188.8
	Diluted:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	6,042	809		16,678	10,746
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		(881	)	—	(6,279	)
	Net income (loss) available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	6,042		(72	)	16,678	4,467
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	—		—		—	—
	Diluted income (loss) available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	6,042	(72	)	16,678	4,467
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661		23,661	23,661
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	3,501		—		3,942	—
	Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding	27,162		23,661		27,603	23,661
	Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	222.43	34.19		604.22	454.17
	Diluted loss per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	(37.23	)	—	(265.37	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	222.43	(3.04	)	604.22	188.8

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS_Table

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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
	(dollars in thousands)	September 30,			December 31,		September 30,		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
		2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Balance sheet information:
	Investment securities	$	2,129,383		2,351,931		—		—		2,129,383		2,351,931
	Total loans	2,979,577			2,857,095		—		—		2,979,577		2,857,095
	FRB and FHLB stock	30,623			27,357		—		—		30,623		27,357
	Total assets	5,834,780			5,865,160		52,035		53,823		5,886,815		5,918,983
	Deposits	4,843,161			4,815,792		(16,231	)	(1,897	)	4,826,930		4,813,895
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682			43,143		—		—		42,682		43,143
	Subordinated debentures	—			—		354,267		354,210		354,267		354,210
	Stockholders’ equity	875,145			931,561		(366,452	)	(443,305	)	508,693		488,256
		First Bank					Corporate, Other and				Consolidated Totals
							Intercompany
							Reclassifications
		Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,				September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income statement information:
	Interest income	$	41,945		42,366		—		—		41,945		42,366
	Interest expense	2,056			2,149		3,042		3,803		5,098		5,952
	Net interest income (loss)	39,889			40,217		(3,042	)	(3,803	)	36,847		36,414
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(5,000		)	—		—		—		(5,000	)	—
	Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	44,889			40,217		(3,042	)	(3,803	)	41,847		36,414
	Noninterest income	13,982			15,414		92		115		14,074		15,529
	Noninterest expense	46,551			44,994		148		311		46,699		45,305
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	12,320			10,637		(3,098	)	(3,999	)	9,222		6,638
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,296			(64	)	(1,084	)	(1	)	3,212		(65	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	8,024			10,701		(2,014	)	(3,998	)	6,010		6,703
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(881	)	—		—		—		(881	)
	Net income (loss)	8,024			9,820		(2,014	)	(3,998	)	6,010		5,822
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(32		)	(38	)	—		—		(32	)	(38	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	8,056		9,858		(2,014	)	(3,998	)	6,042		5,860
		First Bank					Corporate, Other and				Consolidated Totals
							Intercompany
							Reclassifications
		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,				September 30,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income statement information:
	Interest income	$	126,691		130,084		30		—		126,721		130,084
	Interest expense	6,148			6,866		9,862		11,210		16,010		18,076
	Net interest income (loss)	120,543			123,218		(9,832	)	(11,210	)	110,711		112,008
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(5,000		)	—		—		—		(5,000	)	—
	Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	125,543			123,218		(9,832	)	(11,210	)	115,711		112,008
	Noninterest income	42,665			49,529		298		338		42,963		49,867
	Noninterest expense	133,151			132,882		(116	)	613		133,035		133,495
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	35,057			39,865		(9,418	)	(11,485	)	25,639		28,380
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	10,317			(44	)	(1,270	)	(1	)	9,047		(45	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	24,740			39,909		(8,148	)	(11,484	)	16,592		28,425
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(6,279	)	—		—		—		(6,279	)
	Net income (loss)	24,740			33,630		(8,148	)	(11,484	)	16,592		22,146
	Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(86		)	113		—		—		(86	)	113
	Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	24,826		33,517		(8,148	)	(11,484	)	16,678		22,033

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Details_

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 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		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
					Association Bank Services [Member]	Association Bank Services [Member]	Association Bank Services [Member]	Northern Florida Region [Member]	Northern Florida Region [Member]
Interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest and fees on loans	'	$332	'	$1,036	'	$332	$1,036	$0	$0
Interest expense:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest on deposits	'	78	'	481	'	78	248	0	233
Net interest income (loss)	'	254	'	555	'	254	788	0	-233
Provision for loan losses	'	0	'	0	'	0	0	0	0
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	'	254	'	555	'	254	788	0	-233
Noninterest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service charges and customer service fees	'	17	'	208	'	17	74	0	134
Other	'	28	'	85	'	28	81	0	4
Total noninterest income	'	45	'	293	'	45	155	0	138
Noninterest expense:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	'	753	'	3,094	'	753	2,209	0	885
Occupancy, net of rental income	'	1	'	584	'	1	5	0	579
Furniture and equipment	'	13	'	74	'	13	34	0	40
FDIC insurance	'	194	'	656	'	194	603	0	53
Other	'	233	'	3,127	'	233	675	0	2,452
Total noninterest expense	'	1,194	'	7,535	'	1,194	3,526	0	4,009
Loss from operations of discontinued operations	'	-895	'	-6,687	'	-895	-2,583	0	-4,104
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	'	14	'	408	28,600	0	0	14	408
Benefit for income taxes	'	0	'	0	'	0	0	0	0
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$0	($881)	$0	($6,279)	'	($895)	($2,583)	$14	($3,696)

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details Textual) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 22, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 05, 2013

Apr. 19, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Association Bank Services [Member]

Association Bank Services [Member]

Association Bank Services [Member]

Association Bank Services [Member]

Northern Florida Region [Member]

Northern Florida Region [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

14,000

408,000

28,600,000

0

0

'

14,000

'

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 $)	Sep. 30, 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	$22,198	$14,799
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	206,910	226,796
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	121,322	250,522
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	1,100,076	1,117,065
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	1,450,506	1,609,182
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	22,497	22,319
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-11,451	-19,756
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,461,552	1,611,745
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.25%	2.18%
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	22,430	14,927
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year One Through Five, Fair Value	211,554	233,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five Through Ten, Fair Value	121,748	250,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	1,105,820	1,112,620
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield With In One Year	2.54%	2.17%
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield After One Through Five Years	2.27%	2.23%
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield After Five Through Ten Years	2.27%	1.81%
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield After Ten Years	2.23%	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	8,355	8,450
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	29,981	40,243
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	20,125	88,666
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	155,035	135,679
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	213,496	273,038
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	3,989	3,525
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-292	-664
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	217,193	275,899
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.33%	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	270	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	65,773	43,943
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	43,199	115,731
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	914,904	951,454
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	1,024,146	1,111,128
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	14,034	12,873
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-10,613	-18,214
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,027,567	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	782	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	0	793
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	782	793
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	55	63
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	837	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	1,612	1,369
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	838	2,035
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	0	200
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	28,387	28,432
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	30,837	32,036
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	74	81
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	-560
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	30,911	31,557
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.15%	1.26%
Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities With In One Year, Amortized Cost	11,961	4,980
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	109,536	140,575
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	57,998	45,132
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	179,495	190,687
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4,345	5,777
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-505	-261
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	183,335	196,203
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.81%	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	1,750	1,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-41	-57
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,709	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.10%	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	1,709	1,443
Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	22,430	14,927
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year One Through Five, Fair Value	211,554	233,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five Through Ten, Fair Value	121,748	250,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	$1,104,111	$1,111,177

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY3

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES - (Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	$521	$640
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	134,387	16,902
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	64,776	199,107
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	468,147	523,537
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	667,831	740,186
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,248	443
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-10,736	-21,446
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	658,343	719,183
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.88%	1.86%
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield With In One Year	2.62%	3.32%
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield After One Through Five Years	1.88%	2.20%
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield After Five Through Ten Years	1.12%	1.53%
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield After Ten Years	1.98%	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	11,713	16,119
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	11,713	16,119
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-77	-153
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	11,636	15,966
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.22%	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	133,567	16,327
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	52,574	182,933
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	467,145	522,504
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	653,286	721,764
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,247	441
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-10,580	-21,206
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	643,953	700,999
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.89%	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	521	640
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	820	575
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	489	55
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	1,002	1,033
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	2,832	2,303
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1	2
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-79	-87
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,754	2,218
Held-to-maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.84%	1.93%
Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Within One Year, Fair Value	521	642
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Fair Value	133,995	16,926
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	64,713	195,647
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	$459,114	$505,968

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY4

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Gross Realized Gains and Losses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$0	$110	$2,010	$802
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	0	0	-730	-354
Other-than-temporary impairment	-1	-2	-2	-411
Net realized (loss) gain on investment securities	($1)	$108	$1,278	$37

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY5

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Schedule of Continuous Unrealized Losses) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Held to maturity:	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$191,970	$661,612
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,731	-20,999
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	342,988	10,527
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-9,005	-447
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	534,958	672,139
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-10,736	-21,446
Available for sale:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	217,833	566,896
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,811	-19,441
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	284,068	10,253
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-9,640	-315
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	501,901	577,149
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-11,451	-19,756
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	24,573	16,005
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-273	-664
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	14,707	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-19	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	39,280	16,005
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-292	-664
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	179,472	511,617
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,076	-18,119
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	259,445	5,473
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-9,537	-95
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	438,917	517,090
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-10,613	-18,214
State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	'	27,872
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-560
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	'	27,872
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-560
Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	12,079	9,959
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-421	-41
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	9,916	4,780
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-84	-220
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	21,995	14,739
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-505	-261
Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,709	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-41	-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, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,709	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-41	-57
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Held to maturity:	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	11,636	15,966
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-77	-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, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	11,636	15,966
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-77	-153
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Held to maturity:	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	179,822	644,700
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,651	-20,759
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	342,062	10,527
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-8,929	-447
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	521,884	655,227
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-10,580	-21,206
State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Held to maturity:	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	512	946
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-3	-87
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	926	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-76	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,438	946
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	($79)	($87)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY6

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	security		security		security
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale	$0	$25,092,000	$166,320,000	$143,675,000	'
Securities pledged as collateral	311,400,000	'	311,400,000	'	283,700,000
Number of securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 12 months	52	'	52	'	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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$645,862	$600,704
Real estate construction and development	75,609	121,662
Real estate mortgage:	'	'
Real estate mortgage	2,213,321	2,091,026
Consumer and installment	16,840	18,681
Loans held for sale	28,866	25,548
Net deferred loan fees	-921	-526
Total loans	2,979,577	2,857,095
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'
Real estate mortgage:	'	'
Real estate mortgage	997,581	921,488
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Real estate mortgage:	'	'
Real estate mortgage	126,310	121,304
Total loans	126,310	121,304
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Real estate mortgage:	'	'
Real estate mortgage	1,089,430	1,048,234
Total loans	$1,089,430	$1,048,234

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L3

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Aging of Loans by Loan Classification) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	$6,336	$8,475
60-89 Days	2,385	4,424
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	795	424
Nonaccrual	47,861	52,956
Total Past Due	57,377	66,279
Current	2,922,200	2,790,816
Total loans	2,979,577	2,857,095
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	506	447
60-89 Days	661	394
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	197	80
Nonaccrual	11,508	10,523
Total Past Due	12,872	11,444
Current	632,990	589,260
Total loans	645,862	600,704
Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	0	0
60-89 Days	178	0
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	4,191	4,914
Total Past Due	4,369	4,914
Current	71,240	116,748
Total loans	75,609	121,662
Residential mortgage [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	3,770	4,262
60-89 Days	1,320	2,637
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	252	162
Nonaccrual	15,326	20,063
Total Past Due	20,668	27,124
Current	600,629	545,040
Total loans	621,297	572,164
Home equity [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	1,087	2,256
60-89 Days	123	963
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	320	182
Nonaccrual	6,979	7,361
Total Past Due	8,509	10,762
Current	367,775	338,562
Total loans	376,284	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	726	1,793
Total Past Due	726	1,793
Current	125,584	119,511
Total loans	126,310	121,304
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	916	1,423
60-89 Days	51	391
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	9,127	8,283
Total Past Due	10,094	10,097
Current	1,079,336	1,038,137
Total loans	1,089,430	1,048,234
Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'
30-59 Days	57	87
60-89 Days	52	39
Recorded Investment > 90 Days Accruing	26	0
Nonaccrual	4	19
Total Past Due	139	145
Current	15,780	18,010
Total loans	15,919	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	28,866	25,548
Total loans	$28,866	$25,548

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L4

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	$2,979,577	$2,857,095
Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,937,211	1,891,904
Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,013,500	939,643
Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	645,862	600,704
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	75,609	121,662
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	75,609	121,662
Multi-family [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	126,310	121,304
Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	126,310	121,304
Commercial Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,089,430	1,048,234
Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,089,430	1,048,234
Residential Mortgage [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	621,297	572,164
Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	621,297	572,164
Home Equity [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	376,284	349,324
Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	376,284	349,324
Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	15,919	18,155
Pass [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,811,083	1,694,392
Pass [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	907,423	825,214
Pass [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	598,309	559,243
Pass [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	70,735	42,429
Pass [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	93,829	91,001
Pass [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,048,210	1,001,719
Pass [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	523,867	468,642
Pass [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	367,775	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	15,781	18,010
Special mention [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	50,026	38,854
Special mention [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	20,532	16,211
Special mention [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	141	929
Special mention [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	6,278	0
Special mention [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	23,075	21,714
Substandard [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	20,605	100,671
Substandard [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	6,044	8,833
Substandard [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	15,226	14,727
Substandard [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	178	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	4,591	11,999
Substandard [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	4,380	5,306
Substandard [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	1,530	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	134	126
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	29,945	32,474
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	77,724	78,153
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	287	0
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	364	0
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	24,867	27,955
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	4,427	4,519
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	77,724	78,153
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	0	0
Performing troubled 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
Nonaccrual [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	25,552	25,513
Nonaccrual [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	22,309	27,443
Nonaccrual [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	11,508	10,523
Nonaccrual [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	4,191	4,914
Nonaccrual [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	726	1,793
Nonaccrual [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	9,127	8,283
Nonaccrual [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	15,326	20,063
Nonaccrual [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	6,979	7,361
Nonaccrual [Member] | Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Total loans	$4	$19

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L5

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Impaired Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	$12,707	$14,214
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	24,334	27,835
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	12,432	34,096
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	87	692
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	142,823	149,369
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	182,813	190,642
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	15,480	15,431
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	147,490	170,138
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	2,452	3,295
Recorded Investment, Total	155,530	163,583
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	207,147	218,477
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	15,480	15,431
Average Recorded Investment, Total	159,922	204,234
Interest Income Recognized, Total	2,539	3,987
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	5,157	3,119
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	6,777	4,342
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	5,212	4,270
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	1
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	6,638	7,404
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	20,579	21,565
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	598	497
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	6,708	10,136
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	2	0
Recorded Investment, Total	11,795	10,523
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	27,356	25,907
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	598	497
Average Recorded Investment, Total	11,920	14,406
Interest Income Recognized, Total	2	1
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	2,869	3,172
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	12,389	12,931
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	2,890	17,152
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	418
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	1,686	1,742
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	4,356	4,326
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	231	294
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	1,698	9,419
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	12	0
Recorded Investment, Total	4,555	4,914
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	16,745	17,257
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	231	294
Average Recorded Investment, Total	4,588	26,571
Interest Income Recognized, Total	12	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	93,050	98,216
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	110,018	118,305
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	7,905	9,740
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	96,014	102,775
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	1,561	2,043
Recorded Investment, Total	93,050	98,216
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	110,018	118,305
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	7,905	9,740
Average Recorded Investment, Total	96,014	102,775
Interest Income Recognized, Total	1,561	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	6,979	6,765
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	7,898	7,637
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	1,396	1,472
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	7,112	6,406
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Recorded Investment, Total	6,979	7,361
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	7,898	8,269
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	1,396	1,472
Average Recorded Investment, Total	7,112	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	0	443
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	0	709
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	0	474
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	25,593	29,305
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	28,602	29,322
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	3,188	2,438
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	27,737	31,377
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	857	1,226
Recorded Investment, Total	25,593	29,748
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	28,602	30,031
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	3,188	2,438
Average Recorded Investment, Total	27,737	31,851
Interest Income Recognized, Total	857	1,226
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]	'	'
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	4,681	6,884
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	5,168	9,221
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	4,330	11,636
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	87	273
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	8,873	5,918
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	11,356	9,468
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	2,162	990
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	8,209	10,003
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	20	26
Recorded Investment, Total	13,554	12,802
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	16,524	18,689
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	2,162	990
Average Recorded Investment, Total	12,539	21,639
Interest Income Recognized, Total	107	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	4	19
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	4	19
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	12	22
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Recorded Investment, Total	4	19
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	4	19
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	0	0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	12	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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	$107,669	$110,627
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	287	0
Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	364	0
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	77,724	78,153
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	24,867	27,955
Commercial real estate [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total performing troubled debt restructuring	$4,427	$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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$8,080	$10,582
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	456	711
Real estate construction and development [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	3,479	3,605
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$4,145	$6,266

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L8

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Modified Troubled Debt Restructurings) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	contracts	contracts	contracts	contracts
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts	1	0	1	2
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$287	$0	$287	$246
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	287	0	287	201
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts	14	15	41	35
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	2,167	3,405	6,214	8,275
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$2,095	$3,095	$5,429	$7,637

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L9

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Modified Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	contracts	contracts	contracts	contracts
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts	0	1	0	1
Recorded Investment, Subsequently Defaulted	$0	$156	$0	$156
One-to-four-family residential [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts	2	1	8	2
Recorded Investment, Subsequently Defaulted	$183	$110	$1,385	$193

Recovered_Sheet1

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$78,018	$85,633	$81,033	$91,602
Loans charged-off	-2,234	-7,040	-11,921	-20,794
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	3,910	5,684	10,582	13,469
Net loans charged-off	1,676	-1,356	-1,339	-7,325
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-5,000	0	-5,000	0
Balance, end of period	$74,694	$84,277	$74,694	$84,277

Recovered_Sheet2

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables By Portfolio Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$78,018	$85,633	$81,033	$91,602
Charge-offs	-2,234	-7,040	-11,921	-20,794
Recoveries	3,910	5,684	10,582	13,469
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-5,000	0	-5,000	0
Balance, end of period	74,694	84,277	74,694	84,277
Commercial and Industrial [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	13,731	13,966	13,401	13,572
Charge-offs	-399	-2,241	-3,015	-3,927
Recoveries	1,763	1,773	3,778	3,863
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-1,236	526	-305	516
Balance, end of period	13,859	14,024	13,859	14,024
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	6,600	11,412	7,407	14,434
Charge-offs	-2	0	-67	-448
Recoveries	114	2,557	1,470	4,273
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-3,979	-4,967	-6,077	-9,257
Balance, end of period	2,733	9,002	2,733	9,002
One-to-Four-Family Residential [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	29,145	35,266	32,619	38,897
Charge-offs	-1,316	-2,256	-4,943	-10,983
Recoveries	938	879	3,207	3,398
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	335	824	-1,781	3,401
Balance, end of period	29,102	34,713	29,102	34,713
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	7,374	4,122	5,249	4,252
Charge-offs	-71	0	-3,155	-162
Recoveries	114	0	123	141
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	340	39	5,540	-70
Balance, end of period	7,757	4,161	7,757	4,161
Commercial Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	20,820	20,573	22,052	20,048
Charge-offs	-436	-2,488	-645	-5,121
Recoveries	946	443	1,918	1,683
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-415	3,551	-2,410	5,469
Balance, end of period	20,915	22,079	20,915	22,079
Consumer and installment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	348	294	305	399
Charge-offs	-10	-55	-96	-153
Recoveries	35	32	86	111
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-45	27	33	-59
Balance, end of period	$328	$298	$328	$298

Recovered_Sheet3

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Impairment Method by Loan Category) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$4,564	'	$3,756	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	10,916	'	11,675	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	59,214	'	65,602	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	74,694	78,018	81,033	84,277	85,633	91,602
Total loans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	51,221	'	57,005	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	104,309	'	106,578	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	2,795,181	'	2,667,964	'	'	'
Ending balance	2,950,711	'	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	598	'	497	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	13,261	'	12,904	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	13,859	13,731	13,401	14,024	13,966	13,572
Total loans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	5,512	'	3,480	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	6,283	'	7,043	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	634,067	'	590,181	'	'	'
Ending balance	645,862	'	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	231	'	232	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	2,502	'	7,113	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	2,733	6,600	7,407	9,002	11,412	14,434
Total loans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	2,869	'	3,440	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,686	'	1,474	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	71,054	'	116,748	'	'	'
Ending balance	75,609	'	121,662	'	'	'
One-to-Four-Family Residential [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	1,198	'	2,275	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	8,103	'	8,937	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	19,801	'	21,407	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	29,102	29,145	32,619	34,713	35,266	38,897
Total loans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	8,764	'	12,276	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	91,265	'	93,301	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	897,552	'	815,911	'	'	'
Ending balance	997,581	'	921,488	'	'	'
Multi-family residential [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	1,891	'	1,034	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,297	'	1,404	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	4,569	'	2,811	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	7,757	7,374	5,249	4,161	4,122	4,252
Total loans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	24,900	'	28,641	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	693	'	1,107	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	100,717	'	91,556	'	'	'
Ending balance	126,310	'	121,304	'	'	'
Commercial Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	1,475	'	385	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	687	'	605	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	18,753	'	21,062	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	20,915	20,820	22,052	22,079	20,573	20,048
Total loans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	9,176	'	9,168	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	4,378	'	3,634	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,075,876	'	1,035,432	'	'	'
Ending balance	1,089,430	'	1,048,234	'	'	'
Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees [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	328	'	305	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	328	348	305	298	294	399
Total loans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	0	'	0	'	'	'
Ending balance: impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	4	'	19	'	'	'
Ending balance: all other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	15,915	'	18,136	'	'	'
Ending balance	$15,919	'	$18,155	'	'	'

Recovered_Sheet4

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Impaired financing receivable individually evaluated for impairment	$51,221,000	$57,005,000
Allowance allocated to troubled debt restructurings	15,480,000	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	8,600,000	9,100,000
Impaired Loans [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, accumulated write-downs	51,600,000	54,900,000
Hamp Program [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings under HAMP Program	$73,400,000	$75,300,000

SERVICING_RIGHTS_Schedule_of_S

SERVICING RIGHTS (Schedule of Servicing Assets at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Mortgage Banking [Member]	'		'		'		'
Servicing Asset at Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Balance, beginning of period	$14,103		$12,341		$14,211		$9,152
Originated servicing rights	770		942		1,802		3,059
Purchased mortgage servicing rights	53		0		84		0
Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model	124	[1]	1,160	[1]	-185	[1]	3,467	[1]
Other changes in fair value	-432	[2]	-593	[2]	-1,294	[2]	-1,828	[2]
Balance, end of period	14,618		13,850		14,618		13,850
SBA [Member]	'		'		'		'
Servicing Asset at Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Balance, beginning of period	4,681		5,192		4,643		5,640
Originated servicing rights	0		0		0		0
Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model	107	[1]	-127	[1]	458	[1]	-163	[1]
Other changes in fair value	-300	[2]	-157	[2]	-613	[2]	-569	[2]
Balance, end of period	$4,488		$4,908		$4,488		$4,908
[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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Banking [Member]	'	'
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Servicing Portfolio	$1,350	$1,330
SBA [Member]	'	'
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Servicing Portfolio	$119.80	$139.10

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Schedul

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$51,000	$43,337
Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	17,800	14,237
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	33,200	29,100
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	228	513
Other Assets [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	378	217
Other Assets [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	($150)	$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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	($157)	$675	$161	($1,094)
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	$291	($3,115)	($446)	($332)

SUBORDINATED_DEBENTURES_Detail

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 10, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
	trust		trust		installment		Regularly Scheduled Deferred Interest Payments Accrued [Member]	Additional Deferred Interest Payments Accrued [Member]	Parent Company [Member]	Subordinated Debt [Member]
			installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of trusts created for issuing trust preferred securities	13	'	13	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Distributions accrued on junior subordinated debentures	$3,000,000	$3,800,000	$9,800,000	$11,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Trust Preferred Securities	'	'	'	'	'	345,000,000	'	'	'	'
Number of quarterly periods for deferral of cash interest payments on junior subordinated debentures	'	'	'	'	18	'	'	'	'	'
Interest payable	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,000,000	6,700,000	'	'
Cash dividends paid by First Bank to First Banks, Inc.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	70,000,000	'
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014	'	'	$78,562,000	$7,313,000	'	'	'	'	'	$66,400,000

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Schedule_o

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$14,892	$9,603	$7,502	$45,259
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-3,545	-2,450	4,597	-37,920
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	-60	-752	-246
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,545	-2,510	3,845	-38,166
Balance, end of period	11,347	7,093	11,347	7,093
Investment Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	17,499	15,337	10,151	35,186
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-3,566	-1,363	4,534	-21,026
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	-60	-752	-246
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,566	-1,423	3,782	-21,272
Balance, end of period	13,933	13,914	13,933	13,914
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	-2,607	-3,484	-2,649	-3,544
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	21	30	63	90
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	21	30	63	90
Balance, end of period	-2,586	-3,454	-2,586	-3,454
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	-2,250	'	13,617
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	-1,117	'	-16,984
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	0	'	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	'	-1,117	'	-16,984
Balance, end of period	'	($3,367)	'	($3,367)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_Te

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 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	'	'	'	'	4.1	23.8	'	'	'	'
Dividends that would have been accrued and deferred as of the balance sheet date if the Company had continued to declare and accrue dividends	'	'	'	'	'	$105.70	'	'	'	'

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R2

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Schedule of Regulatory Capital ) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	$458,806		$405,856
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	12.39%		11.13%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	8.00%		'
Tier One Capital	274,767		239,868
Tier One Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	7.42%		6.58%
Tier One Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%		'
Tier One Leverage Capital	274,767		239,868
Tier One Leverage Capital to Average Assets	4.86%		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	687,643	[1]	734,535
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	18.56%	[1]	20.12%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	8.00%		'
Total Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	10.00%		'
Tier One Capital	640,940	[1]	688,427
Tier One Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	17.30%	[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	$640,940	[1]	$688,427
Tier One Leverage Capital to Average Assets	11.37%	[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 nine months of 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of a $70 million dividend to the Company in February 2014, as further described below.

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R3

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
			Parent Company [Member]	Subordinated Debt [Member]
Cash dividends paid by First Bank to First Banks, Inc.	'	'	$70,000,000	'
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014	$78,562,000	$7,313,000	'	$66,400,000
Net deferred tax assets attributable to net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards as a percentage of total net deferred tax assets	88.00%	'	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Schedul

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Schedule of Items Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$1,461,552	$1,611,745
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	217,193	275,899
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,027,567	1,105,787
Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	837	856
State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	30,911	31,557
Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	183,335	196,203
Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,709	1,443
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	28,866	25,548
Servicing rights	19,106	18,854
Total assets, fair value disclosure (recurring)	1,509,752	1,656,660
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	6,575	6,641
Total liabilities, fair value disclosure (recurring)	6,575	6,641
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Assets	378	217
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Assets	-150	296
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	217,193	275,899
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,027,567	1,105,787
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	837	856
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	30,911	31,557
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	183,335	196,203
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,709	1,443
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	0	0
Servicing rights	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (recurring)	1,709	1,443
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	6,575	6,641
Total liabilities, fair value disclosure (recurring)	6,575	6,641
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,709	1,443
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	28,866	25,548
Servicing rights	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (recurring)	1,488,937	1,636,363
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	0	0
Total liabilities, fair value disclosure (recurring)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Assets	378	217
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Assets	-150	296
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	217,193	275,899
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,027,567	1,105,787
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	837	856
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	30,911	31,557
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	183,335	196,203
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	0	0
Servicing rights	19,106	18,854
Total assets, fair value disclosure (recurring)	19,106	18,854
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	0	0
Total liabilities, fair value disclosure (recurring)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | State and political subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate notes [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$0	$0

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Schedul1

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets) (Details) (Servicing Rights [Member], Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Servicing Rights [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'		'
Servicing Asset at Fair Value, Amount [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Balance, beginning of period	$18,784		$17,533		$18,854		$14,792
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):	'		'		'		'
Included in earnings	-501	[1]	283	[1]	-1,634	[1]	907	[1]
Included in other comprehensive income	0		0		0		0
Issuances	770		942		1,802		3,059
Purchases	53		0		84		0
Transfers in and/or out of level 3	0		0		0		0
Balance, end of period	$19,106		$18,758		$19,106		$18,758
[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) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	$55,709	$66,702
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	55,709	66,702
Total assets, fair value disclosure (nonrecurring)	195,759	214,854
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Impaired loans [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Impaired loans, net, fair value disclosure	140,050	148,152
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (nonrecurring)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Impaired loans [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Impaired loans, net, fair value disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (nonrecurring)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Impaired loans [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Impaired loans, net, fair value disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	55,709	66,702
Total assets, fair value disclosure (nonrecurring)	195,759	214,854
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Impaired loans [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Impaired loans, net, fair value disclosure	$140,050	$148,152

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Estimat

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	$1,461,552	$1,611,745
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	658,343	719,183
FRB and FHLB stock	30,623	27,357
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	263,466	190,435
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	1,461,552	1,611,745
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	658,343	719,183
Loans held for portfolio	2,768,334	2,562,160
Loans held for sale	28,866	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	30,623	27,357
Derivative instruments	228	513
Accrued interest receivable	15,400	17,798
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Deposits	4,826,276	4,814,267
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682	43,143
Accrued interest payable	789	63,341
Subordinated debentures	302,041	242,678
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Liability for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	2,430	2,715
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	263,466	190,435
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	1,709	1,443
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Loans held for portfolio	0	0
Loans held for sale	0	0
FRB and FHLB stock	30,623	27,357
Derivative instruments	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	15,400	17,798
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Deposits	3,880,285	3,767,782
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682	43,143
Accrued interest payable	789	63,341
Subordinated debentures	0	0
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Liability for 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:	'	'
Available for sale	1,459,843	1,610,302
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	658,343	719,183
Loans held for portfolio	0	0
Loans held for sale	28,866	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	0	0
Derivative instruments	228	513
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
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:	'	'
Liability for 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:	'	'
Available for sale	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Loans held for portfolio	2,768,334	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:	'	'
Deposits	945,991	1,046,485
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Subordinated debentures	302,041	242,678
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Liability for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	2,430	2,715
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	263,466	190,435
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	1,461,552	1,611,745
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	667,831	740,186
Loans held for portfolio	2,876,017	2,750,514
Loans held for sale	28,866	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	30,623	27,357
Derivative instruments	228	513
Accrued interest receivable	15,400	17,798
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Deposits	4,826,930	4,813,895
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682	43,143
Accrued interest payable	789	63,341
Subordinated debentures	354,267	354,210
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:	'	'
Liability for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$2,430	$2,715

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Details

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Loans transferred to other real estate	'	'	$5,239	$8,217
Write-downs on other real estate	$1,617	$1,421	$1,814	$2,230

INCOME_TAXES_Schedule_of_Defer

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gross deferred tax assets	$363,148	$359,261
Unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	-871	0
Valuation allowance	-43,380	-43,380
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	318,897	315,881
Deferred tax liabilities	44,067	28,397
Net deferred tax assets	$274,830	$287,484

INCOME_TAXES_Details_Textual

INCOME TAXES (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Federal [Member]	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$545.50	$571.80
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	792.9	785.4
Deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carryforwards	$66.90	$66.60

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE2

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$6,042	$6,741	$16,678	$28,312
Preferred stock dividends declared	0	-5,013	0	-14,841
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	0	-919	0	-2,725
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	6,042	809	16,678	10,746
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-881	0	-6,279
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	6,042	-72	16,678	4,467
Effect of dilutive Securities - Class A convertible preferred stock	0	0	0	0
Diluted income (loss) available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$6,042	($72)	$16,678	$4,467
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	23,661	23,661	23,661	23,661
Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock (in shares)	3,501	0	3,942	0
Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	27,162	23,661	27,603	23,661
Basic earnings per common share - continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$255.34	$34.19	$704.88	$454.17
Basic loss per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($37.23)	$0	($265.37)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$255.34	($3.04)	$704.88	$188.80
Diluted earnings per common share - continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$222.43	$34.19	$604.22	$454.17
Diluted loss per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($37.23)	$0	($265.37)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$222.43	($3.04)	$604.22	$188.80

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS_Sched

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS (Schedule of Business Segment Results) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment securities	$2,129,383	'	$2,129,383	'	$2,351,931	'
Total loans	2,979,577	'	2,979,577	'	2,857,095	'
FRB and FHLB stock	30,623	'	30,623	'	27,357	'
Total assets	5,886,815	'	5,886,815	'	5,918,983	'
Deposits	4,826,930	'	4,826,930	'	4,813,895	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682	'	42,682	'	43,143	'
Subordinated debentures	354,267	'	354,267	'	354,210	'
Stockholders’ equity	508,693	269,098	508,693	269,098	488,256	299,959
Interest income	41,945	42,366	126,721	130,084	'	'
Interest expense	5,098	5,952	16,010	18,076	'	'
Net interest income (loss)	36,847	36,414	110,711	112,008	'	'
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-5,000	0	-5,000	0	'	'
Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	41,847	36,414	115,711	112,008	'	'
Noninterest income	14,074	15,529	42,963	49,867	'	'
Noninterest expense	46,699	45,305	133,035	133,495	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	9,222	6,638	25,639	28,380	'	'
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,212	-65	9,047	-45	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	6,010	6,703	16,592	28,425	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-881	0	-6,279	'	'
Net income (loss)	6,010	5,822	16,592	22,146	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-32	-38	-86	113	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	6,042	5,860	16,678	22,033	'	'
First Bank [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment securities	2,129,383	'	2,129,383	'	2,351,931	'
Total loans	2,979,577	'	2,979,577	'	2,857,095	'
FRB and FHLB stock	30,623	'	30,623	'	27,357	'
Total assets	5,834,780	'	5,834,780	'	5,865,160	'
Deposits	4,843,161	'	4,843,161	'	4,815,792	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	42,682	'	42,682	'	43,143	'
Subordinated debentures	0	'	0	'	0	'
Stockholders’ equity	875,145	'	875,145	'	931,561	'
Interest income	41,945	42,366	126,691	130,084	'	'
Interest expense	2,056	2,149	6,148	6,866	'	'
Net interest income (loss)	39,889	40,217	120,543	123,218	'	'
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-5,000	0	-5,000	0	'	'
Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	44,889	40,217	125,543	123,218	'	'
Noninterest income	13,982	15,414	42,665	49,529	'	'
Noninterest expense	46,551	44,994	133,151	132,882	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	12,320	10,637	35,057	39,865	'	'
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,296	-64	10,317	-44	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	8,024	10,701	24,740	39,909	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-881	0	-6,279	'	'
Net income (loss)	8,024	9,820	24,740	33,630	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-32	-38	-86	113	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	8,056	9,858	24,826	33,517	'	'
Corporate, Other and Intercompany Reclassifications [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment securities	0	'	0	'	0	'
Total loans	0	'	0	'	0	'
FRB and FHLB stock	0	'	0	'	0	'
Total assets	52,035	'	52,035	'	53,823	'
Deposits	-16,231	'	-16,231	'	-1,897	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	'	0	'	0	'
Subordinated debentures	354,267	'	354,267	'	354,210	'
Stockholders’ equity	-366,452	'	-366,452	'	-443,305	'
Interest income	0	0	30	0	'	'
Interest expense	3,042	3,803	9,862	11,210	'	'
Net interest income (loss)	-3,042	-3,803	-9,832	-11,210	'	'
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	0	0	0	0	'	'
Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	-3,042	-3,803	-9,832	-11,210	'	'
Noninterest income	92	115	298	338	'	'
Noninterest expense	148	311	-116	613	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-3,098	-3,999	-9,418	-11,485	'	'
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-1,084	-1	-1,270	-1	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-2,014	-3,998	-8,148	-11,484	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	0	0	'	'
Net income (loss)	-2,014	-3,998	-8,148	-11,484	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	0	0	0	0	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	($2,014)	($3,998)	($8,148)	($11,484)	'	'

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_RELATED_PART1

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 20, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 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 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]

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]

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]

Affiliate Services Agreement [Member]

Affiliate Services Agreement [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Premises [Member]

Premises [Member]

Premises [Member]

Premises [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]

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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Service Fees Paid to Affiliate

$5,400,000

$5,100,000

$16,200,000

$15,000,000

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Rental Payments from Affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

403,000

283,000

1,200,000

820,000

435,000

435,000

1,300,000

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

113,000

98,000

355,000

343,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued fees and other revenue from affiliate

'

'

'

'

60,000

46,000

180,000

137,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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Commissions Received From Unaffliated Third Party Companies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

943,000

3,500,000

3,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

126,000

124,000

378,000

368,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,900,000

$12,000,000