| Cover Page | Feb. 07, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 7, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | First Bancorp |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NC |
| Entity File Number | 0-15572 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-1421916 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 300 SW Broad Street, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Southern Pines, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 28387 |
| City Area Code | (910) |
| Local Phone Number | 246-2500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, No Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | FBNC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000811589 |
