First Banks (FBSPRA) 10-K 24 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 24, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Informaion [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FIRST BANKS, INC
Entity Central Index Key	710507
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	fbspra
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,661
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$0

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$100,349	$92,369
Short-term investments	105,053	98,066
Total cash and cash equivalents	205,402	190,435
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,445,689	1,611,745
Held to maturity (fair value of $614,272 and $719,183, respectively)	618,148	740,186
Total investment securities	2,063,837	2,351,931
Loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	695,267	600,704
Real estate construction and development	89,851	121,662
Real estate mortgage	2,315,186	2,091,026
Consumer and installment	18,950	18,681
Loans held for sale	31,411	25,548
Net deferred loan fees	-1,422	-526
Total loans	3,149,243	2,857,095
Allowance for loan losses	-66,874	-81,033
Net loans	3,082,369	2,776,062
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	30,458	27,357
Bank premises and equipment, net	123,016	124,328
Deferred income taxes	312,575	315,881
Other real estate	55,666	66,702
Other assets	62,196	66,287
Total assets	5,935,519	5,918,983
LIABILITIES
Noninterest-bearing demand	1,303,519	1,243,545
Interest-bearing demand	710,958	679,527
Savings and money market	1,909,150	1,844,710
Time deposits of $100 or more	354,717	389,056
Other time deposits	571,160	657,057
Total deposits	4,849,504	4,813,895
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875	43,143
Subordinated debentures	354,286	354,210
Deferred income taxes	40,728	28,397
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	113,682	191,082
Total liabilities	5,423,075	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	64,374	42,719
Accumulated other comprehensive income	10,111	7,502
Total First Banks, Inc. stockholders’ equity	418,686	394,422
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	93,758	93,834
Total stockholders’ equity	512,444	488,256
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,935,519	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_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value (in dollars)	$614,272	$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 (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans	$118,242	$118,015	$142,003
Investment securities:
Taxable	48,289	52,199	56,547
Nontaxable	150	246	287
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	1,442	1,216	1,146
Short-term investments	605	1,134	820
Total interest income	168,728	172,810	200,803
Interest expense:
Interest-bearing demand	418	368	437
Savings and money market	3,210	2,679	3,518
Time deposits of $100 or more	1,910	2,274	4,010
Other time deposits	2,713	3,738	6,817
Other borrowings	-8	-9	-18
Subordinated debentures	12,935	15,054	14,847
Total interest expense	21,178	24,104	29,611
Net interest income	147,550	148,706	171,192
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-7,000	-5,000	2,000
Net interest income, after (benefit) provision for loan losses	154,550	153,706	169,192
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts and client service fees	34,530	34,320	36,078
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	5,839	5,041	12,931
Net gain on investment securities	1,686	36	1,306
Net gain on sale of other real estate	1,640	6,005	2,626
(Decrease) increase in fair value of servicing rights	-3,568	439	-5,475
Loan servicing fees	6,644	6,948	7,403
Other	9,269	11,188	9,766
Total noninterest income	56,040	63,977	64,635
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	82,205	78,141	75,205
Occupancy, net of rental income	22,950	23,302	21,899
Furniture and equipment	10,559	10,951	11,409
Postage, printing and supplies	2,300	2,470	2,586
Information technology fees	21,670	20,236	21,103
Legal, examination and professional fees	5,534	7,177	8,828
Goodwill impairment	0	107,267	0
Advertising and business development	2,750	2,542	1,994
FDIC insurance	5,004	6,609	11,313
Write-downs and expenses on other real estate	4,322	5,676	18,672
Other	19,558	21,113	26,155
Total noninterest expense	176,852	285,484	199,164
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision (benefit) for income taxes	33,738	-67,801	34,663
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	12,159	-288,501	-139
Net income from continuing operations, net of tax	21,579	220,700	34,802
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	21,223	-8,821
Net income	21,579	241,923	25,981
Less: net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-76	179	-297
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	21,655	241,744	26,278
Preferred stock dividends declared	0	15,869	18,886
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	0	3,643	3,554
Net income available to common stockholders	$21,655	$222,232	$3,838
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations	$915.24	$8,495.35	$535.03
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations	$788.38	$8,495.35	$535.03
Basic earnings per common share	$915.24	$9,392.31	$162.22
Diluted earnings per common share	$788.38	$9,392.31	$162.22
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	23,661	23,661	23,661

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$21,579	$241,923	$25,981
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax	6,451	-23,486	17,420
Reclassification adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities gains included in net income, net of tax	-992	-246	-758
Amortization of net unrealized gain associated with reclassification of available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities, net of tax	-1,559	-1,303	-913
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on investment securities	0	-15,033	15,014
Net (loss) gain and amortization of net loss related to pension liability, net of tax	-1,291	895	-911
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on pension liability	0	1,416	-659
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,609	-37,757	29,193
Comprehensive income	24,188	204,166	55,174
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-76	179	-297
Comprehensive income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$24,264	$203,987	$55,471

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (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, 2011	$263,671	$318,609	$5,915	$12,480	($183,351)	$16,066	$93,952
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	25,981				26,278		-297
Other comprehensive income (loss)	29,193					29,193
Accretion of discount on preferred stock		3,554			-3,554
Preferred stock dividends declared	-18,886				-18,886
Balance, end 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	241,923				241,744		179
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-37,757					-37,757
Accretion of discount on preferred stock		3,643			-3,643
Preferred stock dividends declared	-15,869				-15,869
Balance, end 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	21,579				21,655		-76
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,609					2,609
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$512,444	$325,806	$5,915	$12,480	$64,374	$10,111	$93,758

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$21,655	$241,744	$26,278
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-76	179	-297
Less: net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	21,223	-8,821
Net income from continuing operations, net of tax	21,579	220,700	34,802
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of bank premises and equipment	11,715	11,814	12,030
Goodwill impairment	0	107,267	0
Amortization and accretion of investment securities	23,022	25,595	17,412
Originations of loans held for sale	-236,345	-278,668	-470,119
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale	234,163	319,175	442,476
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-7,000	-5,000	2,000
Provision (benefit) for current income taxes	96	-241	-32
Provision for deferred income taxes	19,902	42,793	8,019
Decrease in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	-7,839	-331,053	-8,126
Decrease in accrued interest receivable	2,734	673	3,982
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable	-62,510	14,564	12,118
Gain on loans sold and held for sale	-5,839	-5,041	-12,931
Net gain on investment securities	-1,686	-36	-1,306
Decrease (increase) in fair value of servicing rights	3,568	-439	5,475
Write-downs on other real estate	2,099	2,402	14,510
Other operating activities, net	3,720	4,763	4,356
Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations	1,379	129,268	64,666
Net cash used in operating activities – discontinued operations	0	-6,303	-8,484
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,379	122,965	56,182
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	-602,792	0
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale	343,548	143,675	315,238
Maturities of investment securities available for sale	196,520	362,385	684,639
Maturities of investment securities held to maturity	103,336	137,888	107,061
Purchases of investment securities available for sale	-367,375	-369,585	-1,296,857
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity	-2,641	-22,561	0
Net purchases of Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	-3,101	-28	-251
Proceeds from sales of commercial loans	5,532	9,406	55,081
Purchase of one-to-four-family residential real estate loans	-52,658	0	-141,048
Net (increase) decrease in loans	-273,383	-38,761	361,980
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	14,764	20,266	29,962
Net purchases of bank premises and equipment	-10,937	-7,533	-5,896
Net proceeds from sales of other real estate	16,889	33,927	48,531
Other investing activities, net	1,220	5,640	295
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities – continuing operations	-43,753	-328,073	158,735
Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations	0	1,817	5,151
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-43,753	-326,256	163,886
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in deposits	35,609	-136,928	-183,859
Increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase	21,732	17,118	-25,145
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities – continuing operations	57,341	-119,810	-209,004
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities – discontinued operations	0	-5,310	34,642
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	57,341	-125,120	-174,362
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,967	-328,411	45,706
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	190,435	518,846	473,140
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	205,402	190,435	518,846
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest on liabilities	83,688	9,540	17,493
Cash paid (received) for income taxes	409	-213	-661
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Reclassification of investment securities from available for sale to held to maturity	0	242,540	729,142
Loans transferred to other real estate	$7,598	$9,483	$24,223

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of First Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) 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. Certain reclassifications of 2013 and 2012 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 subsidiaries, as more fully described below and in Note 20 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: FB Holdings, LLC (FB Holdings); Small Business Loan Source LLC; SBRHC, Inc.; FBSA Missouri, Inc.; FBSA California, Inc.; and First Banc Insurance Services Corporation. All of the subsidiaries are wholly owned as of December 31, 2014, except 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 20 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.
	Significant Accounting Policies:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash, due from banks and short-term investments, which include federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits, are considered to be cash and cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows. Interest-bearing deposits were $105.1 million and $98.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company did not have any federal funds sold outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013. First Bank is required to maintain certain daily reserve balances on hand in accordance with regulatory requirements. The reserve balances required to be maintained in accordance with such requirements were $10.0 million and $11.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. First Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRB) system and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system and maintains investments in FRB and FHLB stock. These investments are recorded at cost, which represents redemption value. The investment in FRB stock is maintained at a minimum of 6% of First Bank’s capital stock and capital surplus. The investment in FHLB of Des Moines stock is maintained at an amount equal to 0.12% of First Bank’s total assets as of December 31 of the preceding year, up to a maximum of $10.0 million, plus 4.45% of advances. Investments in FRB and FHLB of Des Moines stock were $23.4 million and $7.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014, and $19.6 million and $7.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013.
	Investment Securities. The classification of investment securities as available for sale or held to maturity is determined at the date of purchase. Investment securities designated as available for sale, which represent any security that the Company has no immediate plan to sell but which may be sold in the future under different circumstances, are stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses are included in noninterest income, based on the amortized cost of the individual security sold. Unrealized gains and losses, net of related income tax effects, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). All previous fair value adjustments included in the separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reversed upon sale. Premiums and discounts incurred relative to the par value of securities purchased are amortized or accreted, respectively, on the level-yield method taking into consideration the level of current and anticipated prepayments. Investment securities designated as held to maturity, which represent any security that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are stated at cost, net of amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts computed on the level-yield method taking into consideration the level of current and anticipated prepayments. Any reclassification of available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities are recorded at fair value, and the gross unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities at the time of transfer is recorded as additional premium or discount on the securities and amortized or accreted over the remaining lives of the respective securities. A decline in the fair value of any available-for-sale or held-to-maturity investment security below its carrying value that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in the cost basis of the carrying value to fair value. The other-than-temporary impairment, which is not expected to be reversed, is charged to noninterest income and a new cost basis is established. When determining other-than-temporary impairment, consideration is given as to whether the Company has the ability and intent to hold the investment security until a market price recovery and whether evidence indicating the carrying value of the investment security is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary.
	Loans Held for Portfolio. Loans held for portfolio are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the interest method. Interest and fees on loans are recognized as income using the interest method. Loan origination fees and costs are deferred and accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the loans using the interest method. Loans held for portfolio are stated at cost as the Company has the ability and it is management’s intention to hold them to maturity.
	The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when it appears that interest or principal may not be paid in a timely manner in the normal course of business or once principal or interest payments become 90 days past due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Generally, payments received on nonaccrual and impaired loans are recorded as principal reductions. Interest income is recognized after all delinquent principal has been repaid or an improvement in the condition of the loan has occurred that warrants resumption of interest accruals.
	A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans on nonaccrual status and restructured loans are considered to be impaired loans. When measuring impairment, the expected future cash flows of an impaired loan are discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Alternatively, impairment is measured by reference to an observable market price, if one exists, or the fair value of the collateral for a collateral-dependent loan. Regardless of the historical measurement method used, the Company measures impairment based on the fair value of the collateral when foreclosure is probable.
	A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring when all of the following conditions are present: (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, (ii) the Company makes a concession to the original contractual loan terms, and (iii) the Company would not consider the concessions but for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulty. These concessions may include, but are not limited to, rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extension of maturity date and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. A loan that is modified at a market rate of interest may no longer be classified as a troubled debt restructuring in the calendar year subsequent to the restructuring if it is in compliance with the modified terms. Performance prior to the restructuring is considered when assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period.
	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.
	Loans Held for Sale. Loans held for sale are comprised of residential mortgage loans held for sale in the secondary mortgage market, frequently in the form of a mortgage-backed security, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans awaiting sale of the guaranteed portion to the SBA, and commercial real estate loans which may be identified for sale to specific buyers to achieve credit or loan concentration objectives. One-to-four-family residential 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, primarily SBA loans, are carried at the lower of cost or market value, which is determined on an individual loan basis. The amount by which cost exceeds market value is recorded in a valuation allowance as a reduction of loans held for sale. Changes in the valuation allowance are reflected as part of the gain on loans sold and held for sale in the consolidated statements of income in the periods in which the changes occur. Gains or losses on the sale of loans held for sale are determined on a specific identification basis and reflect the difference between the value received upon sale and the carrying value of the loans held for sale, including any recourse reserve established for potential repurchase obligations. Loans held for sale transferred to loans held for portfolio or available-for-sale investment securities are transferred at fair value.
	Loan Servicing Income. Loan servicing income is included in noninterest income and represents fees earned for servicing real estate mortgage loans owned by investors and originated by First Bank’s mortgage banking operation, as well as SBA loans to small business concerns. These fees are net of federal agency guarantee fees and interest shortfall. Such fees are generally calculated on the outstanding principal balance of the loans serviced and are recorded as income when earned.
	Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology follows the accounting guidance set forth in GAAP and the Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, which was jointly issued by the Company’s regulatory agencies. Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions. The Company’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to nonaccrual loans, past due loans, substandard loans, special mention loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors. The provision for loan losses also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period. In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance for loan losses related to newly identified problem loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools.
	The level of the allowance for loan losses reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss and recovery experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for any credit that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate determination of the appropriate level of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including, among other things, the performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. The Company monitors whether or not the allowance for loan loss allocation model, as a whole, calculates an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses that moves in direct correlation to the general macroeconomic and loan portfolio conditions the Company experiences over time.
	The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances based on probable losses on impaired loans; (ii) historical valuation allowances determined based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) general valuation allowances based on general economic conditions and other risk factors both internal and external to the Company.
	The specific valuation allowances established for probable losses on impaired loans are based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flows, as well as evaluation of legal options available to the Company. The amount of impairment is measured based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the fair value of the underlying collateral less applicable selling costs, or the observable market price of the loan. If foreclosure is probable or the loan is collateral dependent, impairment is measured using the fair value of the loan’s collateral, less estimated costs to sell. Large groups of homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage, home equity and consumer and installment loans, are aggregated and collectively evaluated for impairment.
	Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans. The Company calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical loss ratios are updated on a quarterly basis based on actual charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool.
	The components of the general valuation allowances include (i) additional reserves allocated to specific loan portfolio segments as a result of applying a qualitative adjustment factor to the base historical loss allocation; (ii) additional reserves allocated to specific geographical regions where negative trends are being experienced; and (iii) additional reserves established based on consideration of trends in past due loans, potential problem loans, performing troubled debt restructurings and nonaccrual loans and other qualitative and quantitative factors both internal and external to the Company which could affect potential credit losses.
	Management believes the level of the Company’s allowance for loan losses is appropriate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.
	In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to modify its allowance for loan losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company utilizes derivative instruments and hedging strategies to assist in the management of interest rate sensitivity and to modify the repricing, maturity and option characteristics of certain assets and liabilities. The Company uses such derivative instruments solely to reduce its interest rate risk exposure. Interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are considered derivative instruments. First Bank also offers interest rate swap agreement contracts to certain clients who wish to modify their interest rate sensitivity positions. A summary of the Company’s accounting policies for its current derivative instruments and hedging activities is as follows:
	•	Interest Rate Lock Commitments. Commitments to originate loans for subsequent sale in the secondary market (interest rate lock commitments), which primarily consist of commitments to originate fixed rate residential mortgage loans, are recorded at fair value. Fair values are based upon quoted market prices. The value of loan servicing rights is also incorporated into fair value measurements for mortgage loan commitments. Changes in the fair value of interest rate lock commitments are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis.
	•	Forward Commitments to Sell Mortgage-Backed Securities. Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis.
	•	Client Interest Rate Swap Agreement Contracts. Derivative instruments are offered to clients to assist in hedging their risks of adverse changes in interest rates. First Bank serves as an intermediary between its clients and the financial markets. Each contract between First Bank and its clients is offset by a matching interest rate swap contract with offsetting pay/receive rates between First Bank and various counterparties. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting. Client interest rate swap agreement contracts are carried at fair value. Changes in the fair value are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis. As each client contract is paired with an offsetting contract, there is no significant impact to net income (loss).
	Bank Premises and Equipment, Net. Bank premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life of the related asset or the term of the lease. Bank premises and improvements are depreciated over five to 40 years and equipment is depreciated over three to seven years.
	Servicing Rights. The Company has mortgage servicing rights and SBA servicing rights, which are measured at fair value as permitted by ASC Topic 860 – Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets. Changes in the fair value of mortgage and SBA servicing rights are recognized in earnings in the period in which the change occurs and such changes are reflected in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. Servicing rights are valued based on valuation models that utilize assumptions based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including size, interest rate, weighted average life, cost to service and estimated prepayment speeds. The valuation models estimate the present value of estimated future net servicing income.
	Mortgage and SBA servicing rights are capitalized upon the sale of the underlying loan at estimated fair value. The fair value of mortgage and SBA servicing rights fluctuates based on changes in interest rates and certain other assumptions utilized to value the mortgage and SBA servicing rights. The value is adversely affected when interest rates decline which normally causes loan prepayments to increase. The determination of the fair value of the mortgage and SBA servicing rights is performed monthly based upon an independent third party valuation. The valuation analysis is prepared using stratifications of the mortgage and SBA servicing rights based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including size, interest rate, weighted average original term, weighted average remaining term and estimated prepayment speeds.
	Other Real Estate. Other real estate is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less applicable selling costs. The excess of cost over fair value of the property at the date of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent reductions in carrying value, to reflect current fair value or costs incurred in maintaining the other real estate, are charged to noninterest expense as incurred.
	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in the tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Valuation allowances are then recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts management concludes are more-likely-than-not to be realized. The Company and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and unitary or consolidated state income tax returns in all applicable states.
	The Company’s policy is to separately disclose any interest or penalties arising from the application of federal or state income taxes. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is included in interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in noninterest expense.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. Management of the Company believes the accrual for tax liabilities is adequate for all open audit years based on its assessment of many factors, including past experience and interpretations of tax law applied to the facts of each matter. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions.
	Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain former employees of a bank holding company acquired by the Company in 1994 (the Plan) and subsequently merged with and into the Company on December 31, 2002. The Company discontinued the accumulation of benefits under the Plan in 1994, and as such, there is no longer any service cost being accrued by Plan participants. The Company records annual amounts relating to the Plan based on calculations that incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions including discount rates, mortality rates, and assumed rates of return. The Company reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when deemed appropriate. The funded status of the Plan is recognized as a net asset or liability and changes in the Plan’s funded status are recognized through other comprehensive income to the extent those changes are not included in the net periodic cost.
	Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk. A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that conveys or imposes on an entity the contractual right or obligation to either receive or deliver cash or another financial instrument. The Company utilizes financial instruments to reduce the interest rate risk arising from its financial assets and liabilities. These instruments involve, in varying degrees, elements of interest rate risk and credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. “Interest rate risk” is defined as the possibility that interest rates may move unfavorably from the perspective of the Company due to maturity and/or interest rate adjustment timing differences between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The risk that a counterparty to an agreement entered into by the Company may default is defined as “credit risk.”
	The Company is a party to commitments to extend credit and commercial and standby letters of credit in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its clients. These commitments involve, in varying degrees, elements of interest rate risk and credit risk in excess of the amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share. Basic earnings (loss) per common share (EPS) are computed by dividing the income (loss) available to common stockholders (the numerator) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding (the denominator) during the year. The computation of dilutive EPS is similar except the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential shares had been issued. In addition, in computing the dilutive effect of convertible securities, the numerator is adjusted to add back any convertible preferred dividends.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Discontinued Operations. The assets and liabilities associated with the transactions described (and defined) below were previously reported in the First Bank segment and were sold as part of the Company’s Capital Optimization Plan (Capital Plan). The Company applied discontinued operations accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 205-20, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations,” to the operations of First Bank's Association Bank Services line of business and Northern Florida Region for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, as applicable. 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.
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	Association Bank			Northern			Total
		Services			Florida
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$	1,221		—			1,221
	Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	292			233			525
	Net interest income (loss)	929			(233	)		696
	Provision for loan losses	—			—			—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	929			(233	)		696
	Noninterest income:
	Service charges and client service fees	85			134			219
	Other	105			4			109
	Total noninterest income	190			138			328
	Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits	3,045			885			3,930
	Occupancy, net of rental income	6			579			585
	Furniture and equipment	41			40			81
	Legal, examination and professional fees	68			—			68
	FDIC insurance	671			53			724
	Other	743			2,452			3,195
	Total noninterest expense	4,574			4,009			8,583
	Loss from operations of discontinued operations	(3,455		)	(4,104	)		(7,559	)
	Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	28,615			408			29,023
	Provision for income taxes	241			—			241
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	24,919		(3,696	)		21,223
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	Association Bank			Northern				Total
		Services			Florida
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$	1,762		—				1,762
	Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	477			972				1,449
	Net interest income (loss)	1,285			(972		)		313
	Provision for loan losses	—			—				—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	1,285			(972		)		313
	Noninterest income:
	Service charges and client service fees	119			467				586
	Other	109			13				122
	Total noninterest income	228			480				708
	Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits	2,583			2,279				4,862
	Occupancy, net of rental income	12			1,760				1,772
	Furniture and equipment	89			278				367
	Legal, examination and professional fees	62			5				67
	FDIC insurance	1,123			358				1,481
	Other	942			351				1,293
	Total noninterest expense	4,811			5,031				9,842
	Loss from operations of discontinued operations	(3,298		)	(5,523		)		(8,821	)
	Benefit for income taxes	—			—				—
	Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(3,298	)	$	(5,523	)		(8,821	)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES	INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES
	Securities Available for Sale. The amortized cost, contractual maturity, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Maturity									Total Amortized Cost	Gross Unrealized					Weighted Average Yield
	(dollars in thousands)	1 Year			5-Jan		10-May		After 10 Years			Gains		Losses		Fair
		or Less			Years		Years									Value
	December 31, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		29,942		20,119		180,098		230,159	2,129		(557	)	231,731	1.39	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	269			65,433		48,174		885,896		999,772	14,189		(6,117	)	1,007,844	2.39
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			779		—		—		779	58		—		837	4.95
	State and political subdivisions	863			571		—		28,371		29,805	33		(223	)	29,615	1.05
	Corporate notes	27,382			72,959		70,990		—		171,331	2,759		(395	)	173,695	2.75
	Equity investments	—			—		—		2,000		2,000	—		(33	)	1,967	2.15
	Total	$	28,514		169,684		139,283		1,096,365		1,433,846	19,168		(7,325	)	1,445,689	2.25
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	28,901		172,561		140,717		1,101,543
	Equity securities	—			—		—		1,967
	Total	$	28,901		172,561		140,717		1,103,510
	Weighted average yield	2.64		%	1.97	%	2.58	%	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Maturity									Total Amortized Cost	Gross Unrealized					Weighted Average Yield
	(dollars in thousands)	1 Year			5-Jan		10-May		After 10 Years			Gains		Losses		Fair
		or Less			Years		Years									Value
	December 31, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		10,725		—		10,725	42		—		10,767	1.25	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			105,660		50,512		448,905		605,077	1,931		(5,782	)	601,226	1.86
	State and political subdivisions	561			335		489		961		2,346	1		(68	)	2,279	1.68
	Total	$	561		105,995		61,726		449,866		618,148	1,974		(5,850	)	614,272	1.85
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	561		106,147		62,000		445,564
	Weighted average yield	3.07		%	1.88	%	1.13	%	1.94	%
	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 $343.5 million, $143.7 million and $315.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on investment securities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$	5,063		802		1,675
	Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	(3,374		)	(354	)	(374	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment	(3		)	(412	)	(2	)
	Gross realized gains on calls of investment securities	—			—		7
	Net realized gain on investment securities	$	1,686		36		1,306
	Other-than-temporary impairment for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes impairment of $407,000 recorded during the first quarter of 2013 on a municipal investment security classified as held-to-maturity. Investment securities with a carrying value of $349.0 million and $283.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 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.
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company reclassified certain of its available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities at their respective fair values, which totaled $242.5 million, in aggregate. The net gross unrealized gain on these available-for-sale investment securities at the time of transfer was $5.0 million, in aggregate. On June 30, 2012, the Company reclassified certain of its available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities at their respective fair values, which totaled $729.1 million, in aggregate. The net gross unrealized gain on these available-for-sale investment securities at the time of transfer was $11.7 million, in aggregate. The determination of the reclassifications were made by management based on the Company’s current and expected future liquidity levels and the resulting intent to hold such investment securities to maturity. The net gross unrealized gains on these available-for-sale investment securities at the time of transfer was recorded as additional premium on the securities and is being amortized over the remaining lives of the respective securities, as further described in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
	Less than 12 months					12 months or more				Total
(dollars in thousands)	Fair			Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair	Unrealized
	Value			Losses		Value		Losses		Value	Losses
December 31, 2014:
Available for sale:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	79,207		(427	)	14,600		(130	)	93,807	(557	)
Residential mortgage-backed	204,378			(1,154	)	191,644		(4,963	)	396,022	(6,117	)
State and political subdivisions	28,148			(223	)	—		—		28,148	(223	)
Corporate notes	9,650			(350	)	4,955		(45	)	14,605	(395	)
Equity investments	1,967			(33	)	—		—		1,967	(33	)
Total	$	323,350		(2,187	)	211,199		(5,138	)	534,549	(7,325	)
Held to maturity:
Residential mortgage-backed	$	28,371		(112	)	325,820		(5,670	)	354,191	(5,782	)
State and political subdivisions	641			(3	)	896		(65	)	1,537	(68	)
Total:	$	29,012		(115	)	326,716		(5,735	)	355,728	(5,850	)
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 December 31, 2014 and 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 the Company will not be required to sell these investments 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 included 47 and 12 securities, respectively.

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
	The following table summarizes the composition of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	695,267			600,704
	Real estate construction and development	89,851				121,662
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	1,016,710				921,488
	Multi-family residential	115,434				121,304
	Commercial real estate	1,183,042				1,048,234
	Consumer and installment	18,950				18,681
	Loans held for sale	31,411				25,548
	Net deferred loan fees	(1,422		)		(526	)
	Total loans	$	3,149,243			2,857,095
	The Company's loan portfolio is primarily comprised of residential and commercial real estate loans, and commercial, financial and agricultural loans. The Company primarily lends to borrowers within its primary market areas of California, Florida, southern Illinois and eastern Missouri. The Company maintains a diversified portfolio with limited industry concentrations of credit risk. Real estate lending constitutes the only significant concentration of credit risk. Real estate loans comprised approximately 77% and 78% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of which 43% and 42%, respectively, were made to consumers in the form of residential real estate mortgages and home equity lines of credit. First Bank also offers residential real estate mortgage loans with terms that require interest only payments. At December 31, 2014, the balance of such loans, all of which were held for portfolio, was approximately $12.7 million, of which approximately 5.1% were delinquent. At December 31, 2013, the balance of such loans, all of which were held for portfolio, was approximately $16.0 million, of which approximately 5.1% were delinquent. In general, the Company is a secured lender. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, 98% and 99% of the loan portfolio was collateralized. Collateral is required in accordance with the normal credit evaluation process based upon the creditworthiness of the client and the credit risk associated with the particular transaction. First Bank also originates certain one-to-four-family residential mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market. First Bank has a repurchase obligation on these loans in the event of fraud or, on certain loans, early payment default. The early payment default provisions generally range from four months to one year after sale of the loan in the secondary market. First Bank has not sold any one-to-four-family residential mortgage loans into the secondary market with early payment default provisions since 2007, as further described in Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Loans to directors, their affiliates and executive officers of the Company were approximately $28.8 million and $12.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as further described in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Loans with a carrying value of approximately $1.05 billion and $1.03 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were pledged as collateral under borrowing arrangements with the FRB and the FHLB. At December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the years then ended, First Bank had no advances outstanding under these borrowing arrangements.
	Aging of Loans. The following table presents the aging of loans by loan classification at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	30-59				60-89			Recorded			Nonaccrual			Total Past		Current		Total Loans
		Days				Days			Investment						Due
									> 90 Days
									Accruing
	December 31, 2014:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	132			430			54			9,486			10,102		685,165		695,267
	Real estate construction and development	431				—			—			3,393			3,824		86,027		89,851
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	2,690				986			35			13,890			17,601		603,567		621,168
	Home equity	1,857				334			72			6,831			9,094		386,448		395,542
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—			19,731			19,731		95,703		115,434
	Commercial real estate	196				54			—			4,122			4,372		1,178,670		1,183,042
	Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees	136				33			2			23			194		17,334		17,528
	Loans held for sale	—				—			—			—			—		31,411		31,411
	Total	$	5,442			1,837			163			57,476			64,918		3,084,325		3,149,243
	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 December 31, 2014 and 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
	December 31, 2014:
	Pass	$	653,951			85,973			89,148			1,147,824			1,976,896
	Special mention	18,713				143			5,945			20,691			45,492
	Substandard	12,833				—			610			6,640			20,083
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	284				342			—			3,765			4,391
	Nonaccrual	9,486				3,393			19,731			4,122			36,732
	Total	$	695,267			89,851			115,434			1,183,042			2,083,594
	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			Total
Credit Exposure by Payment Activity					Equity			Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees
(dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014:
Pass	$	528,388			386,448			17,334			932,170
Substandard	2,662				2,263			171			5,096
Performing troubled debt restructuring	76,228				—			—			76,228
Nonaccrual	13,890				6,831			23			20,744
Total	$	621,168			395,542			17,528			1,034,238
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(dollars in thousands)	Recorded				Unpaid			Related			Average			Interest
	Investment				Principal			Allowance for			Recorded			Income
					Balance			Loan Losses			Investment			Recognized
December 31, 2014:
With No Related Allowance Recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	1,937			2,911			—			2,278			—
Real estate construction and development	2,626				12,333			—			3,106			—
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	—				—			—			—			—
Home equity	—				—			—			—			—
Multi-family residential	19,050				24,759			—			25,234			959
Commercial real estate	4,119				4,190			—			6,063			116
Consumer and installment	—				—			—			—			—
	27,732				44,193			—			36,681			1,075
With A Related Allowance Recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	7,833				22,089			1,626			9,212			6
Real estate construction and development	1,109				3,403			219			1,312			17
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	90,118				106,163			7,639			94,835			2,082
Home equity	6,831				7,988			1,366			7,056			—
Multi-family residential	681				3,581			1,157			902			—
Commercial real estate	3,768				5,619			463			5,546			21
Consumer and installment	23				23			1			14			—
	110,363				148,866			12,471			118,877			2,126
Total:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	9,770				25,000			1,626			11,490			6
Real estate construction and development	3,735				15,736			219			4,418			17
Real estate mortgage:
Residential mortgage	90,118				106,163			7,639			94,835			2,082
Home equity	6,831				7,988			1,366			7,056			—
Multi-family residential	19,731				28,340			1,157			26,136			959
Commercial real estate	7,887				9,809			463			11,609			137
Consumer and installment	23				23			1			14			—
	$	138,095			193,059			12,471			155,558			3,201
(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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had recorded charge-offs of $55.0 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.
Interest on impaired loans that would have been recorded under the original terms of the loans was $11.9 million, $13.4 million and $21.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of these amounts, $3.6 million, $4.3 million and $6.0 million was recorded as interest income on such loans in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $72.7 million and $75.3 million, respectively, of modified loans in the HAMP program.
For a loan modification to be classified as a TDR, all of the following conditions must be present: (1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, (2) the Company makes a concession to the original contractual loan terms and (3) the Company would not consider the concessions but for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulty. Modifications of loan terms to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are made in an attempt to protect as much of the investment in the loan as possible. These modifications are generally made to either prevent a loan from becoming nonaccrual or to return a nonaccrual loan to performing status based on the expectations that the borrower can adequately perform in accordance with the modified terms.
The determination of whether a modification should be classified as a TDR requires significant judgment after taking into consideration all facts and circumstances surrounding the transaction. No single characteristic or factor, taken alone, is determinative of whether a modification should be classified as a TDR. The fact that a single characteristic is present is not considered sufficient to overcome the preponderance of contrary evidence. Assuming all of the TDR criteria are met, the Company considers one or more of the following concessions to the loan terms to represent a TDR: (1) a reduction of the stated interest rate, (2) an extension of the maturity date or dates at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar terms or (3) forgiveness of principal or accrued interest.
Loans renegotiated at a rate equal to or greater than that of a new loan with comparable risk at the time the contract is modified are excluded from TDR classification in the calendar years subsequent to the renegotiation if the loan is in compliance with the modified terms for at least six months.
The Company does not accrue interest on any TDRs unless it believes collection of all principal and interest under the modified terms is reasonably assured. Generally, six months of consecutive payment performance by the borrower under the restructured terms is required before a TDR is returned to accrual status. However, the period could vary depending upon the individual facts and circumstances of the loan. TDRs accruing interest are classified as performing TDRs. The following table presents the categories of performing TDRs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
Performing Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	284			—
Real estate construction and development	342				—
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	76,228				78,153
Multi-family residential	—				27,955
Commercial real estate	3,765				4,519
Total	$	80,619			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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	243			711
Real estate construction and development	2,788				3,605
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	4,003				6,266
Multi-family residential	19,050				—
Commercial real estate	371				—
Total	$	26,455			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 $6.1 million and $9.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following tables present loans classified as TDRs that were modified during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	2014										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 as Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	1		$	287			$	287			2		$	246		$	201
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	52		7,187				6,338				53		11,838			10,897
The following tables present TDRs that defaulted within 12 months of modification during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	2014						2013
(dollars in thousands)	Number of		Recorded				Number of		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment				Contracts		Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	—		$	—			3		$	401
Real estate mortgage:
One-to-four-family residential	8		1,385				6		1,101
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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013			2012
Balance, beginning of year	$	81,033			91,602			137,710
Loans charged-off	(21,923		)		(25,835	)		(78,070	)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	14,764				20,266			29,962
Net loans charged-off	(7,159		)		(5,569	)		(48,108	)
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(7,000		)		(5,000	)		2,000
Balance, end of year	$	66,874			81,033			91,602
The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 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
Year Ended December 31, 2014:
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,401			7,407			32,619			5,249			22,052		305		81,033
Charge-offs	(4,898		)		(132	)		(6,611	)		(8,828	)		(1,333	)	(121	)	(21,923	)
Recoveries	4,687				2,060			4,330			212			3,345		130		14,764
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(616		)		(5,845	)		(6,283	)		8,997			(3,081	)	(172	)	(7,000	)
Ending balance	$	12,574			3,490			24,055			5,630			20,983		142		66,874
Year Ended December 31, 2013:
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,572			14,434			38,897			4,252			20,048		399		91,602
Charge-offs	(5,578		)		(448	)		(12,747	)		(162	)		(6,720	)	(180	)	(25,835	)
Recoveries	5,302				7,165			4,455			145			3,067		132		20,266
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	105				(13,744	)		2,014			1,014			5,657		(46	)	(5,000	)
Ending balance	$	13,401			7,407			32,619			5,249			22,052		305		81,033
The following table represents a summary of the impairment method used by loan category at December 31, 2014 and 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 Loan Fees
					Development
Ending Balance at December 31, 2014:
Allowance for loan losses:
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,053			—			1,184			—			—		—		2,237
Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	573				219			7,821			1,157			463		1		10,234
All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	10,948				3,271			15,050			4,473			20,520		141		54,403
Total allowance for loan losses	$	12,574			3,490			24,055			5,630			20,983		142		66,874
Loans:
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	4,712			2,626			7,388			19,050			3,765		—		37,541
Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	5,058				1,109			89,561			681			4,122		23		100,554
All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	685,497				86,116			919,761			95,703			1,175,155		17,505		2,979,737
Total loans	$	695,267			89,851			1,016,710			115,434			1,183,042		17,528		3,117,832
Ending Balance at 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

BANK_PREMISES_AND_EQUIPMENT_NE

BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET	BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET
	Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, were comprised of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	32,117		32,631
	Buildings and improvements	139,687			134,862
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	90,833			100,688
	Leasehold improvements	11,547			11,855
	Construction in progress	5,926			2,720
	Total	280,110			282,756
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(157,094		)	(158,428	)
	Bank premises and equipment, net	$	123,016		124,328
	The Company capitalized interest cost of $104,000, $71,000 and $31,000 during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $11.7 million, $11.8 million and $12.0 million, respectively.
	The Company leases land, office properties and equipment under operating leases. Certain of the leases contain renewal options and escalation clauses. Total rent expense was $9.7 million, $10.6 million and $11.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases extend through 2028 as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	8,018
	2016	7,185
	2017	5,142
	2018	3,233
	2019	2,593
	Thereafter	9,401
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	35,572
	The Company also leases to unrelated parties a portion of its banking facilities. Rental income associated with these leases was $4.5 million, $4.3 million and $4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL	GOODWILL
	The Company did not have any goodwill at December 31, 2014 and 2013. First Bank recorded goodwill impairment of $107.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as further discussed below. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	125,267
	Goodwill impairment	(107,267		)
	Goodwill allocated to sale transaction	(18,000		)
	Balance, end of year	$	—
	The Company allocated goodwill of $18.0 million to the sale of the ABS line of business, as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, based on the relative fair value of the ABS line of business and the portion of the First Bank segment that was retained.
	Taking into account the results of a goodwill impairment analyses performed for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of $107.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily reflecting the increase in carrying value of the Company as a result of the reversal of substantially all of the Company's valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets during the fourth quarter of 2013, as further described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements.

SERVICING_RIGHTS

SERVICING RIGHTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Servicing Asset [Abstract]
SERVICING RIGHTS	SERVICING RIGHTS
	Mortgage Banking Activities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company serviced mortgage loans for others totaling $1.37 billion and $1.33 billion, respectively. Borrowers’ escrow balances held by the Company on such loans were $8.6 million and $7.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Changes in mortgage servicing rights for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	14,211		9,152
	Originated mortgage servicing rights	2,568			3,623
	Purchased mortgage servicing rights	159			—
	Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model (1)	(1,085		)	3,671
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(1,841		)	(2,235	)
	Balance, end of year	$	14,012		14,211
	-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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company serviced SBA loans for others totaling $114.4 million and $139.1 million, respectively. Changes in SBA servicing rights for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	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)	223			(244	)
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(865		)	(753	)
	Balance, end of year	$	4,001		4,643
	-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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	The Company utilizes derivative instruments to assist in the management of interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing, maturity and option characteristics of certain assets and liabilities. The following table summarizes derivative instruments held by the Company, their notional amount, estimated fair values and their location in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
									Derivatives in Other Assets
		Notional Amount							Fair Value Gain (Loss)
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013			2014			2013
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	$	20,762			14,237			580			217
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	38,300				29,100			(294	)		296
	Total	$	59,062			43,337			286			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 March 2015. The fair value of the interest rate lock commitments and forward contracts to sell mortgage-backed securities are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis.
	Client Interest Rate Swap Agreements. First Bank offers interest rate swap agreements to certain clients to assist in hedging their risks of adverse changes in interest rates. First Bank serves as an intermediary between its clients and the financial markets. Each interest rate swap agreement between First Bank and its clients is offset by an interest rate swap agreement between First Bank and various counterparties. These interest rate swap agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of client interest rate swap agreements are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis. Each client contract is paired with an offsetting contract, and as such, there is no significant impact to net income (loss). There were no outstanding client interest rate swap agreements at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The following table summarizes amounts included in the consolidated statements of income for the years December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 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
			2014				2013			2012
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate swap agreements	Other noninterest income	$	—			—			(43	)
	Client interest rate swap agreements	Other noninterest income	—				—			3
	Interest rate lock commitments	Gain on loans sold and held for sale	363				(1,620	)		456
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	Gain on loans sold and held for sale	(590		)		601			424

MATURITIES_OF_TIME_DEPOSITS

MATURITIES OF TIME DEPOSITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Maturities of Time Deposits [Abstract]
MATURITIES OF TIME DEPOSITS	MATURITIES OF TIME DEPOSITS
	Time deposits of $250,000 or more were $82.4 million and $81.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	A summary of maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	Total
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	686,939
	2016	160,614
	2017	42,251
	2018	22,210
	2019	13,844
	Thereafter	19
	Total	$	925,877

OTHER_BORROWINGS

OTHER BORROWINGS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
OTHER BORROWINGS	OTHER BORROWINGS
	Other borrowings were comprised solely of daily securities sold under agreement to repurchase of $64.9 million and $43.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. First Bank had no outstanding FHLB advances as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The average balance of other borrowings was $45.5 million and $34.8 million, and the maximum month-end balance of other borrowings was $64.9 million and $44.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The average rates paid on other borrowings during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were (0.02)%, (0.03)% and (0.05)%, respectively. The negative average rates paid on other borrowings during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 resulted from capitalized interest cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, as more fully described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, and the reversal of accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits associated with FASB Interpretation No. 48 (codified under ASC 740-10) for the year ended December 31, 2012, as more fully described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements. Interest expense on securities sold under agreements to repurchase was $45,000, $34,000 and $33,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

NOTES_PAYABLE

NOTES PAYABLE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
NOTES PAYABLE	NOTES PAYABLE
	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), as further described in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements. The 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.

SUBORDINATED_DEBENTURES

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subordinated Borrowings [Abstract]
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES	SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 13 affiliated Delaware or Connecticut statutory and business trusts (collectively, the Trusts) that were created for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The trust preferred securities were issued in private placements, with the exception of First Preferred Capital Trust IV, which was issued in a publicly underwritten offering. The Company owns all of the common securities of the Trusts. The sole assets of the statutory and business trusts are the Company's junior subordinated debentures. The gross proceeds of the offerings were used by the Trusts to purchase variable rate or fixed rate junior subordinated debentures from the Company. In connection with the issuance of the trust preferred securities, the Company made certain guarantees and commitments that, in the aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the obligations of the Trusts under the trust preferred securities.
	The following is a summary of the junior subordinated debentures issued to the Trusts in conjunction with the trust preferred securities offerings at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Name of Trust		Issuance Date	Maturity Date	Call Date (1)	Interest Rate (2)	Trust Preferred Securities		Subordinated Debentures
							(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Variable Rate
	First Bank Statutory Trust II		Sep-04	September 20, 2034	September 20, 2009	205.0 bp	$	20,000	$	20,619
	Royal Oaks Capital Trust I		Oct-04	January 7, 2035	January 7, 2010	240.0 bp	4,000		4,124
	First Bank Statutory Trust III		Nov-04	December 15, 2034	December 15, 2009	218.0 bp	40,000		41,238
	First Bank Statutory Trust IV		Mar-06	March 15, 2036	March 15, 2011	142.0 bp	40,000		41,238
	First Bank Statutory Trust V		Apr-06	June 15, 2036	June 15, 2011	145.0 bp	20,000		20,619
	First Bank Statutory Trust VI		Jun-06	July 7, 2036	July 7, 2011	165.0 bp	25,000		25,774
	First Bank Statutory Trust VII		Dec-06	December 15, 2036	December 15, 2011	185.0 bp	50,000		51,547
	First Bank Statutory Trust VIII		Feb-07	March 30, 2037	March 30, 2012	161.0 bp	25,000		25,774
	First Bank Statutory Trust X		Aug-07	September 15, 2037	September 15, 2012	230.0 bp	15,000		15,464
	First Bank Statutory Trust IX		Sep-07	December 15, 2037	December 15, 2012	225.0 bp	25,000		25,774
	First Bank Statutory Trust XI		Sep-07	December 15, 2037	December 15, 2012	285.0 bp	10,000		10,310
	Fixed Rate
	First Bank Statutory Trust		Mar-03	March 20, 2033	March 20, 2008	8.10%	25,000		25,774
	First Preferred Capital Trust IV		Apr-03	June 30, 2033	June 30, 2008	8.15%	46,000		47,423
	-1	The junior subordinated debentures are callable at the option of the Company on the call date shown at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	-2	The interest rates paid on the trust preferred securities are based on either a variable rate or a fixed rate. The variable rate is based on the three-month LIBOR plus the basis point spread shown.
	The Company’s distributions accrued on the junior subordinated debentures were $12.9 million, $15.0 million and $14.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Deferred issuance costs associated with the Company’s junior subordinated debentures are included as a reduction of junior subordinated debentures in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized using a method which approximates the level-yield method to the maturity date of the respective junior subordinated debentures. 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 14 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 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Under its previous Written Agreement (as defined in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements) with the 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 14 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.
	Under its MOU with the FRB, First Bank has agreed not to declare or pay any dividends, without the prior consent of the FRB, that would 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%. Furthermore, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes, First Bank is required to obtain approval from the MDOF prior to paying any dividends to the Company, as further described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. The Company is unable to predict whether or when the FRB and/or the MDOF will grant such consent in the future.
	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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Common Stock. There is no established public trading market for the Company’s common stock. Various trusts, which were established by and are administered by and for the benefit of the Company’s Chairman of the Board and members of his immediate family (including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director of the Company), own all of the voting stock of the Company other than the Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock that have limited voting rights, as described below.
	Preferred Stock. The Company has four classes of preferred stock outstanding. The Class A Convertible Adjustable Rate Preferred Stock (Class A Preferred Stock) is convertible into shares of common stock at a rate based on the ratio of the par value of the preferred stock to the current market value of the common stock at the date of conversion, to be determined by independent appraisal at the time of conversion. Shares of Class A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the Company at any time at 105.0% of par value. The Class B Non-Convertible Adjustable Rate Preferred Stock (Class B Preferred Stock) may not be redeemed or converted. The holders of the Class A and Class B Preferred Stock have full voting rights. Dividends on the Class A and Class B Preferred Stock are adjustable quarterly based on the highest of the Treasury Bill Rate or the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate for the two-week period immediately preceding the beginning of the quarter. This rate shall not be less than 6.0% nor more than 12.0% on the Class A Preferred Stock, or less than 7.0% nor more than 15.0% on the Class B Preferred Stock. Effective August 10, 2009, the Company suspended the declaration of dividends on its Class A and Class B Preferred Stock.
	On December 31, 2008, the Company issued 295,400 shares of Class C Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (Class C Preferred Stock) and 14,770 shares of Class D Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (Class D Preferred Stock) to the United States Department of the Treasury (U.S. Treasury) in conjunction with the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program’s Capital Purchase Program (CPP). The Class C Preferred Stock has a par value of $1.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The holders of the Class C Preferred Stock have no voting rights except in certain limited circumstances. The Class C Preferred Stock carried an annual dividend rate equal to 5% for the first five years, payable quarterly in arrears beginning February 15, 2009. The annual dividend rate increased to 9% per annum on February 15, 2014. The Class D Preferred Stock has a par value of $1.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The holders of the Class D Preferred Stock have no voting rights except in certain limited circumstances. The Class D Preferred Stock carries an annual dividend rate equal to 9%, payable quarterly in arrears beginning February 15, 2009. The Class C Preferred Stock and the Class D Preferred Stock qualify as Tier 1 capital. Effective February 17, 2009, the Class C Preferred Stock and the Class D Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time without penalty and without the need to raise new capital, subject to consultation with the Company’s primary regulatory agency. The Class D Preferred Stock may not be redeemed until all of the outstanding shares of the Class C Preferred Stock have been redeemed. In addition, prior to the U.S. Treasury's sale of the Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock (as further described below), the U.S. Treasury had certain supervisory and oversight duties and responsibilities under the CPP and, pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the issuance of the Class C Preferred Stock and the Class D Preferred Stock to the U.S. Treasury (Purchase Agreement), the U.S. Treasury was empowered to unilaterally amend any provision of the Purchase Agreement with the Company to the extent required to comply with any changes in applicable federal statutes. As a result of the Company’s deferral of dividends to the U.S. Treasury for an aggregate of six quarters, the U.S. Treasury had the right to elect two directors to the Company’s Board. On July 13, 2011, the U.S. Treasury elected two members to the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition to the right to elect two directors to the Company’s Board of Directors, the holders of the Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock have limited voting rights, except as required by law or to the extent such rights are waived. For as long as shares of the Class C Preferred Stock or Class D Preferred Stock are outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of the shareholders required by law or the Company’s articles of incorporation, the vote or consent of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the shares of the Class C Preferred Stock or Class D Preferred Stock outstanding is required for any authorization or issuance of shares ranking senior to the Class C Preferred Stock or Class D Preferred Stock, respectively; any amendments to the rights of the Class C Preferred Stock or Class D Preferred Stock that adversely affect the rights, privileges or voting power of the Class C Preferred Stock or Class D Preferred Stock, respectively; or initiation and completion of any merger, share exchange or similar transaction unless the shares of Class C Preferred Stock or Class D Preferred Stock, respectively, remain outstanding, or, if the Company is not the surviving entity in such transaction, are converted into or exchanged for preferred securities of the surviving entity that have the same rights, preferences, privileges and voting power of the Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock.
	The Company allocated the total proceeds received under the CPP of $295.4 million to the Class C Preferred Stock and the Class D Preferred Stock based on the relative fair values of the respective classes of preferred stock at the time of issuance. The discount on the Class C Preferred Stock of $17.3 million was accreted to retained earnings on a level-yield basis over five years (through the fourth quarter of 2013). Accretion of the discount on the Class C Preferred Stock was $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	During the third quarter of 2013, the U.S. Treasury completed two auctions that resulted in the sale of the Company's Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock to unaffiliated third party investors. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale and the sale did not have any effect on the terms of the outstanding Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock, including the Company's obligation to satisfy accrued and unpaid dividends prior to the payment of any dividend or other distribution to holders of junior or parity stock (including the Company's common stock, Class A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock), and an increase in the dividend rate on the Class C Preferred Stock from 5% to 9%, commencing with the dividend payment date of February 15, 2014. Furthermore, the sale of the Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock did not have any effect on the Company's regulatory capital, financial condition or results of operations.
	The redemption of any issue of preferred stock requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve. In addition, the Company, under its MOU with the FRB, has agreed, among other things, to provide certain information to the FRB including, but not limited to, progress of achieving its Capital Plan and notice of plans to materially change its Capital Plan. Furthermore, the Company agreed not to declare or pay any dividends on its common or preferred stock without the prior approval of the FRB, as further described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. The FRB has complete discretion to grant any such approval and therefore, it is not known whether the FRB would approve any such request.
	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 Preferred Stock at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and has accrued an additional $9.4 million of cumulative dividends on such deferred dividend payments at December 31, 2014 and 2013. As such, the aggregate amount of these deferred and accrued dividend payments was $77.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 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 year ended December 31, 2014, the Company would have accrued an additional $4.1 million and $33.2 million, respectively, of dividend payments, and the Company's aggregate deferred and accrued dividend payments would have been $115.1 million at December 31, 2014. The Company will continue to evaluate whether declaring dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock is appropriate in future periods. The Company's cessation of declaring and accruing dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock did not have any effect on the terms of the outstanding Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock, including the Company's obligations thereunder, as previously described.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(dollars in thousands)	Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance		Total
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	10,151		(2,649	)	—		7,502
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,892			(1,291	)	—		3,601
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(992		)	—		—		(992	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,900			(1,291	)	—		2,609
	Balance, end of period	$	14,051		(3,940	)	—		10,111
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	35,186		(3,544	)	13,617		45,259
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(24,789		)	895		(13,617	)	(37,511	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(246		)	—		—		(246	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(25,035		)	895		(13,617	)	(37,757	)
	Balance, end of period	$	10,151		(2,649	)	—		7,502
	Year Ended December 31, 2012:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	19,437		(2,633	)	(738	)	16,066
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,507			(911	)	14,355		29,951
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(758		)	—		—		(758	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	15,749			(911	)	14,355		29,193
	Balance, end of period	$	35,186		(3,544	)	13,617		45,259
	Other comprehensive income (loss) of $2.6 million, $(37.8) million and $29.2 million, as presented in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity, is reflected net of income tax expense (benefit) of $1.8 million, $(6.5) million and $(6.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS	REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS
	Regulatory Capital. The Company and First Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the operations and financial condition of the Company and First Bank. Under these capital requirements, the Company and First Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
	Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and First Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (Tier 1 leverage ratio).
	The Company was categorized as adequately capitalized under minimum regulatory capital standards established for bank holding companies by the Federal Reserve at December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's and First Bank's required and actual capital ratios were as follows:
		Actual								For Capital Adequacy Purposes	To be Well
		2014				2013					Capitalized
	(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio			Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	$	475,312	12.25	%	$	405,856	11.13	%	8.00%	N/A
	First Bank (1)	691,350		17.81		734,535		20.12		8	10.00%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	284,396		7.33		239,868		6.58		4	N/A
	First Bank (1)	642,593		16.55		688,427		18.86		4	6
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	284,396		5.01		239,868		4.12		4	N/A
	First Bank (1)	642,593		11.35		688,427		11.77		4	5
	____________________
	-1	The reduction in First Bank's regulatory capital ratios during 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of $95.0 million of dividends to the Company in 2014.
	Basel III and the Final Capital Rules. In July 2013, the federal bank regulators approved final rules (the Final Capital Rules) implementing the Basel III framework as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Final Capital Rules also substantially revise the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries, including the Company and First Bank, as compared to the general risk-based capital rules. The Final Capital Rules revise the components of capital and address other issues affecting the numerator in regulatory capital ratios. The Final Capital Rules also address asset risk weights and other issues affecting the denominator in regulatory capital ratios and replace the existing general risk-weighting approach based on Basel I with a more risk-sensitive approach. The Final Capital Rules became effective for the Company and First Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions). The Final Capital Rules:
	•	Include a new minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets and raise the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets;
	•	Require institutions to maintain a capital conservation buffer composed of common equity Tier 1 capital of 2.5% above the minimum risk-based capital requirements in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments (unless a waiver is granted by the Federal Reserve) and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers (unless a waiver is granted by the Federal Reserve). In addition, institutions that do not maintain the required capital conservation buffer may also be limited in their ability to make payments on trust preferred securities. 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%, that subsequently increases to 1.25%, 1.875% and 2.5% on January 1, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively;
	•	Implement 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;
	•	Increase risk-weightings for past-due loans, certain commercial real estate loans and some equity exposures;
	•	Require 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
	•	Allow 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 87.0% of the Company's net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014, are scheduled to be phased out entirely from inclusion in the calculation of common equity Tier 1 capital in 2019.
	In light of the Company's current capital and the future changes in the calculation of regulatory capital as a result of the Final Capital Rules, absent a substantial increase in qualifying common equity, the Company will not meet the common equity Tier 1 requirement under the Final Capital Rules. The inability to remain adequately capitalized under the Final Capital Rules 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 Final Capital Rules by the Federal Reserve. It is not known whether the Federal Reserve would grant such a waiver.
	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, subject to certain conditions, which granted First Bank the authority to pay a dividend to the Company, and the authority to the Company to utilize such funds, for the sole purpose of paying the accumulated deferred interest payments on the Company's outstanding junior subordinated debentures issued in connection with the Company's trust preferred securities. In February 2014, First Bank paid a dividend of $70.0 million to the Company and the Company subsequently paid interest on the junior subordinated debentures of $66.4 million , as further described in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Pursuant to the terms of the Written Agreement, the Company and First Bank submitted a written plan to the FRB to maintain sufficient capital at the Company, on a consolidated basis, and at First Bank, on a standalone basis. In addition, the Agreement also required the Company and First Bank to notify the FRB if the regulatory capital ratios of either entity fell below those set forth in the capital plans that were accepted by the FRB, and specifically if First Bank fell below the criteria for being well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The Company was also required to notify the FRB before appointing any new directors or senior executive officers or changing the responsibilities of any senior executive officer position. The Written Agreement also required the Company and First Bank to comply with certain restrictions regarding indemnification and severance payments although First Bank was notified, as of October 16, 2013, by the FRB that such restriction was no longer applicable to First Bank. The Agreement was specifically enforceable by the FRB in court.
	Prior to entering into the Written Agreement on March 24, 2010, the Company and First Bank had entered into a memorandum of understanding and an informal agreement, respectively, with the FRB and the Missouri Division of Finance (MDOF). Each of the agreements were characterized by regulatory authorities as informal actions that were neither published nor made publicly available by the agencies and are used when circumstances warrant a milder form of action than a formal supervisory action, such as a written agreement or cease and desist order. The memorandum of understanding with the FRB was replaced and superseded by the Written Agreement. The informal agreement with the MDOF, dated September 18, 2008, was terminated effective September 11, 2013.
	On May 19, 2014, the Company 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.

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
	In accordance with ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value subsequent to initial recognition are grouped into three levels of inputs or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the reliability of assumptions used to determine fair value. The three input levels of the valuation hierarchy are as follows:
	Level 1 Inputs –	Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 Inputs –	Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
	Level 3 Inputs –	Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
	The following describes valuation methodologies used to measure financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value, as well as the general classification of such financial instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:
	Available-for-sale investment securities. Available-for-sale investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Available-for-sale investment securities included in Level 1 are valued using quoted market prices. Where quoted market prices are unavailable, the fair value included in Level 2 is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments obtained from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information.
	Loans held for sale. Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments obtained from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information. Other loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value, which is determined on an individual loan basis. The fair value is based on the prices secondary markets are offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. The Company classifies mortgage loans held for sale subjected to recurring fair value adjustments as recurring Level 2. The Company classifies other loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as nonrecurring Level 2.
	Impaired loans. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans are considered impaired when, in the judgment of management based on current information and events, it is probable that payment of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. Acquired impaired loans are classified as nonaccrual loans and are initially measured at fair value with no allocated allowance for loan losses. An allowance for loan losses is recorded to the extent there is further credit deterioration subsequent to the acquisition date. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. Once a loan is identified as impaired, management measures the impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10-35, “Receivables.” Impairment is measured by reference to an observable market price, if one exists, the expected future cash flows of an impaired loan discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral for a collateral-dependent loan. In most cases, the Company measures fair value based on the value of the collateral securing the loan. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or personal property, including equipment and inventory. The vast majority of the collateral is real estate. The value of the collateral is determined based on third party appraisals as well as internal estimates. These measurements are classified as nonrecurring Level 3.
	Other real estate. Certain other real estate, upon initial recognition, is re-measured and reported at fair value through a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses based upon the estimated fair value of the other real estate. The fair value of other real estate, upon initial recognition, is estimated using Level 3 inputs based on third party appraisals, and where applicable, discounted based on management’s judgment taking into account current market conditions, distressed or forced sale price comparisons and other factors in effect at the time of valuation. The Company classifies other real estate subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 3.
	Derivative instruments. Substantially all derivative instruments utilized by the Company are traded in over-the-counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. Derivative instruments utilized by the Company currently include 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.
	Goodwill. The valuation of goodwill to determine impairment is performed on an annual basis, or more frequently if there is an event or circumstance that would indicate impairment may have occurred. The Company operates as a single reporting unit. The annual measurement date for the goodwill impairment test was December 31. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process which requires the Company to make assumptions regarding fair value. The first step consists of estimating the fair value of the reporting unit using a number of factors, including projected future operating results and business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, discount rates, and comparable marketplace fair value data from within a comparable industry grouping. The estimated fair value of its reporting unit is compared to the carrying value, which includes allocated goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, the second step is completed to compute the impairment amount by determining the implied fair value of goodwill, which requires the allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. Any remaining unallocated fair value represents the implied fair value of goodwill, which is compared to the corresponding carrying value to compute the amount of goodwill impairment. The Company recorded goodwill impairment of $107.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. The Company classifies its goodwill 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
	(dollars in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3	Fair Value
	December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Available-for-sale investment securities:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		231,731		—	231,731
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			1,007,844		—	1,007,844
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			837		—	837
	State and political subdivisions	—			29,615		—	29,615
	Corporate notes	—			173,695		—	173,695
	Equity investments	1,967			—		—	1,967
	Mortgage loans held for sale	—			31,411		—	31,411
	Derivative instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	—			580		—	580
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	—			(294	)	—	(294	)
	Servicing rights	—			—		18,013	18,013
	Total	$	1,967		1,475,419		18,013	1,495,399
	Liabilities:
	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	$	6,778		—		—	6,778
	Total	$	6,778		—		—	6,778
	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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets measured on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Servicing Rights
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	18,854		14,792
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings (1)	(3,568		)	439
	Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—
	Issuances	2,568			3,623
	Purchases	159			—
	Transfers in and/or out of level 3	—			—
Balance, end of year	$	18,013		18,854
-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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table:
	Fair Value Measurements
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3	Fair Value
December 31, 2014:
Assets:
Impaired loans	$	—		—		125,624	125,624
Other real estate	—			—		55,666	55,666
Goodwill	—			—		—	—
Total	$	—		—		181,290	181,290
December 31, 2013:
Assets:
Impaired loans	$	—		—		148,152	148,152
Other real estate	—			—		66,702	66,702
Goodwill	—			—		—	—
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 $7.6 million, $9.5 million and $24.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 $2.1 million, $2.4 million and $14.5 million to noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The fair value of financial instruments is management’s estimate of the values at which the instruments could be exchanged in a transaction between willing parties. These estimates are subjective and may vary significantly from amounts that would be realized in actual transactions. In addition, other significant assets are not considered financial assets including deferred income tax assets, bank premises and equipment and goodwill. Furthermore, the income taxes that would be incurred if the Company were to realize any of the unrealized gains or unrealized losses indicated between the estimated fair values and corresponding carrying values could have a significant effect on the fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates. The following summarizes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair value of all other financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents and accrued interest receivable. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value.
Held-to-maturity investment securities. The fair value of held-to-maturity investment securities is based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. The Company classifies its held-to-maturity investment securities as Level 2.
Loans. The fair value of loans held for portfolio uses an exit price concept and reflects discounts the Company believes are consistent with liquidity discounts in the market place. Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial and industrial, real estate construction and development, commercial real estate, one-to-four-family residential real estate, home equity and consumer and installment. The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows, utilizing assumptions for prepayment estimates over the loans’ remaining life and considerations for the current interest rate environment compared to the weighted average rate of the loan portfolio. The fair value analysis also includes other assumptions to estimate fair value, intended to approximate those factors a market participant would use in an orderly transaction, with adjustments for discount rates, interest rates, liquidity, and credit spreads, as appropriate. The Company classifies its loans held for portfolio as Level 3.
FRB and FHLB stock. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets for FRB and FHLB stock, which are carried at cost, represent redemption value and approximate fair value.
Deposits. The fair value of deposits payable on demand with no stated maturity (i.e., noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand, and savings and money market accounts) is considered equal to their respective carrying amounts as reported in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of demand deposits does not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market. The fair value disclosed for time deposits is estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on similar deposits to a schedule of aggregated monthly maturities of time deposits. If the estimated fair value is lower than the carrying value, the carrying value is reported as the fair value of time deposits. The Company classifies its time deposits as Level 3.
Other borrowings and accrued interest payable. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets for variable rate borrowings approximate fair value. The fair value of fixed rate borrowings is based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on discounting contractual maturities using an estimate of current market rates for similar instruments. The Company classifies its other borrowings, comprised of securities sold under agreement 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 December 31, 2014 was as follows:
	December 31, 2014
	Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
(dollars in thousands)	Value			Level 1		Level 2	Level 3		Total
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	205,402		205,402		—	—		205,402
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,445,689			1,967		1,443,722	—		1,445,689
Held to maturity	618,148			—		614,272	—		614,272
Loans held for portfolio	3,050,958			—		—	2,937,948		2,937,948
Loans held for sale	31,411			—		31,411	—		31,411
FRB and FHLB stock	30,458			30,458		—	—		30,458
Derivative instruments	286			—		286	—		286
Accrued interest receivable	15,064			15,064		—	—		15,064
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	$	4,849,504		3,923,627		—	924,955		4,848,582
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875			64,875		—	—		64,875
Accrued interest payable	831			831		—	—		831
Subordinated debentures	354,286			—		—	303,191		303,191
Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$	12		—		—	12		12
The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	31-Dec-13
	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

CREDIT_COMMITMENTS

CREDIT COMMITMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CREDIT COMMITMENTS	CREDIT COMMITMENTS
	The Company is a party to commitments to extend credit and commercial and standby letters of credit in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its clients. These instruments involve, in varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The interest rate risk associated with these credit commitments relates primarily to the commitments to originate fixed-rate loans. As more fully described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the interest rate risk of the commitments to originate fixed-rate loans has been hedged with forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities. The credit risk amounts are equal to the contractual amounts, assuming the amounts are fully advanced and the collateral or other security is of no value. The Company uses the same credit policies in granting commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet items.
	Commitments to extend fixed and variable rate credit, and commercial and standby letters of credit, at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Commitments to extend credit	$	950,586	766,442
	Commercial and standby letters of credit	35,224		46,680
	Total	$	985,810	813,122
	Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each client’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, equipment, income-producing commercial properties or single-family residential properties. In the event of nonperformance, the Company may obtain and liquidate the collateral to recover amounts paid under its guarantees on these financial instruments.
	Commercial and standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party. The letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions. Most letters of credit extend for less than one year. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to clients. Upon issuance of the commitments, the Company typically holds marketable securities, certificates of deposit, inventory, real property or other assets as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The standby letters of credit at December 31, 2014 expire, at various dates, within five years.
	Standby letters of credit issued by the FHLB on First Bank’s behalf were $2.8 million and $25.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The reserve for letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments was $12,000 and $2.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The reserve at December 31, 2013 included a specific reserve of $2.4 million on a single letter of credit relationship. This reserve was utilized during the year ended December 31, 2014 to absorb a loss on this letter of credit relationship at the time of its funding.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Current provision (benefit) for income taxes:
	Federal	$	102		3		—
	State	(6		)	(244	)	(32	)
		96			(241	)	(32	)
	Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes:
	Federal	9,663			44,068		6,766
	State	10,239			(1,275	)	1,253
		19,902			42,793		8,019
	Decrease in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	(7,839		)	(331,053	)	(8,126	)
	Total	$	12,159		(288,501	)	(139	)
	The effective rates of federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 differ from the federal statutory rates of taxation as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014					2013					2012
	(dollars in thousands)	Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes and net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	$	33,738				$	(67,801	)			$	34,663
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes calculated at federal statutory income tax rates	$	11,808		35	%	$	(23,730	)	35	%	$	12,132		35	%
	Effects of differences in tax reporting:
	Tax-exempt interest income, net of tax preference adjustment	(78		)	(0.2	)	(117		)	0.2		(135		)	(0.4	)
	State income taxes	6,656			19.6		(1,098		)	1.6		795			2.3
	Bank owned life insurance, net of premium	11			—		516			(0.8	)	11			—
	Noncontrolling investment in flow-through entity	27			0.1		(63		)	0.1		104			0.3
	Goodwill impairment and amortization of intangibles	—			—		37,544			(55.4	)	—			—
	(Decrease) increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance, net of federal benefit	(5,071		)	(15.0	)	(311,537		)	459.5		(13,112		)	(37.9	)
	Reclassification of deferred tax asset valuation allowance from accumulated other comprehensive income to provision for income taxes	—			—		10,547			(15.6	)	—			—
	Expiration of net operating loss carryforwards	—			—		3			—		643			1.9
	Other, net	(1,194		)	(3.5	)	(566		)	0.9		(577		)	(1.6	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	12,159		36	%	$	(288,501	)	425.5	%	$	(139	)	(0.4	)%
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	185,247		200,139
	State net operating loss carryforwards	57,843			66,578
	Allowance for loan losses	29,102			35,354
	Loans held for sale	1,088			2,341
	Alternative minimum and general business tax credits	21,186			20,830
	Interest on nonaccrual loans	8,620			9,078
	Deferred compensation	4,591			4,070
	Core deposit intangibles	2,135			2,493
	Partnership and corporate investments	4,520			5,945
	Deferred loan charge-offs and other fraud losses	3,847			1,426
	Other real estate	13,734			15,893
	Accrued contingent liabilities	2,414			1,908
	Depreciation on bank premises and equipment	1,796			—
	State taxes	—			(19,325	)
	Other	11,993			12,531
	Gross deferred tax assets	348,116			359,261
	Valuation allowance	(35,541		)	(43,380	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	312,575			315,881
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	State taxes	17,799			—
	Servicing rights	4,653			4,655
	Net fair value adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities	5,270			1,055
	Deferred gain on reclassification of investment securities from available for sale to held to maturity	4,211			4,988
	Equity investments	5,681			5,683
	Thrift base year tax bad debt reserve	—			10,605
	Net deferred loan fees	1,860			1,870
	Depreciation on bank premises and equipment	—			(1,561	)
	Other	1,254			1,102
	Deferred tax liabilities	40,728			28,397
	Net deferred tax assets	$	271,847		287,484
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 had a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2012. 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 of $319.1 million and $6.1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 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. The Company reversed an additional $8.0 million of its valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2014, which was reflected as a benefit for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income and was primarily attributable to a reduction of the Illinois state tax rate. If the Company’s estimate of realizability of its net deferred tax assets changes in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded, which would either increase or decrease income tax expense in such period.
The valuation allowance reserves for certain state net operating loss carryovers, federal and state tax credits and capital loss carryovers which are projected to expire prior to their utilization, based upon projected taxable income at December 31, 2014. 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.
Changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
Balance, beginning of year	$	43,380		376,224		391,629
Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance to provision for income taxes	(7,957		)	(319,142	)	(643	)
Increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation allowance to provision for income taxes	118			(27,319	)	(468	)
Increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation allowance to accumulated other comprehensive income	—			13,617		(14,294	)
Balance, end of year	$	35,541		43,380		376,224
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties, were $873,000 and $881,000, respectively. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of these unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Balance, beginning of year	$	881		1,126
Additions:
Tax positions taken during the current year	—			90
Tax positions taken during the prior year	—			—
Reductions:
Tax positions taken during the prior year	(8		)	(335	)
Lapse of statute of limitations	—			—
Balance, end of year	$	873		881
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the provision for income taxes, prior to the consideration of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, was $575,000 and $580,000, respectively. It is the Company’s policy to separately disclose any interest or penalties arising from the application of federal or state income taxes. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is included in interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in noninterest expense. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, interest accrued for uncertain tax positions was $195,000 and $144,000, respectively. The Company recorded interest expense of $51,000 and $28,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, compared to a reduction to interest expense of $20,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no penalties for uncertain tax positions accrued at December 31, 2014 and 2013, nor did the Company recognize any expense for such penalties in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
The Company continually evaluates the unrecognized tax benefits associated with its uncertain tax positions. It is reasonably possible that the total unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 could decrease by approximately $553,000 by December 31, 2015 as a result of the lapse of statutes of limitations or potential settlements with the federal and state taxing authorities, of which the impact to the provision for income taxes, prior to the consideration of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, is estimated to be approximately $368,000.
The Company files consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state jurisdictions. Management of the Company believes the accrual for tax liabilities is adequate for all open audit years based on its assessment of many factors, including past experience and interpretations of tax law applied to the facts of each matter. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions. The Company’s federal income tax returns through 2008 have been examined by the IRS. Years subsequent to 2008 could contain matters that could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations as they relate to the amount, timing or inclusion of revenue and expenses. The Company has recorded a tax benefit only for those positions that meet the “more likely than not” standard. The Company’s current estimate of the resolution of various state examinations, none of which are in process, is reflected in accrued income taxes; however, final settlement of the examinations or changes in the Company’s estimate may result in future income tax expense or benefit.
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and Illinois income tax examination for the years prior to 2009 and is no longer subject to California, Florida, Missouri and various other state income tax examination by the tax authorities for the years prior to 2008. The Company had a federal tax examination for tax years through 2008, which was closed during 2010, and a California tax examination for the 2004 and 2005 tax years, which was closed during 2008. An Illinois tax examination of the 2007 and 2008 tax years was completed during 2011 with no changes to the returns as originally filed. A California tax examination for the 2005 and 2006 tax years was completed during 2012 with no changes to the amended returns as filed. A Texas tax examination for the 2007 and 2008 tax years was completed during 2013, which resulted in minor changes to the returns as originally filed. While the statute of limitations for the 2008 and 2009 tax years has expired for the majority of the states in which the Company is subject to income tax, the Company generated net operating loss carryforwards in 2008 and 2009 which, if realized, are subject to examination in order to validate the net operating loss carryforward. Thus, while closed, the 2008 and 2009 tax years for these states are still subject to examination. The statute of limitations will expire for 2008 and 2009 when the statute of limitations expires for the year the net operating loss carryforward is realized.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the accumulation of prior years’ earnings representing tax bad debt deductions was zero and $29.8 million, respectively. If these tax bad debt reserves were charged for losses other than bad debt losses, the Company would be required to recognize taxable income in the amount of the charge. Effective December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability in the amount of $10.6 million as it was projected that First Bank would make a nondividend distribution to the Company in 2014. Nondividend distributions include distributions in excess of First Bank’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, distributions in redemption of stock and distributions in partial or complete liquidation. The nondividend distribution will be considered to have been made from First Bank’s unrecaptured tax bad debt reserve. To the extent the distribution is made from these reserves, the nondividend distribution will be included in First Bank’s taxable income in the year of the distribution. It has been determined that a nondividend distribution, in excess of $29.8 million, occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014 and will be included in First Bank's taxable income for the year then ended.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, for federal income tax purposes, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $529.3 million and $571.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s federal net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:
(dollars in thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2021	$	2,177
2022	2,386
2023 – 2026	14,937
2027 – 2032	509,778
Total	$	529,278
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, for state income tax purposes, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $719.5 million and $785.4 million, respectively, and a related deferred tax asset of $58.7 million and $66.6 million, respectively. The state net operating loss carryforwards are primarily from the states of California, Florida, Illinois and Missouri ("Footprint States"). At December 31, 2014, the Company’s state net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:
(dollars in thousands)	State Net Operating Losses (Footprint States)			State Net Operating Losses (Other States)		State Net Operating Losses
Year ending December 31:
2015	$	—		249		249
2016	—			42		42
2017	16,822			7		16,829
2018	13,028			26		13,054
2019 – 2026	177,167			3,003		180,170
2027 – 2032	506,168			2,973		509,141
Total	$	713,185		6,300		719,485

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended December 31,
	(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Basic:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	21,655	220,521		35,099
	Preferred stock dividends declared	—		(15,869	)	(18,886	)
	Accretion of discount on preferred stock	—		(3,643	)	(3,554	)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	21,655		201,009		12,659
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		21,223		(8,821	)
	Net income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	21,655	222,232		3,838
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661		23,661
	Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	915.24	8,495.35		535.03
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	896.96		(372.81	)
	Basic earnings per common share	$	915.24	9,392.31		162.22
	Diluted:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	21,655	201,009		12,659
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		21,223		(8,821	)
	Net income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	21,655		222,232		3,838
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	—		—		—
	Diluted income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	21,655	222,232		3,838
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661		23,661
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	3,807		—		—
	Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding	27,468		23,661		23,661
	Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	788.38	8,495.35		535.03
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	896.96		(372.81	)
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	788.38	9,392.31		162.22

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS	BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS
	The Company’s business segment is First Bank. The reportable business segment is consistent with the management structure of the Company, First Bank and the internal reporting system that monitors performance. First Bank provides similar products and services in its defined geographic areas through its branch network. The products and services offered include a broad range of commercial and personal deposit products, including demand, savings, money market and time deposit accounts. In addition, First Bank markets combined basic services for various 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. Such principles and practices are summarized in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. The business segment results are summarized as follows:
		First Bank							Corporate, Other and Intercompany Reclassifications						Consolidated Totals
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
	Balance sheet information:
	Investment securities	$	2,063,837		2,351,931		2,675,280		—		—		—		2,063,837		2,351,931		2,675,280
	Total loans	3,149,243			2,857,095		2,930,747		—		—		—		3,149,243		2,857,095		2,930,747
	FRB and FHLB stock	30,458			27,357		27,329		—		—		—		30,458		27,357		27,329
	Goodwill	—			—		125,267		—		—		—		—		—		125,267
	Assets of discontinued operations	—			—		6,706		—		—		—		—		—		6,706
	Total assets	5,882,222			5,865,160		6,495,226		53,297		53,823		13,900		5,935,519		5,918,983		6,509,126
	Deposits	4,871,140			4,815,792		5,495,624		(21,636	)	(1,897	)	(2,777	)	4,849,504		4,813,895		5,492,847
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875			43,143		26,025		—		—		—		64,875		43,143		26,025
	Subordinated debentures	—			—		—		354,286		354,210		354,133		354,286		354,210		354,133
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			—		155,711		—		—		—		—		—		155,711
	Stockholders’ equity	871,301			931,561		751,252		(358,857	)	(443,305	)	(451,293	)	512,444		488,256		299,959
		First Bank							Corporate, Other and Intercompany Reclassifications						Consolidated Totals
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
	Income statement information:
	Interest income	$	168,653		172,810		200,682		75		—		121		168,728		172,810		200,803
	Interest expense	8,276			9,054		14,773		12,902		15,050		14,838		21,178		24,104		29,611
	Net interest income (loss)	160,377			163,756		185,909		(12,827	)	(15,050	)	(14,717	)	147,550		148,706		171,192
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(7,000		)	(5,000	)	2,000		—		—		—		(7,000	)	(5,000	)	2,000
	Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	167,377			168,756		183,909		(12,827	)	(15,050	)	(14,717	)	154,550		153,706		169,192
	Noninterest income	55,650			63,523		64,230		390		454		405		56,040		63,977		64,635
	Goodwill impairment	—			107,267		—		—		—		—		—		107,267		—
	Other noninterest expense	176,171			177,307		197,654		681		910		1,510		176,852		178,217		199,164
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	46,856			(52,295	)	50,485		(13,118	)	(15,506	)	(15,822	)	33,738		(67,801	)	34,663
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	14,724			(249,137	)	230		(2,565	)	(39,364	)	(369	)	12,159		(288,501	)	(139	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	32,132			196,842		50,255		(10,553	)	23,858		(15,453	)	21,579		220,700		34,802
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			21,223		(8,821	)	—		—		—		—		21,223		(8,821	)
	Net income (loss)	32,132			218,065		41,434		(10,553	)	23,858		(15,453	)	21,579		241,923		25,981
	Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(76		)	179		(297	)	—		—		—		(76	)	179		(297	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	32,208		217,886		41,731		(10,553	)	23,858		(15,453	)	21,655		241,744		26,278

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_RELATED_PART

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES	TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
	Outside of normal client relationships, no directors or officers of the Company, no shareholders holding over 5% of the Company’s voting securities and no corporations or firms with which such persons or entities are associated currently maintain or have maintained, since the beginning of the last full fiscal year, any significant business or personal relationships with the Company or its subsidiaries, other than that which arises by virtue of such position or ownership interest in the Company or its subsidiaries, except as described in the following paragraphs.
	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 charged by First Services to First Bank (net of payments from First Services to First Bank for rental of information technology and other equipment) were $20.2 million, $18.9 million and $19.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, First Services paid $1.7 million, $1.7 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 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 incurred under the Affiliate Services Agreement by First Services were $202,000, $284,000 and $183,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	First Brokerage America, L.L.C. First Brokerage America, L.L.C. (First Brokerage), a limited liability company indirectly owned by the Company’s Chairman and members of his immediate family, including Mr. Michael Dierberg, Vice Chairman of the Company, and Ms. Ellen Dierberg Milne, Director of the Company, received approximately $4.6 million, $4.5 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in gross commissions paid by unaffiliated third-party companies. The commissions received primarily resulted from sales of annuities, securities and other insurance products to clients of First Bank. First Brokerage paid approximately $470,000, $438,000 and $401,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to First Bank in rental payments for occupancy of certain First Bank premises from which brokerage business is conducted.
	Dierberg Vineyards / Wineries. The Company periodically purchases various products from Hermannhof, Inc. and Dierberg Star Lane Vineyards, entities that are owned and operated 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. The Company utilizes these products primarily for client and employee events and promotions, and business development functions. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company purchased products aggregating approximately $165,000 and $129,000, respectively, from these entities.
	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 $511,000, $491,000 and $498,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	First Capital America, Inc. / FB Holdings, LLC. FB Holdings operates as a majority-owned subsidiary of First Bank and was formed in 2008 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 contributed cash of $9.0 million and nonperforming loans and assets with a fair value of approximately $133.3 million 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, contributed cash of $125.0 million to FB Holdings during 2008. As a result, First Bank owned 53.23% and FCA owned the remaining 46.77% of FB Holdings as of December 31, 2014. FCA's ownership in FB Holdings is reflected as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
	FB Holdings receives various services provided by First Bank, including loan servicing and special assets services as well as various other financial, legal, human resources and property management services. Fees paid under the agreement by FB Holdings to First Bank were $124,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Investors of America Limited Partnership. On March 20, 2013, the Company entered into a $5.0 million Credit Agreement with Investors of America, LP, as further described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. 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 borrowing arrangement matured on March 31, 2014. 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 $28.8 million and $12.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 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.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
	401(k) Plan. The Company’s 401(k) plan is a self-administered savings and incentive plan covering substantially all employees. Employer match contributions are determined annually under the plan by the Company’s Board of Directors. Employee contributions were limited to $17,500 of gross compensation for 2014. Employer contributions under the plan were $2.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The plan assets are held and managed under a trust agreement with First Bank’s trust department.
	Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan (the NQDC Plan), which covers a select group of employees, is administered by an independent third party. The NQDC Plan is exempt from the participation, vesting, funding and fiduciary requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Although the NQDC Plan allows the Company to credit the accounts of any participant with discretionary contributions, no such discretionary contributions have been made since the NQDC Plan’s inception. Participants may contribute from 1% to 25% of their salary and up to 100% of their bonuses on a pre-tax basis.
	Balances outstanding under the NQDC Plan, which are reflected in accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, were $6.8 million and $6.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company recognized salaries and employee benefits expense related to the NQDC Plan of $266,000, $962,000 and $614,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, resulting from net earnings incurred by participants on the underlying investments in the plan.
	Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain former employees of a bank holding company acquired by the Company in 1994 and subsequently merged with and into the Company on December 31, 2002. The Company discontinued the accumulation of benefits under the Plan in 1994, and as such, there is no longer any service cost being accrued by Plan participants.
	A summary of the Plan’s change in the projected benefit obligation and change in the fair value of Plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	12,493			13,987
	Interest cost	512				449
	Actuarial loss (gain)	2,104				(1,100	)
	Benefit payments	(880		)		(843	)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	14,229			12,493
	Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
	Fair value at beginning of year	$	9,846			9,419
	Actual return on plan assets	351				1,014
	Employer contributions	528				256
	Benefit payments	(880		)		(843	)
	Fair value at end of year	$	9,845			9,846
	Funded Status and Amount Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Accrued pension liability	$	4,384			2,647
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Loss	$	(6,357	)		(4,162	)
	Deferred tax liability	2,417				1,513
	Loss, net of tax	$	(3,940	)		(2,649	)
	The Company’s accrued pension liability of $4.4 million and $2.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represents the difference between the fair value of the Plan assets and the projected benefit obligation of the Plan, and is reflected in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table reflects the weighted average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Determination of net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	4.24	%		3.31	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on Plan assets	6			6
	Determination of benefit obligation:
	Discount rate	3.55			4.24
	A summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Interest cost	$	512			449
	Expected return on Plan assets	(584		)		(551	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	142				216
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	70			114
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Net loss (gain)	$	2,337			(1,562	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(142		)		(216	)
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	2,195			(1,778	)
	The Plan’s investment strategy is focused on maximizing asset returns. The target allocations for Plan assets are 52% fixed income, 40% equity securities and 8% cash and other sectors. Asset allocations can fluctuate between acceptable ranges commensurate with market volatility. Debt securities include U.S. Treasuries, investment-grade corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries and mortgage-backed securities. Equity securities primarily include investments in large capitalization companies located in the United States.
	The fair value of Plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was comprised of the following:
		Fair Value Measurements
	(dollars in thousands)	Level 1				Level 2		Level 3	Fair Value
	Plan Assets - December 31, 2014:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	308			—		—	308
	Equity securities	—				4,063		—	4,063
	Debt securities	—				4,970		—	4,970
	Other	—				504		—	504
	Total	$	308			9,537		—	9,845
	Plan Assets - December 31, 2013:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	240			—		—	240
	Equity securities	—				4,451		—	4,451
	Debt securities	—				4,688		—	4,688
	Other	—				467		—	467
	Total	$	240			9,606		—	9,846
	Equity and debt securities included in Level 1 are valued using quoted market prices. Where quoted market prices are unavailable, the fair value of equity and debt securities 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.
	The Company expects to contribute $470,000 to the Plan in 2015. Pension benefit payments are expected to be paid to Plan participants by the Plan as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
2015	$	863
2016	866
2017	867
2018	878
2019	891
2020 – 2024	4,483

DISTRIBUTION_OF_EARNINGS_OF_FI

DISTRIBUTION OF EARNINGS OF FIRST BANK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Restrictions on Dividends, Loans and Advances Disclosure [Abstract]
DISTRIBUTION OF EARNINGS OF FIRST BANK	DISTRIBUTION OF EARNINGS OF FIRST BANK
	First Bank is restricted by various state and federal regulations as to the amount of dividends that are available for payment to the Company. Under the most restrictive of these requirements, the payment of dividends is limited in any calendar year to the net profit of the current year combined with the retained net profits of the preceding two years. Permission must be obtained for dividends exceeding these amounts. Under its MOU with the FRB, First Bank has agreed not to declare or pay any dividends, without the prior consent of the FRB, that would 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%, as further described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes, First Bank is required to obtain approval from the MDOF prior to paying any dividends to the Company. The Company is unable to predict whether or when the FRB or the MDOF will grant such consents in the future.
	On January 31, 2014, the Company received regulatory approval from the FRB, which granted First Bank the authority to pay a dividend to the Company and the authority to the Company to utilize such funds, for the sole purpose of paying the accumulated deferred interest payments on the Company's outstanding junior subordinated debentures issued in connection with the Company's trust preferred securities. In February 2014, First Bank paid a dividend of $70.0 million to the Company, as further described in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. Since that time, First Bank has continued to pay quarterly dividends to the Company, and the Company has continued to pay interest on its junior subordinated debentures to the respective trustees on the regularly scheduled quarterly payment dates. First Bank paid a total of $95.0 million of dividends to the Company during the year ended December 31, 2014, as further described in Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements.

PARENT_COMPANY_ONLY_FINANCIAL_

PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Condensed balance sheets of First Banks, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and condensed statements of income and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are shown below:
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
		December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Assets
	Cash deposited in First Bank	$	21,616		1,864
	Investment in common securities - TRuPS	10,678			10,678
	Investment in subsidiaries	778,306			838,489
	Deferred income taxes	42,445			41,095
	Accrued interest receivable - TRuPS	11			1,887
	Total assets	$	853,056		894,013
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Subordinated debentures	$	354,286		354,210
	Accrued interest payable - TRuPS	374			62,855
	Dividends payable	77,800			77,800
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,910			4,726
	Total liabilities	434,370			499,591
	First Banks, Inc. stockholders’ equity	418,686			394,422
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	853,056		894,013
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	(dollars in thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Income:
	Dividends from subsidiaries	$	95,000		—		—
	Management fees from subsidiaries	9			23		3
	Other	498			458		535
	Total income	95,507			481		538
	Expense:
	Interest	12,935			15,054		14,847
	Other	690			933		1,506
	Total expense	13,625			15,987		16,353
	Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes and equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	81,882			(15,506	)	(15,815	)
	Benefit for income taxes	(2,565		)	(38,841	)	(348	)
	Income (loss) before equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	84,447			23,335		(15,467	)
	Equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(62,792		)	218,409		41,745
	Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	21,655		241,744		26,278
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(dollars in thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	21,655		241,744		26,278
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Net income of subsidiaries	(32,208		)	(218,409	)	(41,745	)
	Dividends from subsidiaries	95,000			—		—
	(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable - TRuPS	(62,481		)	14,977		14,771
	Other, net	(2,214		)	(39,192	)	639
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	19,752			(880	)	(57	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payment of preferred stock dividends	—			—		—
	Net cash used in financing activities	—			—		—
	Net increase (decrease) in unrestricted cash	19,752			(880	)	(57	)
	Unrestricted cash, beginning of year	1,864			2,744		2,801
	Unrestricted cash, end of year	$	21,616		1,864		2,744
	Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
	Cash paid for interest	$	75,340		—		—
	The parent company’s unrestricted cash was $21.6 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company's $5.0 million Credit Agreement matured on March 31, 2014, as further described in Note 11 and Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements. There were no balances outstanding under the Credit Agreement since its origination date through its maturity date.
	The Company’s obligations related to dividends on its Class C Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock have been deferred, as further described in Note 13 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 $345.0 million of trust preferred securities. 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, as further described in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. In February 2014, First Bank paid a dividend of $70.0 million to the Company. 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.

CONTINGENT_LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	Litigation Matters. 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.
	Regulatory Matters. 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. Effective September 11, 2013, the MDOF terminated an informal agreement, dated as of September 18, 2008, by and among First Bank and the MDOF. These agreements are further described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Reserve for Mortgage Repurchase Losses. The Company's mortgage banking division, in the normal course of business, sells residential mortgage loans directly to government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), and to a lessor extent, to investors other than GSEs, as whole loans. In connection with these sales, the Company makes customary representations and warranties that the loans meet certain requirements. In the event of breaches of its representations and warranties, such as documentation or underwriting deficiencies, the Company may be required to either repurchase the mortgage loans with the identified defects, or in most cases, otherwise indemnify or "make whole" the investors for their losses on the loans. First Bank also, on certain loans, has a repurchase obligation on these loans in the event of early payment default. The early payment default provisions generally range from four months to one year after sale of the loan in the secondary market. First Bank has not sold any one-to-four-family residential mortgage loans into the secondary market with early payment default provisions since 2007.
	The Company had unresolved claims with GSEs and other financial institutions associated with loan principal balances of $12.7 million and $13.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company's mortgage repurchase reserve for its potential repurchase or make whole liability associated with representation and warranty claims and early payment default provisions was $2.4 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The estimated liability for mortgage repurchase losses represents the Company's best estimate of losses for representation and warranty obligations and early payment default provisions. The mortgage repurchase reserve is based on then-currently available information and is dependent on various factors, including historical claims and settlement experience, projections of future defaults, and significant judgment and assumptions that are subject to change. The estimated loss may materially change in the future based on factors beyond the Company's control or if actual experiences are different from the Company's assumptions, including, without limitation, estimated repurchase rates, economic conditions, estimated home prices, consumer and counterparty behavior, and a variety of other judgmental factors. Adverse developments with respect to one or more of the assumptions underlying the estimated liability and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss could result in significant increases to future provisions and/or the estimated range of possible loss. Because the Company typically sold loans with early payment default provisions as servicing released, the Company is unable to track the outstanding balances or delinquency status of the majority of the loans that may be subject to repurchase under early payment default provisions.

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM1

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation.	Basis of Presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of First Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) 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. Certain reclassifications of 2013 and 2012 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.	Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries, giving effect to the noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries, as more fully described below and in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents.	Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash, due from banks and short-term investments, which include federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits, are considered to be cash and cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows. Interest-bearing deposits were $105.1 million and $98.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company did not have any federal funds sold outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013. First Bank is required to maintain certain daily reserve balances on hand in accordance with regulatory requirements. The reserve balances required to be maintained in accordance with such requirements were $10.0 million and $11.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock.	Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. First Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRB) system and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system and maintains investments in FRB and FHLB stock. These investments are recorded at cost, which represents redemption value. The investment in FRB stock is maintained at a minimum of 6% of First Bank’s capital stock and capital surplus. The investment in FHLB of Des Moines stock is maintained at an amount equal to 0.12% of First Bank’s total assets as of December 31 of the preceding year, up to a maximum of $10.0 million, plus 4.45% of advances. Investments in FRB and FHLB of Des Moines stock were $23.4 million and $7.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014, and $19.6 million and $7.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013.
Investment Securities.	Investment Securities. The classification of investment securities as available for sale or held to maturity is determined at the date of purchase. Investment securities designated as available for sale, which represent any security that the Company has no immediate plan to sell but which may be sold in the future under different circumstances, are stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses are included in noninterest income, based on the amortized cost of the individual security sold. Unrealized gains and losses, net of related income tax effects, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). All previous fair value adjustments included in the separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reversed upon sale. Premiums and discounts incurred relative to the par value of securities purchased are amortized or accreted, respectively, on the level-yield method taking into consideration the level of current and anticipated prepayments. Investment securities designated as held to maturity, which represent any security that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are stated at cost, net of amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts computed on the level-yield method taking into consideration the level of current and anticipated prepayments. Any reclassification of available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities are recorded at fair value, and the gross unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities at the time of transfer is recorded as additional premium or discount on the securities and amortized or accreted over the remaining lives of the respective securities. A decline in the fair value of any available-for-sale or held-to-maturity investment security below its carrying value that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in the cost basis of the carrying value to fair value. The other-than-temporary impairment, which is not expected to be reversed, is charged to noninterest income and a new cost basis is established. When determining other-than-temporary impairment, consideration is given as to whether the Company has the ability and intent to hold the investment security until a market price recovery and whether evidence indicating the carrying value of the investment security is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary.
Loans Held for Portfolio.	Loans Held for Portfolio. Loans held for portfolio are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the interest method. Interest and fees on loans are recognized as income using the interest method. Loan origination fees and costs are deferred and accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the loans using the interest method. Loans held for portfolio are stated at cost as the Company has the ability and it is management’s intention to hold them to maturity.
	The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when it appears that interest or principal may not be paid in a timely manner in the normal course of business or once principal or interest payments become 90 days past due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Generally, payments received on nonaccrual and impaired loans are recorded as principal reductions. Interest income is recognized after all delinquent principal has been repaid or an improvement in the condition of the loan has occurred that warrants resumption of interest accruals.
	A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans on nonaccrual status and restructured loans are considered to be impaired loans. When measuring impairment, the expected future cash flows of an impaired loan are discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Alternatively, impairment is measured by reference to an observable market price, if one exists, or the fair value of the collateral for a collateral-dependent loan. Regardless of the historical measurement method used, the Company measures impairment based on the fair value of the collateral when foreclosure is probable.
	A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring when all of the following conditions are present: (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, (ii) the Company makes a concession to the original contractual loan terms, and (iii) the Company would not consider the concessions but for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulty. These concessions may include, but are not limited to, rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extension of maturity date and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. A loan that is modified at a market rate of interest may no longer be classified as a troubled debt restructuring in the calendar year subsequent to the restructuring if it is in compliance with the modified terms. Performance prior to the restructuring is considered when assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period.
	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.
Loans Held for Sale.	Loans Held for Sale. Loans held for sale are comprised of residential mortgage loans held for sale in the secondary mortgage market, frequently in the form of a mortgage-backed security, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans awaiting sale of the guaranteed portion to the SBA, and commercial real estate loans which may be identified for sale to specific buyers to achieve credit or loan concentration objectives. One-to-four-family residential 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, primarily SBA loans, are carried at the lower of cost or market value, which is determined on an individual loan basis. The amount by which cost exceeds market value is recorded in a valuation allowance as a reduction of loans held for sale. Changes in the valuation allowance are reflected as part of the gain on loans sold and held for sale in the consolidated statements of income in the periods in which the changes occur. Gains or losses on the sale of loans held for sale are determined on a specific identification basis and reflect the difference between the value received upon sale and the carrying value of the loans held for sale, including any recourse reserve established for potential repurchase obligations. Loans held for sale transferred to loans held for portfolio or available-for-sale investment securities are transferred at fair value.
Loan Servicing Income.	Loan Servicing Income. Loan servicing income is included in noninterest income and represents fees earned for servicing real estate mortgage loans owned by investors and originated by First Bank’s mortgage banking operation, as well as SBA loans to small business concerns. These fees are net of federal agency guarantee fees and interest shortfall. Such fees are generally calculated on the outstanding principal balance of the loans serviced and are recorded as income when earned.
Allowance for Loan Losses.	Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology follows the accounting guidance set forth in GAAP and the Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, which was jointly issued by the Company’s regulatory agencies. Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions. The Company’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to nonaccrual loans, past due loans, substandard loans, special mention loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors. The provision for loan losses also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period. In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance for loan losses related to newly identified problem loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools.
	The level of the allowance for loan losses reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss and recovery experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for any credit that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate determination of the appropriate level of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including, among other things, the performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. The Company monitors whether or not the allowance for loan loss allocation model, as a whole, calculates an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses that moves in direct correlation to the general macroeconomic and loan portfolio conditions the Company experiences over time.
	The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances based on probable losses on impaired loans; (ii) historical valuation allowances determined based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) general valuation allowances based on general economic conditions and other risk factors both internal and external to the Company.
	The specific valuation allowances established for probable losses on impaired loans are based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flows, as well as evaluation of legal options available to the Company. The amount of impairment is measured based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the fair value of the underlying collateral less applicable selling costs, or the observable market price of the loan. If foreclosure is probable or the loan is collateral dependent, impairment is measured using the fair value of the loan’s collateral, less estimated costs to sell. Large groups of homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage, home equity and consumer and installment loans, are aggregated and collectively evaluated for impairment.
	Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans. The Company calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical loss ratios are updated on a quarterly basis based on actual charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool.
	The components of the general valuation allowances include (i) additional reserves allocated to specific loan portfolio segments as a result of applying a qualitative adjustment factor to the base historical loss allocation; (ii) additional reserves allocated to specific geographical regions where negative trends are being experienced; and (iii) additional reserves established based on consideration of trends in past due loans, potential problem loans, performing troubled debt restructurings and nonaccrual loans and other qualitative and quantitative factors both internal and external to the Company which could affect potential credit losses.
	Management believes the level of the Company’s allowance for loan losses is appropriate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.
	In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to modify its allowance for loan losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company utilizes derivative instruments and hedging strategies to assist in the management of interest rate sensitivity and to modify the repricing, maturity and option characteristics of certain assets and liabilities. The Company uses such derivative instruments solely to reduce its interest rate risk exposure. Interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are considered derivative instruments. First Bank also offers interest rate swap agreement contracts to certain clients who wish to modify their interest rate sensitivity positions. A summary of the Company’s accounting policies for its current derivative instruments and hedging activities is as follows:
	•	Interest Rate Lock Commitments. Commitments to originate loans for subsequent sale in the secondary market (interest rate lock commitments), which primarily consist of commitments to originate fixed rate residential mortgage loans, are recorded at fair value. Fair values are based upon quoted market prices. The value of loan servicing rights is also incorporated into fair value measurements for mortgage loan commitments. Changes in the fair value of interest rate lock commitments are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis.
	•	Forward Commitments to Sell Mortgage-Backed Securities. Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis.
	•	Client Interest Rate Swap Agreement Contracts. Derivative instruments are offered to clients to assist in hedging their risks of adverse changes in interest rates. First Bank serves as an intermediary between its clients and the financial markets. Each contract between First Bank and its clients is offset by a matching interest rate swap contract with offsetting pay/receive rates between First Bank and various counterparties. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting. Client interest rate swap agreement contracts are carried at fair value. Changes in the fair value are recognized in noninterest income on a monthly basis. As each client contract is paired with an offsetting contract, there is no significant impact to net income (loss).
Bank Premises and Equipment, Net.	Bank Premises and Equipment, Net. Bank premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life of the related asset or the term of the lease. Bank premises and improvements are depreciated over five to 40 years and equipment is depreciated over three to seven years.
Servicing Rights.	Servicing Rights. The Company has mortgage servicing rights and SBA servicing rights, which are measured at fair value as permitted by ASC Topic 860 – Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets. Changes in the fair value of mortgage and SBA servicing rights are recognized in earnings in the period in which the change occurs and such changes are reflected in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. Servicing rights are valued based on valuation models that utilize assumptions based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including size, interest rate, weighted average life, cost to service and estimated prepayment speeds. The valuation models estimate the present value of estimated future net servicing income.
	Mortgage and SBA servicing rights are capitalized upon the sale of the underlying loan at estimated fair value. The fair value of mortgage and SBA servicing rights fluctuates based on changes in interest rates and certain other assumptions utilized to value the mortgage and SBA servicing rights. The value is adversely affected when interest rates decline which normally causes loan prepayments to increase. The determination of the fair value of the mortgage and SBA servicing rights is performed monthly based upon an independent third party valuation. The valuation analysis is prepared using stratifications of the mortgage and SBA servicing rights based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including size, interest rate, weighted average original term, weighted average remaining term and estimated prepayment speeds.
Other Real Estate	Other Real Estate. Other real estate is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less applicable selling costs. The excess of cost over fair value of the property at the date of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent reductions in carrying value, to reflect current fair value or costs incurred in maintaining the other real estate, are charged to noninterest expense as incurred.
Income Taxes.	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in the tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Valuation allowances are then recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts management concludes are more-likely-than-not to be realized. The Company and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and unitary or consolidated state income tax returns in all applicable states.
	The Company’s policy is to separately disclose any interest or penalties arising from the application of federal or state income taxes. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is included in interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in noninterest expense.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. Management of the Company believes the accrual for tax liabilities is adequate for all open audit years based on its assessment of many factors, including past experience and interpretations of tax law applied to the facts of each matter. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions.
Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan.	Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain former employees of a bank holding company acquired by the Company in 1994 (the Plan) and subsequently merged with and into the Company on December 31, 2002. The Company discontinued the accumulation of benefits under the Plan in 1994, and as such, there is no longer any service cost being accrued by Plan participants. The Company records annual amounts relating to the Plan based on calculations that incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions including discount rates, mortality rates, and assumed rates of return. The Company reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when deemed appropriate. The funded status of the Plan is recognized as a net asset or liability and changes in the Plan’s funded status are recognized through other comprehensive income to the extent those changes are not included in the net periodic cost.
Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk.	Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk. A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that conveys or imposes on an entity the contractual right or obligation to either receive or deliver cash or another financial instrument. The Company utilizes financial instruments to reduce the interest rate risk arising from its financial assets and liabilities. These instruments involve, in varying degrees, elements of interest rate risk and credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. “Interest rate risk” is defined as the possibility that interest rates may move unfavorably from the perspective of the Company due to maturity and/or interest rate adjustment timing differences between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The risk that a counterparty to an agreement entered into by the Company may default is defined as “credit risk.”
	The Company is a party to commitments to extend credit and commercial and standby letters of credit in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its clients. These commitments involve, in varying degrees, elements of interest rate risk and credit risk in excess of the amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share. Basic earnings (loss) per common share (EPS) are computed by dividing the income (loss) available to common stockholders (the numerator) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding (the denominator) during the year. The computation of dilutive EPS is similar except the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential shares had been issued. In addition, in computing the dilutive effect of convertible securities, the numerator is adjusted to add back any convertible preferred dividends.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement [Table Text Block]
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	Association Bank			Northern			Total
		Services			Florida
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$	1,221		—			1,221
	Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	292			233			525
	Net interest income (loss)	929			(233	)		696
	Provision for loan losses	—			—			—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	929			(233	)		696
	Noninterest income:
	Service charges and client service fees	85			134			219
	Other	105			4			109
	Total noninterest income	190			138			328
	Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits	3,045			885			3,930
	Occupancy, net of rental income	6			579			585
	Furniture and equipment	41			40			81
	Legal, examination and professional fees	68			—			68
	FDIC insurance	671			53			724
	Other	743			2,452			3,195
	Total noninterest expense	4,574			4,009			8,583
	Loss from operations of discontinued operations	(3,455		)	(4,104	)		(7,559	)
	Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	28,615			408			29,023
	Provision for income taxes	241			—			241
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	24,919		(3,696	)		21,223
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	Association Bank			Northern				Total
		Services			Florida
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Interest income:
	Interest and fees on loans	$	1,762		—				1,762
	Interest expense:
	Interest on deposits	477			972				1,449
	Net interest income (loss)	1,285			(972		)		313
	Provision for loan losses	—			—				—
	Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	1,285			(972		)		313
	Noninterest income:
	Service charges and client service fees	119			467				586
	Other	109			13				122
	Total noninterest income	228			480				708
	Noninterest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits	2,583			2,279				4,862
	Occupancy, net of rental income	12			1,760				1,772
	Furniture and equipment	89			278				367
	Legal, examination and professional fees	62			5				67
	FDIC insurance	1,123			358				1,481
	Other	942			351				1,293
	Total noninterest expense	4,811			5,031				9,842
	Loss from operations of discontinued operations	(3,298		)	(5,523		)		(8,821	)
	Benefit for income taxes	—			—				—
	Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(3,298	)	$	(5,523	)		(8,821	)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY1

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	The amortized cost, contractual maturity, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Maturity									Total Amortized Cost	Gross Unrealized					Weighted Average Yield
	(dollars in thousands)	1 Year			5-Jan		10-May		After 10 Years			Gains		Losses		Fair
		or Less			Years		Years									Value
	December 31, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		29,942		20,119		180,098		230,159	2,129		(557	)	231,731	1.39	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	269			65,433		48,174		885,896		999,772	14,189		(6,117	)	1,007,844	2.39
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			779		—		—		779	58		—		837	4.95
	State and political subdivisions	863			571		—		28,371		29,805	33		(223	)	29,615	1.05
	Corporate notes	27,382			72,959		70,990		—		171,331	2,759		(395	)	173,695	2.75
	Equity investments	—			—		—		2,000		2,000	—		(33	)	1,967	2.15
	Total	$	28,514		169,684		139,283		1,096,365		1,433,846	19,168		(7,325	)	1,445,689	2.25
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	28,901		172,561		140,717		1,101,543
	Equity securities	—			—		—		1,967
	Total	$	28,901		172,561		140,717		1,103,510
	Weighted average yield	2.64		%	1.97	%	2.58	%	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Maturity									Total Amortized Cost	Gross Unrealized					Weighted Average Yield
	(dollars in thousands)	1 Year			5-Jan		10-May		After 10 Years			Gains		Losses		Fair
		or Less			Years		Years									Value
	December 31, 2014:
	Carrying value:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		—		10,725		—		10,725	42		—		10,767	1.25	%
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			105,660		50,512		448,905		605,077	1,931		(5,782	)	601,226	1.86
	State and political subdivisions	561			335		489		961		2,346	1		(68	)	2,279	1.68
	Total	$	561		105,995		61,726		449,866		618,148	1,974		(5,850	)	614,272	1.85
	Fair value:
	Debt securities	$	561		106,147		62,000		445,564
	Weighted average yield	3.07		%	1.88	%	1.13	%	1.94	%
	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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$	5,063		802		1,675
	Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	(3,374		)	(354	)	(374	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment	(3		)	(412	)	(2	)
	Gross realized gains on calls of investment securities	—			—		7
	Net realized gain on investment securities	$	1,686		36		1,306
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
		Less than 12 months					12 months or more				Total
	(dollars in thousands)	Fair			Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair	Unrealized
		Value			Losses		Value		Losses		Value	Losses
	December 31, 2014:
	Available for sale:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	79,207		(427	)	14,600		(130	)	93,807	(557	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	204,378			(1,154	)	191,644		(4,963	)	396,022	(6,117	)
	State and political subdivisions	28,148			(223	)	—		—		28,148	(223	)
	Corporate notes	9,650			(350	)	4,955		(45	)	14,605	(395	)
	Equity investments	1,967			(33	)	—		—		1,967	(33	)
	Total	$	323,350		(2,187	)	211,199		(5,138	)	534,549	(7,325	)
	Held to maturity:
	Residential mortgage-backed	$	28,371		(112	)	325,820		(5,670	)	354,191	(5,782	)
	State and political subdivisions	641			(3	)	896		(65	)	1,537	(68	)
	Total:	$	29,012		(115	)	326,716		(5,735	)	355,728	(5,850	)
	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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the composition of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	695,267			600,704
	Real estate construction and development	89,851				121,662
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	1,016,710				921,488
	Multi-family residential	115,434				121,304
	Commercial real estate	1,183,042				1,048,234
	Consumer and installment	18,950				18,681
	Loans held for sale	31,411				25,548
	Net deferred loan fees	(1,422		)		(526	)
	Total loans	$	3,149,243			2,857,095
Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the aging of loans by loan classification at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	30-59				60-89			Recorded			Nonaccrual			Total Past		Current		Total Loans
		Days				Days			Investment						Due
									> 90 Days
									Accruing
	December 31, 2014:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	132			430			54			9,486			10,102		685,165		695,267
	Real estate construction and development	431				—			—			3,393			3,824		86,027		89,851
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	2,690				986			35			13,890			17,601		603,567		621,168
	Home equity	1,857				334			72			6,831			9,094		386,448		395,542
	Multi-family residential	—				—			—			19,731			19,731		95,703		115,434
	Commercial real estate	196				54			—			4,122			4,372		1,178,670		1,183,042
	Consumer and installment and net deferred loan fees	136				33			2			23			194		17,334		17,528
	Loans held for sale	—				—			—			—			—		31,411		31,411
	Total	$	5,442			1,837			163			57,476			64,918		3,084,325		3,149,243
	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 December 31, 2014 and 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
	December 31, 2014:
	Pass	$	653,951			85,973			89,148			1,147,824			1,976,896
	Special mention	18,713				143			5,945			20,691			45,492
	Substandard	12,833				—			610			6,640			20,083
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	284				342			—			3,765			4,391
	Nonaccrual	9,486				3,393			19,731			4,122			36,732
	Total	$	695,267			89,851			115,434			1,183,042			2,083,594
	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			Total
	Credit Exposure by Payment Activity					Equity			Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees
	(dollars in thousands)
	December 31, 2014:
	Pass	$	528,388			386,448			17,334			932,170
	Substandard	2,662				2,263			171			5,096
	Performing troubled debt restructuring	76,228				—			—			76,228
	Nonaccrual	13,890				6,831			23			20,744
	Total	$	621,168			395,542			17,528			1,034,238
	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	Recorded				Unpaid			Related			Average			Interest
		Investment				Principal			Allowance for			Recorded			Income
						Balance			Loan Losses			Investment			Recognized
	December 31, 2014:
	With No Related Allowance Recorded:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	1,937			2,911			—			2,278			—
	Real estate construction and development	2,626				12,333			—			3,106			—
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	—				—			—			—			—
	Home equity	—				—			—			—			—
	Multi-family residential	19,050				24,759			—			25,234			959
	Commercial real estate	4,119				4,190			—			6,063			116
	Consumer and installment	—				—			—			—			—
		27,732				44,193			—			36,681			1,075
	With A Related Allowance Recorded:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	7,833				22,089			1,626			9,212			6
	Real estate construction and development	1,109				3,403			219			1,312			17
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	90,118				106,163			7,639			94,835			2,082
	Home equity	6,831				7,988			1,366			7,056			—
	Multi-family residential	681				3,581			1,157			902			—
	Commercial real estate	3,768				5,619			463			5,546			21
	Consumer and installment	23				23			1			14			—
		110,363				148,866			12,471			118,877			2,126
	Total:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	9,770				25,000			1,626			11,490			6
	Real estate construction and development	3,735				15,736			219			4,418			17
	Real estate mortgage:
	Residential mortgage	90,118				106,163			7,639			94,835			2,082
	Home equity	6,831				7,988			1,366			7,056			—
	Multi-family residential	19,731				28,340			1,157			26,136			959
	Commercial real estate	7,887				9,809			463			11,609			137
	Consumer and installment	23				23			1			14			—
		$	138,095			193,059			12,471			155,558			3,201
	(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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Performing Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	284			—
	Real estate construction and development	342				—
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	76,228				78,153
	Multi-family residential	—				27,955
	Commercial real estate	3,765				4,519
	Total	$	80,619			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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	243			711
	Real estate construction and development	2,788				3,605
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	4,003				6,266
	Multi-family residential	19,050				—
	Commercial real estate	371				—
	Total	$	26,455			10,582
Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	The following tables present loans classified as TDRs that were modified during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014										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 as Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	1		$	287			$	287			2		$	246		$	201
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	52		7,187				6,338				53		11,838			10,897
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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014						2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Number of		Recorded				Number of		Recorded
		Contracts		Investment				Contracts		Investment
	Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	—		$	—			3		$	401
	Real estate mortgage:
	One-to-four-family residential	8		1,385				6		1,101
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	81,033			91,602			137,710
	Loans charged-off	(21,923		)		(25,835	)		(78,070	)
	Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	14,764				20,266			29,962
	Net loans charged-off	(7,159		)		(5,569	)		(48,108	)
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(7,000		)		(5,000	)		2,000
	Balance, end of year	$	66,874			81,033			91,602
	The following table represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 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
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Beginning balance	$	13,401			7,407			32,619			5,249			22,052		305		81,033
	Charge-offs	(4,898		)		(132	)		(6,611	)		(8,828	)		(1,333	)	(121	)	(21,923	)
	Recoveries	4,687				2,060			4,330			212			3,345		130		14,764
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(616		)		(5,845	)		(6,283	)		8,997			(3,081	)	(172	)	(7,000	)
	Ending balance	$	12,574			3,490			24,055			5,630			20,983		142		66,874
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Beginning balance	$	13,572			14,434			38,897			4,252			20,048		399		91,602
	Charge-offs	(5,578		)		(448	)		(12,747	)		(162	)		(6,720	)	(180	)	(25,835	)
	Recoveries	5,302				7,165			4,455			145			3,067		132		20,266
	Provision (benefit) for loan losses	105				(13,744	)		2,014			1,014			5,657		(46	)	(5,000	)
	Ending balance	$	13,401			7,407			32,619			5,249			22,052		305		81,033
Impairment Method by Loan Category [Table Text Block]	The following table represents a summary of the impairment method used by loan category at December 31, 2014 and 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 Loan Fees
						Development
	Ending Balance at December 31, 2014:
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,053			—			1,184			—			—		—		2,237
	Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	573				219			7,821			1,157			463		1		10,234
	All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	10,948				3,271			15,050			4,473			20,520		141		54,403
	Total allowance for loan losses	$	12,574			3,490			24,055			5,630			20,983		142		66,874
	Loans:
	Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	4,712			2,626			7,388			19,050			3,765		—		37,541
	Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	5,058				1,109			89,561			681			4,122		23		100,554
	All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	685,497				86,116			919,761			95,703			1,175,155		17,505		2,979,737
	Total loans	$	695,267			89,851			1,016,710			115,434			1,183,042		17,528		3,117,832
	Ending Balance at 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

BANK_PREMISES_AND_EQUIPMENT_NE1

BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Bank Premises and Equipment	Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, were comprised of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	32,117		32,631
	Buildings and improvements	139,687			134,862
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	90,833			100,688
	Leasehold improvements	11,547			11,855
	Construction in progress	5,926			2,720
	Total	280,110			282,756
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(157,094		)	(158,428	)
	Bank premises and equipment, net	$	123,016		124,328
Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases extend through 2028 as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	8,018
	2016	7,185
	2017	5,142
	2018	3,233
	2019	2,593
	Thereafter	9,401
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	35,572

GOODWILL_Tables

GOODWILL (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	125,267
	Goodwill impairment	(107,267		)
	Goodwill allocated to sale transaction	(18,000		)
	Balance, end of year	$	—

SERVICING_RIGHTS_Tables

SERVICING RIGHTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage Banking [Member]
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Schedule of Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Changes in mortgage servicing rights for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	14,211		9,152
	Originated mortgage servicing rights	2,568			3,623
	Purchased mortgage servicing rights	159			—
	Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model (1)	(1,085		)	3,671
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(1,841		)	(2,235	)
	Balance, end of year	$	14,012		14,211
	-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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	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)	223			(244	)
	Other changes in fair value (2)	(865		)	(753	)
	Balance, end of year	$	4,001		4,643
	-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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes derivative instruments held by the Company, their notional amount, estimated fair values and their location in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
									Derivatives in Other Assets
		Notional Amount							Fair Value Gain (Loss)
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013			2014			2013
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	$	20,762			14,237			580			217
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	38,300				29,100			(294	)		296
	Total	$	59,062			43,337			286			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 years December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 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
			2014				2013			2012
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Interest rate swap agreements	Other noninterest income	$	—			—			(43	)
	Client interest rate swap agreements	Other noninterest income	—				—			3
	Interest rate lock commitments	Gain on loans sold and held for sale	363				(1,620	)		456
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	Gain on loans sold and held for sale	(590		)		601			424

MATURITIES_OF_TIME_DEPOSITS_Ta

MATURITIES OF TIME DEPOSITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Maturities of Time Deposits [Abstract]
Maturities of Time Deposits	A summary of maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	Total
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	686,939
	2016	160,614
	2017	42,251
	2018	22,210
	2019	13,844
	Thereafter	19
	Total	$	925,877

SUBORDINATED_DEBENTURES_Tables

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subordinated Borrowings [Abstract]
Summary Of Junior Subordinated Debentures Issued To Trusts	The following is a summary of the junior subordinated debentures issued to the Trusts in conjunction with the trust preferred securities offerings at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Name of Trust		Issuance Date	Maturity Date	Call Date (1)	Interest Rate (2)	Trust Preferred Securities		Subordinated Debentures
							(dollars expressed in thousands)
	Variable Rate
	First Bank Statutory Trust II		Sep-04	September 20, 2034	September 20, 2009	205.0 bp	$	20,000	$	20,619
	Royal Oaks Capital Trust I		Oct-04	January 7, 2035	January 7, 2010	240.0 bp	4,000		4,124
	First Bank Statutory Trust III		Nov-04	December 15, 2034	December 15, 2009	218.0 bp	40,000		41,238
	First Bank Statutory Trust IV		Mar-06	March 15, 2036	March 15, 2011	142.0 bp	40,000		41,238
	First Bank Statutory Trust V		Apr-06	June 15, 2036	June 15, 2011	145.0 bp	20,000		20,619
	First Bank Statutory Trust VI		Jun-06	July 7, 2036	July 7, 2011	165.0 bp	25,000		25,774
	First Bank Statutory Trust VII		Dec-06	December 15, 2036	December 15, 2011	185.0 bp	50,000		51,547
	First Bank Statutory Trust VIII		Feb-07	March 30, 2037	March 30, 2012	161.0 bp	25,000		25,774
	First Bank Statutory Trust X		Aug-07	September 15, 2037	September 15, 2012	230.0 bp	15,000		15,464
	First Bank Statutory Trust IX		Sep-07	December 15, 2037	December 15, 2012	225.0 bp	25,000		25,774
	First Bank Statutory Trust XI		Sep-07	December 15, 2037	December 15, 2012	285.0 bp	10,000		10,310
	Fixed Rate
	First Bank Statutory Trust		Mar-03	March 20, 2033	March 20, 2008	8.10%	25,000		25,774
	First Preferred Capital Trust IV		Apr-03	June 30, 2033	June 30, 2008	8.15%	46,000		47,423
	-1	The junior subordinated debentures are callable at the option of the Company on the call date shown at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	-2	The interest rates paid on the trust preferred securities are based on either a variable rate or a fixed rate. The variable rate is based on the three-month LIBOR plus the basis point spread shown.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(dollars in thousands)	Investment Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance		Total
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	10,151		(2,649	)	—		7,502
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,892			(1,291	)	—		3,601
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(992		)	—		—		(992	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,900			(1,291	)	—		2,609
	Balance, end of period	$	14,051		(3,940	)	—		10,111
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	35,186		(3,544	)	13,617		45,259
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(24,789		)	895		(13,617	)	(37,511	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(246		)	—		—		(246	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(25,035		)	895		(13,617	)	(37,757	)
	Balance, end of period	$	10,151		(2,649	)	—		7,502
	Year Ended December 31, 2012:
	Balance, beginning of period	$	19,437		(2,633	)	(738	)	16,066
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,507			(911	)	14,355		29,951
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(758		)	—		—		(758	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	15,749			(911	)	14,355		29,193
	Balance, end of period	$	35,186		(3,544	)	13,617		45,259

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R1

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's and First Bank's required and actual capital ratios were as follows:
		Actual								For Capital Adequacy Purposes	To be Well
		2014				2013					Capitalized
	(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio			Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	$	475,312	12.25	%	$	405,856	11.13	%	8.00%	N/A
	First Bank (1)	691,350		17.81		734,535		20.12		8	10.00%
	Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	284,396		7.33		239,868		6.58		4	N/A
	First Bank (1)	642,593		16.55		688,427		18.86		4	6
	Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
	First Banks, Inc.	284,396		5.01		239,868		4.12		4	N/A
	First Bank (1)	642,593		11.35		688,427		11.77		4	5
	____________________
	-1	The reduction in First Bank's regulatory capital ratios during 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of $95.0 million of dividends to the Company in 2014.

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Tables

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
	(dollars in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3	Fair Value
	December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Available-for-sale investment securities:
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—		231,731		—	231,731
	Residential mortgage-backed	—			1,007,844		—	1,007,844
	Commercial mortgage-backed	—			837		—	837
	State and political subdivisions	—			29,615		—	29,615
	Corporate notes	—			173,695		—	173,695
	Equity investments	1,967			—		—	1,967
	Mortgage loans held for sale	—			31,411		—	31,411
	Derivative instruments:
	Interest rate lock commitments	—			580		—	580
	Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities	—			(294	)	—	(294	)
	Servicing rights	—			—		18,013	18,013
	Total	$	1,967		1,475,419		18,013	1,495,399
	Liabilities:
	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	$	6,778		—		—	6,778
	Total	$	6,778		—		—	6,778
	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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Servicing Rights
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	18,854		14,792
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings (1)	(3,568		)	439
	Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—
	Issuances	2,568			3,623
	Purchases	159			—
	Transfers in and/or out of level 3	—			—
	Balance, end of year	$	18,013		18,854
	-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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table:
		Fair Value Measurements
	(dollars in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3	Fair Value
	December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Impaired loans	$	—		—		125,624	125,624
	Other real estate	—			—		55,666	55,666
	Goodwill	—			—		—	—
	Total	$	—		—		181,290	181,290
	December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Impaired loans	$	—		—		148,152	148,152
	Other real estate	—			—		66,702	66,702
	Goodwill	—			—		—	—
	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 December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
	(dollars in thousands)	Value			Level 1		Level 2	Level 3		Total
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	205,402		205,402		—	—		205,402
	Investment securities:
	Available for sale	1,445,689			1,967		1,443,722	—		1,445,689
	Held to maturity	618,148			—		614,272	—		614,272
	Loans held for portfolio	3,050,958			—		—	2,937,948		2,937,948
	Loans held for sale	31,411			—		31,411	—		31,411
	FRB and FHLB stock	30,458			30,458		—	—		30,458
	Derivative instruments	286			—		286	—		286
	Accrued interest receivable	15,064			15,064		—	—		15,064
	Financial Liabilities:
	Deposits	$	4,849,504		3,923,627		—	924,955		4,848,582
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875			64,875		—	—		64,875
	Accrued interest payable	831			831		—	—		831
	Subordinated debentures	354,286			—		—	303,191		303,191
	Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
	Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$	12		—		—	12		12
	The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		31-Dec-13
		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

CREDIT_COMMITMENTS_Tables

CREDIT COMMITMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Credit Commitments and Standby Letters of Credit	Commitments to extend fixed and variable rate credit, and commercial and standby letters of credit, at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Commitments to extend credit	$	950,586	766,442
	Commercial and standby letters of credit	35,224		46,680
	Total	$	985,810	813,122

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Current provision (benefit) for income taxes:
	Federal	$	102		3		—
	State	(6		)	(244	)	(32	)
		96			(241	)	(32	)
	Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes:
	Federal	9,663			44,068		6,766
	State	10,239			(1,275	)	1,253
		19,902			42,793		8,019
	Decrease in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	(7,839		)	(331,053	)	(8,126	)
	Total	$	12,159		(288,501	)	(139	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The effective rates of federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 differ from the federal statutory rates of taxation as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014					2013					2012
	(dollars in thousands)	Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes and net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	$	33,738				$	(67,801	)			$	34,663
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes calculated at federal statutory income tax rates	$	11,808		35	%	$	(23,730	)	35	%	$	12,132		35	%
	Effects of differences in tax reporting:
	Tax-exempt interest income, net of tax preference adjustment	(78		)	(0.2	)	(117		)	0.2		(135		)	(0.4	)
	State income taxes	6,656			19.6		(1,098		)	1.6		795			2.3
	Bank owned life insurance, net of premium	11			—		516			(0.8	)	11			—
	Noncontrolling investment in flow-through entity	27			0.1		(63		)	0.1		104			0.3
	Goodwill impairment and amortization of intangibles	—			—		37,544			(55.4	)	—			—
	(Decrease) increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance, net of federal benefit	(5,071		)	(15.0	)	(311,537		)	459.5		(13,112		)	(37.9	)
	Reclassification of deferred tax asset valuation allowance from accumulated other comprehensive income to provision for income taxes	—			—		10,547			(15.6	)	—			—
	Expiration of net operating loss carryforwards	—			—		3			—		643			1.9
	Other, net	(1,194		)	(3.5	)	(566		)	0.9		(577		)	(1.6	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	12,159		36	%	$	(288,501	)	425.5	%	$	(139	)	(0.4	)%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	185,247		200,139
	State net operating loss carryforwards	57,843			66,578
	Allowance for loan losses	29,102			35,354
	Loans held for sale	1,088			2,341
	Alternative minimum and general business tax credits	21,186			20,830
	Interest on nonaccrual loans	8,620			9,078
	Deferred compensation	4,591			4,070
	Core deposit intangibles	2,135			2,493
	Partnership and corporate investments	4,520			5,945
	Deferred loan charge-offs and other fraud losses	3,847			1,426
	Other real estate	13,734			15,893
	Accrued contingent liabilities	2,414			1,908
	Depreciation on bank premises and equipment	1,796			—
	State taxes	—			(19,325	)
	Other	11,993			12,531
	Gross deferred tax assets	348,116			359,261
	Valuation allowance	(35,541		)	(43,380	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	312,575			315,881
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	State taxes	17,799			—
	Servicing rights	4,653			4,655
	Net fair value adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities	5,270			1,055
	Deferred gain on reclassification of investment securities from available for sale to held to maturity	4,211			4,988
	Equity investments	5,681			5,683
	Thrift base year tax bad debt reserve	—			10,605
	Net deferred loan fees	1,860			1,870
	Depreciation on bank premises and equipment	—			(1,561	)
	Other	1,254			1,102
	Deferred tax liabilities	40,728			28,397
	Net deferred tax assets	$	271,847		287,484
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance Rollforward	Changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	43,380		376,224		391,629
	Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance to provision for income taxes	(7,957		)	(319,142	)	(643	)
	Increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation allowance to provision for income taxes	118			(27,319	)	(468	)
	Increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation allowance to accumulated other comprehensive income	—			13,617		(14,294	)
	Balance, end of year	$	35,541		43,380		376,224
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of these unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	881		1,126
	Additions:
	Tax positions taken during the current year	—			90
	Tax positions taken during the prior year	—			—
	Reductions:
	Tax positions taken during the prior year	(8		)	(335	)
	Lapse of statute of limitations	—			—
	Balance, end of year	$	873		881
Federal - Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Summary of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	At December 31, 2014, the Company’s federal net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
	2021	$	2,177
	2022	2,386
	2023 – 2026	14,937
	2027 – 2032	509,778
	Total	$	529,278
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Summary of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	At December 31, 2014, the Company’s state net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	State Net Operating Losses (Footprint States)			State Net Operating Losses (Other States)		State Net Operating Losses
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	—		249		249
	2016	—			42		42
	2017	16,822			7		16,829
	2018	13,028			26		13,054
	2019 – 2026	177,167			3,003		180,170
	2027 – 2032	506,168			2,973		509,141
	Total	$	713,185		6,300		719,485

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation	The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended December 31,
	(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Basic:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	21,655	220,521		35,099
	Preferred stock dividends declared	—		(15,869	)	(18,886	)
	Accretion of discount on preferred stock	—		(3,643	)	(3,554	)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	21,655		201,009		12,659
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		21,223		(8,821	)
	Net income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	21,655	222,232		3,838
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661		23,661
	Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	915.24	8,495.35		535.03
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	896.96		(372.81	)
	Basic earnings per common share	$	915.24	9,392.31		162.22
	Diluted:
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	21,655	201,009		12,659
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	—		21,223		(8,821	)
	Net income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	21,655		222,232		3,838
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	—		—		—
	Diluted income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$	21,655	222,232		3,838
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661		23,661		23,661
	Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	3,807		—		—
	Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding	27,468		23,661		23,661
	Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations	$	788.38	8,495.35		535.03
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share – discontinued operations	$	—	896.96		(372.81	)
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	788.38	9,392.31		162.22

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS_Table

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The business segment results are summarized as follows:
		First Bank							Corporate, Other and Intercompany Reclassifications						Consolidated Totals
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
	Balance sheet information:
	Investment securities	$	2,063,837		2,351,931		2,675,280		—		—		—		2,063,837		2,351,931		2,675,280
	Total loans	3,149,243			2,857,095		2,930,747		—		—		—		3,149,243		2,857,095		2,930,747
	FRB and FHLB stock	30,458			27,357		27,329		—		—		—		30,458		27,357		27,329
	Goodwill	—			—		125,267		—		—		—		—		—		125,267
	Assets of discontinued operations	—			—		6,706		—		—		—		—		—		6,706
	Total assets	5,882,222			5,865,160		6,495,226		53,297		53,823		13,900		5,935,519		5,918,983		6,509,126
	Deposits	4,871,140			4,815,792		5,495,624		(21,636	)	(1,897	)	(2,777	)	4,849,504		4,813,895		5,492,847
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875			43,143		26,025		—		—		—		64,875		43,143		26,025
	Subordinated debentures	—			—		—		354,286		354,210		354,133		354,286		354,210		354,133
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			—		155,711		—		—		—		—		—		155,711
	Stockholders’ equity	871,301			931,561		751,252		(358,857	)	(443,305	)	(451,293	)	512,444		488,256		299,959
		First Bank							Corporate, Other and Intercompany Reclassifications						Consolidated Totals
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
	Income statement information:
	Interest income	$	168,653		172,810		200,682		75		—		121		168,728		172,810		200,803
	Interest expense	8,276			9,054		14,773		12,902		15,050		14,838		21,178		24,104		29,611
	Net interest income (loss)	160,377			163,756		185,909		(12,827	)	(15,050	)	(14,717	)	147,550		148,706		171,192
	(Benefit) provision for loan losses	(7,000		)	(5,000	)	2,000		—		—		—		(7,000	)	(5,000	)	2,000
	Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	167,377			168,756		183,909		(12,827	)	(15,050	)	(14,717	)	154,550		153,706		169,192
	Noninterest income	55,650			63,523		64,230		390		454		405		56,040		63,977		64,635
	Goodwill impairment	—			107,267		—		—		—		—		—		107,267		—
	Other noninterest expense	176,171			177,307		197,654		681		910		1,510		176,852		178,217		199,164
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	46,856			(52,295	)	50,485		(13,118	)	(15,506	)	(15,822	)	33,738		(67,801	)	34,663
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	14,724			(249,137	)	230		(2,565	)	(39,364	)	(369	)	12,159		(288,501	)	(139	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	32,132			196,842		50,255		(10,553	)	23,858		(15,453	)	21,579		220,700		34,802
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			21,223		(8,821	)	—		—		—		—		21,223		(8,821	)
	Net income (loss)	32,132			218,065		41,434		(10,553	)	23,858		(15,453	)	21,579		241,923		25,981
	Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(76		)	179		(297	)	—		—		—		(76	)	179		(297	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	32,208		217,886		41,731		(10,553	)	23,858		(15,453	)	21,655		241,744		26,278

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations	A summary of the Plan’s change in the projected benefit obligation and change in the fair value of Plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	12,493			13,987
	Interest cost	512				449
	Actuarial loss (gain)	2,104				(1,100	)
	Benefit payments	(880		)		(843	)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	14,229			12,493
	Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
	Fair value at beginning of year	$	9,846			9,419
	Actual return on plan assets	351				1,014
	Employer contributions	528				256
	Benefit payments	(880		)		(843	)
	Fair value at end of year	$	9,845			9,846
	Funded Status and Amount Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Accrued pension liability	$	4,384			2,647
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Loss	$	(6,357	)		(4,162	)
	Deferred tax liability	2,417				1,513
	Loss, net of tax	$	(3,940	)		(2,649	)
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The following table reflects the weighted average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Determination of net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	4.24	%		3.31	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on Plan assets	6			6
	Determination of benefit obligation:
	Discount rate	3.55			4.24
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	A summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Interest cost	$	512			449
	Expected return on Plan assets	(584		)		(551	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	142				216
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	70			114
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Net loss (gain)	$	2,337			(1,562	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(142		)		(216	)
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	2,195			(1,778	)
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The fair value of Plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was comprised of the following:
		Fair Value Measurements
	(dollars in thousands)	Level 1				Level 2		Level 3	Fair Value
	Plan Assets - December 31, 2014:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	308			—		—	308
	Equity securities	—				4,063		—	4,063
	Debt securities	—				4,970		—	4,970
	Other	—				504		—	504
	Total	$	308			9,537		—	9,845
	Plan Assets - December 31, 2013:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	240			—		—	240
	Equity securities	—				4,451		—	4,451
	Debt securities	—				4,688		—	4,688
	Other	—				467		—	467
	Total	$	240			9,606		—	9,846
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	Pension benefit payments are expected to be paid to Plan participants by the Plan as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	863
	2016	866
	2017	867
	2018	878
	2019	891
	2020 – 2024	4,483

PARENT_COMPANY_ONLY_FINANCIAL_1

PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
		December 31,
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Assets
	Cash deposited in First Bank	$	21,616		1,864
	Investment in common securities - TRuPS	10,678			10,678
	Investment in subsidiaries	778,306			838,489
	Deferred income taxes	42,445			41,095
	Accrued interest receivable - TRuPS	11			1,887
	Total assets	$	853,056		894,013
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Subordinated debentures	$	354,286		354,210
	Accrued interest payable - TRuPS	374			62,855
	Dividends payable	77,800			77,800
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,910			4,726
	Total liabilities	434,370			499,591
	First Banks, Inc. stockholders’ equity	418,686			394,422
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	853,056		894,013
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	(dollars in thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Income:
	Dividends from subsidiaries	$	95,000		—		—
	Management fees from subsidiaries	9			23		3
	Other	498			458		535
	Total income	95,507			481		538
	Expense:
	Interest	12,935			15,054		14,847
	Other	690			933		1,506
	Total expense	13,625			15,987		16,353
	Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes and equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	81,882			(15,506	)	(15,815	)
	Benefit for income taxes	(2,565		)	(38,841	)	(348	)
	Income (loss) before equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	84,447			23,335		(15,467	)
	Equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(62,792		)	218,409		41,745
	Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	21,655		241,744		26,278
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(dollars in thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$	21,655		241,744		26,278
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Net income of subsidiaries	(32,208		)	(218,409	)	(41,745	)
	Dividends from subsidiaries	95,000			—		—
	(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable - TRuPS	(62,481		)	14,977		14,771
	Other, net	(2,214		)	(39,192	)	639
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	19,752			(880	)	(57	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payment of preferred stock dividends	—			—		—
	Net cash used in financing activities	—			—		—
	Net increase (decrease) in unrestricted cash	19,752			(880	)	(57	)
	Unrestricted cash, beginning of year	1,864			2,744		2,801
	Unrestricted cash, end of year	$	21,616		1,864		2,744
	Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
	Cash paid for interest	$	75,340		—		—

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM2

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Interest-bearing deposits in banks and other financial institutions	$105,053,000	$98,066,000
Required daily cash and cash equivalents reserve balance	10,000,000	11,500,000
Federal Reserve stock, investment requirement as a percent of First Bank capital stock and capital surplus	6.00%
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, investment requirement as a percent of First Bank total Assets	0.12%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, investment requirement, maximum amount	10,000,000
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, investment requirement, maximum, percent of advances	4.45%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	7,000,000	7,800,000
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Federal Reserve Bank stock	$23,400,000	$19,600,000
First Capital America, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	46.77%
First Bank [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	53.23%
Buildings and improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	5 years
Buildings and improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	7 years

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Discon

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Discontinued Operations Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans		$1,221	$1,762
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits		525	1,449
Net interest income (loss)		696	313
Provision for loan losses		0	0
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses		696	313
Noninterest income:
Service charges and client service fees		219	586
Other		109	122
Total noninterest income		328	708
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		3,930	4,862
Occupancy, net of rental income		585	1,772
Furniture and equipment		81	367
Legal, examination and professional fees		68	67
FDIC insurance		724	1,481
Other		3,195	1,293
Total noninterest expense		8,583	9,842
Loss from operations of discontinued operations		-7,559	-8,821
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations		29,023
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		241	0
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	21,223	-8,821
Association Bank Services [Member]
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans		1,221	1,762
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits		292	477
Net interest income (loss)		929	1,285
Provision for loan losses		0	0
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses		929	1,285
Noninterest income:
Service charges and client service fees		85	119
Other		105	109
Total noninterest income		190	228
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		3,045	2,583
Occupancy, net of rental income		6	12
Furniture and equipment		41	89
Legal, examination and professional fees		68	62
FDIC insurance		671	1,123
Other		743	942
Total noninterest expense		4,574	4,811
Loss from operations of discontinued operations		-3,455	-3,298
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations		28,615		28,615
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		241	0
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		24,919	-3,298
Northern Florida Region [Member]
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans		0	0
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits		233	972
Net interest income (loss)		-233	-972
Provision for loan losses		0	0
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses		-233	-972
Noninterest income:
Service charges and client service fees		134	467
Other		4	13
Total noninterest income		138	480
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		885	2,279
Occupancy, net of rental income		579	1,760
Furniture and equipment		40	278
Legal, examination and professional fees		0	5
FDIC insurance		53	358
Other		2,452	351
Total noninterest expense		4,009	5,031
Loss from operations of discontinued operations		-4,104	-5,523
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations		408			408
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		0	0
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		($3,696)	($5,523)

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Textua

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Nov. 22, 2013	Apr. 19, 2013	Apr. 05, 2013
					offices	offices
Income Statement Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	$29,023,000
Association Bank Services [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Deposits assumed by third party in sale transaction				572,100,000
Loans purchased by third party in sale transaction				20,800,000
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	28,615,000	28,615,000
Goodwill allocated to sale transaction	18,000,000	18,000,000
Northern Florida Region [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Deposits assumed by third party in sale transaction					120,300,000
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations	408,000		408,000
Goodwill allocated to sale transaction			700,000
Number of branch offices sold pursuant to sales agreement					8
Number of branch offices closed						3
Other expense from branch closures associated with discontinued operations			$2,300,000

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY2

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Securities Available for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities With In One Year, Amortized Cost	$28,514	$14,799
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	169,684	226,796
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	139,283	250,522
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	1,096,365	1,117,065
Carrying value: Total Amortized Cost	1,433,846	1,609,182
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	19,168	22,319
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-7,325	-19,756
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,445,689	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	28,901	14,927
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year One Through Five, Fair Value	172,561	233,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five Through Ten, Fair Value	140,717	250,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	1,103,510	1,112,620
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield With In One Year	2.64%	2.17%
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield After One Through Five Years	1.97%	2.23%
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield After Five Through Ten Years	2.58%	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	0	8,450
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	29,942	40,243
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	20,119	88,666
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	180,098	135,679
Carrying value: Total Amortized Cost	230,159	273,038
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,129	3,525
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-557	-664
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	231,731	275,899
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.39%	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	269	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	65,433	43,943
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	48,174	115,731
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	885,896	951,454
Carrying value: Total Amortized Cost	999,772	1,111,128
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	14,189	12,873
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-6,117	-18,214
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,007,844	1,105,787
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.39%	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	779	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
Carrying value: Total Amortized Cost	779	793
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	58	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	863	1,369
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	571	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	28,371	28,432
Carrying value: Total Amortized Cost	29,805	32,036
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	33	81
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-223	-560
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	29,615	31,557
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.05%	1.26%
Corporate notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities With In One Year, Amortized Cost	27,382	4,980
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	72,959	140,575
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	70,990	45,132
Available-for-sale Securities, Maturities After Ten Years, Amortized Cost	0	0
Carrying value: Total Amortized Cost	171,331	190,687
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,759	5,777
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-395	-261
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	173,695	196,203
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.75%	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	2,000	1,500
Carrying value: Total Amortized Cost	2,000	1,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-33	-57
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,967	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities Weighted Average Yield	2.15%	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	1,967	1,443
Debt securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	28,901	14,927
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year One Through Five, Fair Value	172,561	233,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five Through Ten, Fair Value	140,717	250,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	$1,101,543	$1,111,177

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY3

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Within One Year, Net Carrying Amount	$561	$640
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	105,995	16,902
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	61,726	199,107
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	449,866	523,537
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	618,148	740,186
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,974	443
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,850	-21,446
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	614,272	719,183
Held to maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.85%	1.86%
Held to maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield With In One Year	3.07%	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	1.13%	1.53%
Held to maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield After Ten Years	1.94%	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	10,725	16,119
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	10,725	16,119
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	42	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	-153
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	10,767	15,966
Held to maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.25%	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	105,660	16,327
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	50,512	182,933
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	448,905	522,504
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	605,077	721,764
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,931	441
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,782	-21,206
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	601,226	700,999
Held to maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.86%	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	561	640
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	335	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	961	1,033
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	2,346	2,303
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1	2
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-68	-87
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,279	2,218
Held to maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	1.68%	1.93%
Debt securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Within One Year, Fair Value	561	642
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After One Through Five Years, Fair Value	106,147	16,926
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	62,000	195,647
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Fair Value	$445,564	$505,968

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY4

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Gross Realized Gains and Losses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$5,063	$802	$1,675
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	-3,374	-354	-374
Other-than-temporary impairment	-3	-412	-2
Gross realized gains on calls of investment securities	0	0	7
Net realized gain on investment securities	$1,686	$36	$1,306

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY5

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Schedule of Continuous Unrealized Losses) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available for sale:
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$323,350	$566,896
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,187	-19,441
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	211,199	10,253
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,138	-315
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	534,549	577,149
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-7,325	-19,756
Held to maturity:
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	29,012	661,612
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-115	-20,999
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	326,716	10,527
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,735	-447
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	355,728	672,139
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,850	-21,446
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]
Held to maturity:
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		15,966
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		-153
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		15,966
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses		-153
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Held to maturity:
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	28,371	644,700
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-112	-20,759
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	325,820	10,527
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,670	-447
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	354,191	655,227
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,782	-21,206
State and political subdivisions [Member]
Held to maturity:
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	641	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	896	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-65	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,537	946
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-68	-87
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]
Available for sale:
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	79,207	16,005
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-427	-664
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	14,600	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-130	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	93,807	16,005
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-557	-664
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Available for sale:
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	204,378	511,617
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,154	-18,119
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	191,644	5,473
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4,963	-95
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	396,022	517,090
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-6,117	-18,214
State and political subdivisions [Member]
Available for sale:
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	28,148	27,872
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-223	-560
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	28,148	27,872
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-223	-560
Corporate notes [Member]
Available for sale:
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	9,650	9,959
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-350	-41
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,955	4,780
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-45	-220
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	14,605	14,739
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-395	-261
Equity investments [Member]
Available for sale:
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,967	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-33	-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	1,967	1,443
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	($33)	($57)

INVESTMENTS_IN_DEBT_AND_EQUITY6

INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	security		security	security
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale			$343,548,000	$143,675,000	$315,238,000
Securities pledged as collateral	283,700,000		349,000,000	283,700,000
Reclassification of investment securities from available for sale to held to maturity	242,540,000	729,142,000	0	242,540,000	729,142,000
Gross unrealized gain on securities reclassified from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	5,000,000	11,700,000
Number of securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 12 months	12		47	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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$695,267	$600,704
Real estate construction and development	89,851	121,662
Real estate mortgage:
Real estate mortgage	2,315,186	2,091,026
Consumer and installment	18,950	18,681
Loans held for sale	31,411	25,548
Net deferred loan fees	-1,422	-526
Total loans	3,149,243	2,857,095	2,930,747
One-to-four-family residential [Member]
Real estate mortgage:
Real estate mortgage	1,016,710	921,488
Multi-family residential [Member]
Real estate mortgage:
Real estate mortgage	115,434	121,304
Total loans	115,434	121,304
Commercial real estate [Member]
Real estate mortgage:
Real estate mortgage	1,183,042	1,048,234
Total loans	$1,183,042	$1,048,234

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L3

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Aging of Loans by Loan Classification) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days	$5,442	$8,475
60-89 Days	1,837	4,424
Recorded Investment Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	163	424
Nonaccrual	57,476	52,956
Total Past Due	64,918	66,279
Current	3,084,325	2,790,816
Total loans	3,149,243	2,857,095	2,930,747
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days	132	447
60-89 Days	430	394
Recorded Investment Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	54	80
Nonaccrual	9,486	10,523
Total Past Due	10,102	11,444
Current	685,165	589,260
Total loans	695,267	600,704
Real estate construction and development [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days	431	0
60-89 Days	0	0
Recorded Investment Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	3,393	4,914
Total Past Due	3,824	4,914
Current	86,027	116,748
Total loans	89,851	121,662
Residential mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days	2,690	4,262
60-89 Days	986	2,637
Recorded Investment Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	35	162
Nonaccrual	13,890	20,063
Total Past Due	17,601	27,124
Current	603,567	545,040
Total loans	621,168	572,164
Home equity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days	1,857	2,256
60-89 Days	334	963
Recorded Investment Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	72	182
Nonaccrual	6,831	7,361
Total Past Due	9,094	10,762
Current	386,448	338,562
Total loans	395,542	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 Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	19,731	1,793
Total Past Due	19,731	1,793
Current	95,703	119,511
Total loans	115,434	121,304
Commercial real estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days	196	1,423
60-89 Days	54	391
Recorded Investment Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	4,122	8,283
Total Past Due	4,372	10,097
Current	1,178,670	1,038,137
Total loans	1,183,042	1,048,234
Consumer and installment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days	136	87
60-89 Days	33	39
Recorded Investment Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	2	0
Nonaccrual	23	19
Total Past Due	194	145
Current	17,334	18,010
Total loans	17,528	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 Greater Than 90 Days Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	31,411	25,548
Total loans	$31,411	$25,548

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L4

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	$3,149,243	$2,857,095	$2,930,747
Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	2,083,594	1,891,904
Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	1,034,238	939,643
Commercial and Industrial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	695,267	600,704
Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	695,267	600,704
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	89,851	121,662
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	89,851	121,662
Multi-family [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	115,434	121,304
Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	115,434	121,304
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	1,183,042	1,048,234
Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	1,183,042	1,048,234
Residential Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	621,168	572,164
Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	621,168	572,164
Home Equity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	395,542	349,324
Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	395,542	349,324
Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	17,528	18,155
Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	17,528	18,155
Pass [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	1,976,896	1,694,392
Pass [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	932,170	825,214
Pass [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	653,951	559,243
Pass [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	85,973	42,429
Pass [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	89,148	91,001
Pass [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	1,147,824	1,001,719
Pass [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	528,388	468,642
Pass [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	386,448	338,562
Pass [Member] | Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	17,334	18,010
Special mention [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	45,492	38,854
Special mention [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	18,713	16,211
Special mention [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	143	929
Special mention [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	5,945	0
Special mention [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	20,691	21,714
Substandard [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	20,083	100,671
Substandard [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	5,096	8,833
Substandard [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	12,833	14,727
Substandard [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	0	73,390
Substandard [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	610	555
Substandard [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	6,640	11,999
Substandard [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	2,662	5,306
Substandard [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	2,263	3,401
Substandard [Member] | Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	171	126
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	4,391	32,474
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	76,228	78,153
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	284	0
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	342	0
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	0	27,955
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	3,765	4,519
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	76,228	78,153
Performing troubled debt restructuring [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [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 Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	0	0
Nonaccrual [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	36,732	25,513
Nonaccrual [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	20,744	27,443
Nonaccrual [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	9,486	10,523
Nonaccrual [Member] | Real Estate Construction and Development [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	3,393	4,914
Nonaccrual [Member] | Multi-family [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	19,731	1,793
Nonaccrual [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Internally Assigned Credit Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	4,122	8,283
Nonaccrual [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	13,890	20,063
Nonaccrual [Member] | Home Equity [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	6,831	7,361
Nonaccrual [Member] | Consumer and Installment and Net Deferred Loan Fees [Member] | Consumer Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Payment Activity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total loans	$23	$19

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L5

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Impaired Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	$27,732	$14,214
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	44,193	27,835
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	36,681	34,096
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	1,075	692
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	110,363	149,369
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	148,866	190,642
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	12,471	15,431
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	118,877	170,138
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	2,126	3,295
Recorded Investment, Total	138,095	163,583
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	193,059	218,477
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	12,471	15,431
Average Recorded Investment, Total	155,558	204,234
Interest Income Recognized, Total	3,201	3,987
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	1,937	3,119
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	2,911	4,342
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	2,278	4,270
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	1
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	7,833	7,404
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	22,089	21,565
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	1,626	497
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	9,212	10,136
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	6	0
Recorded Investment, Total	9,770	10,523
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	25,000	25,907
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	1,626	497
Average Recorded Investment, Total	11,490	14,406
Interest Income Recognized, Total	6	1
Real estate construction and development [Member]
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	2,626	3,172
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	12,333	12,931
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	3,106	17,152
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	418
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	1,109	1,742
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	3,403	4,326
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	219	294
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	1,312	9,419
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	17	0
Recorded Investment, Total	3,735	4,914
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	15,736	17,257
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	219	294
Average Recorded Investment, Total	4,418	26,571
Interest Income Recognized, Total	17	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	90,118	98,216
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	106,163	118,305
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	7,639	9,740
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	94,835	102,775
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	2,082	2,043
Recorded Investment, Total	90,118	98,216
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	106,163	118,305
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	7,639	9,740
Average Recorded Investment, Total	94,835	102,775
Interest Income Recognized, Total	2,082	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	6,831	6,765
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	7,988	7,637
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	1,366	1,472
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	7,056	6,406
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Recorded Investment, Total	6,831	7,361
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	7,988	8,269
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	1,366	1,472
Average Recorded Investment, Total	7,056	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	19,050	443
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	24,759	709
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	25,234	474
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	959	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	681	29,305
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	3,581	29,322
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	1,157	2,438
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	902	31,377
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	1,226
Recorded Investment, Total	19,731	29,748
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	28,340	30,031
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	1,157	2,438
Average Recorded Investment, Total	26,136	31,851
Interest Income Recognized, Total	959	1,226
Commercial real estate [Member]
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired [Abstract]
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	4,119	6,884
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	4,190	9,221
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	0	0
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	6,063	11,636
With No Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	116	273
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Recorded Investment	3,768	5,918
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	5,619	9,468
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	463	990
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	5,546	10,003
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	21	26
Recorded Investment, Total	7,887	12,802
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	9,809	18,689
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	463	990
Average Recorded Investment, Total	11,609	21,639
Interest Income Recognized, Total	137	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	23	19
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Unpaid Principal Balance	23	19
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Related Allowance for Loan Losses	1	0
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Average Recorded Investment	14	22
With A Related Allowance Recorded: Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Recorded Investment, Total	23	19
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	23	19
Related Allowance for Loan Losses, Total	1	0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	14	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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total performing troubled debt restructurings	$80,619	$110,627
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total performing troubled debt restructurings	284	0
Real estate construction and development [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total performing troubled debt restructurings	342	0
One-to-four-family residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total performing troubled debt restructurings	76,228	78,153
Multi-family residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total performing troubled debt restructurings	0	27,955
Commercial real estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total performing troubled debt restructurings	$3,765	$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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$26,455	$10,582
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	243	711
Real estate construction and development [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	2,788	3,605
One-to-four-family residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	4,003	6,266
Multi-family residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	19,050	0
Commercial real estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total nonperforming troubled debt restructurings	$371	$0

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L8

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Modified Troubled Debt Restructurings) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	contracts	contracts
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	1	2
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$287	$246
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	287	201
One-to-four-family residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	52	53
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	7,187	11,838
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$6,338	$10,897

LOANS_AND_ALLOWANCE_FOR_LOAN_L9

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Modified Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	contracts	contracts
Commercial, financial and agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	0	3
Recorded Investment, Subsequently Defaulted	$0	$401
One-to-four-family residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	8	6
Recorded Investment, Subsequently Defaulted	$1,385	$1,101

Recovered_Sheet1

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$81,033	$91,602	$137,710
Loans charged-off	-21,923	-25,835	-78,070
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off	14,764	20,266	29,962
Net loans charged-off	-7,159	-5,569	-48,108
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-7,000	-5,000	2,000
Balance, end of period	$66,874	$81,033	$91,602

Recovered_Sheet2

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Allowance For Credit Losses On Financing Receivables By Portfolio Segments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period	$81,033	$91,602	$137,710
Charge-offs	-21,923	-25,835	-78,070
Recoveries	14,764	20,266	29,962
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-7,000	-5,000	2,000
Balance, end of period	66,874	81,033	91,602
Commercial and Industrial [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period	13,401	13,572
Charge-offs	-4,898	-5,578
Recoveries	4,687	5,302
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-616	105
Balance, end of period	12,574	13,401
Real Estate Construction and Development [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period	7,407	14,434
Charge-offs	-132	-448
Recoveries	2,060	7,165
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-5,845	-13,744
Balance, end of period	3,490	7,407
One-to-Four-Family Residential [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period	32,619	38,897
Charge-offs	-6,611	-12,747
Recoveries	4,330	4,455
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-6,283	2,014
Balance, end of period	24,055	32,619
Multi-family residential [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period	5,249	4,252
Charge-offs	-8,828	-162
Recoveries	212	145
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	8,997	1,014
Balance, end of period	5,630	5,249
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period	22,052	20,048
Charge-offs	-1,333	-6,720
Recoveries	3,345	3,067
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-3,081	5,657
Balance, end of period	20,983	22,052
Consumer and installment [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period	305	399
Charge-offs	-121	-180
Recoveries	130	132
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-172	-46
Balance, end of period	$142	$305

Recovered_Sheet3

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Impairment Method by Loan Category) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for loan losses:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	$2,237	$3,756
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	10,234	11,675
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	54,403	65,602
Balance, end of period	66,874	81,033	91,602	137,710
Total Loans:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	37,541	57,005
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	100,554	106,578
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	2,979,737	2,667,964
Ending balance	3,117,832	2,831,547
Commercial and Industrial [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	1,053	0
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	573	497
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	10,948	12,904
Balance, end of period	12,574	13,401	13,572
Total Loans:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	4,712	3,480
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	5,058	7,043
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	685,497	590,181
Ending balance	695,267	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	219	232
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	3,271	7,113
Balance, end of period	3,490	7,407	14,434
Total Loans:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	2,626	3,440
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,109	1,474
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	86,116	116,748
Ending balance	89,851	121,662
One-to-Four-Family Residential [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	1,184	2,275
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	7,821	8,937
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	15,050	21,407
Balance, end of period	24,055	32,619	38,897
Total Loans:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	7,388	12,276
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	89,561	93,301
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	919,761	815,911
Ending balance	1,016,710	921,488
Multi-family residential [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	0	1,034
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,157	1,404
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	4,473	2,811
Balance, end of period	5,630	5,249	4,252
Total Loans:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	19,050	28,641
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	681	1,107
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	95,703	91,556
Ending balance	115,434	121,304
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	0	385
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	463	605
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	20,520	21,062
Balance, end of period	20,983	22,052	20,048
Total Loans:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	3,765	9,168
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	4,122	3,634
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	1,175,155	1,035,432
Ending balance	1,183,042	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	1	0
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	141	305
Balance, end of period	142	305	399
Total Loans:
Ending balance: Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance: Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment	23	19
Ending balance: All other loans collectively evaluated for impairment	17,505	18,136
Ending balance	$17,528	$18,155

Recovered_Sheet4

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable, gross, consumer, real estate, required interest only payments	$12,700,000	$16,000,000
Delinquency percent, residential real estate mortgages that require interest only payments as a percentage of total residential real estate mortgages that require interest only payments	5.10%	5.10%
Percent of total loan portfolio collateralized	98.00%	99.00%
Loans pledged as collateral	1,050,000,000	1,030,000,000
Impaired financing receivable individually evaluated for impairment	37,541,000	57,005,000
Interest on impaired loans that would have been recorded under the original terms of the loans	11,900,000	13,400,000	21,700,000
Interest income recognized/received on impaired loans	3,600,000	4,300,000	6,000,000
Allowance allocated to troubled debt restructurings	12,471,000	15,431,000
Minimum [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired financing receivable individually evaluated for impairment	500,000
Real estate construction and development [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total real estate loans as a percentage of total loan portfolio	77.00%	78.00%
Impaired financing receivable individually evaluated for impairment	2,626,000	3,440,000
Allowance allocated to troubled debt restructurings	219,000	294,000
Residential Real Estate Mortgages, Home Equity Lines of Credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Residential real estate mortgages and home equity lines of credit as a percentage of total real estate loans	43.00%	42.00%
Impaired Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, accumulated write-downs	55,000,000	54,900,000
Hamp Program [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Troubled debt restructurings under HAMP program	72,700,000	75,300,000
Troubled Debt Restructurings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance allocated to troubled debt restructurings	6,100,000	9,100,000
Directors Affliates and Executive Officers [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable, related parties	$28,800,000	$12,000,000

BANK_PREMISES_AND_EQUIPMENT_NE2

BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Bank Premises and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$280,110	$282,756
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-157,094	-158,428
Bank premises and equipment, net	123,016	124,328
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	32,117	32,631
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	139,687	134,862
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	90,833	100,688
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	11,547	11,855
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$5,926	$2,720

BANK_PREMISES_AND_EQUIPMENT_NE3

BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2015	$8,018
2016	7,185
2017	5,142
2018	3,233
2019	2,593
Thereafter	9,401
Total future minimum lease payments	$35,572

BANK_PREMISES_AND_EQUIPMENT_NE4

BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Interest costs capitalized	$104,000	$71,000	$31,000
Depreciation and amortization	11,700,000	11,800,000	12,000,000
Operating leases, rent expense	9,700,000	10,600,000	11,500,000
Rental income, nonoperating	$4,500,000	$4,300,000	$4,100,000

GOODWILL_Schedule_of_Goodwill_

GOODWILL (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$0	$125,267,000
Goodwill impairment	0	-107,267,000	0
Balance, end of year	0	0	125,267,000	0
Association Bank Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill allocated to sale transaction		($18,000,000)		($18,000,000)

GOODWILL_Textual_Details

GOODWILL (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill impairment	$0	$107,267,000	$0
Association Bank Services [Member]
Goodwill allocated to sale transaction		$18,000,000		$18,000,000

SERVICING_RIGHTS_Schedule_of_S

SERVICING RIGHTS (Schedule of Servicing Assets at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Banking [Member]
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	$14,211		$9,152
Originated servicing rights	2,568		3,623
Purchased mortgage servicing rights	159		0
Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model	-1,085	[1]	3,671	[1]
Other changes in fair value	-1,841	[2]	-2,235	[2]
Balance, end of year	14,012		14,211
SBA [Member]
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	4,643		5,640
Originated servicing rights	0		0
Change in fair value resulting from changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model	223	[1]	-244	[1]
Other changes in fair value	-865	[2]	-753	[2]
Balance, end of year	$4,001		$4,643
[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_Textual_Detai

SERVICING RIGHTS (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Banking [Member]
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Servicing portfolio	$1,370	$1,330
Escrow deposit liabilities	8.6	7.9
SBA [Member]
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Servicing portfolio	$114.40	$139.10

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Schedul

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$59,062	$43,337
Other assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	286	513
Interest rate lock commitments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	20,762	14,237
Interest rate lock commitments [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	580	217
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	38,300	29,100
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	($294)	$296

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Schedul1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Location in Statements of Operations) (Details) (Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Other noninterest income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in operations	$0	$0	($43)
Client interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Other noninterest income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in operations	0	0	3
Interest rate lock commitments [Member] | Gain on loans sold and held for sale [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in operations	363	-1,620	456
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Gain on loans sold and held for sale [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in operations	($590)	$601	$424

MATURITIES_OF_TIME_DEPOSITS_Ma

MATURITIES OF TIME DEPOSITS (Maturities of Time Deposits) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deposit Liabilities [Line Items]
2015	$686,939
2016	160,614
2017	42,251
2018	22,210
2019	13,844
Thereafter	19
Total	$925,877

Recovered_Sheet5

MATURITIES OF TIME DEPOSITS MATURITIES OF TIME DEPOSITS (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Time Deposits, $250,000 or More	$82.40	$81.30

OTHER_BORROWINGS_Textual_Detai

OTHER BORROWINGS (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$64,875,000	$43,143,000	$26,025,000
Interest expense on securities sold under agreements to repurchase	-8,000	-9,000	-18,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,900,000	43,100,000
Other borrowings, average outstanding amount	45,500,000	34,800,000
Other borrowings, maximum month-end outstanding amount	64,900,000	44,400,000
Other borrowings, weighted average interest rate	-0.02%	-0.03%	-0.05%
Interest expense on securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$45,000	$34,000	$33,000

NOTES_PAYABLE_Textual_Details

NOTES PAYABLE (Textual) (Details) (First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member], Revolving Credit Facility [Member], Investors Of America Limited Partnership [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 20, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit note borrowing capacity		$5
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR plus 300 basis points
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Spread on LIBOR, percentage	3.00%

SUBORDINATED_DEBENTURES_Summar

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (Summary Of Junior Subordinated Debentures Issued To Trusts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subordinated Debentures	$354,286		$354,210	$354,133
First Bank Statutory Trust II
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Sep-04
Maturity Date	20-Sep-34
Call Date	20-Sep-09	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	20,000
Subordinated Debentures	20,619
Royal Oaks Capital Trust I
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Oct-04
Maturity Date	7-Jan-35
Call Date	7-Jan-10	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	4,000
Subordinated Debentures	4,124
First Bank Statutory Trust III
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Nov-04
Maturity Date	15-Dec-34
Call Date	15-Dec-09	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	40,000
Subordinated Debentures	41,238
First Bank Statutory Trust IV
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Mar-06
Maturity Date	15-Mar-36
Call Date	15-Mar-11	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	40,000
Subordinated Debentures	41,238
First Bank Statutory Trust V
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Apr-06
Maturity Date	15-Jun-36
Call Date	15-Jun-11	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	20,000
Subordinated Debentures	20,619
First Bank Statutory Trust VI
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Jun-06
Maturity Date	7-Jul-36
Call Date	7-Jul-11	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	25,000
Subordinated Debentures	25,774
First Bank Statutory Trust VII
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Dec-06
Maturity Date	15-Dec-36
Call Date	15-Dec-11	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	50,000
Subordinated Debentures	51,547
First Bank Statutory Trust VIII
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Feb-07
Maturity Date	30-Mar-37
Call Date	30-Mar-12	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	25,000
Subordinated Debentures	25,774
First Bank Statutory Trust X
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Aug-07
Maturity Date	15-Sep-37
Call Date	15-Sep-12	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	15,000
Subordinated Debentures	15,464
First Bank Statutory Trust IX
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Sep-07
Maturity Date	15-Dec-37
Call Date	15-Dec-12	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	25,000
Subordinated Debentures	25,774
First Bank Statutory Trust XI
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Sep-07
Maturity Date	15-Dec-37
Call Date	15-Dec-12	[1]
Trust Preferred Securities	10,000
Subordinated Debentures	10,310
First Bank Statutory Trust
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Mar-03
Maturity Date	20-Mar-33
Call Date	20-Mar-08	[1]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.10%	[2]
Trust Preferred Securities	25,000
Subordinated Debentures	25,774
First Preferred Capital Trust IV
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	1-Apr-03
Maturity Date	30-Jun-33
Call Date	30-Jun-08	[1]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.15%	[2]
Trust Preferred Securities	46,000
Subordinated Debentures	$47,423
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust II
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.05%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Royal Oaks Capital Trust I
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.40%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust III
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.18%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust IV
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.42%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust V
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.45%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust VI
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.65%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust VII
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.85%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust VIII
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.61%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust X
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.30%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust IX
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | First Bank Statutory Trust XI
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.85%	[2]
[1]	The junior subordinated debentures are callable at the option of the Company on the call date shown at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
[2]	The interest rates paid on the trust preferred securities are based on either a variable rate or a fixed rate. The variable rate is based on the three-month LIBOR plus the basis point spread shown.

SUBORDINATED_DEBENTURES_Textua

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 10, 2009
	trust	installment
	installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of trusts created for issuing trust preferred securities	13
Percent of principal amount callable at call date	100.00%
Distributions accrued on junior subordinated debentures	$12,900,000	$15,000,000	$14,800,000
Trust preferred securities value					345,000,000
Number of quarterly periods for deferral of cash interest payments on junior subordinated debt		18
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014	83,688,000	9,540,000	17,493,000
Regularly Scheduled Deferred Interest Payments Accrued [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payable		56,000,000
Additional Deferred Interest Payments Accrued [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payable		6,700,000
First Bank [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to First Banks, Inc. by First Bank	95,000,000			70,000,000
First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payable	374,000	62,855,000
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014	75,340,000	0	0
Subordinated Debt [Member] | First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014				$66,400,000

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Schedule_o

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$7,502	$45,259	$16,066
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,601	-37,511	29,951
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-992	-246	-758
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,609	-37,757	29,193
Balance, end of period	10,111	7,502	45,259
Investment Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	10,151	35,186	19,437
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,892	-24,789	16,507
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-992	-246	-758
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,900	-25,035	15,749
Balance, end of period	14,051	10,151	35,186
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	-2,649	-3,544	-2,633
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-1,291	895	-911
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,291	895	-911
Balance, end of period	-3,940	-2,649	-3,544
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	13,617	-738
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	-13,617	14,355
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	0	-13,617	14,355
Balance, end of period	$0	$0	$13,617

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Textual_De

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 13, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2008	Mar. 31, 2011
	class			directors			quarters
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of classes of preferred stock	4
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	$0	$3,643,000	$3,554,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,609,000	-37,757,000	29,193,000
Other comprehensive income, tax	1,800,000	-6,500,000	-6,400,000
Preferred Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage of par value	105.00%
Preferred Class A [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage	6.00%
Preferred Class A [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage	12.00%
Preferred Class B [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage	7.00%
Preferred Class B [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage	15.00%
Preferred Class C [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate period (5% first five years then 9% thereafter)	5 years
Discount on issuance of preferred stock		17,300,000
Preferred stock discount, accretion period		5 years
Preferred Class C [Member] | Previously issued under U.S. Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program's Capital Purchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)						$1
Preferred stock, shares issued						295,400
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)						$1,000
Dividend Rates, Class C Preferred Stock (Dividend Rate Increase February 15, 2014) and Class D Preferred Stock	Class C Preferred Stock carried an annual dividend rate equal to 5% for the first five years, payable quarterly in arrears beginning February 15, 2009. The annual dividend rate increased to 9% per annum on February 15, 2014.
Preferred Class D [Member] | Previously issued under U.S. Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program's Capital Purchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage	9.00%
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)						$1
Preferred stock, shares issued						14,770
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)						$1,000
Dividend Rates, Class C Preferred Stock (Dividend Rate Increase February 15, 2014) and Class D Preferred Stock	Class D Preferred Stock carries an annual dividend rate equal to 9%, payable quarterly in arrears beginning February 15, 2009.
Preferred Class C & D [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Prior dividend deferral, conferral of right to elect directors (number of directors)				2
Number of directors elected as a result of prior dividend deferral				2
Dividends deferred and accrued on preferred stock	77,800,000	77,800,000			77,800,000
Dividends on preferred stock if the Company had continued to declare and accrue dividends	33,200,000				4,100,000
Dividends that would have been accrued and deferred as of the balance sheet date if the Company had continued to declare and accrue dividends	115,100,000
Preferred Class C & D [Member] | Previously issued under U.S. Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program's Capital Purchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock						295,400,000
Preferred Class C & D [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of quarterly periods that dividends have been deferred on preferred stock							6
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,609,000	-37,757,000	29,193,000
Dividend Rate First Five Years [Member] | Preferred Class C [Member] | Previously issued under U.S. Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program's Capital Purchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage	5.00%
Dividend Rate After First Five Years [Member] | Preferred Class C [Member] | Previously issued under U.S. Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program's Capital Purchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage	9.00%
Regularly Scheduled Dividend Payments [Member] | Preferred Class C & D [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends deferred and accrued on preferred stock	68,400,000	68,400,000			68,400,000
Cumulative Dividends On Unpaid Regular Dividends [Member] | Preferred Class C & D [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends deferred and accrued on preferred stock	$9,400,000	$9,400,000			$9,400,000

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R2

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Schedule of Regulatory Capital) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
First Banks, Inc. (Consolidated) [Member]
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Total Capital	$475,312		$405,856
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	12.25%		11.13%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	8.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Tier 1 capital	284,396		239,868
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	7.33%		6.58%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
Tier 1 capital	284,396		239,868
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	5.01%		4.12%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%
First Bank [Member]
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Total Capital	691,350		734,535
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	17.81%	[1]	20.12%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	8.00%
Total Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	10.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Tier 1 capital	642,593		688,427
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	16.55%	[1]	18.86%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%
Total Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	6.00%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
Tier 1 capital	$642,593		$688,427
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	11.35%	[1]	11.77%
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	4.00%
Total Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	5.00%
[1]	The reduction in First Bank's regulatory capital ratios during 2014 primarily resulted from the payment of $95.0 million of dividends to the Company in 2014.

REGULATORY_CAPITAL_AND_OTHER_R3

REGULATORY CAPITAL AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014	$83,688,000	$9,540,000	$17,493,000
Net Deferred Tax Assets Attributable To Net Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards As A Percentage Of Total Net Deferred Tax Assets	87.00%
First Bank [Member]
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to First Banks, Inc. by First Bank	95,000,000			70,000,000
First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014	75,340,000	0	0
Subordinated Debt [Member] | First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014				$66,400,000

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Schedul

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Schedule of Items Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$1,445,689	$1,611,745
U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	231,731	275,899
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,007,844	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	29,615	31,557
Corporate notes [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	173,695	196,203
Equity investments [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,967	1,443
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgages loans held for sale	31,411	25,548
Servicing rights	18,013	18,854
Total assets, fair value disclosure (recurring)	1,495,399	1,656,660
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	6,778	6,641
Total liabilities, fair value disclosure (recurring)	6,778	6,641
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate lock commitments [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Assets	580	217
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Assets	-294	296
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Government sponsored agencies [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	231,731	275,899
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,007,844	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	29,615	31,557
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate notes [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	173,695	196,203
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity investments [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,967	1,443
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgages loans held for sale	0	0
Servicing rights	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (recurring)	1,967	1,443
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan	6,778	6,641
Total liabilities, fair value disclosure (recurring)	6,778	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	1,967	1,443
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgages loans held for sale	31,411	25,548
Servicing rights	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (recurring)	1,475,419	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	580	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	-294	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	231,731	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	1,007,844	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	29,615	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	173,695	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]
Mortgages loans held for sale	0	0
Servicing rights	18,013	18,854
Total assets, fair value disclosure (recurring)	18,013	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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Servicing Rights [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Servicing Asset at Fair Value, Amount [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$18,854		$14,792
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	-3,568	[1]	439	[1]
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0		0
Issuances	2,568		3,623
Purchases	159		0
Transfers in and/or out of level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	$18,013		$18,854
[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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	$55,666	$66,702
Nonrecurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	55,666	66,702
Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (nonrecurring)	181,290	214,854
Nonrecurring | Impaired Loans [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Impaired loans, net, fair value disclosure	125,624	148,152
Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	0	0
Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (nonrecurring)	0	0
Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Impaired Loans [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Impaired loans, net, fair value disclosure	0	0
Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	0	0
Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (nonrecurring)	0	0
Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Impaired Loans [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Impaired loans, net, fair value disclosure	0	0
Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other real estate, fair value disclosure	55,666	66,702
Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total assets, fair value disclosure (nonrecurring)	181,290	214,854
Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Impaired Loans [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Impaired loans, net, fair value disclosure	$125,624	$148,152

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Estimat

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment securities:
Available for sale	$1,445,689	$1,611,745
Held to maturity	614,272	719,183
FRB and FHLB stock	30,458	27,357	27,329
Carrying Value
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	205,402	190,435
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,445,689	1,611,745
Held to maturity	618,148	740,186
Loans held for portfolio	3,050,958	2,750,514
Loans held for sale	31,411	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	30,458	27,357
Derivative assets	286	513
Accrued interest receivable	15,064	17,798
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	4,849,504	4,813,895
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875	43,143
Accrued interest payable	831	63,341
Subordinated debentures	354,286	354,210
Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	12	2,715
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	205,402	190,435
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,445,689	1,611,745
Held to maturity	614,272	719,183
Loans held for portfolio	2,937,948	2,562,160
Loans held for sale	31,411	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	30,458	27,357
Derivative assets	286	513
Accrued interest receivable	15,064	17,798
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	4,848,582	4,814,267
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875	43,143
Accrued interest payable	831	63,341
Subordinated debentures	303,191	242,678
Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	12	2,715
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	205,402	190,435
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,967	1,443
Held to maturity	0	0
Loans held for portfolio	0	0
Loans held for sale	0	0
FRB and FHLB stock	30,458	27,357
Derivative assets	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	15,064	17,798
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	3,923,627	3,767,782
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875	43,143
Accrued interest payable	831	63,341
Subordinated debentures	0	0
Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	0	0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investment securities:
Available for sale	1,443,722	1,610,302
Held to maturity	614,272	719,183
Loans held for portfolio	0	0
Loans held for sale	31,411	25,548
FRB and FHLB stock	0	0
Derivative assets	286	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
Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	0	0
Estimated Fair Value [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	0	0
Loans held for portfolio	2,937,948	2,562,160
Loans held for sale	0	0
FRB and FHLB stock	0	0
Derivative assets	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	924,955	1,046,485
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Subordinated debentures	303,191	242,678
Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees	$12	$2,715

FAIR_VALUE_DISCLOSURES_Details

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Loans transferred to other real estate	$7,598	$9,483	$24,223
Write-downs on other real estate	2,099	2,402	14,510
Goodwill impairment	$0	$107,267	$0

CREDIT_COMMITMENTS_Schedule_of

CREDIT COMMITMENTS (Schedule of Credit Commitments and Standby Letters of Credit) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	$985,810	$813,122
Commitments to extend credit
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	950,586	766,442
Commercial and standby letters of credit
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	$35,224	$46,680

CREDIT_COMMITMENTS_Textual_Det

CREDIT COMMITMENTS (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit issued by Federal Home Loan Bank on First Bank's behalf	2,800,000	$25,900,000
Carrying Value
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserve for letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments	12,000	2,715,000
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Standby letter of credit maximum term (years)	5 years
Single Relationship [Member] | Carrying Value
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserve for letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments		$2,400,000

INCOME_TAXES_Schedule_of_Compo

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Federal	$102	$3	$0
State	-6	-244	-32
Total current provision (benefit) for income taxes	96	-241	-32
Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Federal	9,663	44,068	6,766
State	10,239	-1,275	1,253
Total deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes	19,902	42,793	8,019
Decrease in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	-7,839	-331,053	-8,126
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$12,159	($288,501)	($139)

INCOME_TAXES_Schedule_of_Effec

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes and net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	$33,738	($67,801)	$34,663
Provision (benefit) for income taxes calculated at federal statutory income tax rates	11,808	-23,730	12,132
Provision (benefit) for income taxes calculated at federal statutory income tax rates, percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effects of differences in tax reporting:
Tax-exempt interest income, net of tax preference adjustment	-78	-117	-135
Tax-exempt interest income, net of tax preference adjustment, percent	-0.20%	0.20%	-0.40%
State income taxes	6,656	-1,098	795
State income taxes, percent	19.60%	1.60%	2.30%
Bank owned life insurance, net of premium	11	516	11
Bank owned life insurance, net of premium, percent	0.00%	-0.80%	0.00%
Noncontrolling investment in flow-through entity	27	-63	104
Noncontrolling investment in flow-through entity, percent	0.10%	0.10%	0.30%
Goodwill impairment and amortization of intangibles	0	37,544	0
Goodwill impairment and amortization of intangibles, percent	0.00%	-55.40%	0.00%
(Decrease) increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance, net of federal benefit	-5,071	-311,537	-13,112
(Decrease) increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance, net of federal benefit, percent	-15.00%	459.50%	-37.90%
Reclassification of deferred tax asset valuation allowance from accumulated other comprehensive income to provision for income taxes	0	10,547	0
Reclassification of deferred tax asset valuation allowance from accumulated other comprehensive income to provision for income taxes, percent	0.00%	-15.60%	0.00%
Expiration of net operating loss carryforwards	0	3	643
Expiration of net operating loss carryforwards, percent	0.00%	0.00%	1.90%
Other, net	-1,194	-566	-577
Other, net, percent	-3.50%	0.90%	-1.60%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$12,159	($288,501)	($139)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes, percent	36.00%	425.50%	-0.40%

INCOME_TAXES_Schedule_of_Defer

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$185,247	$200,139
State net operating loss carryforwards	57,843	66,578
Allowance for loan losses	29,102	35,354
Loans held for sale	1,088	2,341
Alternative minimum and general business tax credits	21,186	20,830
Interest on nonaccrual loans	8,620	9,078
Deferred compensation	4,591	4,070
Core deposit intangibles	2,135	2,493
Partnership and corporate investments	4,520	5,945
Deferred loan charge-offs and other fraud losses	3,847	1,426
Other real estate	13,734	15,893
Accrued contingent liabilities	2,414	1,908
Depreciation on bank premises and equipment	1,796	0
State taxes	0	-19,325
Other	11,993	12,531
Gross deferred tax assets	348,116	359,261
Valuation allowance	-35,541	-43,380	-376,224	-391,629
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	312,575	315,881
Deferred tax liabilities:
State taxes	17,799	0
Servicing rights	4,653	4,655
Net fair value adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities	5,270	1,055
Deferred gain on reclassification of investment securities from available for sale to held to maturity	4,211	4,988
Equity investments	5,681	5,683
Thrift base year tax bad debt reserve	0	10,605
Net deferred loan fees	1,860	1,870
Depreciation on bank premises and equipment	0	-1,561
Other	1,254	1,102
Deferred tax liabilities	40,728	28,397
Net deferred tax assets	$271,847	$287,484

INCOME_TAXES_Deferred_Tax_Asse

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year	$43,380	$376,224	$391,629
Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance to provision for income taxes	-7,957	-319,142	-643
Increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation allowance to provision for income taxes	118	-27,319	-468
Increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation allowance to accumulated other comprehensive income	0	13,617	-14,294
Balance, end of year	$35,541	$43,380	$376,224

INCOME_TAXES_Schedule_of_Unrec

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$881	$1,126
Additions: Tax positions taken during the current year	0	90
Additions: Tax positions taken during the prior year	0	0
Reductions: Tax positions taken during the prior year	-8	-335
Reductions: Lapse of statute of limitations	0	0
Balance, end of year	$873	$881

INCOME_TAXES_Operating_Loss_Ca

INCOME TAXES (Operating Loss Carryforwards, Federal, Expiration Years) (Details) (Federal - Domestic Tax Authority [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$529,278	$571,800
Expiration Year 2021 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,177
Expiration Year 2022 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,386
Expiration Years 2023 - 2026 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	14,937
Expiration Years 2027 - 2032 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$509,778

INCOME_TAXES_Operating_Loss_Ca1

INCOME TAXES (Operating Loss Carryforwards, State, Expiration Years) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
State And Local Jurisdiction - Footprint States [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$713,185
State And Local Jurisdiction - Footprint States [Member] | Expiration Year 2015 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	0
State And Local Jurisdiction - Footprint States [Member] | Expiration Year 2016 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	0
State And Local Jurisdiction - Footprint States [Member] | Expiration Year 2017 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	16,822
State And Local Jurisdiction - Footprint States [Member] | Expiration Year 2018 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,028
State And Local Jurisdiction - Footprint States [Member] | Expiration Years 2019 - 2026 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	177,167
State And Local Jurisdiction - Footprint States [Member] | Expiration Years 2027 - 2032 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	506,168
State And Local Jurisdiction - Other States [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	6,300
State And Local Jurisdiction - Other States [Member] | Expiration Year 2015 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	249
State And Local Jurisdiction - Other States [Member] | Expiration Year 2016 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	42
State And Local Jurisdiction - Other States [Member] | Expiration Year 2017 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	7
State And Local Jurisdiction - Other States [Member] | Expiration Year 2018 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	26
State And Local Jurisdiction - Other States [Member] | Expiration Years 2019 - 2026 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	3,003
State And Local Jurisdiction - Other States [Member] | Expiration Years 2027 - 2032 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,973
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	719,485	785,400
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expiration Year 2015 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	249
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expiration Year 2016 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	42
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expiration Year 2017 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	16,829
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expiration Year 2018 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,054
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expiration Years 2019 - 2026 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	180,170
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expiration Years 2027 - 2032 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$509,141

INCOME_TAXES_Textual_Details

INCOME TAXES (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, reversal of allowance to provision for income taxes	$7,957,000	$319,142,000	$643,000
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, reversal of allowance to accumulative other comprehensive income		6,100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	873,000	881,000	1,126,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect provision for income taxes	575,000	580,000
Interest accrued for unrecognized tax benefits	195,000	144,000
Interest expense (reduction of interest expense) related to unrecognized tax benefits	51,000	28,000	-20,000
Penalties expense related to unrecognized tax benefits	0	0
Possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	553,000
Estimated impact to provision for income taxes, prior to consideration of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations	368,000
Accumulation of prior years' earnings representing tax bad debt deductions	0	29,800,000
Deferred tax llabilities, thrift tax bad debt reserve	0	10,605,000
Federal - Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Schedule of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	529,278,000	571,800,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Schedule of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	719,485,000	785,400,000
Deferred tax assets related to operating loss carryforwards	58,700,000	66,600,000
First Bank [Member]
Schedule of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Nondividend distribution that occurred during the year and will be included in First Bank's taxable income	$29,800,000

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Earn

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Earnings Per Share Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$21,655	$220,521	$35,099
Preferred stock dividends declared	0	-15,869	-18,886
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	0	-3,643	-3,554
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	21,655	201,009	12,659
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	21,223	-8,821
Net income available to common stockholders	21,655	222,232	3,838
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	23,661	23,661	23,661
Basic earnings (loss) per common share – continuing operations	$915.24	$8,495.35	$535.03
Basic earnings (loss) per common share – discontinued operations	$0	$896.96	($372.81)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$915.24	$9,392.31	$162.22
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	21,655	201,009	12,659
Net income available to common stockholders	21,655	222,232	3,838
Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	0	0	0
Diluted income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$21,655	$222,232	$3,838
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	23,661	23,661	23,661
Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	3,807	0	0
Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding	27,468	23,661	23,661
Diluted earnings per common share - continuing operations	$788.38	$8,495.35	$535.03
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share – discontinued operations	$0	$896.96	($372.81)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$788.38	$9,392.31	$162.22

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_RESULTS_Sched

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS (Schedule of Business Segment Results) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance sheet information:
Investment securities	$2,063,837	$2,351,931	$2,675,280
Total loans	3,149,243	2,857,095	2,930,747
FRB and FHLB stock	30,458	27,357	27,329
Goodwill	0	0	125,267
Assets of discontinued operations	0	0	6,706
Total assets	5,935,519	5,918,983	6,509,126
Deposits	4,849,504	4,813,895	5,492,847
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875	43,143	26,025
Subordinated debentures	354,286	354,210	354,133
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	0	155,711
Stockholders’ equity	512,444	488,256	299,959	263,671
Income statement information:
Interest income	168,728	172,810	200,803
Interest expense	21,178	24,104	29,611
Net interest income (loss)	147,550	148,706	171,192
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-7,000	-5,000	2,000
Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	154,550	153,706	169,192
Noninterest income	56,040	63,977	64,635
Goodwill impairment	0	107,267	0
Other noninterest expense (excluding goodwill impairment)	176,852	178,217	199,164
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision (benefit) for income taxes	33,738	-67,801	34,663
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	12,159	-288,501	-139
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	21,579	220,700	34,802
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	21,223	-8,821
Net income (loss)	21,579	241,923	25,981
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-76	179	-297
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	21,655	241,744	26,278
First Bank [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Balance sheet information:
Investment securities	2,063,837	2,351,931	2,675,280
Total loans	3,149,243	2,857,095	2,930,747
FRB and FHLB stock	30,458	27,357	27,329
Goodwill	0	0	125,267
Assets of discontinued operations	0	0	6,706
Total assets	5,882,222	5,865,160	6,495,226
Deposits	4,871,140	4,815,792	5,495,624
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	64,875	43,143	26,025
Subordinated debentures	0	0	0
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	0	155,711
Stockholders’ equity	871,301	931,561	751,252
Income statement information:
Interest income	168,653	172,810	200,682
Interest expense	8,276	9,054	14,773
Net interest income (loss)	160,377	163,756	185,909
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	-7,000	-5,000	2,000
Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	167,377	168,756	183,909
Noninterest income	55,650	63,523	64,230
Goodwill impairment	0	107,267	0
Other noninterest expense (excluding goodwill impairment)	176,171	177,307	197,654
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision (benefit) for income taxes	46,856	-52,295	50,485
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	14,724	-249,137	230
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	32,132	196,842	50,255
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	21,223	-8,821
Net income (loss)	32,132	218,065	41,434
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-76	179	-297
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	32,208	217,886	41,731
Corporate, Other and Intercompany Reclassifications [Member]
Balance sheet information:
Investment securities	0	0	0
Total loans	0	0	0
FRB and FHLB stock	0	0	0
Goodwill	0	0	0
Assets of discontinued operations	0	0	0
Total assets	53,297	53,823	13,900
Deposits	-21,636	-1,897	-2,777
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0	0
Subordinated debentures	354,286	354,210	354,133
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	0	0
Stockholders’ equity	-358,857	-443,305	-451,293
Income statement information:
Interest income	75	0	121
Interest expense	12,902	15,050	14,838
Net interest income (loss)	-12,827	-15,050	-14,717
(Benefit) provision for loan losses	0	0	0
Net interest income (loss) after (benefit) provision for loan losses	-12,827	-15,050	-14,717
Noninterest income	390	454	405
Goodwill impairment	0	0	0
Other noninterest expense (excluding goodwill impairment)	681	910	1,510
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-13,118	-15,506	-15,822
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-2,565	-39,364	-369
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-10,553	23,858	-15,453
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	-10,553	23,858	-15,453
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	($10,553)	$23,858	($15,453)

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_RELATED_PART1

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2008	Mar. 20, 2013
First Services L P [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service Fees Paid to Affiliate	$20,200,000	$18,900,000	$19,800,000
First Services L P [Member] | Affiliate Services Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Incurred fees and other revenue from affiliate	202,000	284,000	183,000
First Services L P [Member] | Premises [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from Rents Received	1,700,000	1,700,000	1,800,000
First Brokerage America L L C [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Commissions Received From Unaffliated Third Party Companies	4,600,000	4,500,000	4,300,000
First Brokerage America L L C [Member] | Premises [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from Rents Received	470,000	438,000	401,000
Dierberg Vineyards / Wineries [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service Fees Paid to Affiliate	165,000	129,000
Dierbergs Markets Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	511,000	491,000	498,000
FB Holdings, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from Contributions from Parent				9,000,000
Contribution Of Assets From Parent				133,300,000
Service Fees Received From Affiliate			124,000
First Bank [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	53.23%
First Capital America, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates				125,000,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	46.77%
Investors Of America Limited Partnership [Member] | First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revolving credit note borrowing capacity					5,000,000
Directors Affliates and Executive Officers [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable, related parties	$28,800,000	$12,000,000

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Schedule_of_

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$12,493	$13,987
Interest cost	512	449
Actuarial loss (gain)	2,104	-1,100
Benefit payments	-880	-843
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	14,229	12,493
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	9,846	9,419
Actual return on plan assets	351	1,014
Employer contributions	528	256
Benefit payments	-880	-843
Fair value at end of year	9,845	9,846
Funded Status and Amount Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Accrued pension liability	4,384	2,647
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
Loss	-6,357	-4,162
Deferred tax liability	2,417	1,513
Loss, net of tax	($3,940)	($2,649)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Schedule_of_1

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Schedule of Assumptions Used) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Determination of net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.24%	3.31%
Expected long-term rate of return on Plan assets	6.00%	6.00%
Determination of benefit obligation:
Defined benefit plan, assumptions used calculating benefit obligation, discount rate	3.55%	4.24%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Schedule_of_2

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Schedule of Net Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	$512	$449
Expected return on Plan assets	-584	-551
Amortization of net actuarial loss	142	216
Net periodic benefit cost	$70	$114

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Schedule_of_3

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net loss (gain)	$2,337	($1,562)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-142	-216
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$2,195	($1,778)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Pension_Plan

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Pension Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$9,845	$9,846	$9,419
Fair Value Measurements, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	308	240
Fair Value Measurements, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	9,537	9,606
Fair Value Measurements, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	308	240
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	308	240
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,063	4,451
Equity securities [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,063	4,451
Equity securities [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Debt securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,970	4,688
Debt securities [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Debt securities [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,970	4,688
Debt securities [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Other assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	504	467
Other assets [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Other assets [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	504	467
Other assets [Member] | Fair Value Measurements, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$0	$0

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Schedule_of_4

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$863
2016	866
2017	867
2018	878
2019	891
2020 – 2024	$4,483

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Textual_Deta

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, maximum annual contribution per employee, amount	$17,500
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary contribution amount	2,300,000	2,300,000	2,307,000
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, recorded liability	6,800,000	6,600,000
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, compensation expense	266,000	962,000	614,000
Pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans, liabilities	4,384,000	2,647,000
Minimum [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, employee contribution, percent of salary	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, employee contribution, percent of salary	25.00%
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, employee contribution, percent of bonus	100.00%
Fixed Income Investments [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	52.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	40.00%
Cash [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	8.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year				$470,000

DISTRIBUTION_OF_EARNINGS_OF_FI1

DISTRIBUTION OF EARNINGS OF FIRST BANK (Textual) (Details) (First Bank [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
First Bank [Member]
Cash dividends paid to First Banks, Inc. by First Bank	$70	$95

PARENT_COMPANY_ONLY_FINANCIAL_2

PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash deposited in First Bank	$100,349	$92,369
Deferred income taxes	312,575	315,881
Total assets	5,935,519	5,918,983	6,509,126
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Subordinated debentures	354,286	354,210	354,133
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	113,682	191,082
Total liabilities	5,423,075	5,430,727
First Banks, Inc. stockholders’ equity	418,686	394,422
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,935,519	5,918,983
First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Cash deposited in First Bank	21,616	1,864
Investment in common securities - TRuPS	10,678	10,678
Investment in subsidiaries	778,306	838,489
Deferred income taxes	42,445	41,095
Accrued interest receivable - TRuPS	11	1,887
Total assets	853,056	894,013
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Subordinated debentures	354,286	354,210
Accrued interest payable - TRuPS	374	62,855
Dividends payable	77,800	77,800
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,910	4,726
Total liabilities	434,370	499,591
First Banks, Inc. stockholders’ equity	418,686	394,422
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$853,056	$894,013

PARENT_COMPANY_ONLY_FINANCIAL_3

PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Statements of Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Expense:
Interest	$21,178	$24,104	$29,611
Benefit for income taxes	12,159	-288,501	-139
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	21,655	241,744	26,278
First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Income:
Dividends from subsidiaries	95,000	0	0
Management fees from subsidiaries	9	23	3
Other	498	458	535
Total income	95,507	481	538
Expense:
Interest	12,935	15,054	14,847
Other	690	933	1,506
Total expense	13,625	15,987	16,353
Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes and equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	81,882	-15,506	-15,815
Benefit for income taxes	-2,565	-38,841	-348
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	84,447	23,335	-15,467
Equity in undistributed (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	-62,792	218,409	41,745
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$21,655	$241,744	$26,278

PARENT_COMPANY_ONLY_FINANCIAL_4

PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$21,655	$241,744	$26,278
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable - TRuPS	-62,510	14,564	12,118
Other, net	3,720	4,763	4,356
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,379	122,965	56,182
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net cash used in financing activities	57,341	-125,120	-174,362
Net increase (decrease) in unrestricted cash	14,967	-328,411	45,706
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	190,435	518,846	473,140
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	205,402	190,435	518,846
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest on liabilities	83,688	9,540	17,493
First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	21,655	241,744	26,278
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net income of subsidiaries	-32,208	-218,409	-41,745
Dividends from subsidiaries	95,000	0	0
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable - TRuPS	-62,481	14,977	14,771
Other, net	-2,214	-39,192	639
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	19,752	-880	-57
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of preferred stock dividends	0	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in unrestricted cash	19,752	-880	-57
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	1,864	2,744	2,801
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	21,616	1,864	2,744
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest on liabilities	$75,340	$0	$0

PARENT_COMPANY_ONLY_FINANCIAL_5

PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 10, 2009	Mar. 20, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and due from banks	$100,349,000	$92,369,000
Trust preferred securities value					345,000,000
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014	83,688,000	9,540,000	17,493,000
First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and due from banks	21,616,000	1,864,000
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014	75,340,000	0	0
First Bank [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to First Banks, Inc. by First Bank	95,000,000			70,000,000
Subordinated Debt [Member] | First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures in March 2014				66,400,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Investors Of America Limited Partnership [Member] | First Banks, Inc. Parent Company [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Revolving credit note borrowing capacity						$5,000,000

CONTINGENT_LIABILITIES_Textual

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Principal balance of mortgage loans previously sold subject to unresolved representation and warranty claims	$12.70	$13.50
Loss contingency accrual for mortgage repurchase reserve	$2.40	$2.50