Heartland Financial USA (HTLF) 10-K 13 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 12, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA INC
Entity Central Index Key	920112
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,584,597
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$389,420,515

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$64,150,000	$118,441,000
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments	9,721,000	6,829,000
Cash and cash equivalents	73,871,000	125,270,000
Time deposits in other financial institutions	2,605,000	3,355,000
Securities:
Trading, at fair value	0	1,801,000
Available for sale, at fair value (cost of $1,396,794 at December 31, 2014, and $1,659,456 at December 31, 2013)	1,401,868,000	1,633,902,000
Held to maturity, at cost (fair value of $296,768 at December 31, 2014, and $237,437 at December 31, 2013)	284,587,000	237,498,000
Other investments, at cost	20,498,000	21,843,000
Loans held for sale	70,514,000	46,665,000
Loans and leases receivable:
Held to maturity	3,876,745,000	3,496,952,000
Loans covered by loss share agreements	1,258,000	5,749,000
Allowance for loan and lease losses	-41,449,000	-41,685,000
Loans and leases receivable, net	3,836,554,000	3,461,016,000
Premises, furniture and equipment, net	130,713,000	135,714,000
Other real estate, net	19,016,000	29,852,000
Goodwill	35,583,000	35,583,000
Other intangible assets, net	33,932,000	32,959,000
Cash surrender value on life insurance	82,638,000	81,110,000
FDIC indemnification asset	0	249,000
Other assets	59,983,000	76,899,000
TOTAL ASSETS	6,052,362,000	5,923,716,000
Deposits:
Demand	1,295,193,000	1,238,581,000
Savings	2,687,493,000	2,535,242,000
Time	785,336,000	892,676,000
Total deposits	4,768,022,000	4,666,499,000
Short-term borrowings	330,264,000	408,756,000
Other borrowings	396,255,000	350,109,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	61,504,000	58,892,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES	5,556,045,000	5,484,256,000
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock (par value $1 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 18,511,125 shares at December 31, 2014 and 18,399,156 shares at December 31, 2013)	18,511,000	18,399,000
Capital surplus	95,816,000	91,632,000
Retained earnings	298,764,000	265,067,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,528,000	-17,336,000
Treasury stock at cost (0 shares at both December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)	0	0
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	496,317,000	439,460,000
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
TOTAL EQUITY	496,317,000	439,460,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	6,052,362,000	5,923,716,000
Preferred Stock
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock	0	0
Series A Preferred Stock
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock	0	0
Series C Preferred Stock
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock	$81,698,000	$81,698,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cost of available for sale securities	$1,396,794,000	$1,659,456,000
Fair value of held to maturity securities	296,768,000	237,437,000
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	18,511,125	18,399,156
Treasury stock shares	0	0
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,604	20,604
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	16,000	16,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Series C Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	81,698	81,698
Preferred stock, shares issued	81,698	81,698
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	81,698	81,698
Preferred stock, liquidation value	$81,700,000	$81,700,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
INTEREST INCOME:
Interest and fees on loans and leases	$194,022	$164,702	$156,499
Interest on securities:
Taxable	29,727	21,501	22,129
Nontaxable	13,269	13,295	10,698
Interest on federal funds sold	1	1	4
Interest on interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions	23	12	8
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME	237,042	199,511	189,338
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Interest on deposits	18,154	19,968	22,230
Interest on short-term borrowings	877	808	818
Interest on other borrowings (includes $2,239 and $2,069 of interest expense related to derivatives reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively)	14,938	14,907	16,134
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE	33,969	35,683	39,182
NET INTEREST INCOME	203,073	163,828	150,156
Provision for loan and lease losses	14,501	9,697	8,202
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES	188,572	154,131	141,954
NONINTEREST INCOME:
Service charges and fees	20,085	17,660	15,242
Loan servicing income (loss)	5,583	1,648	-151
Trust fees	13,097	11,708	10,478
Brokerage and insurance commissions	4,440	4,561	3,702
Securities gains, net (includes $3,668 and $7,121 of net security gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively)	3,668	7,121	13,998
Gain (loss) on trading account securities	-38	1,421	47
Impairment loss on securities	0	0	-981
Gains on sale of loans held for sale	31,337	40,195	60,649
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights	0	496	-477
Income on bank owned life insurance	1,472	1,555	1,442
Other noninterest income	2,580	3,253	4,713
TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME	82,224	89,618	108,662
NONINTEREST EXPENSES:
Salaries and employee benefits	129,843	118,224	105,727
Occupancy	15,746	13,459	10,629
Furniture and equipment	8,105	8,040	6,326
Professional fees	18,241	17,532	15,338
FDIC insurance assessments	3,808	3,544	3,292
Advertising	5,524	5,294	5,294
Intangible assets amortization	2,223	1,063	562
Other real estate and loan collection expenses	2,309	4,445	2,890
Loss on sales/valuations of assets, net	2,105	3,034	7,093
Other noninterest expenses	27,896	21,926	26,230
TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSES	215,800	196,561	183,381
Income (loss) before income taxes	54,996	47,188	67,235
Income taxes (includes $533 and $1,884 of income tax expense reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively)	13,096	10,335	17,384
NET INCOME	41,900	36,853	49,851
Net (income) loss available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	0	-64	-59
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND	41,900	36,789	49,792
Preferred dividends and discount	-817	-1,093	-3,400
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$41,083	$35,696	$46,392
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC (in dollars per share)	$2.23	$2.08	$2.81
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED (in dollars per share)	$2.19	$2.04	$2.77
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$0.40	$0.40	$0.50

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income Consolidated Statements of Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest on other borrowings	$14,938	$14,907
Securities gains, net	3,668	7,121
Income taxes	13,096	10,335
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Derivatives
Interest on other borrowings	2,239	2,069
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Securities gains, net	3,668	7,121
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Income taxes	$533	$1,884

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
NET INCOME	$41,900	$36,853	$49,851
Securities:
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities	34,450	-50,883	20,988
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income	-3,668	-7,121	-12,981
Net change in non-credit related other than temporary impairment	95	95	-612
Income taxes	-12,193	22,119	-2,750
Other comprehensive income (loss) on securities	18,684	-35,790	4,645
Derivatives used in cash flow hedging relationships:
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	-1,957	754	-2,204
Reclassification adjustment for net losses on derivatives realized in net income	2,239	2,069	1,984
Income taxes	-102	-1,010	69
Other comprehensive income (loss) on cash flow hedges	180	1,813	-151
Other comprehensive income (loss)	18,864	-33,977	4,494
Comprehensive income	60,764	2,876	54,345
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	-64	-59
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND	$60,764	$2,812	$54,286

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Capital Surplus	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011	$352,893	$81,698	$16,612	$43,333	$198,182	$12,147	($1,754)	$2,675
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	54,345				49,792	4,494		59
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred	-3,400				-3,400
Common	-8,295				-8,295
Purchase of shares of common stock	-2,937						-2,937
Issuance of shares of common stock	9,779		216	4,872			4,691
Commitments to issue common stock	2,154			2,154
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	404,539	81,698	16,828	50,359	236,279	16,641	0	2,734
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	2,876				36,789	-33,977		64
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred	-1,093				-1,093
Common	-6,908				-6,908
Purchase of shares of common stock	-2,102						-2,102
Issuance of shares of common stock	43,118		1,571	39,445			2,102
Commitments to issue common stock	1,828			1,828
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	-2,798							-2,798
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	439,460	81,698	18,399	91,632	265,067	-17,336	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	60,764				41,900	18,864
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred	-817				-817
Common	-7,386				-7,386
Purchase of shares of common stock	-899						-899
Issuance of shares of common stock	1,797		112	786			899
Commitments to issue common stock	3,398			3,398
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$496,317	$81,698	$18,511	$95,816	$298,764	$1,528	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share preferred stock (in dollars per share)	$10	$13.39	$36.60
Cash dividends per share common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.40	$0.40	$0.50
Shares of common stock purchased	34,448	76,755	131,326
Shares of common stock issued	146,417	1,648,076	474,371

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	$41,900	$36,853	$49,851
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,751	17,240	14,141
Provision for loan and lease losses	14,501	9,697	8,202
Net amortization of premium on securities	26,396	29,355	22,858
Provision for deferred taxes	3,630	2,761	505
Securities gains, net	-3,668	-7,121	-13,998
(Increase) decrease in trading account securities	1,801	-1,421	-47
Impairment loss on securities	0	0	981
Stock based compensation	3,398	1,828	2,154
Write downs and losses on repossessed assets, net	1,938	2,799	6,953
Loans originated for sale	-964,355	-1,381,319	-1,572,117
Proceeds on sales of loans held for sale	963,225	1,458,704	1,578,678
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale	-22,719	-27,430	-49,198
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable	229	243	-1,323
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses	-1,381	8,279	2,916
Decrease in accrued interest payable	-1,342	-949	-1,001
Capitalization of mortgage servicing rights	-8,618	-12,769	-11,451
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights	0	-496	477
Other, net	7,715	-666	10,117
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	80,401	135,588	48,698
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of time deposits in other financial institutions	0	-3,605	0
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale	791,767	546,532	576,083
Proceeds from the sale of other investments	13,201	5,588	4,694
Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on securities available for sale	136,552	222,881	288,736
Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on securities held to maturity	1,501	2,170	1,576
Proceeds from the maturity of time deposits and other investments	750	250	36
Purchase of securities available for sale	-715,215	-861,967	-1,076,962
Purchase of securities held to maturity	-22,983	0	0
Purchase of other investments	-11,856	-7,288	-851
Net increase in loans and leases	-397,311	-284,843	-211,565
Purchase of bank owned life insurance policies	0	-2,835	-4,571
Capital expenditures	-6,615	-10,481	-19,787
Net cash acquired in acquisitions	0	49,665	61,778
Proceeds from sale of equipment	363	137	460
Proceeds on sale of OREO and other repossessed assets	16,174	19,839	30,660
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-193,672	-323,957	-349,713
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in demand deposits and savings accounts	208,863	159,946	417,988
Net decrease in time deposit accounts	-107,340	-58,548	-33,339
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	-49,492	19,450	-55,455
Proceeds from short term FHLB advances	305,000	204,000	47,000
Repayments of short term FHLB advances	-334,000	-109,000	-37,000
Proceeds from other borrowings	78,950	5,160	11,700
Repayments of other borrowings	-32,804	-66,885	-6,806
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	-2,798	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-899	-2,102	-2,937
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,673	4,265	9,557
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	124	98	222
Dividends paid	-8,203	-8,001	-11,695
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	61,872	145,585	339,235
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-51,399	-42,784	38,220
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	125,270	168,054	129,834
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	73,871	125,270	168,054
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid for income/franchise taxes	2,832	5,459	12,197
Cash paid for interest	35,311	36,632	40,183
Loans transferred to OREO	7,272	14,531	28,751
Purchases of securities available for sale, accrued, not paid	16,835	18,306	61,923
Securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity	25,162	179,528	0
Stock consideration granted for acquisition	$0	$38,755	$0

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Operations - Heartland Financial USA, Inc. ("Heartland") is a multi-bank holding company with locations in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Minnesota, and Kansas. The principal services of Heartland, through its subsidiaries, are FDIC-insured deposit accounts and related services, and loans to businesses and individuals. The loans consist primarily of commercial and commercial real estate, agricultural and agricultural real estate and residential real estate. In addition to the full-service banking offices, Heartland provides residential real estate loans, under the brand National Residential Mortgage, through loan production offices in California, Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Nebraska.
	Principles of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Heartland and its subsidiaries: Dubuque Bank and Trust Company; Galena State Bank & Trust Co.; Illinois Bank & Trust; Wisconsin Bank & Trust; New Mexico Bank & Trust; Arizona Bank & Trust; Rocky Mountain Bank; Summit Bank & Trust; Minnesota  Bank & Trust; Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company; Citizens Finance Parent Co.; DB&T Insurance, Inc.; DB&T Community Development Corp.; Heartland Community Development, Inc.; Citizens Finance Co.; Citizens Finance of Illinois Co.; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust III; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII; Morrill Statutory Trust I; and Morrill Statutory Trust II. All of Heartland’s subsidiaries are wholly-owned as of December 31, 2014. Prior to April 2013, Heartland had been an 80% owner of Minnesota Bank & Trust. The noncontrolling interest in the majority-owned subsidiaries is noted on the consolidated balance sheets and on the consolidated statements of income. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and prevailing practices within the banking industry. In preparing such financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change relates to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents - For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods.
	Trading Securities - Trading securities represent those securities Heartland intends to actively trade and are stated at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in noninterest income.
	Securities Available for Sale - Available for sale securities consist of those securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, which management intends to hold for indefinite periods of time or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayments or other similar factors. Available for sale securities are stated at fair value with any unrealized gain or loss, net of applicable income tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Security premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted using the interest method over the period from the purchase date to the expected maturity or call date of the related security. Declines in the fair value of investment securities available for sale (with certain exceptions for debt securities noted below) that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings as a realized loss, and a new cost basis for the securities is established. In evaluating whether impairment is other-than-temporary, Heartland considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of Heartland to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Declines in the fair value of debt securities below amortized cost are deemed to be other-than-temporary in circumstances where: (1) Heartland has the intent to sell a security; (2) it is more likely than not that Heartland will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) Heartland does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If Heartland intends to sell a security or if it is more likely than not that Heartland will be required to sell the security before recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If Heartland does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in noninterest income, and an amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. Realized securities gains or losses on securities sales (using specific identification method) and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in impairment loss on securities in the consolidated statements of income.
	Securities Held to Maturity - Securities which Heartland has the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity. Such securities are stated at amortized cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are amortized/accreted using the interest method over the period from the purchase date to the expected maturity or call date of the related security. Unrealized losses determined to be other-than-temporary are charged to noninterest income.
	Loans and Leases - Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income based primarily on the principal balance outstanding. Income from leases is recorded in decreasing amounts over the term of the contract resulting in a level rate of return on the lease investment. Heartland’s policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan or lease when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to the timely collection of the interest and principal, normally when a loan or lease is 90 days past due. When interest accruals are deemed uncollectible, interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. Nonaccrual loans and leases are returned to an accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates that there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the timely payment of interest and principal.
	Under Heartland’s credit policies, a loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that Heartland will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreement. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except where more practical, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
	Net nonrefundable loan and lease origination fees and certain direct costs associated with the lending process are deferred and recognized as a yield adjustment over the life of the related loan or lease.
	Troubled Debt Restructured Loans - Loans are considered troubled debt restructured loans ("TDR") if concessions have been granted to borrowers that are experiencing financial difficulty. The concessions granted generally involve the modification of terms of the loan, such as changes in payment schedule or interest rate, which generally would not otherwise be considered. TDRs can involve loans remaining on nonaccrual, moving to nonaccrual, or continuing on accrual status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. Nonaccrual TDRs are included and treated consistently with all other nonaccrual loans. In addition, all accruing TDRs are reported and accounted for as impaired loans. Generally, TDRs remain on nonaccrual until the customer has attained a sustained period of repayment performance under the modified loan terms (generally a minimum of six months). However, performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and whether the loan should be returned to or maintained on accrual status. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, the loan remains on nonaccrual status.
	A loan that is a TDR that has an interest rate consistent with market rates at the time of restructuring and is in compliance with its modified terms in the calendar year after the year in which the restructuring took place is no longer considered a TDR but remains an impaired loan. To be considered in compliance with its modified terms, a loan that is a TDR must be in accrual status and must be current or less than 30 days past due under the modified repayment terms; however, the loan will continue to be considered impaired. A loan that has been modified at a below market rate will remain classified as a TDR and an impaired loan. If the borrower’s financial conditions improve to the extent that the borrower qualifies for a new loan with market terms, the new loan will not be considered a TDR or impaired if Heartland's credit analysis shows the borrower's ability to perform under the new market terms.
	Loans Held for Sale - Loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. Gains or losses on sales are recorded in noninterest income. Direct loan origination costs and fees are deferred at origination of the loan. These deferred costs and fees are recognized in noninterest income as part of the gain or loss on sales of loans upon sale of the loan.
	Mortgage Servicing and Transfers of Financial Assets - Heartland regularly sells residential mortgage loans to others, primarily GSEs, on a non-recourse basis. Sold loans are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Heartland generally retains the right to service the sold loans for a fee. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, Heartland was servicing loans for government sponsored entities with aggregate unpaid principal balances of $3.50 billion and $3.05 billion, respectively.
	Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses - The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at a level estimated by management to provide for known and inherent risks in the loan and lease portfolios. The allowance is based upon a continuing review of past loan and lease loss experience, current economic conditions, volume growth, the underlying collateral value of the loans and leases and other relevant factors. Loans and leases which are deemed uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance. Provisions for loan and lease losses and recoveries on previously charged-off loans and leases are added to the allowance.
	Reserve for Unfunded Commitments - This reserve is maintained at a level that, in the opinion of management, is appropriate to absorb probable losses associated with Heartland’s commitment to lend funds under existing agreements such as letters or lines of credit. Management determines the appropriateness of the reserve for unfunded commitments based upon reviews of delinquencies, current economic conditions, the risk characteristics of the various categories of commitments and other relevant factors. The reserve is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are evaluated on a regular basis and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known. Draws on unfunded commitments that are considered uncollectible at the time funds are advanced are charged to the allowance. Provisions for unfunded commitment losses are added to the reserve for unfunded commitments, which is included in the Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheets.
	Premises, Furniture and Equipment - Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The provision for depreciation of premises, furniture and equipment is determined by straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of 18 to 39 years for buildings, 15 years for land improvements and 3 to 7 years for furniture and equipment.
	Other Real Estate - Other real estate represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is recorded at the estimated fair value of the property less disposal costs. The excess of carrying value over fair value less disposal costs is charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. Subsequent write downs estimated on the basis of later valuations and gains or losses on sales are charged to loss on sales/valuation of assets, net. Expenses incurred in maintaining such properties are charged to other real estate and loan collection expenses.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible assets consist of goodwill, core deposit intangibles, customer relationship intangibles and mortgage servicing rights. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired subsidiaries’ net assets over their fair value at the purchase date. Heartland assesses goodwill for impairment annually, and more frequently if events occur which may indicate possible impairment, and assesses goodwill at the reporting unit level, also giving consideration to overall enterprise value as part of that assessment. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, Heartland first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If Heartland concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is more than its carrying value, then no further testing of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit is required. However, if Heartland concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then Heartland performs a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment to recognize, if any. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired and it is not necessary to continue to step two of the impairment process. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, step two is performed. In step two, the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is computed as a residual value after allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. Heartland estimates the fair value of its reporting units using market multiples of comparable entities, including recent transactions, or a combination of market multiples and discounted cash flow methodology. These methods incorporate assumptions specific to the entity, such as the use of financial forecasts.
	Core deposit intangibles are amortized over 8 to 18 years on an accelerated basis. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized over 22 years on an accelerated basis. Periodically, Heartland reviews the intangible assets for events or circumstances that may indicate a change in the recoverability of the underlying basis, except mortgage servicing rights which are reviewed quarterly.
	Mortgage servicing rights associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are initially capitalized at fair value and recorded on the consolidated statements of income as a component of gains on sale of loans held for sale. The values of these capitalized servicing rights are amortized as an offset to the servicing revenue earned in relation to the servicing revenue expected to be earned. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based on the calculation of their fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including loan type and loan term. No valuation allowance was required as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Bank-Owned Life Insurance - Heartland and its subsidiaries have purchased life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers. The one-time premiums paid for the policies, which coincide with the initial cash surrender value, are recorded as an asset. Increases or decreases in the cash surrender value, other than proceeds from death benefits, are recorded as noninterest income (loss). Proceeds from death benefits first reduce the cash surrender value attributable to the individual policy and then any additional proceeds are recorded as noninterest income.
	Income Taxes - Heartland and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and separate or combined income or franchise tax returns as required by the various states. Heartland recognizes certain income and expenses in different time periods for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The provision for deferred income taxes is based on an asset and liability approach and represents the change in deferred income tax accounts during the year, including the effect of enacted tax rate changes. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets if their expected realization is deemed not to be more likely than not.
	A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. Heartland recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
	Derivative Financial Instruments - Heartland uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management, including interest rate swaps and certain interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of securities related to mortgage banking activities. FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. As required by ASC 815, Heartland records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. To qualify for hedge accounting, Heartland must comply with the detailed rules and documentation requirements at the inception of the hedge, and hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of each hedging relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured periodically throughout the life of the hedging relationship.
	For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to interest income or expense when the hedged transaction affects earnings, while the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in other noninterest income. Heartland assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the cumulative changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the cumulative changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. No component of the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
	Heartland had no fair value hedging relationships at December 31, 2014 or 2013. Derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, classified as free-standing derivatives, have all changes in the fair value recorded on the consolidated statements of income through noninterest income.
	Heartland does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage Heartland’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks, but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815.
	Mortgage Derivatives - Heartland uses interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities. These commitments are considered derivative instruments. The fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of gains on sale of loans held for sale. These derivative contracts are designated as free standing derivative contracts and are not designated against specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or forecasted transactions and therefore do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
	Segment Reporting - Public business enterprises are required to report information about operating segments in financial statements and selected information about operating segments in financial reports issued to shareholders. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by management in determining how to allocate resources and to assess effectiveness of the segments' performance. Generally, financial information is required to be reported on the basis that is used internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources to segments. Heartland has two reporting segments, one for community banking and one for mortgage banking operations.
	Fair Value Measurements - Fair value represents the estimated price at which an orderly transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (i.e. an exit price concept). Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using discounted cash flow or other valuation techniques. Inputs into the valuation methods are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties, and require significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Accordingly, the derived fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts Heartland could realize in a current market exchange. Assets and liabilities are categorized into three levels based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine the fair value. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Heartland's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Below is a brief description of each fair value level:
	Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
	Level 3 — 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.
	Treasury Stock - Treasury stock is accounted for by the cost method, whereby shares of common stock reacquired are recorded at their purchase price. When treasury stock is reissued, any difference between the sales proceeds, or fair value when issued for business combinations, and the cost is recognized as a charge or credit to capital surplus.
	Trust Department Assets - Property held for customers in fiduciary or agency capacities is not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as such items are not assets of the Heartland banks.
	Earnings Per Share - Basic earnings per share is determined using net income available to common stockholders and weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and assumed incremental common shares issued. Amounts used in the determination of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are shown in the table below:
	(Dollars and number of shares in thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Heartland	$	41,900		$	36,789		$	49,792
	Preferred dividends and discount	(817		)	(1,093		)	(3,400		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	41,083		$	35,696		$	46,392
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	18,462			17,199			16,518
	Assumed incremental common shares issued upon exercise of stock options and non-vested restricted stock units	280			261			251
	Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share	18,742			17,460			16,769
	Earnings per common share — basic	$	2.23		$	2.08		$	2.81
	Earnings per common share — diluted	$	2.19		$	2.04		$	2.77
	Number of antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	88			99			106
	Subsequent Events - Heartland has evaluated subsequent events that may require recognition or disclosure through the filing date of this annual report on Form 10-K with the SEC. On January 16, 2015, Heartland completed the acquisition of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc., parent company of Community Bank & Trust in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. See Note 2, "Acquisitions." for additional details of this acquisition.
	Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards - In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists," to eliminate the diversity in practice and to increase the comparability of financial statements among companies. The guidance requires that a reporting entity generally must show an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, for a net operating loss, or NOL, carryforward, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward as a reduction of a deferred tax asset. However, the entity should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a liability and not as a reduction of a deferred tax asset if the carryforward or tax loss is not available on the financial statement date to settle any additional income tax liability that would result from the disallowance of the tax position under the applicable tax law, or the applicable tax law does not require the company to use, and the company does not intend to use, the carryforward or tax loss to settle additional income taxes resulting from the disallowance of the tax position. The guidance does not require any new recurring disclosures because it does not affect the recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions. Heartland adopted this standard on January 1, 2014, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects." The amendments in ASU 2014-01 to Topic 323, "Equity Investments and Joint Ventures," provide guidance on accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. The amendments permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014 and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. Heartland is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, "Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors: Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure." The amendments in ASU 2014-04 clarify that an in-substance foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (i) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (ii) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. ASU 2014-04 also requires disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. Once adopted, an entity can elect either (i) a modified retrospective transition method or (ii) a prospective transition method. The modified retrospective transition method is applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to residential mortgage loans and foreclosed residential real estate properties existing as of the beginning of the period for which the amendments of ASU 2014-04 are effective, with real estate reclassified to loans measured at the carrying value of the real estate at the date of adoption and loans reclassified to real estate measured at the lower of net carrying value of the loan or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell at the date of adoption. The prospective transition method is applied by means of applying the amendments of ASU 2014-04 to all instances of receiving physical possession of residential real estate properties that occur after the date of adoption. Heartland does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The amendment clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard. The amendment outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The amendment applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Codification. The standard also requires significantly expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (including interim reporting periods within those periods). Early application is not permitted. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard during the first quarter of 2017, as required, and is currently evaluating the impact on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, "Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors: Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure." The amendment clarifies how creditors are to classify certain government-guaranteed mortgage loans upon foreclosure. The amendment requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: (i) the loan has a government guarantee that is not separate from the loan before foreclosure, and (ii) at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under the claim, and (iii) at the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered for the guarantor. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. Heartland does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, "Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items." The amendment eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Presently, an event or transaction is presumed to be an ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity is required to segregate the extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. This amended guidance will prohibit separate disclosure of extraordinary items in the income statement. This amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Entities may apply the amendment prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Heartland does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	Reclassifications - In the first quarter of 2014, Heartland revised the classification of mortgage servicing rights income from loan servicing income to gain on sale of loans held for sale. The reclassification is presented in both the current and prior reporting periods. For the years ended December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, $12.8 million and $11.4 million, respectively, were reclassified from loan servicing income to gain on sale of loans held for sale.
	In the first quarter of 2014, Heartland also made the following income statement reclassifications. Heartland separated the expense category of net loss on repossessed assets into two expense categories, other real estate and loan collection expenses and loss on sales/valuations of assets, net. Additionally, gains and losses on sales of fixed assets were reclassified from other noninterest expenses to the newly created loss on sales/valuations of assets, net. These reclassifications are presented in both the current and prior reporting periods. For the years ended December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, losses on sales of fixed assets of $235,000 and $14,000, respectively were reclassified from noninterest expenses to loss on sales/valuations of assets, net.
	These reclassifications do not have a material impact on Heartland's financial statements and do not affect the financial results. Heartland believes these reclassifications are more consistent with industry reporting practices.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	ACQUISITIONS
	Subsequent to December 31, 2014, Heartland completed the acquisition of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc., parent company of Community Bank & Trust in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. As of December 31, 2014, Community Bank & Trust reported assets of $530.4 million, including loans of $411.0 million and including deposits of $446.7 million. Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. merged into Heartland, and the shareholders of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. received Heartland common stock. The aggregate purchase price was based upon 155% of the December 31, 2014 adjusted tangible book value, as defined in the merger agreement, of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. The purchase price was approximately $53.1 million, which was paid by delivery of 1,970,720 shares of Heartland common stock. Simultaneously with the close of the transaction on January 16, 2015, Community Bank & Trust merged into Heartland’s Wisconsin Bank & Trust subsidiary. The transaction is intended to be a tax-free reorganization with respect to the stock consideration received by the stockholders of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc.
	On October 18, 2013, Heartland completed the purchase of Morrill Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company, based in Merriam, Kansas. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the aggregate purchase price, which was based upon the September 30, 2013 tangible book value of Morrill Bancshares, Inc., was approximately $55.4 million, $16.6 million or 30% of which was paid in cash, and $38.8 million or 70% of which was paid by delivery of 1,402,431 shares of Heartland common stock. The transaction included, at fair value, total assets of $810.8 million, loans of $377.7 million, and deposits of $665.3 million. Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company continues to operate as a separate state-chartered bank subsidiary of Heartland.
	The assets and liabilities of Morrill Bancshares, Inc. were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. The following table represents, in thousands, the amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of October 18, 2013:
			As of October 18, 2013
	Fair value of consideration paid
	Common Stock (1,402,431 shares)		$	38,755
	Cash		16,619
	Total consideration paid		55,374
	Fair value of assets acquired
	Cash and due from banks		61,316
	Securities:
	Securities available for sale		339,362
	Securities held to maturity		3,086
	Other securities		4,139
	Loans held for sale		97
	Loans held to maturity		377,565
	Premises, furniture and equipment, net		4,867
	Other real estate, net		1,296
	Other intangible assets, net		8,694
	Other assets		5,389
	Total assets		805,811
	Fair value of liabilities assumed
	Deposits		665,297
	Short term borrowings		62,450
	Other borrowings		22,809
	Other liabilities		4,837
	Total liabilities assumed		755,393
	Fair value of net assets acquired		50,418
	Goodwill resulting from acquisition		$	4,956
	Heartland recognized goodwill of $5.0 million in conjunction with the acquisition of Morrill Bancshares, Inc., which is calculated as the excess of both the consideration exchanged and the liabilities assumed as compared to the fair value of identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill resulted from expected operational synergies, an enhanced market area, cross-selling opportunities, and expanded product lines. See Note 8 for further information on goodwill.
	Pro Forma Information: The following pro forma information presents the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, as if the Morrill Bancshares, Inc. acquisition occurred on January 1, 2012.
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	For the Years Ended
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Net interest income	$	181,310		$	168,475
	Net income	$	39,043		$	52,052
	Basic earnings per share	$	2.27		$	3.15
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.24		$	3.1
	The above pro forma results are presented for illustrative purposes and are not intended to represent or be indicative of the actual results of operations of the merged companies that would have been achieved had the acquisition occurred at January 1, 2012, nor are they intended to represent or be indicative of future results of operations. The pro forma results do not include expected operating cost savings as a result of the acquisition. These pro forma results require significant estimates and judgments particularly as it relates to valuation and accretion of income associated with the acquired loans.
	Heartland incurred $466,000 of pre-tax merger related expenses in 2013. The merger expenses are reflected on the consolidated income statement for the applicable period and are reported primarily in the categories of salaries and benefits and professional fees.
	Acquired loans were preliminarily recorded at fair value based on a discounted cash flow valuation methodology that considers, among other things, projected default rates, loss given defaults, and recovery rates. No allowance for credit losses was carried over from the acquisition. The balance of nonaccrual loans at acquisition date was $688,000.
	On November 22, 2013, Heartland acquired Freedom Bank ("Freedom") in Sterling, Illinois, from its parent company, River Valley Bancorp, Inc., a Davenport, Iowa-based bank holding company. The acquisition was arranged through a negotiated transfer of ownership with Dubuque Bank and Trust Company. The transaction included, at fair value, total assets of $67.1 million, loans of $39.3 million, and deposits of $54.1 million at acquisition date. On March 7, 2014, Dubuque Bank and Trust Company transferred the shares of Freedom, with no stock or cash consideration paid, to Heartland, and Freedom was simultaneously merged with Riverside Community Bank subsidiary (now Illinois Bank & Trust) by dividend.
	The Freedom acquisition was not deemed to be significant and is therefore excluded from the pro forma information in the table above.

Cash_and_Due_from_Banks

Cash and Due from Banks	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Due from Banks	CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
	The Heartland banks are required to maintain certain average cash reserve balances as a non-member bank of the Federal Reserve System. The reserve balance requirements at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were $172,000 and $28.7 million, respectively.

Securities

Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Securities	SECURITIES
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are summarized in the table below, in thousands:
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
					Gains			Losses			Value
	December 31, 2014
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	24,010		$	98		$	(15	)	$	24,093
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,219,305			11,929			(11,968		)	1,219,266
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	148,450			5,304			(328		)	153,426
	Total debt securities	1,391,765			17,331			(12,311		)	1,396,785
	Equity securities	5,029			54			—			5,083
	Total	$	1,396,794		$	17,385		$	(12,311	)	$	1,401,868
	December 31, 2013
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	220,157		$	147		$	(2,001	)	$	218,303
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,156,983			9,538			(22,574		)	1,143,947
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	277,320			1,706			(12,402		)	266,624
	Total debt securities	1,654,460			11,391			(36,977		)	1,628,874
	Equity securities	4,996			32			—			5,028
	Total	$	1,659,456		$	11,423		$	(36,977	)	$	1,633,902
	At both December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the amortized cost of the available for sale securities is net of $184,000 of credit related other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI").
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of held to maturity securities as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are summarized in the table below, in thousands:
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
					Gains			Losses			Value
	December 31, 2014
	Mortgage-backed securities	$	5,734		$	217		$	(667	)	$	5,284
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	278,853			13,576			(945		)	291,484
	Total	$	284,587		$	13,793		$	(1,612	)	$	296,768
	December 31, 2013
	Mortgage-backed securities	$	5,973		$	199		$	(321	)	$	5,851
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	231,525			5,801			(5,740		)	231,586
	Total	$	237,498		$	6,000		$	(6,061	)	$	237,437
	Heartland transferred $26.8 million of bank qualified municipal bonds from available for sale to held to maturity during the fourth quarter of 2014, and $180.9 million of bank qualified municipal bonds from available for sale to held to maturity during the fourth quarter of 2013. The bonds were transferred at fair value at the date of transfer.
	At December 31, 2014, the amortized cost of the held to maturity securities is net of $797,000 of credit related OTTI and $422,000 of non-credit related OTTI. At December 31, 2013, the amortized cost of the held to maturity securities is net of $797,000 of credit related OTTI and $517,000 of non credit related OTTI.
	Approximately 97% of Heartland's mortgage-backed securities are issuances of government-sponsored enterprises.
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available for sale at December 31, 2014 by contractual maturity are as follows, in thousands. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
		31-Dec-14
		Amortized Cost			Estimated Fair Value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	7,335		$	7,403
	Due in 1 to 5 years	28,470			28,570
	Due in 5 to 10 years	12,664			12,959
	Due after 10 years	123,991			128,587
	Total debt securities	172,460			177,519
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,219,305			1,219,266
	Equity securities	5,029			5,083
	Total investment securities	$	1,396,794		$	1,401,868
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2014 by contractual maturity are as follows, in thousands. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
		31-Dec-14
		Amortized Cost			Estimated Fair Value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	1,049		$	1,098
	Due in 1 to 5 years	13,388			14,038
	Due in 5 to 10 years	57,242			59,904
	Due after 10 years	207,174			216,444
	Total debt securities	278,853			291,484
	Mortgage-backed securities	5,734			5,284
	Total investment securities	$	284,587		$	296,768
	As of December 31, 2014, securities with a fair value of $870.7 million were pledged to secure public and trust deposits, short-term borrowings and for other purposes as required by law.
	Gross gains and losses realized related to sales of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are summarized as follows, in thousands:
		2014			2013			2012
	Available for Sale Securities sold:
	Proceeds from sales	$	791,767		$	546,532		$	576,083
	Gross security gains	5,871			8,895			15,387
	Gross security losses	2,203			1,774			1,389
	The following tables summarize, in thousands, the amount of unrealized losses, defined as the amount by which cost or amortized cost exceeds fair value, and the related fair value of investments with unrealized losses in Heartland's securities portfolio as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The investments were segregated into two categories: those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 or more months. The reference point for determining how long an investment was in an unrealized loss position was December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. Securities for which Heartland has taken credit-related OTTI write-downs are categorized as being "less than 12 months" or "12 months or longer" in a continuous loss position based on the point in time that the fair value declined to below the cost basis and not the period of time since the credit-related OTTI write-down.
Securities available for sale	Less than 12 months						12 months or longer						Total
	Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value		Losses
December 31, 2014
U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	6,042		$	(15	)	$	—		$	—		$	6,042	$	(15	)
Mortgage-backed securities	327,363			(7,391		)	306,078			(4,577		)	633,441		(11,968		)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	886			(6		)	20,507			(322		)	21,393		(328		)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	334,291		$	(7,412	)	$	326,585		$	(4,899	)	$	660,876	$	(12,311	)
December 31, 2013
U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	196,345		$	(2,001	)	$	—		$	—		$	196,345	$	(2,001	)
Mortgage-backed securities	640,684			(17,064		)	118,229			(5,510		)	758,913		(22,574		)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	196,987			(11,452		)	10,714			(950		)	207,701		(12,402		)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	1,034,016		$	(30,517	)	$	128,943		$	(6,460	)	$	1,162,959	$	(36,977	)
Securities held to maturity	Less than 12 months						12 months or longer						Total
	Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value		Losses
31-Dec-14
Mortgage-backed securities	$	—		$	—		$	2,761		$	(667	)	$	2,761	$	(667	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	3,172			(422		)	29,402			(523		)	32,574		(945		)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	3,172		$	(422	)	$	32,163		$	(1,190	)	$	35,335	$	(1,612	)
December 31, 2013
Mortgage-backed securities	$	2,170		$	(319	)	$	834		$	(2	)	$	3,004	$	(321	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	47,175			(3,508		)	21,505			(2,232		)	68,680		(5,740		)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	49,345		$	(3,827	)	$	22,339		$	(2,234	)	$	71,684	$	(6,061	)
Heartland reviews the investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to monitor its exposure to OTTI. A determination as to whether a security's decline in fair value is other-than-temporary takes into consideration numerous factors and the relative significance of any single factor can vary by security. Some factors Heartland may consider in the OTTI analysis include the length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, changes in security ratings, financial condition of the issuer, as well as security and industry specific economic conditions. In addition, with regard to debt securities, Heartland may also evaluate payment structure, whether there are defaulted payments or expected defaults, prepayment speeds, and the value of any underlying collateral. For certain debt securities in unrealized loss positions, Heartland prepares cash flow analyses to compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. During 2012, Heartland experienced deterioration in the credit support on three private label mortgage-backed securities which resulted in a credit-related OTTI loss. The underlying collateral on these securities experienced an increased level of defaults and a slowing of voluntary prepayments causing the present value of the forward expected cash flows, using prepayment and default vectors, to be below the amortized cost basis of the securities. Based on Heartland's evaluation, a $981,000 OTTI on three private label mortgage-backed securities attributable to credit-related losses was recorded in March 2012. The other-than-temporary credit-related losses were $797,000 in the held to maturity category and $184,000 in the available for sale category. Heartland had not previously recorded an OTTI loss on debt securities.
The remaining unrealized losses on Heartland's mortgage-backed securities are the result of changes in market interest rates or widening of market spreads subsequent to the initial purchase of the securities and not related to concerns regarding the underlying credit of the issuers or the underlying collateral. It is expected that the securities will not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates or widening market spreads and not credit quality, and because Heartland has the intent and ability to hold these investments until a market price recovery or to maturity and does not believe it will be required to sell the securities before maturity, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.
Unrealized losses on Heartland's obligations of states and political subdivisions are the result of changes in market interest rates or widening of market spreads subsequent to the initial purchase of the securities. Management monitors the published credit ratings of these securities and the stability of the underlying municipalities. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates or widening market spreads due to insurance company downgrades and not underlying credit quality, and because Heartland has the intent and ability to hold these investments until a market price recovery or to maturity and does not believe it will be required to sell the securities before maturity, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.
There were no gross realized gains or losses on the sale of available for sale securities with OTTI write-downs for the periods ended December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
The following table shows the detail of total OTTI write-downs included in earnings, in thousands:
	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
OTTI write-downs included in earnings:
Available for sale debt securities:
Mortgage-backed securities	$	—		$	—		$	184
Held to maturity debt securities:
Mortgage-backed securities	—			—			797
Total debt security OTTI write-downs included in earnings	$	—		$	—		$	981
The following table shows the detail of OTTI write-downs on debt securities included in earnings and the related changes in other accumulated comprehensive income (AOCI) for the same securities, in thousands:
	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
OTTI on debt securities
Recorded as part of gross realized losses:
Credit related OTTI	$	—		$	—		$	981
Intent to sell OTTI	—			—			—
Total recorded as part of gross realized losses	—			—			981
Recorded directly to AOCI for non-credit related impairment:
Mortgage-backed securities	—			—			683
Accretion of non-credit related impairment	(95		)	(95		)	(71		)
Total changes to AOCI for non-credit related impairment	(95		)	(95		)	612
Total OTTI losses (accretion) recorded on debt securities	$	(95	)	$	(95	)	$	1,593
Included in other securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were shares of stock in each Federal Home Loan Bank (the "FHLB") of Des Moines, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle and Topeka at an amortized cost of $14.3 million and $15.6 million, respectively.
The Heartland banks are required to maintain FHLB stock as members of the various FHLBs as required by these institutions. These equity securities are "restricted" in that they can only be sold back to the respective institutions or another member institution at par. Therefore, they are less liquid than other marketable equity securities and their fair value approximates amortized cost. Heartland considers its FHLB stock as a long-term investment that provides access to competitive products and liquidity. Heartland evaluates impairment in these investments based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value and at December 31, 2014, did not consider the investments to be other than temporarily impaired.

Loans_and_Leases

Loans and Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and Leases	LOANS AND LEASES
	Loans and leases as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Loans and leases receivable held to maturity:
	Commercial	$	1,036,080			$	950,197
	Commercial real estate	1,707,060				1,529,683
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	423,827				376,735
	Residential real estate	380,341				349,349
	Consumer	330,555				294,145
	Gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	3,877,863				3,500,109
	Unearned discount	(90		)		(168		)
	Deferred loan fees	(1,028		)		(2,989		)
	Total net loans and leases receivable held to maturity	3,876,745				3,496,952
	Loans covered under loss share agreements:
	Commercial and commercial real estate	54				2,314
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	—				543
	Residential real estate	1,204				2,280
	Consumer	—				612
	Total loans covered under loss share agreements	1,258				5,749
	Allowance for loan and lease losses	(41,449		)		(41,685		)
	Loans and leases receivable, net	$	3,836,554			$	3,461,016
	Heartland has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to provide for an acceptable level of credit risk. The board of directors reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management and the board with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and nonperforming loans and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is also a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.
	The commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolio includes a wide range of business loans, including lines of credit for working capital and operational purposes and term loans for the acquisition of equipment and real estate. Although most loans are made on a secured basis, loans may be made on an unsecured basis where warranted by the overall financial condition of the borrower. Terms of commercial business loans generally range from one to five years. Commercial loans and leases are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The collateral for most of these loans and leases is based upon a discount from its market value. The primary repayment risks of commercial loans and leases are that the cash flow of the borrowers may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Heartland seeks to minimize these risks in a variety of ways. The underwriting analysis includes credit verification, analysis of global cash flows, appraisals and a review of the financial condition of the borrower. Personal guarantees are frequently required as a tertiary form of repayment. In addition, when underwriting loans for commercial real estate, careful consideration is given to the property's operating history, future operating projections, current and projected occupancy, location and physical condition. Heartland also utilizes government guaranteed lending through the U.S. Small Business Administration and the USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Program to assist customers with longer-term funding and to reduce risk.
	Agricultural loans, many of which are secured by crops, machinery and real estate, are provided to finance capital improvements and farm operations as well as acquisitions of livestock and machinery. Agricultural loans present unique credit risks relating to adverse weather conditions, loss of livestock due to disease or other factors, declines in market prices for agricultural products and the impact of government regulations. The ultimate repayment of agricultural loans is dependent upon the profitable operation or management of the agricultural entity. In underwriting agricultural loans, lending personnel work closely with their customers to review budgets and cash flow projections for the ensuing crop year. These budgets and cash flow projections are monitored closely during the year and reviewed with the customers at least annually. Lending personnel also work closely with governmental agencies, including the Farm Service Agency, to help agricultural customers obtain credit enhancement products such as loan guarantees or interest assistance.
	Heartland originates first-lien, adjustable-rate and fixed-rate, one-to-four-family residential real estate loans for the construction, purchase or refinancing of a single family residential property. These loans are principally collateralized by owner-occupied properties and are amortized over 10 to 30 years. Heartland typically sells longer-term, low-rate, residential mortgage loans in the secondary market with servicing rights retained. This practice allows Heartland to better manage interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The Heartland bank subsidiaries participate in lending programs sponsored by U.S. government agencies such as Veterans Administration and Federal Home Administration when justified by market conditions.
	Consumer lending includes motor vehicle, home improvement, home equity and small personal credit lines. Consumer loans typically have shorter terms, lower balances, higher yields and higher risks of default than one- to four-family first-lien residential mortgage loans. Consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability, and are therefore more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Risk is reduced through underwriting criteria, which include credit verification, appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and personal cash flows. A security interest, with title insurance when necessary, is taken in the underlying real estate. Heartland's consumer finance subsidiary, Citizens Finance Parent Co., typically lends to borrowers with past credit problems or limited credit histories, which comprises approximately 21% of Heartland's total consumer loan portfolio.
	Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Heartland’s policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan or lease when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to the timely collection of the interest and principal, normally when a loan or lease is 90 days past due. When interest accruals are deemed uncollectible, interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. Nonaccrual loans and leases are returned to an accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates that there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the timely payment of interest and principal.
	Under Heartland’s credit practices, a loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that Heartland will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except where more practical, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
	The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the related loan balances, disaggregated on the basis of impairment methodology, in thousands. Loans evaluated under ASC 310-10-35 include loans on nonaccrual status and troubled debt restructurings, which are individually evaluated for impairment, and other impaired loans deemed to have similar risk characteristics. All other loans are collectively evaluated for impairment under ASC 450-20. Heartland has made no changes to the accounting for the allowance for loan and lease losses policy during 2014 or 2013.
		Allowance For Loan											Gross Loans and Leases Receivable
		and Lease Losses											Held to Maturity
		Ending Balance				Ending Balance				Total			Ending Balance			Ending Balance			Total
		Under ASC				Under ASC							Evaluated for Impairment			Evaluated for Impairment
		310-10-35				450-20							Under ASC			Under ASC
													310-10-35			450-20
	December 31, 2014
	Commercial	$	754			$	11,155			$	11,909		$	4,526		$	1,031,554		$	1,036,080
	Commercial real estate	636				15,262				15,898			35,771			1,671,289			1,707,060
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	52				3,243				3,295			5,049			418,778			423,827
	Residential real estate	442				3,299				3,741			10,235			370,106			380,341
	Consumer	813				5,793				6,606			6,143			324,412			330,555
	Total	$	2,697			$	38,752			$	41,449		$	61,724		$	3,816,139		$	3,877,863
	December 31, 2013
	Commercial	$	2,817			$	10,282			$	13,099		$	14,644		$	935,553		$	950,197
	Commercial real estate	818				13,334				14,152			28,299			1,501,384			1,529,683
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	756				2,236				2,992			16,667			360,068			376,735
	Residential real estate	605				3,115				3,720			7,214			342,135			349,349
	Consumer	1,721				6,001				7,722			5,137			289,008			294,145
	Total	$	6,717			$	34,968			$	41,685		$	71,961		$	3,428,148		$	3,500,109
	The following table presents nonaccrual loans, accruing loans past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructured loans not covered under loss share agreements at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands. There were no nonaccrual leases, accruing leases past due 90 days or more or restructured leases at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
			December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Nonaccrual loans		$	24,205			$	29,313
	Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans		865				13,081
	Total nonaccrual loans		$	25,070			$	42,394
	Accruing loans past due 90 days or more		—				24
	Performing troubled debt restructured loans		$	12,133			$	19,353
	Heartland had $13.0 million of troubled debt restructured loans at December 31, 2014, of which $865,000 were classified as nonaccrual and $12.1 million were accruing according to the restructured terms. Heartland had $32.5 million of troubled debt restructured loans at December 31, 2013, of which $13.1 million were classified as nonaccrual and $19.4 million were accruing according to the restructured terms.
	The following table provides information on troubled debt restructured loans that were modified during the years ended December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
			For the Years Ended
			31-Dec-14									31-Dec-13
			Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Recorded Investment				Post-Modification Recorded Investment			Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Recorded Investment			Post-Modification Recorded Investment
	Commercial		—		$	—			$	—		4		$	17,934		$	17,934
	Commercial real estate		2		357				357			5		1,797			1,797
	Total commercial and commercial real estate		2		357				357			9		19,731			19,731
Agricultural and agricultural real estate		2		3,357				3,357			8		4,349			4,349
Residential real estate		5		757				757			4		762			762
Consumer		—		—				—			1		166			166
Total		9		$	4,471			$	4,471		22		$	25,008		$	25,008
The pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment represents amounts as of the date of loan modification. Since the modifications on these loans have been only interest rate concessions and term extensions, not principal reductions, the pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment amounts are the same. Included in the troubled debt restructured loans for the year ended December 31, 2013 are four commercial real estate loans totaling $1.6 million which were acquired with the acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2013. At December 31, 2014, there were no commitments to extend credit to any of the borrowers with an existing TDR.
The following table provides information on troubled debt restructured loans for which there was a payment default during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, in thousands, that had been modified during the 12-month period prior to the default:
	With Payment Defaults During the Following Periods
	For the Years Ended
	31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Number of Loans		Recorded Investment				Number of Loans		Recorded Investment
Commercial	—		$	—			3		$	11,598
Commercial real estate	1		55				1		480
Total commercial and commercial real estate	1		55				4		12,078
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	—		—				—		—
Residential real estate	—		—				2		165
Consumer	—		—				—		—
Total	1		$	55			6		$	12,243
For the year ended December 31, 2013, acquired commercial loans totaling $61,000 and acquired commercial real estate loans totaling $480,000 are included in the table above. These loans were acquired in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Heartland's internal rating system is a series of grades reflecting management's risk assessment, based on its analysis of the borrower's financial condition. The "pass" category consists of all loans that are not in the "nonpass" category, categorized into a range of loan grades that reflect increasing, though still acceptable, risk. Movement of risk through the various grade levels in the pass category is monitored for early identification of credit deterioration. The "nonpass" category consists of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss loans. The "special mention" rating is attached to loans where the borrower exhibits negative financial trends due to borrower specific or systemic conditions that, if left uncorrected, threaten its capacity to meet its debt obligations. The borrower is believed to have sufficient financial flexibility to react to and resolve its negative financial situation. These credits are closely monitored for improvement or deterioration. The "substandard" rating is assigned to loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the borrower and may be further at risk due to deterioration in the value of collateral pledged. Well-defined weaknesses jeopardize liquidation of the debt. These loans are still considered collectible, however, a distinct possibility exists that Heartland will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected. Substandard loans may exhibit some or all of the following weaknesses: deteriorating trends, lack of earnings, inadequate debt service capacity, excessive debt and/or lack of liquidity. The "doubtful" rating is assigned to loans where identified weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. These borrowers are usually in default, lack liquidity and capital, as well as resources necessary to remain an operating entity. Specific pending events, such as capital injections, liquidations or perfection of liens on additional collateral, may strengthen the credit, thus deferring classification of the loan as loss until exact status can be determined. The "loss" rating is assigned to loans considered uncollectible. As of December 31, 2014, Heartland had no loans classified as doubtful and no loans classified as loss. Loans are placed on "nonaccrual" when management does not expect to collect payments of principal and interest in full or when principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection.
The following table presents loans and leases not covered by loss share agreements by credit quality indicator at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
	Pass				Nonpass				Total
31-Dec-14
Commercial	$	939,717			$	96,363			$	1,036,080
Commercial real estate	1,567,711				139,349				1,707,060
Total commercial and commercial real estate	2,507,428				235,712				2,743,140
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	402,883				20,944				423,827
Residential real estate	361,325				19,016				380,341
Consumer	321,114				9,441				330,555
Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$	3,592,750			$	285,113			$	3,877,863
31-Dec-13
Commercial	$	871,825			$	78,372			$	950,197
Commercial real estate	1,390,820				138,863				1,529,683
Total commercial and commercial real estate	2,262,645				217,235				2,479,880
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	335,821				40,914				376,735
Residential real estate	333,161				16,188				349,349
Consumer	284,148				9,997				294,145
Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$	3,215,775			$	284,334			$	3,500,109
The nonpass category in the table above is comprised of approximately 66% special mention and 34% substandard as of December 31, 2014. The percent of nonpass loans on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2014, was 9%. As of December 31, 2013, the nonpass category in the table above was comprised of approximately 59% special mention, 38% substandard, and 3% doubtful. The percent of nonpass loans on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2013, was 15%. The doubtful loan category at December 31, 2013 consisted of one loan, which was on nonaccrual, and had a specific reserve of $2.2 million. Loans delinquent 30-89 days as a percentage of total loans were .21% at December 31, 2014, and .30% at December 31, 2013. Changes in credit risk are monitored on a continuous basis and changes in risk ratings are made when identified. All impaired loans are reviewed at least annually.
The following table sets forth information regarding Heartland's accruing and nonaccrual loans and leases not covered by loss share agreements at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
	Accruing Loans and Leases
	30-59 Days				60-89 Days				90 Days			Total			Current			Nonaccrual		Total Loans
	Past Due				Past Due				or More			Past Due								and Leases
									Past Due
December 31, 2014
Commercial	$	980			$	48			$	—		$	1,028		$	1,032,707		$	2,345	$	1,036,080
Commercial real estate	1,788				111				—			1,899			1,693,554			11,607		1,707,060
Total commercial and commercial real estate	2,768				159				—			2,927			2,726,261			13,952		2,743,140
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	119				50				—			169			422,219			1,439		423,827
Residential real estate	1,037				445				—			1,482			371,982			6,877		380,341
Consumer	2,382				1,366				—			3,748			324,005			2,802		330,555
Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$	6,306			$	2,020			$	—		$	8,326		$	3,844,467		$	25,070	$	3,877,863
December 31, 2013
Commercial	$	697			$	741			$	—		$	1,438		$	935,508		$	13,251	$	950,197
Commercial real estate	3,042				199				24			3,265			1,511,618			14,800		1,529,683
Total commercial and commercial real estate	3,739				940				24			4,703			2,447,126			28,051		2,479,880
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	818				—				—			818			369,907			6,010		376,735
Residential real estate	1,199				56				—			1,255			342,735			5,359		349,349
Consumer	2,624				1,089				—			3,713			287,458			2,974		294,145
Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$	8,380			$	2,085			$	24		$	10,489		$	3,447,226		$	42,394	$	3,500,109
The majority of Heartland's impaired loans are those that are nonaccrual, are past due 90 days or more and still accruing or have had their terms restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. The following tables present, for impaired loans not covered by loss share agreements and by category of loan, the unpaid principal balance that was contractually due at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the outstanding loan balance recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, any related allowance recorded for those loans as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the average outstanding loan balance recorded on the consolidated balance sheets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the interest income recognized on the impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 2014, and year ended December 31, 2013, in thousands:
	Unpaid				Loan				Related			Year-to-Date			Year-to-Date
	Principal				Balance				Allowance			Avg. Loan			Interest Income
	Balance								Recorded			Balance			Recognized
December 31, 2014
Impaired loans with a related allowance:
Commercial	$	780			$	780			$	754		$	5,594		$	19
Commercial real estate	7,356				7,322				636			5,931			303
Total commercial and commercial real estate	8,136				8,102				1,390			11,525			322
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	3,317				3,317				52			3,966			104
Residential real estate	2,412				2,244				442			3,398			12
Consumer	2,799				2,799				813			4,053			19
Total loans held to maturity	$	16,664			$	16,462			$	2,697		$	22,942		$	457
Impaired loans without a related allowance:
Commercial	$	4,913			$	3,746			$	—		$	3,499		$	101
Commercial real estate	32,708				28,449				—			24,522			1,172
Total commercial and commercial real estate	37,621				32,195				—			28,021			1,273
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	3,961				1,732				—			3,308			13
Residential real estate	8,200				7,991				—			6,267			110
Consumer	3,350				3,344				—			1,870			127
Total loans held to maturity	$	53,132			$	45,262			$	—		$	39,466		$	1,523
Total impaired loans held to maturity:
Commercial	$	5,693			$	4,526			$	754		$	9,093		$	120
Commercial real estate	40,064				35,771				636			30,453			1,475
Total commercial and commercial real estate	45,757				40,297				1,390			39,546			1,595
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	7,278				5,049				52			7,274			117
Residential real estate	10,612				10,235				442			9,665			122
Consumer	6,149				6,143				813			5,923			146
Total impaired loans held to maturity	$	69,796			$	61,724			$	2,697		$	62,408		$	1,980
	Unpaid				Loan				Related			Year-to-Date			Year-to-Date
	Principal				Balance				Allowance			Avg. Loan			Interest Income
	Balance								Recorded			Balance			Recognized
December 31, 2013
Impaired loans with a related allowance:
Commercial	$	7,901			$	7,901			$	2,817		$	5,343		$	38
Commercial real estate	9,164				8,909				818			7,686			282
Total commercial and commercial real estate	17,065				16,810				3,635			13,029			320
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	13,818				13,818				756			7,537			354
Residential real estate	2,460				2,460				605			3,179			13
Consumer	3,485				3,485				1,721			3,490			100
Total loans held to maturity	$	36,828			$	36,573			$	6,717		$	27,235		$	787
Impaired loans without a related allowance:
Commercial	$	7,724			$	6,743			$	—		$	9,394		$	89
Commercial real estate	24,830				19,390				—			25,676			538
Total commercial and commercial real estate	32,554				26,133				—			35,070			627
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	2,849				2,849				—			9,985			189
Residential real estate	5,345				4,754				—			4,198			80
Consumer	1,652				1,652				—			1,515			37
Total loans held to maturity	$	42,400			$	35,388			$	—		$	50,768		$	933
Total impaired loans held to maturity:
Commercial	$	15,625			$	14,644			$	2,817		$	14,737		$	127
Commercial real estate	33,994				28,299				818			33,362			820
Total commercial and commercial real estate	49,619				42,943				3,635			48,099			947
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	16,667				16,667				756			17,522			543
Residential real estate	7,805				7,214				605			7,377			93
Consumer	5,137				5,137				1,721			5,005			137
Total impaired loans held to maturity	$	79,228			$	71,961			$	6,717		$	78,003		$	1,720
On July 2, 2009, Heartland acquired all deposits of The Elizabeth State Bank in Elizabeth, Illinois through its subsidiary Galena State Bank & Trust Co. based in Galena, Illinois, in a whole bank loss sharing transaction facilitated by the FDIC. As of July 2, 2009, The Elizabeth State Bank had loans of $42.7 million. The estimated fair value of the loans acquired was $37.8 million.
The acquired loans and other real estate owned are covered by two loss share agreements between the FDIC and Galena State Bank & Trust Co., which affords Galena State Bank & Trust Co. significant loss protection. Under the loss share agreements, the FDIC covers 80% of the covered loan and other real estate owned losses (referred to as covered assets) up to $10 million and 95% of losses in excess of that amount. The term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate losses is five years with respect to losses and eight years with respect to recoveries, while the term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years with respect to losses and recoveries. Effective October 1, 2014, loans subject to the commercial loss sharing agreement with the FDIC were no longer covered by loss sharing. The reimbursable losses from the FDIC are based on the book value of the relevant loan as determined by the FDIC at the date of the transaction. New loans made after the acquisition are not covered by the loss share agreements. The FDIC approved the transfer of the loss share agreements to Illinois Bank & Trust as part of the merger of Galena State Bank & Trust Co. into Illinois Bank & Trust.
The Elizabeth State Bank acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” Purchased loans acquired in a business combination, which include loans purchased in The Elizabeth State Bank acquisition, are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date, but the purchaser cannot carry over the related allowance for loan and lease losses. Purchased loans are accounted for under ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” when the loans have evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of the acquisition that Heartland will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. Evidence of credit quality deterioration at the purchase date included statistics such as past due and nonaccrual status. Generally, acquired loans that meet Heartland’s definition for nonaccrual status fall within the scope of ASC 310-30. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference which is included in the carrying value of the loans. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan and lease losses. Subsequent increases in cash flows result in a reversal of the provision for loan and lease losses to the extent of prior charges, or a reclassification of the difference from nonaccretable to accretable with a positive impact on future interest income. Further, any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows.
The carrying amount of the loans covered by these loss share agreements at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, consisted of purchased impaired and nonimpaired loans as summarized in the following table, in thousands:
	December 31, 2014											31-Dec-13
	Impaired				Non				Total			Impaired			Non			Total
	Purchased				Impaired				Covered			Purchased			Impaired			Covered
	Loans				Purchased				Loans			Loans			Purchased			Loans
					Loans										Loans
Commercial and commercial real estate	$	—			$	54			$	54		$	549		$	1,765		$	2,314
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	—				—				—			—			543			543
Residential real estate	305				899				1,204			—			2,280			2,280
Consumer loans	—				—				—			538			74			612
Total Covered Loans	$	305			$	953			$	1,258		$	1,087		$	4,662		$	5,749
On the acquisition date, the preliminary estimate of the contractually required payments receivable for all loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination acquired in the acquisition was $13.8 million and the estimated fair value of the loans was $9.0 million. At December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, a majority of these loans were valued based upon the liquidation value of the underlying collateral, because the expected cash flows are primarily based on the liquidation of underlying collateral and the timing and amount of the cash flows could not be reasonably estimated. There was no allowance for loan and lease losses related to these ASC 310-30 loans at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
On the acquisition date, the preliminary estimate of the contractually required payments receivable for all nonimpaired loans acquired in the acquisition was $28.9 million and the estimated fair value of the loans was $28.7 million.
Loans are made in the normal course of business to directors, officers and principal holders of equity securities of Heartland. The terms of these loans, including interest rates and collateral, are similar to those prevailing for comparable transactions and do not involve more than a normal risk of collectability. Changes in such loans during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		2014				2013
Balance at beginning of year		$	113,604			$	97,611
Advances		84,348				85,058
Repayments		(62,353		)		(69,065		)
Balance at end of year		$	135,599			$	113,604

Allowance_for_Loan_and_Lease_L

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses	ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
	Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows, in thousands:
			2014				2013				2012
	Balance at beginning of year		$	41,685			$	38,715			$	36,808
	Provision for loan and lease losses		14,501				9,697				8,202
	Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged-off		3,990				4,820				8,209
	Loans and leases charged-off		(18,727		)		(11,547		)		(14,504		)
	Balance at end of year		$	41,449			$	41,685			$	38,715
	Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses by loan category for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		Commercial				Commercial				Agricultural				Residential			Consumer			Total
						Real Estate								Real Estate
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	13,099			$	14,152			$	2,992			$	3,720		$	7,722		$	41,685
	Charge-offs	(8,749		)		(2,889		)		(2,251		)		(342		)	(4,496		)	(18,727		)
	Recoveries	753				2,290				11				148			788			3,990
	Provision	6,806				2,345				2,543				215			2,592			14,501
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	11,909			$	15,898			$	3,295			$	3,741		$	6,606		$	41,449
		Commercial				Commercial				Agricultural				Residential			Consumer			Total
						Real Estate								Real Estate
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	11,388			$	14,473			$	2,138			$	3,543		$	7,173		$	38,715
	Charge-offs	(2,460		)		(3,251		)		(23		)		(1,036		)	(4,777		)	(11,547		)
	Recoveries	1,019				2,378				110				158			1,155			4,820
	Provision	3,152				552				767				1,055			4,171			9,697
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	13,099			$	14,152			$	2,992			$	3,720		$	7,722		$	41,685

Premises_Furniture_and_Equipme

Premises, Furniture and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises, Furniture and Equipment	PREMISES, FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
	Premises, furniture and equipment as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		2014			2013
	Land and land improvements	$	36,186		$	36,679
	Buildings and building improvements	114,824			115,052
	Furniture and equipment	56,247			54,393
	Total	207,257			206,124
	Less accumulated depreciation	(76,544		)	(70,410		)
	Premises, furniture and equipment, net	$	130,713		$	135,714
	Depreciation expense on premises, furniture and equipment was $8.4 million, $7.7 million and $6.4 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Goodwill_Core_Deposit_Intangib

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles and Other Intangible Assets	GOODWILL, CORE DEPOSIT INTANGIBLES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Heartland had goodwill of $35.6 million at both December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
	Heartland recorded $5.0 million of goodwill in connection with the acquisition of Morrill Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company, based in Merriam, Kansas on October 18, 2013. The goodwill associated with this transaction is not deductible for tax purposes. As part of this acquisition, Heartland recognized core deposit intangibles of $8.5 million that are expected to be amortized over a period of 8 years. The core deposit intangibles associated with this transaction are not deductible for tax purposes.
	Heartland recorded no goodwill in conjunction with the Freedom Bank acquisition. In conjunction with the Freedom Bank acquisition, Heartland recognized core deposit intangibles of $890,000 that are expected to be amortized over a period of 8 years. The core deposit intangibles associated with this transaction are not deductible for tax purposes.
	Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangibles, mortgage servicing rights and customer relationship intangible. The gross carrying amount of other intangible assets and the associated accumulated amortization at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are presented in the table below, in thousands:
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization		Carrying
		Amount						Amount		Amount				Amount
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Core deposit intangibles	$	21,069		$	12,525		$	8,544	$	21,069	$	10,345	$	10,724
	Mortgage servicing rights	37,825			12,841			24,984		32,160		10,372		21,788
	Customer relationship intangible	1,177			773			404		1,177		730		447
	Total	$	60,071		$	26,139		$	33,932	$	54,406	$	21,447	$	32,959
	The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets, in thousands:
		Core			Mortgage			Customer
		Deposit			Servicing			Relationship
		Intangibles			Rights			Intangible		Total
	Year ending December 31,
	2015	$	1,780		$	6,246		$	42	$	8,068
	2016	1,575			5,354			41		6,970
	2017	1,393			4,462			40		5,895
	2018	1,232			3,569			39		4,840
	2019	1,056			2,678			38		3,772
	Thereafter	1,508			2,675			204		4,387
	Projections of amortization expense for mortgage servicing rights are based on existing asset balances and the existing interest rate environment as of December 31, 2014. Heartland's actual experience may be significantly different depending upon changes in mortgage interest rates and market conditions. Mortgage loans serviced for others were $3.50 billion and $3.05 billion as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with the mortgage loan servicing portfolio were approximately $15.2 million and $12.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of Heartland's mortgage servicing rights was estimated at $34.2 million and $32.0 million at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Heartland's mortgage servicing rights portfolio is comprised of loans serviced for the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association. The servicing rights portfolio is separated into 15- and 30-year tranches. At both December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, no valuation allowance was required for any of the tranches.
	The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is calculated based upon a discounted cash flow analysis. Cash flow assumptions, including prepayment speeds, servicing costs and escrow earnings are considered in the calculation. The average constant prepayment rate was 11.40% and 9.65% for the valuations for December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. The discount rate was 9.20% and 10.15% for the valuations for December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. The capitalization rate for 2014 ranged from .75 to 1.39 basis points and for 2013 from .79 to 1.39 basis points. Fees collected for the servicing of mortgage loans for others were $8.8 million, $6.9 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes, in thousands, the changes in capitalized mortgage servicing rights:
		2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	21,788		$	15,653
	Originations	8,618			12,769
	Amortization	(5,422		)	(7,314		)
	Purchased MSR	—			184
	Valuation adjustment	—			496
	Balance at December 31	$	24,984		$	21,788
	Fair value of mortgage servicing rights	$	34,219		$	31,965
	Mortgage servicing rights, net to servicing portfolio	0.71		%	0.72		%

Deposits

Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Deposits	DEPOSITS
	At December 31, 2014, the scheduled maturities of time certificates of deposit were as follows, in thousands:
	2015	$	425,049
	2016	178,921
	2017	84,628
	2018	32,732
	2019	48,747
	Thereafter	15,259
		$	785,336
	The aggregate amount of time certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were $327.1 million and $354.2 million, respectively.
	Interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was as follows, in thousands:
		2014		2013		2012
	Savings and money market accounts	$	8,042	$	6,674	$	6,736
	Time certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more	3,474		4,403		4,776
	Other time deposits	6,638		8,891		10,718
	Interest expense on deposits	$	18,154	$	19,968	$	22,230

Shortterm_Borrowings

Short-term Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term Borrowings	SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
	Short-term borrowings, which Heartland defines as borrowings with an original maturity of one year or less, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		2014			2013
	Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	$	240,214		$	234,659
	Federal funds purchased	14,050			69,097
	Advances from the FHLB	76,000			105,000
	Total	$	330,264		$	408,756
	At both December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Heartland had one credit line with an unaffiliated bank with revolving borrowing capacity of $20.0 million. No balance was outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The agreement with the lender of the revolving credit line of $20.0 million and the term loan (as indicated in Note 11) contains specific financial covenants, all of which Heartland was in compliance with at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	•	Heartland will maintain regulatory capital at well capitalized levels on a consolidated basis.
	•	Heartland will maintain on a consolidated basis a minimum return on average assets of at least .50% tested quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis.
	•	On a consolidated basis, Heartland's nonperforming assets to Tier 1 capital and allowance for loan and lease losses will not exceed 30%, measured continuously.
	•	Heartland will maintain on a consolidated basis a minimum allowance for loan and lease losses to gross loans and leases ratio of 1.00%. Credit valuations for acquired loans are included in this covenant calculation.
	•	Heartland will inform the lender of any material regulatory non-compliance or written agreement concerning Heartland or any of its subsidiaries.
	•	A senior officer of Heartland will submit a written quarterly statement of compliance with the financial covenants established under the credit agreement.
	All retail repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were due within twelve months.
	Average and maximum balances and rates on aggregate short-term borrowings outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012 were as follows, in thousands:
		2014			2013			2012
	Maximum month-end balance	$	420,494		$	408,756		$	298,662
	Average month-end balance	307,470			274,352			248,048
	Weighted average interest rate for the year	0.28		%	0.31		%	0.32		%
	Weighted average interest rate at year-end	0.19		%	0.19		%	0.31		%
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company is a participant in the Borrower-In-Custody of Collateral Program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, which provides the capability to borrow short-term funds under the Discount Window Program. Advances under this program were collateralized by a portion of the commercial loan portfolio of Dubuque Bank and Trust Company in the amount of $73.0 million at December 31, 2014, and $100.8 million at December 31, 2013. There were no borrowings under the Discount Window Program outstanding at year-end 2014 and 2013.

Other_Borrowings

Other Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Borrowings	OTHER BORROWINGS
	Other borrowings, which Heartland defines as borrowings with an original maturity date of more than one year, outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows, in thousands:
		2014		2013
	Advances from the FHLB; weighted average call dates at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were July 2015 and October 2014, respectively; and weighted average interest rates were 2.35% and 3.06%, respectively	$	109,830	$	113,453
	Wholesale repurchase agreements; weighted average call dates at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were May 2015 and April 2014, respectively; and weighted average interest rates were 3.62% and 3.38%, respectively	45,000		60,000
	Trust preferred securities	125,065		124,860
	Senior notes	29,500		37,500
	Note payable to unaffiliated bank	10,369		11,719
	Contracts payable for purchase of real estate and other assets	2,541		2,577
	Subordinated notes	73,950		—
	Total	$	396,255	$	350,109
	The Heartland banks are members of the FHLB of Des Moines, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle and Topeka. The advances from the FHLB are collateralized by the Heartland banks' investments in FHLB stock of $12.0 million and $14.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, the FHLB advances are collateralized with pledges of one- to four-family residential mortgages, commercial and agricultural mortgages and securities totaling $1.48 billion at December 31, 2014, and $1.32 billion at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, Heartland had $426.6 million of remaining FHLB borrowing capacity.
	Heartland has entered into various wholesale repurchase agreements which had balances totaling $45.0 million and $60.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A schedule of Heartland's wholesale repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2014, were as follows, in thousands:
		Amount		Interest Rate as				Issue	Maturity	Callable
				of 12/31/14(1)				Date	Date	Date
	Counterparty:
	Citigroup Global Markets	$	15,000	3.32	%			4/17/08	4/17/15	4/17/15
	Citigroup Global Markets	20,000		3.61	%	(2)		4/17/08	4/17/18	4/17/15
	Barclays Capital	10,000		4.07	%			7/1/08	7/1/18	7/1/15
		$	45,000
	(1) Interest rates are fixed with the exception of the interest rate on the $20.0 million transaction with Citigroup Global Markets.
	(2) Interest rate resets quarterly on the 17th of January, April, July and October of each year until maturity. Embedded within the contract is a cap interest rate of 3.61%.
	At December 31, 2014, Heartland had seven wholly-owned trust subsidiaries that were formed to issue trust preferred securities, which includes two wholly-owned trust subsidiaries acquired with the Morrill Bancshares, Inc. acquisition in 2013. The proceeds from the offerings were used to purchase junior subordinated debentures from Heartland and were in turn used by Heartland for general corporate purposes. Heartland has the option to shorten the maturity date to a date not earlier than the callable date. Heartland may not shorten the maturity date without prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, if required. Prior redemption is permitted under certain circumstances, such as changes in tax or regulatory capital rules. In connection with these offerings, the balance of deferred issuance costs included in other assets was $197,000 as of December 31, 2014. These deferred costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the debentures. The majority of the interest payments are due quarterly. A schedule of Heartland’s trust preferred offerings outstanding as of December 31, 2014, were as follows, in thousands:
		Amount		Interest		Interest Rate as			Maturity	Callable
		Issued		Rate		of 12/31/14(1)			Date	Date
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust III	$	20,619	8.25%		8.25	%		10/10/33	3/31/15
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV	25,774		2.75% over LIBOR		2.99	%	(2)	3/17/34	3/17/15
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V	20,619		1.33% over LIBOR		1.56	%	(3)	4/7/36	4/7/15
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI	20,619		6.75%		6.75	%	(4)	9/15/37	3/15/15
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII	20,619		1.48% over LIBOR		1.72	%	(5)	9/1/37	6/1/15
	Morrill Statutory Trust I	8,618		3.25% over LIBOR		3.5	%	(6)	12/26/32	3/26/15
	Morrill Statutory Trust II	8,197		2.85% over LIBOR		3.09	%	(7)	12/17/33	12/17/15
		$	125,065
	(1) Effective weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 6.00% due to interest rate swap transactions on the variable rate securities as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(2) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 5.00% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(3) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.69% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(4) Interest rate is fixed at 6.75% through June 15, 2017 then resets to 1.48% over LIBOR for the remainder of the term.
	(5) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.70% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(6) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.92% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(7) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.51% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	For regulatory purposes, $125.1 million and $124.9 million of the trust preferred securities qualified as Tier 1 capital as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Subsequent to December 31, 2014, Heartland elected to redeem Statutory Trust III. Notice was given to the trustee on February 2, 2015, and the redemption is expected to occur on March 31, 2015. No early redemption fees will be incurred.
	Between 2010 and 2012, Heartland completed private debt offerings of its senior notes. The notes were sold in a private placement to various accredited investors. The senior notes are unsecured and bear interest at 5% per annum payable quarterly. During 2014, Heartland offered senior note investors the options for prepayment, resulting in the prepayment of $8.0 million of these senior notes.
	The maturity schedule of the senior notes is such that $14.5 million mature on December 1, 2015; and $5.0 million will mature on each of February 1, 2017, February 1, 2018; and on February 1, 2019. Total senior notes outstanding were $29.5 million as of December 31, 2014, and $37.5 million as of December 31, 2013.
	On April 20, 2011, Heartland entered into a $15.0 million amortizing term loan with an unaffiliated bank with a maturity date of April 20, 2016. At the time of origination, Heartland entered into an interest rate swap transaction designated as a cash flow hedge, with the bank to fix the term loan at 5.14% for the full five-year term.
	On December 17, 2014, Heartland issued $75.0 million of subordinated notes with a maturity date of December 30, 2024. The notes were issued at par with an underwriting discount of $1.1 million. The interest rate on the notes is fixed at 5.75% per annum payable semi-annually. The notes were sold to qualified institutional buyers, and the proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes. For regulatory purposes, $74.0 million of the subordinated notes qualified as Tier 2 capital as of December 31, 2014. In connection with this offering, the balance of deferred issuance costs included in other assets was $353,000 at December 31, 2014. These deferred costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the notes.
	Future payments at December 31, 2014, for other borrowings follow in the table below, in thousands. Callable FHLB advances and wholesale repurchase agreements are included in the table at their call date.
	2015	$	152,782
	2016	19,548
	2017	10,197
	2018	5,147
	2019	5,694
	Thereafter	202,887
	Total	$	396,255

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Heartland uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. As part of the strategy, Heartland considers the use of interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars and certain interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of securities related to mortgage banking activities. Heartland's current strategy includes the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments, and forward sales of mortgage securities. Heartland's objectives are to add stability to its net interest margin and to manage its exposure to movement in interest rates. The contract or notional amount of a derivative is used to determine, along with the other terms of the derivative, the amounts to be exchanged between the counterparties. Heartland is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial instruments. Heartland minimizes this risk by entering into derivative contracts with large, stable financial institutions. Heartland has not experienced any losses from nonperformance by these counterparties. Heartland monitors counterparty risk in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815. In addition, interest rate-related derivative instruments generally contain language outlining collateral pledging requirements for each counterparty. Collateral must be posted when the market value exceeds certain threshold limits which are determined by credit ratings of each counterparty. Heartland was required to pledge $5.3 million and $5.4 million of cash as collateral at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. Heartland's counterparties were required to pledge $0 at December 31, 2014 and $540,000 at December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Heartland's derivative and hedging instruments are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 20, “Fair Value,” for additional fair value information and disclosures.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Heartland has variable rate funding which creates exposure to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. To manage the interest rate risk related to the variability of interest payments, Heartland has entered into various interest rate swap agreements. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are received or made on Heartland's variable-rate liabilities. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, the change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges reflects changes in the fair value of the swaps and reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense totaling $2.2 million. For the next twelve months, Heartland estimates that cash payments and reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense will total $2.3 million.
	Heartland executed an interest rate swap transaction on April 5, 2011, with an effective date of April 20, 2011, and an expiration date of April 20, 2016, to effectively convert $15.0 million of its newly issued variable rate amortizing debt to fixed rate debt. For accounting purposes, this swap transaction is designated as a cash flow hedge of the changes in cash flows attributable to changes in one-month LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate being hedged, associated with the interest payments made on an amount of Heartland's debt principal equal to the then-outstanding swap notional amount. At inception, Heartland asserted that the underlying principal balance would remain outstanding throughout the hedge transaction making it probable that sufficient LIBOR-based interest payments would exist through the maturity date of the swap.
	Heartland entered into three forward-starting interest rate swap transactions during 2009 to effectively convert Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV, V and VII, which are variable interest rate subordinated debentures, to fixed interest rate debt. During the first quarter of 2014, the interest rate swap transaction on Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV expired. Prior to the expiration of the swap, Heartland entered into a new forward-starting interest rate swap to replace the expiring swap. In addition, Heartland added two new forward starting interest rate swap transactions to effectively convert the debt of Morrill Statutory Trust I and Morrill Statutory Trust II, which total $16.8 million, from variable interest rate subordinated debentures to fixed interest rate debt. For accounting purposes, these five swap transactions are designated as cash flow hedges of the changes in cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate being hedged, associated with the interest payments made on $85.0 million of Heartland's subordinated debentures that reset quarterly on a specified reset date. At inception, Heartland asserted that the underlying principal balance would remain outstanding throughout the hedge transaction making it probable that sufficient LIBOR-based interest payments would exist through the maturity date of the swaps.
	The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair values of Heartland's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
		Notional				Fair				Balance Sheet		Receive			Weighted Average		Maturity
		Amount				Value				Category		Rate			Pay Rate
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate swap	$	10,369			$	(248	)		Other Liabilities		2.915	%		5.14	%	4/20/16
	Interest rate swap	25,000				(534		)		Other Liabilities		0.243	%		2.255	%	3/17/21
	Interest rate swap	20,000				(1,046		)		Other Liabilities		0.234	%		3.22	%	3/1/17
	Interest rate swap	20,000				(1,748		)		Other Liabilities		0.232	%		3.355	%	1/7/20
	Interest rate swap	10,000				(35		)		Other Liabilities		0.255	%		1.674	%	3/26/19
	Interest rate swap	10,000				(35		)		Other Liabilities		0.243	%		1.658	%	3/18/19
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swap	$	11,719			$	(457	)		Other Liabilities		2.917	%		5.14	%	4/20/16
	Interest rate swap	25,000				(146		)		Other Liabilities		0.244	%		2.58	%	3/17/14
	Interest rate swap	20,000				(1,507		)		Other Liabilities		0.239	%		3.22	%	3/1/17
	Interest rate swap	20,000				(1,587		)		Other Liabilities		0.243	%		3.355	%	1/7/20
	The table below identifies the gains and losses recognized on Heartland's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the year ended December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
		Effective Portion										Ineffective Portion
		Recognized in OCI				Reclassified from AOCI into Income						Recognized in Income on Derivatives
		Amount of Gain(Loss)				Category		Amount of Gain(Loss)				Category		Amount of Gain(Loss)
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate swap	$	209			Interest Expense		$	(252	)		Other Income		$	—
	Interest rate swap	(534		)		Interest Expense		(386		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	461				Interest Expense		(604		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	(161		)		Interest Expense		(632		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	(35		)		Interest Expense		(110		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	(35		)		Interest Expense		(109		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	146				Interest Expense		(146		)		Other Income		—
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swap	$	254			Interest Expense		$	(276	)		Other Income		$	—
	Interest rate swap	562				Interest Expense		(583		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	679				Interest Expense		(594		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	1,433				Interest Expense		(616		)		Other Income		—
	Mortgage Derivatives
	Heartland also has entered into interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities that are considered derivative instruments. The fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of gains on sale of loans held for sale. These derivative contracts are designated as free standing derivative contracts and are not designated against specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or forecasted transactions and therefore do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
	The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair values of Heartland's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
			Notional				Fair				Balance Sheet
			Amount				Value				Category
	31-Dec-14
	Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)		$	74,863			$	2,496			Other Assets
	Forward commitments		88,484				275				Other Assets
	Forward commitments		218,337				(1,619		)		Other Liabilities
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)		$	63,370			$	1,809			Other Assets
	Forward commitments		117,637				1,206				Other Assets
	Forward commitments		53,277				(133		)		Other Liabilities
	The table below identifies the income statement category of the gains and losses recognized in income on Heartland's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the year ended December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
			Income Statement Category		Year-to-Date
					Gain(Loss)
					Recognized
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)		Gains on Sale of Loans Held for Sale		$	2,422
	Forward commitments		Gains on Sale of Loans Held for Sale		(2,417		)
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)		Gains on Sale of Loans Held for Sale		$	(10,518	)
	Forward commitments		Gains on Sale of Loans Held for Sale		1,832

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES
	Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows, in thousands:
		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	5,833			$	5,025			$	11,513
	State	3,633				2,549				5,366
	Total current	$	9,466			$	7,574			$	16,879
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	2,703			$	2,447			$	404
	State	927				314				101
	Total deferred	$	3,630			$	2,761			$	505
	Total income tax expense	$	13,096			$	10,335			$	17,384
	The income tax provisions above do not include the effects of income tax deductions resulting from exercises of stock options and the vesting of stock awards in the amounts of $124,000, $98,000, and $222,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively, which were recorded as increases to stockholders’ equity.
	Temporary differences between the amounts reported in the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities result in deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Tax effect of net unrealized loss on securities available for sale reflected in stockholders’ equity	$	—			$	9,766
	Tax effect of net unrealized loss on derivatives reflected in stockholders’ equity	1,162				1,270
	Securities	35				1,257
	Allowance for loan and lease losses	15,346				15,766
	Deferred compensation	6,384				4,674
	Organization and acquisitions costs	366				393
	Net operating loss carryforwards	5,149				4,463
	Non-accrual loan interest	691				830
	OREO writedowns	1,106				1,781
	Rehab tax credit projects	3,547				2,438
	Mortgage repurchase obligation	330				882
	Self-funded health plan	578				—
	Other	183				778
	Gross deferred tax assets	34,877				44,298
	Valuation allowance	(6,333		)		(4,615		)
	Total deferred tax assets	$	28,544			$	39,683
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax effect of net unrealized gain on securities available for sale reflected in stockholders’ equity	$	(2,427	)		$	—
	Premises, furniture and equipment	(8,569		)		(8,660		)
	Tax bad debt reserves	(21		)		(523		)
	Purchase accounting	(5,787		)		(5,323		)
	Prepaid expenses	(514		)		(621		)
	Mortgage servicing rights	(10,355		)		(8,996		)
	Deferred loan fees	(1,267		)		(75		)
	Other	(375		)		(324		)
	Gross deferred tax liabilities	$	(29,315	)		$	(24,522	)
	Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(771	)		$	15,161
	The deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale and the deferred tax assets and liabilities related to net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives had no effect on income tax expense as these gains and losses, net of taxes, were recorded in other comprehensive income. In 2013, Heartland had a federal low-income housing tax credit carryforward of $212,000 that expires in 2033, and an alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforward of $467,000, which are both expected to be utilized on Heartland's federal income tax return for 2014. As a result of acquisitions, Heartland had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $5.4 million at December 31, 2014, and $6.0 million at December 31, 2013. The associated deferred tax asset was $1.8 million at December 31, 2014, and $2.0 million at December 31, 2013. These net carryforwards expire beginning December 31, 2026, through December 31, 2033, and are subject to an annual limitation of approximately $516,000. Net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes were approximately $59.9 million at December 31, 2014, and $41.6 million at December 31, 2013. The associated deferred tax asset, net of federal tax, was $3.3 million at December 31, 2014, and $2.4 million at December 31, 2013. These carryforwards expire beginning December 31, 2021, through December 31, 2033. A valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset due to the uncertainty surrounding the utilization of these state net operating loss carryforwards was $3.1 million at December 31, 2014, and $2.2 million at December 31, 2013. During both 2014 and 2013, Heartland had book writedowns on investments that, for tax purposes, would generate capital losses upon disposal. Due to the uncertainty of Heartland's ability to utilize the potential capital losses, a valuation allowance for these potential losses totaled $3.4 million at December 31, 2014, and $2.4 million at December 31, 2013. Realization of the deferred tax asset over time is dependent upon the existence of taxable income in carryback periods or the ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. In determining that realization of the deferred tax asset was more likely than not, Heartland gave consideration to a number of factors including its taxable income during carryback periods, its recent earnings history, its expectations for earnings in the future and, where applicable, the expiration dates associated with its tax carryforwards.
	The actual income tax expense from continuing operations differs from the expected amounts (computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes) as follows, in thousands:
		2014				2013				2012
	Computed “expected” tax on net income	$	19,249			$	16,493			$	23,511
	Increase (decrease) resulting from:
	Nontaxable interest income	(6,246		)		(5,622		)		(4,539		)
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2,964				1,861				3,099
	Tax credits	(3,819		)		(1,696		)		(6,669		)
	Valuation allowance	853				209				1,851
	Other	95				(910		)		131
	Income taxes	$	13,096			$	10,335			$	17,384
	Effective tax rates	23.8		%		21.9		%		25.9		%
	Heartland's income taxes included federal historic rehabilitation tax credits totaling $3.1 million during 2014 and $898,000 during 2013. Additionally, investments in certain low-income housing partnerships at Dubuque Bank and Trust Company totaled $4.0 million at December 31, 2014, $4.3 million at December 31, 2013, and $4.5 million at December 31, 2012. These investments generated federal low-income housing tax credits of $755,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $798,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. These investments are expected to generate federal low-income housing tax credits of approximately $581,000 for 2016 through 2019 and $241,000 for 2020.
	On December 31, 2014, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $706,000, including $101,000 of accrued interest and penalties. On December 31, 2013, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $779,000, including $96,000 of accrued interest and penalties. If recognized, the entire amount of the unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, follows, in thousands:
			2014				2013
	Balance at January 1		$	779			$	773
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year		71				65
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years		37				188
	Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		(181		)		(247		)
	Balance at December 31		$	706			$	779
	The tax years ended December 31, 2011, and later remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. For state purposes, the tax years ended December 31, 2010, and later remain open for examination. An income tax review is currently underway with the Illinois Department of Revenue for the years 2010 and 2011. During 2014, an income tax review was completed with the Colorado Department of Revenue for the years 2008 through 2011, which resulted in a net tax payment of $104,000. Heartland does not anticipate any significant increase or decrease in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Heartland sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan covering substantially all employees. Contributions to this plan are subject to approval by the Heartland Board of Directors. The Heartland subsidiaries fund and record as an expense all approved contributions. Costs of these contributions, charged to operating expenses, were $2.9 million, $2.6 million, and $2.6 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. This plan includes an employee savings program, under which the Heartland subsidiaries make matching contributions of up to 3% of the participants’ wages in 2014, 2013, and 2012. Costs charged to operating expenses with respect to the matching contributions were $2.1 million, $1.9 million, and $1.6 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	Heartland leases certain land and facilities under operating leases. Minimum future rental commitments at December 31, 2014 for all non-cancelable leases were as follows, in thousands:
	2015	$	4,194
	2016	4,060
	2017	2,971
	2018	2,354
	2019	1,920
	Thereafter	12,220
		$	27,719
	Rental expense for premises and equipment leased under operating leases was $5.5 million, $4.4 million, and $2.8 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Some of the Heartland banks lease or sublease portions of the office space they own to third parties. Occupancy expense is presented net of rental income of $503,000, $505,000, and $496,000 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Heartland utilizes a variety of financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of customers and to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include lending related and other commitments as indicated below as well as derivative instruments shown in Note 12. The Heartland banks make various commitments and incur certain contingent liabilities that are not presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The commitments and contingent liabilities include various guarantees, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.
	Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer 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. The Heartland banks evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Heartland banks upon extension of credit, is based upon management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and income-producing commercial properties. Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Heartland banks to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. At December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, commitments to extend credit aggregated $1.42 billion and $1.14 billion, respectively, and standby letters of credit aggregated $38.9 million and $39.7 million, respectively.
	Heartland enters into commitments to sell mortgage loans to reduce interest rate risk on certain mortgage loans held for sale and loan commitments which were recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair values. Heartland does not anticipate any material loss as a result of the commitments and contingent liabilities. Residential mortgage loans sold to others are predominantly conventional residential first lien mortgages originated under Heartland's usual underwriting procedures, and are most often sold on a nonrecourse basis. Heartland's agreements to sell residential mortgage loans in the normal course of business, primarily to GSE's, which usually require certain representations and warranties on the underlying loans sold, related to credit information, loan documentation, collateral, and insurability, which if subsequently are untrue or breached, could require Heartland to repurchase certain loans affected. Heartland had a recorded repurchase obligation of $850,000 and $2.3 million at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Heartland has a loss reserve for unfunded commitments, including loan commitments and letters of credit. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the reserve for unfunded commitments, which is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, was approximately $44,000 and $78,000, respectively. The appropriateness of the reserve for unfunded commitments is reviewed on a quarterly basis, based upon changes in the amounts of commitments, delinquencies and economic conditions.
	There are certain legal proceedings pending against Heartland and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014, that are ordinary routine litigation incidental to business. While the ultimate outcome of current legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the resolution of these legal actions should not have a material effect on Heartland's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Heartland may grant, through its Nominating and Compensation Committee (the "Compensation Committee") non-qualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other equity-based incentive awards, under its 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan, which was approved by stockholders in May 2012 and replaces Heartland's 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan with respect to grants after such approval, reserved 388,874 shares of common stock at December 31, 2014 for issuance under future awards that may be granted under the Plan to employees and directors of, and service providers to, Heartland or its subsidiaries.
	The cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is measured based upon the fair value of the award on the grant date and is recognized in the income statement over the vesting period of the award. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes model. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the fair value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of the grant.
	Options
	Although the Plan provides authority to the Compensation Committee to grant stock options, no options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Prior to 2009, options were typically granted annually with an expiration date 10 years after the date of grant. Vesting was generally over a five-year service period with portions of a grant becoming exercisable at three years, four years and five years after the date of grant. The exercise price of stock options granted is established by the Compensation Committee, but the exercise price for the stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date that the options are granted or, if greater, the par value of a share of stock. A summary of the status of the stock options as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during the years ended December 31, 2014 2013, and 2012, follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1	261,936		$	23.6	377,907		$	22.62	570,762		$	21.06
	Granted	—		—		—		—		—		—
	Exercised	(24,334	)	20.2		(96,921	)	19.73		(172,521	)	17.39
	Forfeited	(21,751	)	24.97		(19,050	)	23.79		(20,334	)	23.42
	Outstanding at December 31	215,851		$	23.85	261,936		$	23.6	377,907		$	22.62
	Options exercisable at December 31	215,851		$	23.85	261,936		$	23.6	333,024		$	23.16
	At December 31, 2014, the vested options have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.06 years. The intrinsic value for the vested options as of December 31, 2014, was $926,000. The intrinsic value for the total of all options exercised during year ended December 31, 2014, was $168,000. The total fair value of shares under stock options that vested during the year ended December 31, 2014, was $0. Total compensation costs recorded for stock options were $0, $10,000, and $157,000 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Cash received from options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $491,000, with a related tax benefit of $124,000. Cash received from options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $1.9 million, with a related tax benefit of $98,000.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The Plan also permits the Compensation Committee to grant other stock-based benefits, including restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Since 2011 the Compensation Committee has granted both time-based and performance-based RSUs under the Plan. On March 11, 2014, the Compensation Committee granted time-based RSUs with respect to 67,190 shares of common stock and on January 22, 2013, granted time-based RSUs with respect to 72,595 shares of common stock to selected officers. The time-based RSUs, which represent the right, without payment, to receive shares of Heartland common stock at a specified date in the future based on specific vesting conditions, vest over five years in three equal installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, will be settled in common stock upon vesting, and will not be entitled to dividends until vested. The time-based RSUs granted in 2014 vest upon a "qualified retirement" (as defined in the RSU agreement) while the RSUs granted in 2013 allow the Compensation Committee to exercise its discretion to provide for vesting upon retirement. In both cases, the retiree is required to sign a non-solicitation and non-compete agreement as a condition of vesting.
	In addition to the RSUs referenced in the preceding paragraph, the Compensation Committee granted performance-based RSUs with respect to 32,645 shares of common stock on March 11, 2014, and performance-based RSUs with respect to 40,990 shares of common stock on January 22, 2013, to Heartland executives and subsidiary presidents. These RSUs vest based first on performance measures tied to Heartland's earnings and loan growth on December 31, 2014 for the 2014 RSUs, and earnings and assets on December 31, 2013, for the 2013 RSUs, and then on time-based vesting conditions. For the grants in 2014, vesting occurs on December 31, 2016, if the executive remains employed on that date, and for the grants in 2013, vesting occurs on December 31, 2015, subject to employment on that date.
	The Compensation Committee also has the authority to issue shares in conjunction with employment agreements for executive level employees and may also elect to compensate members of the Board of Directors by awarding RSUs. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 31,725 RSUs were granted under this authority. During the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, 13,100 and 5,200 RSUs, respectively, were granted in relation to employment agreement or board members. The related compensation expense recorded for board members was $442,000, $127,000, and $90,000 for the respective years.
	A summary of the status of RSUs as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1	353,070		$	18.48	348,897		$	15.75	211,279		$	15.79
	Granted	131,560		26.71		126,685		26.92		149,002		16.36
	Vested	(73,554	)	16.65		(43,388	)	17		—		—
	Forfeited	(14,521	)	20.48		(79,124	)	20.79		(11,384	)	16.03
	Outstanding at December 31	396,555		$	21.48	353,070		$	18.48	348,897		$	15.75
	The total fair value of shares under RSUs that vested during the year ended December 31, 2014, was $1.5 million. Total compensation costs recorded for RSUs were $2.9 million, $1.7 million and $1.8 million, for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there were $2.5 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan for RSUs which are expected to be recognized through 2016.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Heartland also maintains an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”), adopted in 2006, that permits all eligible employees to purchase shares of Heartland common stock at a price of not less than 95% of the fair market value (as determined by the Compensation Committee) on the determination date. A maximum of 500,000 shares is available for purchase under the ESPP. For the year ended December 31, 2014, 21,679 shares were purchased under the 2006 ESPP. For the year ended December 31, 2013, 23,239 shares were purchased under the 2006 ESPP. For the year ended December 31, 2012, 42,879 shares were purchased under the 2006 ESPP. Under ASC Topic 718, compensation expense related to the ESPP of $32,000 was recorded in 2014, $194,000 was recorded in 2013, and $151,000 was recorded in 2012 because the price of the shares purchased was set at the beginning of the year for the purchases at the end of the year.

Stockholder_Rights_Plan

Stockholder Rights Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
Stockholder Rights Plan	STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
	Heartland adopted an Amended and Restated Rights Agreement (the "Extended Rights Plan"), dated as of January 17, 2012, which became effective upon approval by the stockholders on May 16, 2012. The primary purpose of the Extended Rights Plan was to extend the term of the Rights Agreement dated as of June 7, 2002, for an additional ten years and to expand the definition of beneficial owners to include certain forms of indirect ownership. Under the terms of the Extended Rights Plan, a preferred share purchase right (a "Right") is automatically issued with each outstanding share of Heartland common stock and, unless redeemed or unless there is a "Distribution Date," the Rights trade with the shares of common stock until expiration of the Plan on January 17, 2022. Each Right entitles the holder to purchase from Heartland one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $1.00 value (the "Preferred Stock"), at a price of $70.00 per one one-thousandth of a share of Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment (the "Purchase Price"). The Rights are not currently exercisable, and will not become exercisable until a Distribution Date.
	The Preferred Stock has a preferential quarterly dividend rate equal to the greater of $1.00 per share or 1,000 times the dividend declared on one share of the Common Stock, a preference over common stock in liquidation equal to the greater of $1,000 per share or 1,000 times the payment made on one share of common stock, 1,000 votes per share voting together with the common stock, customary anti-dilution provisions and other rights that approximate the rights of one share of common stock.
	The Rights separate from the common stock and become exercisable only on the tenth day (the "Distribution Date") following the earlier of (i) a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (subject to certain exclusions, “Acquiring Persons”) has commenced an offer to acquire “beneficial ownership” of 15% or more of our outstanding common stock, or (ii) actual acquisition of this level of beneficial ownership.
	If any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right, other than Rights that were or are beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person (which will thereafter be void), will have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of Common Stock having a market value of two times the Purchase Price.
	In 2002, when the Rights Plan was originally created, Heartland designated 16,000 shares, par value $1.00 per share, of Series A Junior Participating preferred stock. There are no shares issued and outstanding and Heartland does not anticipate issuing any shares of Series A Junior Participating preferred stock except as may be required under the Extended Rights Plan.

Capital_Issuance_and_Redemptio

Capital Issuance and Redemption	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Issuance and Redemption	CAPITAL ISSUANCE AND REDEMPTION
	Preferred Stock
	On September 15, 2011, Heartland entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement ("Purchase Agreement") with the Secretary of the Treasury ("Treasury"), pursuant to which Heartland issued and sold to Treasury 81,698 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C ("Series C Preferred Stock"), having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share ("Liquidation Amount"), for aggregate proceeds of $81.7 million. The issuance was made pursuant to the Small Business Lending Fund ("SBLF"), a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 that encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion.
	The Series C Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital for Heartland. Non-cumulative dividends are payable quarterly on the Series C Preferred Stock, beginning October 1, 2011. The dividend rate is calculated as a percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock and is based on changes in the level of Qualified Small Business Lending (“QSBL”). Based upon Heartland's level of QSBL compared to the baseline level calculated under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the dividend rate for the initial dividend period, which is from the date of issuance through September 30, 2011, was set at 5.00%. Because of increases in the QSBL, the dividend rate on Heartland's $81.7 million preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury declined from 5.00% to 2.00% for the first quarter of 2013 and was reduced to 1.00% through March 15, 2016. If the Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemed before that date, the dividend rate on the Series C Preferred Stock will increase to 9% on March 16, 2016 and remain at that rate until redeemed.
	The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances. In the event that Heartland misses five dividend payments, whether or not consecutive, the holder of the Series C Preferred Stock will have the right, but not the obligation, to appoint a representative as an observer on Heartland's Board of Directors. In the event that Heartland misses six dividend payments, whether or not consecutive, and if the then outstanding aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Series C Preferred Stock is at least $25.0 million, then the holder of the Series C Preferred Stock will have the right to designate two directors to the Board of Directors of Heartland. Heartland may redeem the shares of Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the sum of the Liquidation Amount per share and the per share amount of any unpaid dividends for the then-current period, subject to any required prior approval by Heartland's primary federal banking regulator.
	The terms of the Series C Preferred Stock impose limits on Heartland's ability to pay dividends on and repurchase shares of its common stock and other securities. In general, Heartland may declare and pay dividends on its common stock or any other stock junior to the Series C Preferred Stock, or repurchase shares of any such stock, only if after payment of such dividends or repurchase of such shares, Heartland's Tier 1 Capital would be at least $247.7 million. If, however Heartland fails to declare and pay dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock in a given quarter, then during such quarter and for the next three quarters following such missed dividend payment Heartland may not pay dividends on or repurchase any common stock or any other securities that are junior to (or in parity with) the Series C Preferred Stock, except in very limited circumstances. If any Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding on the 10th anniversary of issuance, Heartland may not pay any further dividends on its common stock or any other junior stock until the Series C Preferred Stock is redeemed in full.
	Shelf Registration
	Heartland filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC on August 28, 2013, which became effective on September 9, 2013, to register up to $75 million in equity securities. The shelf registration statement provides Heartland with the ability to raise capital, subject to SEC rules and limitations, if Heartland’s board of directors decides to do so.

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement

Regulatory Capital Requirements and Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Regulatory Capital Requirements and Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends	REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS ON SUBSIDIARY DIVIDENDS
	The Heartland banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Heartland banks’ financial statements. The regulations prescribe specific capital adequacy guidelines that involve quantitative measures of a bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital classification is 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 Heartland banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, that the Heartland banks met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the FDIC categorized each of the Heartland banks as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Heartland banks must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed each institution’s category.
	The Heartland banks’ actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the tables below, in thousands:
		Actual				For Capital				To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
						Adequacy Purposes
		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount	Ratio
	As of December 31, 2014
	Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
	Consolidated	$	703,032	15.73	%	$	357,513	8	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	145,587		11.92		97,676		8		122,094	10	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	27,644		13.39		16,517		8		20,646	10
	Illinois Bank & Trust	42,937		13.8		24,891		8		31,113	10
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	62,780		12.71		39,522		8		49,403	10
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	97,742		13.04		59,953		8		74,941	10
	Arizona Bank & Trust	51,287		14.57		28,151		8		35,189	10
	Rocky Mountain Bank	47,848		12.78		29,958		8		37,447	10
	Summit Bank & Trust	12,544		11.8		8,503		8		10,628	10
	Minnesota Bank & Trust	15,267		12.43		9,823		8		12,279	10
	Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	65,224		12.02		43,417		8		54,271	10
	Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
	Consolidated	$	578,564	12.95	%	$	178,757	4	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	136,178		11.15		48,838		4		73,257	6	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	26,111		12.65		8,258		4		12,387	6
	Illinois Bank & Trust	39,721		12.77		12,445		4		18,668	6
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	57,551		11.65		19,761		4		29,642	6
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	90,870		12.13		29,977		4		44,965	6
	Arizona Bank & Trust	48,009		13.64		14,076		4		21,114	6
	Rocky Mountain Bank	44,394		11.86		14,979		4		22,468	6
	Summit Bank & Trust	11,213		10.55		4,251		4		6,377	6
	Minnesota Bank & Trust	14,151		11.53		4,911		4		7,367	6
	Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	62,918		11.59		21,709		4		32,563	6
	Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
	Consolidated	$	578,564	9.75	%	$	237,316	4	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	136,178		9.5		57,359		4		71,699	5	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	26,111		8.97		11,648		4		14,560	5
	Illinois Bank & Trust	39,721		8.02		19,820		4		24,775	5
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	57,551		8.85		26,018		4		32,523	5
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	90,870		8.22		44,232		4		55,290	5
	Arizona Bank & Trust	48,009		10.25		18,737		4		23,421	5
	Rocky Mountain Bank	44,394		9.53		18,625		4		23,281	5
	Summit Bank & Trust	11,213		8.44		5,317		4		6,647	5
	Minnesota Bank & Trust	14,151		8.9		6,360		4		7,950	5
	Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	62,918		7.34		34,269		4		42,836	5
		Actual				For Capital				To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
						Adequacy Purposes
		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount	Ratio
	As of December 31, 2013
	Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
	Consolidated	$	599,038	14.69	%	$	326,252	8	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	141,184		12.3		91,854		8		114,818	10	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	27,398		13.42		16,328		8		20,410	10
	Illinois Bank & Trust	36,324		14.79		19,654		8		24,568	10
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	59,747		13.08		36,556		8		45,696	10
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	96,816		14.82		52,254		8		65,317	10
	Arizona Bank & Trust	47,335		14.59		25,960		8		32,451	10
	Rocky Mountain Bank	50,314		14.24		28,257		8		35,321	10
	Summit Bank & Trust	11,600		12.79		7,253		8		9,067	10
	Minnesota Bank & Trust	14,475		12.13		9,547		8		11,933	10
	Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	60,559		13		37,267		8		46,583	10
	Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
	Consolidated	$	537,964	13.19	%	$	163,126	4	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	130,859		11.4		45,927		4		68,891	6	%
Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	25,478		12.48		8,164		4		12,246	6
Illinois Bank & Trust	33,252		13.53		9,827		4		14,741	6
Wisconsin Bank & Trust	54,885		12.01		18,278		4		27,417	6
New Mexico Bank & Trust	89,601		13.72		26,127		4		39,190	6
Arizona Bank & Trust	43,269		13.33		12,980		4		19,470	6
Rocky Mountain Bank	46,160		13.07		14,128		4		21,193	6
Summit Bank & Trust	10,464		11.54		3,627		4		5,440	6
Minnesota Bank & Trust	13,384		11.22		4,773		4		7,160	6
Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	60,153		12.91		18,633		4		27,950	6
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated	$	537,964	9.67	%	$	222,432	4	%	N/A
Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	130,859		8.77		59,717		4		74,646	5	%
Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	25,478		8.65		11,787		4		14,734	5
Illinois Bank & Trust	33,252		7.42		17,926		4		22,407	5
Wisconsin Bank & Trust	54,885		8.76		25,070		4		31,337	5
New Mexico Bank & Trust	89,601		8.84		40,530		4		50,663	5
Arizona Bank & Trust	43,269		10.33		16,757		4		20,947	5
Rocky Mountain Bank	46,160		10.01		18,439		4		23,049	5
Summit Bank & Trust	10,464		9.16		4,567		4		5,709	5
Minnesota Bank & Trust	13,384		8.14		6,575		4		8,218	5
Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	60,153		7.38		32,624		4		40,780	5
The ability of Heartland to pay dividends to its stockholders is dependent upon dividends paid by its subsidiaries. The Heartland banks are subject to certain statutory and regulatory restrictions on the amount they may pay in dividends. To maintain acceptable capital ratios in the Heartland banks, certain portions of their retained earnings are not available for the payment of dividends. Retained earnings that could be available for the payment of dividends to Heartland totaled approximately $205.0 million as of December 31, 2014, under the most restrictive minimum capital requirements. Retained earnings that could be available for the payment of dividends to Heartland totaled approximately $117.9 million as of December 31, 2014, under the capital requirements to remain well capitalized.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	FAIR VALUE
	Heartland utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available for sale, trading securities and derivatives are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, Heartland may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis such as loans held for sale, loans held to maturity and certain other assets including, but not limited to, mortgage servicing rights and other real estate owned. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Under ASC 820, assets and liabilities are grouped at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:
	Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
	Level 3 — 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 is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis.
	Assets
	Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity
	Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Securities held to maturity are generally recorded at cost and are only recorded at fair value to the extent a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities. Level 2 securities include U.S. government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. The Level 3 securities consist primarily of Z tranche mortgage-backed securities. On a quarterly basis, a secondary independent pricing service is used for a sample of securities to validate the pricing from Heartland's primary pricing service.
	Trading Assets
	Trading assets are recorded at fair value and consist of securities held for trading purposes. The valuation method for trading securities is the same as the methodology used for securities classified as available for sale.
	Loans Held for Sale
	Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, Heartland classifies loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.
	Loans Held to Maturity
	Heartland does not record loans held to maturity 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 for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC 310. The fair value of impaired loans is measured using one of the following impairment methods: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or 2) the observable market price of the loan or 3) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. In accordance with ASC 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. Heartland classifies impaired loans as nonrecurring Level 3.
	Mortgage Servicing Rights
	Mortgage servicing rights assets represent the value associated with servicing residential real estate loans that have been sold to outside investors with servicing retained. The fair value for servicing assets is determined through discounted cash flow analysis and utilizes discount rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs. All of these assumptions require a significant degree of management estimation and judgment. Mortgage servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including note type and note term. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. Heartland classifies mortgage servicing rights as nonrecurring with Level 3 measurement inputs.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Heartland's current interest rate risk strategy includes interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments, and forward sales of securities. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, Heartland incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, Heartland has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.
	Although Heartland has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, Heartland has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, Heartland has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Interest rate lock commitments
	Heartland uses an internal valuation model that relies on internally developed inputs to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments which is based on unobservable inputs that reflect management's assumptions and specific information about each borrower. Interest rate lock commitments are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Forward commitments
	The fair value of forward commitments are estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current trade pricing for similar financial instruments in active markets that Heartland has the ability to access and are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Other Real Estate Owned
	Other real estate owned ("OREO") represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the fair value of the property at the time of acquisition (representing the property's cost basis), plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. Heartland considers third party appraisals, as well as independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling OREO, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. Heartland periodically reviews OREO to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. OREO is classified as nonrecurring Level 3.
	The table below presents Heartland's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall:
		Total Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Trading securities	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—
	Securities available for sale
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	24,093			2,529			21,564		—
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,219,266			—			1,214,319		4,947
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	153,426			—			153,426		—
	Equity securities	5,083			—			5,083		—
	Interest rate lock commitments	2,496			—			—		2,496
	Forward commitments	275			—			275		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,404,639		$	2,529		$	1,394,667	$	7,443
	Liabilities
	Derivative financial instruments	$	3,646		$	—		$	3,646	$	—
	Forward commitments	1,619			—			1,619		—
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	5,265		$	—		$	5,265	$	—
	December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Trading securities	$	1,801		$	1,801		$	—	$	—
	Securities available for sale
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	218,303			4,084			214,219		—
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,143,947			—			1,140,649		3,298
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	266,624			—			266,624		—
	Equity securities	5,028			—			5,028		—
	Interest rate lock commitments	1,809			—			—		1,809
	Forward commitments	1,206			—			1,206		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,638,718		$	5,885		$	1,627,726	$	5,107
	Liabilities
	Derivative financial instruments	$	3,697		$	—		$	3,697	$	—
	Forward commitments	133			—			133		—
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	3,830		$	—		$	3,830	$	—
	The tables below present Heartland's assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, in thousands:
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other		Significant		Losses
					Active Markets for			Observable		Unobservable
Identical Assets					Inputs		Inputs
(Level 1)					(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Collateral dependent impaired loans:
Commercial	$	1,033		$	—		$	—	$	1,033	$	659
Commercial real estate	12,584			—			—		12,584		492
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	552			—			—		552		2,229
Residential real estate	3,173			—			—		3,173		—
Consumer	2,003			—			—		2,003		22
Total collateral dependent impaired loans	$	19,345		$	—		$	—	$	19,345	$	3,402
Other real estate owned	$	19,016		$	—		$	—	$	19,016	$	1,938
	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
	Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other		Significant		Losses
				Active Markets for			Observable		Unobservable
				Identical Assets			Inputs		Inputs
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Collateral dependent impaired loans:
Commercial	$	7,229		$	—		$	—	$	7,229	$	919
Commercial real estate	7,749			—			—		7,749		1,881
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	13,062			—			—		13,062		—
Residential real estate	3,396			—			—		3,396		—
Consumer	1,763			—			—		1,763		—
Total collateral dependent impaired loans	$	33,199		$	—		$	—	$	33,199	$	2,800
Other real estate owned	$	29,852		$	—		$	—	$	29,852	$	2,799
The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis and for which Heartland has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value, in thousands:
	Fair Value			Valuation		Unobservable	Range
	at 12/31/14			Technique		Input	(Weighted Average)
Z-TRANCHE Securities	$	4,947		Discounted cash flows		Pretax discount rate	7 - 9%
						Actual defaults	15.60 - 30.60% (24.50%)
						Actual deferrals	7.20 - 17.30% (12.90%)
Interest rate lock commitments	2,496			Fair Value of		Closing ratio	-1
				Underlying Loan to
				Secondary Market
Collateral dependent impaired loans:
Commercial	1,033			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discount	-2
Commercial real estate	12,584			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discount	-2
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	552			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discount	-2
Residential real estate	3,173			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discount	-2
Consumer	2,003			Modified appraised value		Third party valuation	-2
						Valuation discount	-2
Other real estate owned	19,016			Modified appraised value		Disposal costs	-2
						Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discounts	-2
(1) The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the closing ratio, which represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position that management estimates will ultimately close. The closing ratio calculation takes into consideration historical data and loan-level data; therefore, providing a range would not be meaningful. The weighted average closing ratio at December 31, 2014 was 84%.
(2) Third party appraisals are obtained as to the value of the underlying asset, but disclosure of this information would not provide meaningful information, as the range will vary widely from loan to loan. Types of discounts considered included age of the appraisal, local market conditions, current condition of the property, and estimated sales costs. These discounts will also vary from loan to loan, thus providing range would not be meaningful.
	Fair Value			Valuation		Unobservable	Range
	at 12/31/13			Technique		Input	(Weighted Average)
Z-TRANCHE Securities	$	3,298		Discounted cash flows		Pretax discount rate	7 - 9%
						Actual defaults	12.50 - 28.20% (20.80%)
						Actual deferrals	5.10 - 16.00% (11.10%)
Interest rate lock commitments	1,809			Fair Value of		Closing ratio	-1
				Underlying Loan to
				Secondary Market
Collateral dependent impaired loans:
Commercial	7,229			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discount	-2
Commercial real estate	7,749			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discount	-2
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	13,062			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discount	-2
Residential real estate	3,396			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discount	-2
Consumer	1,763			Modified appraised value		Third party valuation	-2
						Valuation discount	-2
Other real estate owned	29,852			Modified appraised value		Disposal costs	-2
						Third party appraisal	-2
						Appraisal discounts	-2
(1) The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the closing ratio, which represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position that management estimates will ultimately close. The closing ratio calculation takes into consideration historical data and loan-level data; therefore, providing a range would not be meaningful. The weighted average closing ratio at December 31, 2013 was 87%.
(2) Third party appraisals are obtained as to the value of the underlying asset, but disclosure of this information would not provide meaningful information, as the range will vary widely from loan to loan. Types of discounts considered included age of the appraisal, local market conditions, current condition of the property, and estimated sales costs. These discounts will also vary from loan to loan, thus providing range would not be meaningful.
The changes in fair value of the Z-TRANCHE, a Level 3 asset, that is measured at fair value on a recurring basis is summarized in the following table, in thousands:
	For the Years Ended
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Fair Value			Fair Value
Balance at January 1,	$	3,298		$	4,089
Total gains (losses), net:
Included in earnings	—			(1,587		)
Included in other comprehensive income	1,783			826
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
Purchases	—			—
Sales	—			—
Settlements	(134		)	(30		)
Balance at period end,	$	4,947		$	3,298
The changes in fair value of the interest rate lock commitments, which are Level 3 financial instruments and are measured on a recurring basis, are summarized in the following table, in thousands:
	For the Years Ended
	31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Fair Value			Fair Value
Balance at January 1,	$	1,809		$	9,353
Total gains (losses), net, included in earnings	2,422			(10,518		)
Issuances	2,038			9,821
Settlements	(3,773		)	(6,847		)
Balance at period end,	$	2,496		$	1,809
Gains included in gains (losses) on sales of loans held for sale attributable to interest rate lock commitments held at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were $2.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
The table below is a summary of the estimated fair value of Heartland's financial instruments as defined by ASC 825 as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands. The carrying amounts in the following table are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions. In accordance with ASC 825, the assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments are not included in the disclosure, such as the value of the mortgage servicing rights, premises, furniture and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles and other liabilities.
Heartland does not believe that the estimated information presented below is representative of the earnings power or value of Heartland. The following analysis, which is inherently limited in depicting fair value, also does not consider any value associated with either existing customer relationships or the ability of Heartland to create value through loan origination, deposit gathering or fee generating activities. Many of the estimates presented below are based upon the use of highly subjective information and assumptions and, accordingly, the results may not be precise. Management believes that fair value estimates may not be comparable between financial institutions due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made. Furthermore, because the disclosed fair value amounts were estimated as of the balance sheet date, the amounts actually realized or paid upon maturity or settlement of the various financial instruments could be significantly different.
							Fair Value Measurements at
							31-Dec-14
	Carrying			Estimated			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Amount			Fair			Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
				Value			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
							(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	73,871		$	73,871		$	73,871	$	—	$	—
Time deposits in other financial institutions	2,605			2,605			2,605		—		—
Securities:
Trading	—			—			—		—		—
Available for sale	1,401,868			1,401,868			2,529		1,394,392		4,947
Held to maturity	284,587			296,768			—		296,768		—
Other investments	20,498			20,498			—		20,263		235
Loans held for sale	70,514			70,514			—		70,514		—
Loans, net:
Commercial	1,024,065			1,009,802			—		1,008,769		1,033
Commercial real estate	1,690,899			1,699,722			—		1,687,138		12,584
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	420,623			423,968			—		423,416		552
Residential real estate	377,094			370,178			—		367,005		3,173
Consumer	323,873			330,211			—		328,208		2,003
Total Loans, net	3,836,554			3,833,881			—		3,814,536		19,345
Derivative financial instruments	—			—			—		—		—
Interest rate lock commitments	2,496			2,496			—		—		2,496
Forward commitments	275			275			—		275		—
Financial liabilities:
Deposits
Demand deposits	1,295,193			1,295,193			—		1,295,193		—
Savings deposits	2,687,493			2,687,493			—		2,687,493		—
Time deposits	785,336			785,336			—		785,336		—
Short term borrowings	330,264			330,264			—		330,264		—
Other borrowings	396,255			401,978			—		401,978		—
Derivative financial instruments	3,646			3,646			—		3,646		—
Forward commitments	1,619			1,619			—		1,619		—
							Fair Value Measurements at
							31-Dec-13
	Carrying			Estimated			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Amount			Fair			Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
				Value			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
							(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	125,270		$	125,270		$	125,270	$	—	$	—
Time deposits in other financial institutions	—			—			—		—		—
Securities:
Trading	1,801			1,801			1,801		—		—
Available for sale	1,633,902			1,633,902			4,084		1,626,520		3,298
Held to maturity	237,498			237,437			—		237,437		—
Other investments	21,843			21,843			—		21,608		235
Loans held for sale	46,665			46,665			—		46,665		—
Loans, net:
Commercial	936,305			930,501			—		923,272		7,229
Commercial real estate	1,516,352			1,512,773			—		1,505,024		7,749
Agricultural and agricultural real estate	374,203			378,086			—		365,024		13,062
Residential real estate	347,266			335,362			—		331,966		3,396
Consumer	286,890			273,139			—		271,376		1,763
Total Loans, net	3,461,016			3,429,861			—		3,396,662		33,199
Derivative financial instruments	—			—			—		—		—
Interest rate lock commitments	1,809			1,809			—		—		1,809
Forward commitments	1,206			1,206			—		1,206		—
Financial liabilities:
Deposits
Demand deposits	1,238,581			1,238,581			—		1,238,581		—
Savings deposits	2,535,242			2,535,242			—		2,535,242		—
Time deposits	892,676			892,676			—		892,676		—
Short term borrowings	408,756			408,756			—		408,756		—
Other borrowings	350,109			355,923			—		355,923		—
Derivative financial instruments	3,697			3,697			—		3,697		—
Forward commitments	133			133			—		133		—
Cash and Cash Equivalents — The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Securities — For securities either held to maturity, available for sale or trading, fair value equals quoted market price if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities. For Level 3 securities, Heartland utilizes independent pricing provided by third party vendors or brokers.
Other Investments — Fair value measurement of other investments, which consists primarily of FHLB stock, are based on their redeemable value, which is at cost. The market for these securities is restricted to the issuer of the stock and subject to impairment evaluation.
Loans and Leases — The fair value of loans is estimated using an entrance price concept by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The fair value of impaired loans is measured using the fair value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated using quoted market prices.
Interest Rate Lock Commitments — The fair value of interest rate lock commitments is estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes grouping the interest rate lock commitments by interest rate and terms, applying an estimated closing ratio based on historical experience, and then multiplying by quoted investor prices determined to be reasonably applicable to the loan commitment groups based on interest rate, terms, and rate lock expiration dates of the loan commitment group.
Forward Commitments — The fair value of these instruments is estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current trade pricing for similar financial instruments.
Derivative Financial Instruments — The fair value of all derivatives is estimated based on the amount that Heartland would pay or would be paid to terminate the contract or agreement, using current rates, and when appropriate, the current creditworthiness of the counter-party.
Deposits — The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. If the fair value of the fixed maturity certificates of deposit is calculated at less than the carrying amount, the carrying value of these deposits is reported as the fair value.
Short-term and Other Borrowings — Rates currently available to Heartland for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt.
Commitments to Extend Credit, Unused Lines of Credit and Standby Letters of Credit — Based upon management's analysis of the off balance sheet financial instruments, there are no significant unrealized gains or losses associated with these financial instruments based upon review of the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	SEGMENT REPORTING
	Reportable segments include community banking and retail mortgage banking services. These segments were determined based on the products and services provided or the type of customers served and is consistent with the information that is used by Heartland's key decision makers to make operating decisions and to assess Heartland's performance. Community banking involves making loans to and generating deposits from individuals and businesses in the markets where Heartland has banks. Retail mortgage banking involves the origination of residential loans and subsequent sale of those loans to investors. The mortgage banking segment is a strategic business unit that offers different products and services. It is managed separately because the segment appeals to different markets and, accordingly, requires different technology and marketing strategies. The segment's most significant revenue and expense is non-interest income and non-interest expense, respectively. Heartland does not have other reportable operating segments. The accounting policies of the mortgage banking segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. All intersegment sales prices are market based. All of Heartland's goodwill is associated with the community banking segment.
	The following table presents the financial information from Heartland's operating segments for the years ending December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, in thousands.
		Community and Other Banking		Mortgage Banking			Total
	31-Dec-14
	Net Interest Income	$	200,394	$	2,679		$	203,073
	Provision for loan losses	14,501		—			14,501
	Total noninterest income	48,330		33,894			82,224
	Total noninterest expense	172,392		43,408			215,800
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	61,831	$	(6,835	)	$	54,996
	December 31, 2013
	Net Interest Income	$	161,452	$	2,376		$	163,828
	Provision for loan losses	9,697		—			9,697
	Total noninterest income	49,810		39,808			89,618
	Total noninterest expense	150,767		45,794			196,561
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	50,798	$	(3,610	)	$	47,188
	December 31, 2012
	Net Interest Income	$	147,903	$	2,253		$	150,156
	Provision for loan losses	8,202		—			8,202
	Total noninterest income	50,947		57,715			108,662
	Total noninterest expense	142,646		40,735			183,381
	Income before income taxes	$	48,002	$	19,233		$	67,235
	Segment Assets
	31-Dec-14	$	5,951,875	$	100,487		$	6,052,362
	31-Dec-13	5,850,976		72,740			5,923,716
	December 31, 2012	4,868,618		121,935			4,990,553
	Average Loans
	31-Dec-14	$	3,679,908	$	64,922		$	3,744,830
	31-Dec-13	2,939,856		76,577			3,016,433
	31-Dec-12	2,605,151		91,301			2,696,452

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 financial information for Heartland Financial USA, Inc. is as follows:
	BALANCE SHEETS
	(Dollars in thousands)
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Cash and interest bearing deposits	$	124,387		$	17,912
	Trading securities	—			1,801
	Securities available for sale	5,684			3,952
	Other investments, at cost	235			235
	Investment in subsidiaries	592,324			561,272
	Other assets	19,272			33,407
	Due from subsidiaries	6,000			6,000
	Total assets	$	747,902		$	624,579
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
	Other borrowings	$	238,941		$	174,153
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	12,644			10,966
	Total liabilities	251,585			185,119
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Preferred stock	81,698			81,698
	Common stock	18,511			18,399
	Capital surplus	95,816			91,632
	Retained earnings	298,764			265,067
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,528			(17,336		)
	Treasury stock	—			—
	Total stockholders’ equity	496,317			439,460
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	747,902		$	624,579
	INCOME STATEMENTS
	(Dollars in thousands)
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Operating revenues:
	Dividends from subsidiaries	$	47,485		$	47,750		$	42,800
	Securities gains, net	—			2,316			—
	Gain on trading account securities	(38		)	1,421			47
	Other	640			726			664
	Total operating revenues	48,087			52,213			43,511
	Operating expenses:
	Interest	10,052			9,206			9,133
	Salaries and benefits	5,584			5,104			6,191
	Professional fees	3,406			3,671			3,100
	Other operating expenses	2,173			1,577			2,417
	Total operating expenses	21,215			19,558			20,841
	Equity in undistributed earnings (losses)	6,749			(1,275		)	19,739
	Income before income tax benefit	33,621			31,380			42,409
	Income tax benefit	8,279			5,409			7,383
	Net income	41,900			36,789			49,792
	Preferred dividends and discount	(817		)	(1,093		)	(3,400		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	41,083		$	35,696		$	46,392
	STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(Dollars in thousands)
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	41,900		$	36,789		$	49,792
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided  by operating activities:
	Undistributed (earnings) losses of subsidiaries	(6,749		)	1,275			(19,739		)
	Security gains, net	—			(2,316		)	—
	(Increase) decrease in due from subsidiaries	—			1,000			(4,250		)
	Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,678			(6,125		)	4,448
	(Increase) decrease in other assets	14,135			(4,104		)	(7,163		)
	(Increase) decrease in trading account securities	1,801			(1,421		)	(47		)
	Other, net	3,086			4,089			1,776
Net cash provided by operating activities	55,851			29,187			24,817
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital contributions to subsidiaries	(6,735		)	(69,429		)	(32,841		)
Purchases of other securities	—			—			(195		)
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	—			2,925			—
Proceeds from sale of other investments	—			—			155
Net assets acquired	—			44,697			—
Net cash used by investing activities	(6,735		)	(21,807		)	(32,881		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from other borrowings	73,950			80			10,000
Repayments of other borrowings	(9,162		)	(1,255		)	(6,374		)
Cash dividends paid	(8,203		)	(8,001		)	(11,695		)
Purchase of treasury stock	(899		)	(2,004		)	(2,937		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,673			4,265			9,557
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	57,359			(6,915		)	(1,449		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	106,475			465			(9,513		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	17,912			17,447			26,960
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	124,387		$	17,912		$	17,447
Supplemental disclosure:
Stock consideration granted for acquisition	$	—		$	38,755		$	—

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2014	31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	Net interest income	$	52,171		$	51,491		$	50,799		$	48,612
	Provision for loan and lease losses	2,866			2,553			2,751			6,331
	Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses	49,305			48,938			48,048			42,281
	Noninterest income	21,233			20,606			21,535			18,850
	Noninterest expense	53,948			54,655			54,659			52,538
	Income taxes	4,327			2,916			4,150			1,703
	Net income	12,263			11,973			10,774			6,890
	Net income available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—			—			—			—
	Net income attributable to Heartland	12,263			11,973			10,774			6,890
	Preferred stock dividends and discount	(204		)	(205		)	(204		)	(204		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	12,059			11,768			10,570			6,686
	Per share:
	Earnings per share-basic	$	0.65		$	0.64		$	0.57		$	0.36
	Earnings per share-diluted	0.64			0.63			0.56			0.36
	Cash dividends declared on common stock	0.1			0.1			0.1			0.1
	Book value per common share	22.4			21.74			21.16			20.36
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	18,482,059			18,468,762			18,458,113			18,437,253
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	18,762,272			18,752,748			18,746,735			18,724,936
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2013	31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	Net interest income	$	46,357		$	39,880		$	38,924		$	38,667
	Provision for loan and lease losses	2,049			5,149			1,862			637
	Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses	44,308			34,731			37,062			38,030
	Noninterest income	17,574			20,718			24,858			26,468
	Noninterest expense	53,901			47,147			48,766			46,747
	Income taxes	46			1,492			3,598			5,199
	Net income	7,935			6,810			9,556			12,552
	Net income available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—			—			—			(64		)
	Net income attributable to Heartland	7,935			6,810			9,556			12,488
	Preferred stock dividends and discount	(204		)	(276		)	(205		)	(408		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	7,731			6,534			9,351			12,080
	Per share:
	Earnings per share-basic	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.55		$	0.72
	Earnings per share-diluted	0.42			0.38			0.54			0.7
	Cash dividends declared on common stock	0.1			0.1			0.1			0.1
	Book value per common share	19.44			18.58			18.51			19.54
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	18,096,345			16,935,581			16,907,405			16,851,672
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	18,360,470			17,221,154			17,203,924			17,187,180

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Presentation	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Heartland and its subsidiaries: Dubuque Bank and Trust Company; Galena State Bank & Trust Co.; Illinois Bank & Trust; Wisconsin Bank & Trust; New Mexico Bank & Trust; Arizona Bank & Trust; Rocky Mountain Bank; Summit Bank & Trust; Minnesota  Bank & Trust; Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company; Citizens Finance Parent Co.; DB&T Insurance, Inc.; DB&T Community Development Corp.; Heartland Community Development, Inc.; Citizens Finance Co.; Citizens Finance of Illinois Co.; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust III; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII; Morrill Statutory Trust I; and Morrill Statutory Trust II. All of Heartland’s subsidiaries are wholly-owned as of December 31, 2014. Prior to April 2013, Heartland had been an 80% owner of Minnesota Bank & Trust. The noncontrolling interest in the majority-owned subsidiaries is noted on the consolidated balance sheets and on the consolidated statements of income. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and prevailing practices within the banking industry. In preparing such financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change relates to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods.
Trading Securities	Trading securities represent those securities Heartland intends to actively trade and are stated at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in noninterest income.
Securities Available for Sale	Available for sale securities consist of those securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, which management intends to hold for indefinite periods of time or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayments or other similar factors. Available for sale securities are stated at fair value with any unrealized gain or loss, net of applicable income tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Security premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted using the interest method over the period from the purchase date to the expected maturity or call date of the related security. Declines in the fair value of investment securities available for sale (with certain exceptions for debt securities noted below) that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings as a realized loss, and a new cost basis for the securities is established. In evaluating whether impairment is other-than-temporary, Heartland considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of Heartland to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Declines in the fair value of debt securities below amortized cost are deemed to be other-than-temporary in circumstances where: (1) Heartland has the intent to sell a security; (2) it is more likely than not that Heartland will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) Heartland does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If Heartland intends to sell a security or if it is more likely than not that Heartland will be required to sell the security before recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If Heartland does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in noninterest income, and an amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. Realized securities gains or losses on securities sales (using specific identification method) and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in impairment loss on securities in the consolidated statements of income.
Securities Held to Maturity	Securities which Heartland has the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity. Such securities are stated at amortized cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are amortized/accreted using the interest method over the period from the purchase date to the expected maturity or call date of the related security. Unrealized losses determined to be other-than-temporary are charged to noninterest income.
Loans and Leases, Loans Held for Sale and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses	The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at a level estimated by management to provide for known and inherent risks in the loan and lease portfolios. The allowance is based upon a continuing review of past loan and lease loss experience, current economic conditions, volume growth, the underlying collateral value of the loans and leases and other relevant factors. Loans and leases which are deemed uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance. Provisions for loan and lease losses and recoveries on previously charged-off loans and leases are added to the allowance.
	Loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. Gains or losses on sales are recorded in noninterest income. Direct loan origination costs and fees are deferred at origination of the loan. These deferred costs and fees are recognized in noninterest income as part of the gain or loss on sales of loans upon sale of the loan.
	Other real estate represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is recorded at the estimated fair value of the property less disposal costs. The excess of carrying value over fair value less disposal costs is charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. Subsequent write downs estimated on the basis of later valuations and gains or losses on sales are charged to loss on sales/valuation of assets, net. Expenses incurred in maintaining such properties are charged to other real estate and loan collection expenses.
	Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income based primarily on the principal balance outstanding. Income from leases is recorded in decreasing amounts over the term of the contract resulting in a level rate of return on the lease investment. Heartland’s policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan or lease when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to the timely collection of the interest and principal, normally when a loan or lease is 90 days past due. When interest accruals are deemed uncollectible, interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. Nonaccrual loans and leases are returned to an accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates that there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the timely payment of interest and principal.
	Under Heartland’s credit policies, a loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that Heartland will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreement. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except where more practical, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
	Net nonrefundable loan and lease origination fees and certain direct costs associated with the lending process are deferred and recognized as a yield adjustment over the life of the related loan or lease.
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans	Loans are considered troubled debt restructured loans ("TDR") if concessions have been granted to borrowers that are experiencing financial difficulty. The concessions granted generally involve the modification of terms of the loan, such as changes in payment schedule or interest rate, which generally would not otherwise be considered. TDRs can involve loans remaining on nonaccrual, moving to nonaccrual, or continuing on accrual status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. Nonaccrual TDRs are included and treated consistently with all other nonaccrual loans. In addition, all accruing TDRs are reported and accounted for as impaired loans. Generally, TDRs remain on nonaccrual until the customer has attained a sustained period of repayment performance under the modified loan terms (generally a minimum of six months). However, performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and whether the loan should be returned to or maintained on accrual status. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, the loan remains on nonaccrual status.
	A loan that is a TDR that has an interest rate consistent with market rates at the time of restructuring and is in compliance with its modified terms in the calendar year after the year in which the restructuring took place is no longer considered a TDR but remains an impaired loan. To be considered in compliance with its modified terms, a loan that is a TDR must be in accrual status and must be current or less than 30 days past due under the modified repayment terms; however, the loan will continue to be considered impaired. A loan that has been modified at a below market rate will remain classified as a TDR and an impaired loan. If the borrower’s financial conditions improve to the extent that the borrower qualifies for a new loan with market terms, the new loan will not be considered a TDR or impaired if Heartland's credit analysis shows the borrower's ability to perform under the new market terms.
Morgage Servicing and Transfers of Financial Assets	Heartland regularly sells residential mortgage loans to others, primarily GSEs, on a non-recourse basis. Sold loans are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Heartland generally retains the right to service the sold loans for a fee.
Reserve for Unfunded Commitments	This reserve is maintained at a level that, in the opinion of management, is appropriate to absorb probable losses associated with Heartland’s commitment to lend funds under existing agreements such as letters or lines of credit. Management determines the appropriateness of the reserve for unfunded commitments based upon reviews of delinquencies, current economic conditions, the risk characteristics of the various categories of commitments and other relevant factors. The reserve is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are evaluated on a regular basis and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known. Draws on unfunded commitments that are considered uncollectible at the time funds are advanced are charged to the allowance. Provisions for unfunded commitment losses are added to the reserve for unfunded commitments, which is included in the Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheets.
Premises, Furniture and Equipment	Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The provision for depreciation of premises, furniture and equipment is determined by straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of 18 to 39 years for buildings, 15 years for land improvements and 3 to 7 years for furniture and equipment.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Intangible assets consist of goodwill, core deposit intangibles, customer relationship intangibles and mortgage servicing rights. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired subsidiaries’ net assets over their fair value at the purchase date. Heartland assesses goodwill for impairment annually, and more frequently if events occur which may indicate possible impairment, and assesses goodwill at the reporting unit level, also giving consideration to overall enterprise value as part of that assessment. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, Heartland first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If Heartland concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is more than its carrying value, then no further testing of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit is required. However, if Heartland concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then Heartland performs a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment to recognize, if any. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired and it is not necessary to continue to step two of the impairment process. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, step two is performed. In step two, the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is computed as a residual value after allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. Heartland estimates the fair value of its reporting units using market multiples of comparable entities, including recent transactions, or a combination of market multiples and discounted cash flow methodology. These methods incorporate assumptions specific to the entity, such as the use of financial forecasts.
	Core deposit intangibles are amortized over 8 to 18 years on an accelerated basis. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized over 22 years on an accelerated basis. Periodically, Heartland reviews the intangible assets for events or circumstances that may indicate a change in the recoverability of the underlying basis, except mortgage servicing rights which are reviewed quarterly.
	Mortgage servicing rights associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are initially capitalized at fair value and recorded on the consolidated statements of income as a component of gains on sale of loans held for sale. The values of these capitalized servicing rights are amortized as an offset to the servicing revenue earned in relation to the servicing revenue expected to be earned. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based on the calculation of their fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including loan type and loan term.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance	Heartland and its subsidiaries have purchased life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers. The one-time premiums paid for the policies, which coincide with the initial cash surrender value, are recorded as an asset. Increases or decreases in the cash surrender value, other than proceeds from death benefits, are recorded as noninterest income (loss). Proceeds from death benefits first reduce the cash surrender value attributable to the individual policy and then any additional proceeds are recorded as noninterest income.
Income Taxes	Heartland and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and separate or combined income or franchise tax returns as required by the various states. Heartland recognizes certain income and expenses in different time periods for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The provision for deferred income taxes is based on an asset and liability approach and represents the change in deferred income tax accounts during the year, including the effect of enacted tax rate changes. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets if their expected realization is deemed not to be more likely than not.
	A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. Heartland recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Mortgage Derivatives	Heartland uses interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities. These commitments are considered derivative instruments. The fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of gains on sale of loans held for sale. These derivative contracts are designated as free standing derivative contracts and are not designated against specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or forecasted transactions and therefore do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
	Heartland uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management, including interest rate swaps and certain interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of securities related to mortgage banking activities. FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. As required by ASC 815, Heartland records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. To qualify for hedge accounting, Heartland must comply with the detailed rules and documentation requirements at the inception of the hedge, and hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of each hedging relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured periodically throughout the life of the hedging relationship.
	For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to interest income or expense when the hedged transaction affects earnings, while the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in other noninterest income. Heartland assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the cumulative changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the cumulative changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. No component of the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
	Heartland had no fair value hedging relationships at December 31, 2014 or 2013. Derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, classified as free-standing derivatives, have all changes in the fair value recorded on the consolidated statements of income through noninterest income.
	Heartland does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage Heartland’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks, but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815.
Segment Reporting	Public business enterprises are required to report information about operating segments in financial statements and selected information about operating segments in financial reports issued to shareholders. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by management in determining how to allocate resources and to assess effectiveness of the segments' performance. Generally, financial information is required to be reported on the basis that is used internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources to segments. Heartland has two reporting segments, one for community banking and one for mortgage banking operations.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair value represents the estimated price at which an orderly transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (i.e. an exit price concept). Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using discounted cash flow or other valuation techniques. Inputs into the valuation methods are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties, and require significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Accordingly, the derived fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts Heartland could realize in a current market exchange. Assets and liabilities are categorized into three levels based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine the fair value. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Heartland's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Below is a brief description of each fair value level:
	Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
	Level 3 — 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.
Treasury Stock	Treasury stock is accounted for by the cost method, whereby shares of common stock reacquired are recorded at their purchase price. When treasury stock is reissued, any difference between the sales proceeds, or fair value when issued for business combinations, and the cost is recognized as a charge or credit to capital surplus.
Trust Department Assets	Property held for customers in fiduciary or agency capacities is not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as such items are not assets of the Heartland banks.
Earnings Per Share	Basic earnings per share is determined using net income available to common stockholders and weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and assumed incremental common shares issued.
Subsequent Events	Heartland has evaluated subsequent events that may require recognition or disclosure through the filing date of this annual report on Form 10-K with the SEC. On January 16, 2015, Heartland completed the acquisition of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc., parent company of Community Bank & Trust in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists," to eliminate the diversity in practice and to increase the comparability of financial statements among companies. The guidance requires that a reporting entity generally must show an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, for a net operating loss, or NOL, carryforward, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward as a reduction of a deferred tax asset. However, the entity should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a liability and not as a reduction of a deferred tax asset if the carryforward or tax loss is not available on the financial statement date to settle any additional income tax liability that would result from the disallowance of the tax position under the applicable tax law, or the applicable tax law does not require the company to use, and the company does not intend to use, the carryforward or tax loss to settle additional income taxes resulting from the disallowance of the tax position. The guidance does not require any new recurring disclosures because it does not affect the recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions. Heartland adopted this standard on January 1, 2014, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects." The amendments in ASU 2014-01 to Topic 323, "Equity Investments and Joint Ventures," provide guidance on accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. The amendments permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014 and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. Heartland is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, "Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors: Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure." The amendments in ASU 2014-04 clarify that an in-substance foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (i) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (ii) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. ASU 2014-04 also requires disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. Once adopted, an entity can elect either (i) a modified retrospective transition method or (ii) a prospective transition method. The modified retrospective transition method is applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to residential mortgage loans and foreclosed residential real estate properties existing as of the beginning of the period for which the amendments of ASU 2014-04 are effective, with real estate reclassified to loans measured at the carrying value of the real estate at the date of adoption and loans reclassified to real estate measured at the lower of net carrying value of the loan or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell at the date of adoption. The prospective transition method is applied by means of applying the amendments of ASU 2014-04 to all instances of receiving physical possession of residential real estate properties that occur after the date of adoption. Heartland does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The amendment clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard. The amendment outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The amendment applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Codification. The standard also requires significantly expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (including interim reporting periods within those periods). Early application is not permitted. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard during the first quarter of 2017, as required, and is currently evaluating the impact on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, "Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors: Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure." The amendment clarifies how creditors are to classify certain government-guaranteed mortgage loans upon foreclosure. The amendment requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: (i) the loan has a government guarantee that is not separate from the loan before foreclosure, and (ii) at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under the claim, and (iii) at the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered for the guarantor. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. Heartland does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, "Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items." The amendment eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Presently, an event or transaction is presumed to be an ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity is required to segregate the extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. This amended guidance will prohibit separate disclosure of extraordinary items in the income statement. This amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Entities may apply the amendment prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Heartland does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	Amounts used in the determination of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are shown in the table below:
	(Dollars and number of shares in thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Heartland	$	41,900		$	36,789		$	49,792
	Preferred dividends and discount	(817		)	(1,093		)	(3,400		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	41,083		$	35,696		$	46,392
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	18,462			17,199			16,518
	Assumed incremental common shares issued upon exercise of stock options and non-vested restricted stock units	280			261			251
	Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share	18,742			17,460			16,769
	Earnings per common share — basic	$	2.23		$	2.08		$	2.81
	Earnings per common share — diluted	$	2.19		$	2.04		$	2.77
	Number of antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	88			99			106

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The assets and liabilities of Morrill Bancshares, Inc. were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. The following table represents, in thousands, the amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of October 18, 2013:
			As of October 18, 2013
	Fair value of consideration paid
	Common Stock (1,402,431 shares)		$	38,755
	Cash		16,619
	Total consideration paid		55,374
	Fair value of assets acquired
	Cash and due from banks		61,316
	Securities:
	Securities available for sale		339,362
	Securities held to maturity		3,086
	Other securities		4,139
	Loans held for sale		97
	Loans held to maturity		377,565
	Premises, furniture and equipment, net		4,867
	Other real estate, net		1,296
	Other intangible assets, net		8,694
	Other assets		5,389
	Total assets		805,811
	Fair value of liabilities assumed
	Deposits		665,297
	Short term borrowings		62,450
	Other borrowings		22,809
	Other liabilities		4,837
	Total liabilities assumed		755,393
	Fair value of net assets acquired		50,418
	Goodwill resulting from acquisition		$	4,956
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following pro forma information presents the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, as if the Morrill Bancshares, Inc. acquisition occurred on January 1, 2012.
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	For the Years Ended
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Net interest income	$	181,310		$	168,475
	Net income	$	39,043		$	52,052
	Basic earnings per share	$	2.27		$	3.15
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.24		$	3.1

Securities_Tables

Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available for sale at December 31, 2014 by contractual maturity are as follows, in thousands. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
		31-Dec-14
		Amortized Cost			Estimated Fair Value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	7,335		$	7,403
	Due in 1 to 5 years	28,470			28,570
	Due in 5 to 10 years	12,664			12,959
	Due after 10 years	123,991			128,587
	Total debt securities	172,460			177,519
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,219,305			1,219,266
	Equity securities	5,029			5,083
	Total investment securities	$	1,396,794		$	1,401,868
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are summarized in the table below, in thousands:
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
					Gains			Losses			Value
	December 31, 2014
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	24,010		$	98		$	(15	)	$	24,093
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,219,305			11,929			(11,968		)	1,219,266
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	148,450			5,304			(328		)	153,426
	Total debt securities	1,391,765			17,331			(12,311		)	1,396,785
	Equity securities	5,029			54			—			5,083
	Total	$	1,396,794		$	17,385		$	(12,311	)	$	1,401,868
	December 31, 2013
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	220,157		$	147		$	(2,001	)	$	218,303
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,156,983			9,538			(22,574		)	1,143,947
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	277,320			1,706			(12,402		)	266,624
	Total debt securities	1,654,460			11,391			(36,977		)	1,628,874
	Equity securities	4,996			32			—			5,028
	Total	$	1,659,456		$	11,423		$	(36,977	)	$	1,633,902
Held-to-maturity Securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2014 by contractual maturity are as follows, in thousands. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
		31-Dec-14
		Amortized Cost			Estimated Fair Value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	1,049		$	1,098
	Due in 1 to 5 years	13,388			14,038
	Due in 5 to 10 years	57,242			59,904
	Due after 10 years	207,174			216,444
	Total debt securities	278,853			291,484
	Mortgage-backed securities	5,734			5,284
	Total investment securities	$	284,587		$	296,768
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of held to maturity securities as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are summarized in the table below, in thousands:
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
					Gains			Losses			Value
	December 31, 2014
	Mortgage-backed securities	$	5,734		$	217		$	(667	)	$	5,284
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	278,853			13,576			(945		)	291,484
	Total	$	284,587		$	13,793		$	(1,612	)	$	296,768
	December 31, 2013
	Mortgage-backed securities	$	5,973		$	199		$	(321	)	$	5,851
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	231,525			5,801			(5,740		)	231,586
	Total	$	237,498		$	6,000		$	(6,061	)	$	237,437
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss)	Gross gains and losses realized related to sales of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are summarized as follows, in thousands:
		2014			2013			2012
	Available for Sale Securities sold:
	Proceeds from sales	$	791,767		$	546,532		$	576,083
	Gross security gains	5,871			8,895			15,387
	Gross security losses	2,203			1,774			1,389
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	The following tables summarize, in thousands, the amount of unrealized losses, defined as the amount by which cost or amortized cost exceeds fair value, and the related fair value of investments with unrealized losses in Heartland's securities portfolio as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The investments were segregated into two categories: those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 or more months. The reference point for determining how long an investment was in an unrealized loss position was December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. Securities for which Heartland has taken credit-related OTTI write-downs are categorized as being "less than 12 months" or "12 months or longer" in a continuous loss position based on the point in time that the fair value declined to below the cost basis and not the period of time since the credit-related OTTI write-down.
	Securities available for sale	Less than 12 months						12 months or longer						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value		Losses
	December 31, 2014
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	6,042		$	(15	)	$	—		$	—		$	6,042	$	(15	)
	Mortgage-backed securities	327,363			(7,391		)	306,078			(4,577		)	633,441		(11,968		)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	886			(6		)	20,507			(322		)	21,393		(328		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	334,291		$	(7,412	)	$	326,585		$	(4,899	)	$	660,876	$	(12,311	)
	December 31, 2013
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	196,345		$	(2,001	)	$	—		$	—		$	196,345	$	(2,001	)
	Mortgage-backed securities	640,684			(17,064		)	118,229			(5,510		)	758,913		(22,574		)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	196,987			(11,452		)	10,714			(950		)	207,701		(12,402		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	1,034,016		$	(30,517	)	$	128,943		$	(6,460	)	$	1,162,959	$	(36,977	)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
	Securities held to maturity	Less than 12 months						12 months or longer						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value			Losses			Value			Losses			Value		Losses
	31-Dec-14
	Mortgage-backed securities	$	—		$	—		$	2,761		$	(667	)	$	2,761	$	(667	)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	3,172			(422		)	29,402			(523		)	32,574		(945		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	3,172		$	(422	)	$	32,163		$	(1,190	)	$	35,335	$	(1,612	)
	December 31, 2013
	Mortgage-backed securities	$	2,170		$	(319	)	$	834		$	(2	)	$	3,004	$	(321	)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	47,175			(3,508		)	21,505			(2,232		)	68,680		(5,740		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	49,345		$	(3,827	)	$	22,339		$	(2,234	)	$	71,684	$	(6,061	)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings	The following table shows the detail of total OTTI write-downs included in earnings, in thousands:
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	OTTI write-downs included in earnings:
	Available for sale debt securities:
	Mortgage-backed securities	$	—		$	—		$	184
	Held to maturity debt securities:
	Mortgage-backed securities	—			—			797
	Total debt security OTTI write-downs included in earnings	$	—		$	—		$	981
	The following table shows the detail of OTTI write-downs on debt securities included in earnings and the related changes in other accumulated comprehensive income (AOCI) for the same securities, in thousands:
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	OTTI on debt securities
	Recorded as part of gross realized losses:
	Credit related OTTI	$	—		$	—		$	981
	Intent to sell OTTI	—			—			—
	Total recorded as part of gross realized losses	—			—			981
	Recorded directly to AOCI for non-credit related impairment:
	Mortgage-backed securities	—			—			683
	Accretion of non-credit related impairment	(95		)	(95		)	(71		)
	Total changes to AOCI for non-credit related impairment	(95		)	(95		)	612
	Total OTTI losses (accretion) recorded on debt securities	$	(95	)	$	(95	)	$	1,593

Loans_and_Leases_Tables

Loans and Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and Leases	Loans and leases as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Loans and leases receivable held to maturity:
	Commercial	$	1,036,080			$	950,197
	Commercial real estate	1,707,060				1,529,683
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	423,827				376,735
	Residential real estate	380,341				349,349
	Consumer	330,555				294,145
	Gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	3,877,863				3,500,109
	Unearned discount	(90		)		(168		)
	Deferred loan fees	(1,028		)		(2,989		)
	Total net loans and leases receivable held to maturity	3,876,745				3,496,952
	Loans covered under loss share agreements:
	Commercial and commercial real estate	54				2,314
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	—				543
	Residential real estate	1,204				2,280
	Consumer	—				612
	Total loans covered under loss share agreements	1,258				5,749
	Allowance for loan and lease losses	(41,449		)		(41,685		)
	Loans and leases receivable, net	$	3,836,554			$	3,461,016
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Based on Impairment Methodology	The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the related loan balances, disaggregated on the basis of impairment methodology, in thousands. Loans evaluated under ASC 310-10-35 include loans on nonaccrual status and troubled debt restructurings, which are individually evaluated for impairment, and other impaired loans deemed to have similar risk characteristics. All other loans are collectively evaluated for impairment under ASC 450-20. Heartland has made no changes to the accounting for the allowance for loan and lease losses policy during 2014 or 2013.
		Allowance For Loan											Gross Loans and Leases Receivable
		and Lease Losses											Held to Maturity
		Ending Balance				Ending Balance				Total			Ending Balance			Ending Balance			Total
		Under ASC				Under ASC							Evaluated for Impairment			Evaluated for Impairment
		310-10-35				450-20							Under ASC			Under ASC
													310-10-35			450-20
	December 31, 2014
	Commercial	$	754			$	11,155			$	11,909		$	4,526		$	1,031,554		$	1,036,080
	Commercial real estate	636				15,262				15,898			35,771			1,671,289			1,707,060
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	52				3,243				3,295			5,049			418,778			423,827
	Residential real estate	442				3,299				3,741			10,235			370,106			380,341
	Consumer	813				5,793				6,606			6,143			324,412			330,555
	Total	$	2,697			$	38,752			$	41,449		$	61,724		$	3,816,139		$	3,877,863
	December 31, 2013
	Commercial	$	2,817			$	10,282			$	13,099		$	14,644		$	935,553		$	950,197
	Commercial real estate	818				13,334				14,152			28,299			1,501,384			1,529,683
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	756				2,236				2,992			16,667			360,068			376,735
	Residential real estate	605				3,115				3,720			7,214			342,135			349,349
	Consumer	1,721				6,001				7,722			5,137			289,008			294,145
	Total	$	6,717			$	34,968			$	41,685		$	71,961		$	3,428,148		$	3,500,109
Schedule of Financing Receivables, Non Accrual Status	The following table presents nonaccrual loans, accruing loans past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructured loans not covered under loss share agreements at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands. There were no nonaccrual leases, accruing leases past due 90 days or more or restructured leases at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
			December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Nonaccrual loans		$	24,205			$	29,313
	Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans		865				13,081
	Total nonaccrual loans		$	25,070			$	42,394
	Accruing loans past due 90 days or more		—				24
	Performing troubled debt restructured loans		$	12,133			$	19,353
Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables	The following table provides information on troubled debt restructured loans that were modified during the years ended December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
			For the Years Ended
			31-Dec-14									31-Dec-13
			Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Recorded Investment				Post-Modification Recorded Investment			Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Recorded Investment			Post-Modification Recorded Investment
	Commercial		—		$	—			$	—		4		$	17,934		$	17,934
	Commercial real estate		2		357				357			5		1,797			1,797
	Total commercial and commercial real estate		2		357				357			9		19,731			19,731
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate		2		3,357				3,357			8		4,349			4,349
	Residential real estate		5		757				757			4		762			762
	Consumer		—		—				—			1		166			166
	Total		9		$	4,471			$	4,471		22		$	25,008		$	25,008
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans with Payment Default	The following table provides information on troubled debt restructured loans for which there was a payment default during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, in thousands, that had been modified during the 12-month period prior to the default:
		With Payment Defaults During the Following Periods
		For the Years Ended
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Number of Loans		Recorded Investment				Number of Loans		Recorded Investment
	Commercial	—		$	—			3		$	11,598
	Commercial real estate	1		55				1		480
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	1		55				4		12,078
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	—		—				—		—
	Residential real estate	—		—				2		165
	Consumer	—		—				—		—
	Total	1		$	55			6		$	12,243
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	The following table presents loans and leases not covered by loss share agreements by credit quality indicator at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
		Pass				Nonpass				Total
	31-Dec-14
	Commercial	$	939,717			$	96,363			$	1,036,080
	Commercial real estate	1,567,711				139,349				1,707,060
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	2,507,428				235,712				2,743,140
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	402,883				20,944				423,827
	Residential real estate	361,325				19,016				380,341
	Consumer	321,114				9,441				330,555
	Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$	3,592,750			$	285,113			$	3,877,863
	31-Dec-13
	Commercial	$	871,825			$	78,372			$	950,197
	Commercial real estate	1,390,820				138,863				1,529,683
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	2,262,645				217,235				2,479,880
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	335,821				40,914				376,735
	Residential real estate	333,161				16,188				349,349
	Consumer	284,148				9,997				294,145
	Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$	3,215,775			$	284,334			$	3,500,109
Past Due Financing Receivables	The following table sets forth information regarding Heartland's accruing and nonaccrual loans and leases not covered by loss share agreements at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
		Accruing Loans and Leases
		30-59 Days				60-89 Days				90 Days			Total			Current			Nonaccrual		Total Loans
		Past Due				Past Due				or More			Past Due								and Leases
										Past Due
	December 31, 2014
	Commercial	$	980			$	48			$	—		$	1,028		$	1,032,707		$	2,345	$	1,036,080
	Commercial real estate	1,788				111				—			1,899			1,693,554			11,607		1,707,060
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	2,768				159				—			2,927			2,726,261			13,952		2,743,140
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	119				50				—			169			422,219			1,439		423,827
	Residential real estate	1,037				445				—			1,482			371,982			6,877		380,341
	Consumer	2,382				1,366				—			3,748			324,005			2,802		330,555
	Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$	6,306			$	2,020			$	—		$	8,326		$	3,844,467		$	25,070	$	3,877,863
	December 31, 2013
	Commercial	$	697			$	741			$	—		$	1,438		$	935,508		$	13,251	$	950,197
	Commercial real estate	3,042				199				24			3,265			1,511,618			14,800		1,529,683
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	3,739				940				24			4,703			2,447,126			28,051		2,479,880
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	818				—				—			818			369,907			6,010		376,735
	Residential real estate	1,199				56				—			1,255			342,735			5,359		349,349
	Consumer	2,624				1,089				—			3,713			287,458			2,974		294,145
	Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$	8,380			$	2,085			$	24		$	10,489		$	3,447,226		$	42,394	$	3,500,109
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables	The following tables present, for impaired loans not covered by loss share agreements and by category of loan, the unpaid principal balance that was contractually due at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the outstanding loan balance recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, any related allowance recorded for those loans as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the average outstanding loan balance recorded on the consolidated balance sheets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the interest income recognized on the impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 2014, and year ended December 31, 2013, in thousands:
		Unpaid				Loan				Related			Year-to-Date			Year-to-Date
		Principal				Balance				Allowance			Avg. Loan			Interest Income
		Balance								Recorded			Balance			Recognized
	December 31, 2014
	Impaired loans with a related allowance:
	Commercial	$	780			$	780			$	754		$	5,594		$	19
	Commercial real estate	7,356				7,322				636			5,931			303
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	8,136				8,102				1,390			11,525			322
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	3,317				3,317				52			3,966			104
	Residential real estate	2,412				2,244				442			3,398			12
	Consumer	2,799				2,799				813			4,053			19
	Total loans held to maturity	$	16,664			$	16,462			$	2,697		$	22,942		$	457
	Impaired loans without a related allowance:
	Commercial	$	4,913			$	3,746			$	—		$	3,499		$	101
	Commercial real estate	32,708				28,449				—			24,522			1,172
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	37,621				32,195				—			28,021			1,273
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	3,961				1,732				—			3,308			13
	Residential real estate	8,200				7,991				—			6,267			110
	Consumer	3,350				3,344				—			1,870			127
	Total loans held to maturity	$	53,132			$	45,262			$	—		$	39,466		$	1,523
	Total impaired loans held to maturity:
	Commercial	$	5,693			$	4,526			$	754		$	9,093		$	120
	Commercial real estate	40,064				35,771				636			30,453			1,475
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	45,757				40,297				1,390			39,546			1,595
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	7,278				5,049				52			7,274			117
	Residential real estate	10,612				10,235				442			9,665			122
	Consumer	6,149				6,143				813			5,923			146
	Total impaired loans held to maturity	$	69,796			$	61,724			$	2,697		$	62,408		$	1,980
		Unpaid				Loan				Related			Year-to-Date			Year-to-Date
		Principal				Balance				Allowance			Avg. Loan			Interest Income
		Balance								Recorded			Balance			Recognized
	December 31, 2013
	Impaired loans with a related allowance:
	Commercial	$	7,901			$	7,901			$	2,817		$	5,343		$	38
	Commercial real estate	9,164				8,909				818			7,686			282
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	17,065				16,810				3,635			13,029			320
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	13,818				13,818				756			7,537			354
	Residential real estate	2,460				2,460				605			3,179			13
	Consumer	3,485				3,485				1,721			3,490			100
	Total loans held to maturity	$	36,828			$	36,573			$	6,717		$	27,235		$	787
	Impaired loans without a related allowance:
	Commercial	$	7,724			$	6,743			$	—		$	9,394		$	89
	Commercial real estate	24,830				19,390				—			25,676			538
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	32,554				26,133				—			35,070			627
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	2,849				2,849				—			9,985			189
	Residential real estate	5,345				4,754				—			4,198			80
	Consumer	1,652				1,652				—			1,515			37
	Total loans held to maturity	$	42,400			$	35,388			$	—		$	50,768		$	933
	Total impaired loans held to maturity:
	Commercial	$	15,625			$	14,644			$	2,817		$	14,737		$	127
	Commercial real estate	33,994				28,299				818			33,362			820
	Total commercial and commercial real estate	49,619				42,943				3,635			48,099			947
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	16,667				16,667				756			17,522			543
	Residential real estate	7,805				7,214				605			7,377			93
	Consumer	5,137				5,137				1,721			5,005			137
	Total impaired loans held to maturity	$	79,228			$	71,961			$	6,717		$	78,003		$	1,720
Impaired Financing Receivables	The carrying amount of the loans covered by these loss share agreements at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, consisted of purchased impaired and nonimpaired loans as summarized in the following table, in thousands:
		December 31, 2014											31-Dec-13
		Impaired				Non				Total			Impaired			Non			Total
		Purchased				Impaired				Covered			Purchased			Impaired			Covered
		Loans				Purchased				Loans			Loans			Purchased			Loans
						Loans										Loans
	Commercial and commercial real estate	$	—			$	54			$	54		$	549		$	1,765		$	2,314
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	—				—				—			—			543			543
	Residential real estate	305				899				1,204			—			2,280			2,280
	Consumer loans	—				—				—			538			74			612
	Total Covered Loans	$	305			$	953			$	1,258		$	1,087		$	4,662		$	5,749
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties Roll Forward	Loans are made in the normal course of business to directors, officers and principal holders of equity securities of Heartland. The terms of these loans, including interest rates and collateral, are similar to those prevailing for comparable transactions and do not involve more than a normal risk of collectability. Changes in such loans during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
			2014				2013
	Balance at beginning of year		$	113,604			$	97,611
	Advances		84,348				85,058
	Repayments		(62,353		)		(69,065		)
	Balance at end of year		$	135,599			$	113,604

Allowance_for_Loan_and_Lease_L1

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables	Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows, in thousands:
			2014				2013				2012
	Balance at beginning of year		$	41,685			$	38,715			$	36,808
	Provision for loan and lease losses		14,501				9,697				8,202
	Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged-off		3,990				4,820				8,209
	Loans and leases charged-off		(18,727		)		(11,547		)		(14,504		)
	Balance at end of year		$	41,449			$	41,685			$	38,715
	Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses by loan category for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		Commercial				Commercial				Agricultural				Residential			Consumer			Total
						Real Estate								Real Estate
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	13,099			$	14,152			$	2,992			$	3,720		$	7,722		$	41,685
	Charge-offs	(8,749		)		(2,889		)		(2,251		)		(342		)	(4,496		)	(18,727		)
	Recoveries	753				2,290				11				148			788			3,990
	Provision	6,806				2,345				2,543				215			2,592			14,501
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	11,909			$	15,898			$	3,295			$	3,741		$	6,606		$	41,449
		Commercial				Commercial				Agricultural				Residential			Consumer			Total
						Real Estate								Real Estate
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	11,388			$	14,473			$	2,138			$	3,543		$	7,173		$	38,715
	Charge-offs	(2,460		)		(3,251		)		(23		)		(1,036		)	(4,777		)	(11,547		)
	Recoveries	1,019				2,378				110				158			1,155			4,820
	Provision	3,152				552				767				1,055			4,171			9,697
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	13,099			$	14,152			$	2,992			$	3,720		$	7,722		$	41,685

Premises_Furniture_and_Equipme1

Premises, Furniture and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Premises, Furniture and Equipment	Premises, furniture and equipment as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		2014			2013
	Land and land improvements	$	36,186		$	36,679
	Buildings and building improvements	114,824			115,052
	Furniture and equipment	56,247			54,393
	Total	207,257			206,124
	Less accumulated depreciation	(76,544		)	(70,410		)
	Premises, furniture and equipment, net	$	130,713		$	135,714

Goodwill_Core_Deposit_Intangib1

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The gross carrying amount of other intangible assets and the associated accumulated amortization at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are presented in the table below, in thousands:
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization		Carrying
		Amount						Amount		Amount				Amount
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Core deposit intangibles	$	21,069		$	12,525		$	8,544	$	21,069	$	10,345	$	10,724
	Mortgage servicing rights	37,825			12,841			24,984		32,160		10,372		21,788
	Customer relationship intangible	1,177			773			404		1,177		730		447
	Total	$	60,071		$	26,139		$	33,932	$	54,406	$	21,447	$	32,959
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets, in thousands:
		Core			Mortgage			Customer
		Deposit			Servicing			Relationship
		Intangibles			Rights			Intangible		Total
	Year ending December 31,
	2015	$	1,780		$	6,246		$	42	$	8,068
	2016	1,575			5,354			41		6,970
	2017	1,393			4,462			40		5,895
	2018	1,232			3,569			39		4,840
	2019	1,056			2,678			38		3,772
	Thereafter	1,508			2,675			204		4,387
Schedule of Servicing Assets at Fair Value	The following table summarizes, in thousands, the changes in capitalized mortgage servicing rights:
		2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	21,788		$	15,653
	Originations	8,618			12,769
	Amortization	(5,422		)	(7,314		)
	Purchased MSR	—			184
	Valuation adjustment	—			496
	Balance at December 31	$	24,984		$	21,788
	Fair value of mortgage servicing rights	$	34,219		$	31,965
	Mortgage servicing rights, net to servicing portfolio	0.71		%	0.72		%

Deposits_Tables

Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Time Certificates	At December 31, 2014, the scheduled maturities of time certificates of deposit were as follows, in thousands:
	2015	$	425,049
	2016	178,921
	2017	84,628
	2018	32,732
	2019	48,747
	Thereafter	15,259
		$	785,336
Schedule of Interest Expense on Deposits	Interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was as follows, in thousands:
		2014		2013		2012
	Savings and money market accounts	$	8,042	$	6,674	$	6,736
	Time certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more	3,474		4,403		4,776
	Other time deposits	6,638		8,891		10,718
	Interest expense on deposits	$	18,154	$	19,968	$	22,230

Shortterm_Borrowings_Tables

Short-term Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Short-term Borrowings	Average and maximum balances and rates on aggregate short-term borrowings outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012 were as follows, in thousands:
		2014			2013			2012
	Maximum month-end balance	$	420,494		$	408,756		$	298,662
	Average month-end balance	307,470			274,352			248,048
	Weighted average interest rate for the year	0.28		%	0.31		%	0.32		%
	Weighted average interest rate at year-end	0.19		%	0.19		%	0.31		%
	Short-term borrowings, which Heartland defines as borrowings with an original maturity of one year or less, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		2014			2013
	Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	$	240,214		$	234,659
	Federal funds purchased	14,050			69,097
	Advances from the FHLB	76,000			105,000
	Total	$	330,264		$	408,756

Other_Borrowings_Tables

Other Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Borrowings	Other borrowings, which Heartland defines as borrowings with an original maturity date of more than one year, outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows, in thousands:
		2014		2013
	Advances from the FHLB; weighted average call dates at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were July 2015 and October 2014, respectively; and weighted average interest rates were 2.35% and 3.06%, respectively	$	109,830	$	113,453
	Wholesale repurchase agreements; weighted average call dates at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were May 2015 and April 2014, respectively; and weighted average interest rates were 3.62% and 3.38%, respectively	45,000		60,000
	Trust preferred securities	125,065		124,860
	Senior notes	29,500		37,500
	Note payable to unaffiliated bank	10,369		11,719
	Contracts payable for purchase of real estate and other assets	2,541		2,577
	Subordinated notes	73,950		—
	Total	$	396,255	$	350,109
Schedule of Repurchase Agreements	A schedule of Heartland's wholesale repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2014, were as follows, in thousands:
		Amount		Interest Rate as				Issue	Maturity	Callable
				of 12/31/14(1)				Date	Date	Date
	Counterparty:
	Citigroup Global Markets	$	15,000	3.32	%			4/17/08	4/17/15	4/17/15
	Citigroup Global Markets	20,000		3.61	%	(2)		4/17/08	4/17/18	4/17/15
	Barclays Capital	10,000		4.07	%			7/1/08	7/1/18	7/1/15
		$	45,000
	(1) Interest rates are fixed with the exception of the interest rate on the $20.0 million transaction with Citigroup Global Markets.
	(2) Interest rate resets quarterly on the 17th of January, April, July and October of each year until maturity. Embedded within the contract is a cap interest rate of 3.61%.
Schedule of Preferred Offerings Outstanding	A schedule of Heartland’s trust preferred offerings outstanding as of December 31, 2014, were as follows, in thousands:
		Amount		Interest		Interest Rate as			Maturity	Callable
		Issued		Rate		of 12/31/14(1)			Date	Date
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust III	$	20,619	8.25%		8.25	%		10/10/33	3/31/15
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV	25,774		2.75% over LIBOR		2.99	%	(2)	3/17/34	3/17/15
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V	20,619		1.33% over LIBOR		1.56	%	(3)	4/7/36	4/7/15
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI	20,619		6.75%		6.75	%	(4)	9/15/37	3/15/15
	Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII	20,619		1.48% over LIBOR		1.72	%	(5)	9/1/37	6/1/15
	Morrill Statutory Trust I	8,618		3.25% over LIBOR		3.5	%	(6)	12/26/32	3/26/15
	Morrill Statutory Trust II	8,197		2.85% over LIBOR		3.09	%	(7)	12/17/33	12/17/15
		$	125,065
	(1) Effective weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 6.00% due to interest rate swap transactions on the variable rate securities as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(2) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 5.00% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(3) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.69% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(4) Interest rate is fixed at 6.75% through June 15, 2017 then resets to 1.48% over LIBOR for the remainder of the term.
	(5) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.70% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(6) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.92% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
	(7) Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.51% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
Schedule of Maturities of Other Borrowings	Future payments at December 31, 2014, for other borrowings follow in the table below, in thousands. Callable FHLB advances and wholesale repurchase agreements are included in the table at their call date.
	2015	$	152,782
	2016	19,548
	2017	10,197
	2018	5,147
	2019	5,694
	Thereafter	202,887
	Total	$	396,255

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair values of Heartland's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
		Notional				Fair				Balance Sheet		Receive			Weighted Average		Maturity
		Amount				Value				Category		Rate			Pay Rate
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate swap	$	10,369			$	(248	)		Other Liabilities		2.915	%		5.14	%	4/20/16
	Interest rate swap	25,000				(534		)		Other Liabilities		0.243	%		2.255	%	3/17/21
	Interest rate swap	20,000				(1,046		)		Other Liabilities		0.234	%		3.22	%	3/1/17
	Interest rate swap	20,000				(1,748		)		Other Liabilities		0.232	%		3.355	%	1/7/20
	Interest rate swap	10,000				(35		)		Other Liabilities		0.255	%		1.674	%	3/26/19
	Interest rate swap	10,000				(35		)		Other Liabilities		0.243	%		1.658	%	3/18/19
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swap	$	11,719			$	(457	)		Other Liabilities		2.917	%		5.14	%	4/20/16
	Interest rate swap	25,000				(146		)		Other Liabilities		0.244	%		2.58	%	3/17/14
	Interest rate swap	20,000				(1,507		)		Other Liabilities		0.239	%		3.22	%	3/1/17
	Interest rate swap	20,000				(1,587		)		Other Liabilities		0.243	%		3.355	%	1/7/20
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The table below identifies the gains and losses recognized on Heartland's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the year ended December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
		Effective Portion										Ineffective Portion
		Recognized in OCI				Reclassified from AOCI into Income						Recognized in Income on Derivatives
		Amount of Gain(Loss)				Category		Amount of Gain(Loss)				Category		Amount of Gain(Loss)
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate swap	$	209			Interest Expense		$	(252	)		Other Income		$	—
	Interest rate swap	(534		)		Interest Expense		(386		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	461				Interest Expense		(604		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	(161		)		Interest Expense		(632		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	(35		)		Interest Expense		(110		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	(35		)		Interest Expense		(109		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	146				Interest Expense		(146		)		Other Income		—
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swap	$	254			Interest Expense		$	(276	)		Other Income		$	—
	Interest rate swap	562				Interest Expense		(583		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	679				Interest Expense		(594		)		Other Income		—
	Interest rate swap	1,433				Interest Expense		(616		)		Other Income		—
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair values of Heartland's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
			Notional				Fair				Balance Sheet
			Amount				Value				Category
	31-Dec-14
	Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)		$	74,863			$	2,496			Other Assets
	Forward commitments		88,484				275				Other Assets
	Forward commitments		218,337				(1,619		)		Other Liabilities
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)		$	63,370			$	1,809			Other Assets
	Forward commitments		117,637				1,206				Other Assets
	Forward commitments		53,277				(133		)		Other Liabilities
	The table below identifies the income statement category of the gains and losses recognized in income on Heartland's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the year ended December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
			Income Statement Category		Year-to-Date
					Gain(Loss)
					Recognized
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)		Gains on Sale of Loans Held for Sale		$	2,422
	Forward commitments		Gains on Sale of Loans Held for Sale		(2,417		)
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)		Gains on Sale of Loans Held for Sale		$	(10,518	)
	Forward commitments		Gains on Sale of Loans Held for Sale		1,832

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows, in thousands:
		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	5,833			$	5,025			$	11,513
	State	3,633				2,549				5,366
	Total current	$	9,466			$	7,574			$	16,879
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	2,703			$	2,447			$	404
	State	927				314				101
	Total deferred	$	3,630			$	2,761			$	505
	Total income tax expense	$	13,096			$	10,335			$	17,384
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Temporary differences between the amounts reported in the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities result in deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Tax effect of net unrealized loss on securities available for sale reflected in stockholders’ equity	$	—			$	9,766
	Tax effect of net unrealized loss on derivatives reflected in stockholders’ equity	1,162				1,270
	Securities	35				1,257
	Allowance for loan and lease losses	15,346				15,766
	Deferred compensation	6,384				4,674
	Organization and acquisitions costs	366				393
	Net operating loss carryforwards	5,149				4,463
	Non-accrual loan interest	691				830
	OREO writedowns	1,106				1,781
	Rehab tax credit projects	3,547				2,438
	Mortgage repurchase obligation	330				882
	Self-funded health plan	578				—
	Other	183				778
	Gross deferred tax assets	34,877				44,298
	Valuation allowance	(6,333		)		(4,615		)
	Total deferred tax assets	$	28,544			$	39,683
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax effect of net unrealized gain on securities available for sale reflected in stockholders’ equity	$	(2,427	)		$	—
	Premises, furniture and equipment	(8,569		)		(8,660		)
	Tax bad debt reserves	(21		)		(523		)
	Purchase accounting	(5,787		)		(5,323		)
	Prepaid expenses	(514		)		(621		)
	Mortgage servicing rights	(10,355		)		(8,996		)
	Deferred loan fees	(1,267		)		(75		)
	Other	(375		)		(324		)
	Gross deferred tax liabilities	$	(29,315	)		$	(24,522	)
	Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(771	)		$	15,161
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The actual income tax expense from continuing operations differs from the expected amounts (computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes) as follows, in thousands:
		2014				2013				2012
	Computed “expected” tax on net income	$	19,249			$	16,493			$	23,511
	Increase (decrease) resulting from:
	Nontaxable interest income	(6,246		)		(5,622		)		(4,539		)
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2,964				1,861				3,099
	Tax credits	(3,819		)		(1,696		)		(6,669		)
	Valuation allowance	853				209				1,851
	Other	95				(910		)		131
	Income taxes	$	13,096			$	10,335			$	17,384
	Effective tax rates	23.8		%		21.9		%		25.9		%
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, follows, in thousands:
			2014				2013
	Balance at January 1		$	779			$	773
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year		71				65
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years		37				188
	Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		(181		)		(247		)
	Balance at December 31		$	706			$	779

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Heartland leases certain land and facilities under operating leases. Minimum future rental commitments at December 31, 2014 for all non-cancelable leases were as follows, in thousands:
	2015	$	4,194
	2016	4,060
	2017	2,971
	2018	2,354
	2019	1,920
	Thereafter	12,220
		$	27,719

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Options, Activity	A summary of the status of the stock options as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during the years ended December 31, 2014 2013, and 2012, follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1	261,936		$	23.6	377,907		$	22.62	570,762		$	21.06
	Granted	—		—		—		—		—		—
	Exercised	(24,334	)	20.2		(96,921	)	19.73		(172,521	)	17.39
	Forfeited	(21,751	)	24.97		(19,050	)	23.79		(20,334	)	23.42
	Outstanding at December 31	215,851		$	23.85	261,936		$	23.6	377,907		$	22.62
	Options exercisable at December 31	215,851		$	23.85	261,936		$	23.6	333,024		$	23.16
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units, Activity	A summary of the status of RSUs as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1	353,070		$	18.48	348,897		$	15.75	211,279		$	15.79
	Granted	131,560		26.71		126,685		26.92		149,002		16.36
	Vested	(73,554	)	16.65		(43,388	)	17		—		—
	Forfeited	(14,521	)	20.48		(79,124	)	20.79		(11,384	)	16.03
	Outstanding at December 31	396,555		$	21.48	353,070		$	18.48	348,897		$	15.75

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement1

Regulatory Capital Requirements and Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations	The Heartland banks’ actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the tables below, in thousands:
		Actual				For Capital				To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
						Adequacy Purposes
		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount	Ratio
	As of December 31, 2014
	Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
	Consolidated	$	703,032	15.73	%	$	357,513	8	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	145,587		11.92		97,676		8		122,094	10	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	27,644		13.39		16,517		8		20,646	10
	Illinois Bank & Trust	42,937		13.8		24,891		8		31,113	10
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	62,780		12.71		39,522		8		49,403	10
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	97,742		13.04		59,953		8		74,941	10
	Arizona Bank & Trust	51,287		14.57		28,151		8		35,189	10
	Rocky Mountain Bank	47,848		12.78		29,958		8		37,447	10
	Summit Bank & Trust	12,544		11.8		8,503		8		10,628	10
	Minnesota Bank & Trust	15,267		12.43		9,823		8		12,279	10
	Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	65,224		12.02		43,417		8		54,271	10
	Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
	Consolidated	$	578,564	12.95	%	$	178,757	4	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	136,178		11.15		48,838		4		73,257	6	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	26,111		12.65		8,258		4		12,387	6
	Illinois Bank & Trust	39,721		12.77		12,445		4		18,668	6
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	57,551		11.65		19,761		4		29,642	6
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	90,870		12.13		29,977		4		44,965	6
	Arizona Bank & Trust	48,009		13.64		14,076		4		21,114	6
	Rocky Mountain Bank	44,394		11.86		14,979		4		22,468	6
	Summit Bank & Trust	11,213		10.55		4,251		4		6,377	6
	Minnesota Bank & Trust	14,151		11.53		4,911		4		7,367	6
	Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	62,918		11.59		21,709		4		32,563	6
	Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
	Consolidated	$	578,564	9.75	%	$	237,316	4	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	136,178		9.5		57,359		4		71,699	5	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	26,111		8.97		11,648		4		14,560	5
	Illinois Bank & Trust	39,721		8.02		19,820		4		24,775	5
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	57,551		8.85		26,018		4		32,523	5
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	90,870		8.22		44,232		4		55,290	5
	Arizona Bank & Trust	48,009		10.25		18,737		4		23,421	5
	Rocky Mountain Bank	44,394		9.53		18,625		4		23,281	5
	Summit Bank & Trust	11,213		8.44		5,317		4		6,647	5
	Minnesota Bank & Trust	14,151		8.9		6,360		4		7,950	5
	Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	62,918		7.34		34,269		4		42,836	5
		Actual				For Capital				To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
						Adequacy Purposes
		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount	Ratio
	As of December 31, 2013
	Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
	Consolidated	$	599,038	14.69	%	$	326,252	8	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	141,184		12.3		91,854		8		114,818	10	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	27,398		13.42		16,328		8		20,410	10
	Illinois Bank & Trust	36,324		14.79		19,654		8		24,568	10
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	59,747		13.08		36,556		8		45,696	10
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	96,816		14.82		52,254		8		65,317	10
	Arizona Bank & Trust	47,335		14.59		25,960		8		32,451	10
	Rocky Mountain Bank	50,314		14.24		28,257		8		35,321	10
	Summit Bank & Trust	11,600		12.79		7,253		8		9,067	10
	Minnesota Bank & Trust	14,475		12.13		9,547		8		11,933	10
	Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	60,559		13		37,267		8		46,583	10
	Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
	Consolidated	$	537,964	13.19	%	$	163,126	4	%	N/A
	Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	130,859		11.4		45,927		4		68,891	6	%
	Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	25,478		12.48		8,164		4		12,246	6
	Illinois Bank & Trust	33,252		13.53		9,827		4		14,741	6
	Wisconsin Bank & Trust	54,885		12.01		18,278		4		27,417	6
	New Mexico Bank & Trust	89,601		13.72		26,127		4		39,190	6
Arizona Bank & Trust	43,269		13.33		12,980		4		19,470	6
Rocky Mountain Bank	46,160		13.07		14,128		4		21,193	6
Summit Bank & Trust	10,464		11.54		3,627		4		5,440	6
Minnesota Bank & Trust	13,384		11.22		4,773		4		7,160	6
Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	60,153		12.91		18,633		4		27,950	6
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated	$	537,964	9.67	%	$	222,432	4	%	N/A
Dubuque Bank and Trust Company	130,859		8.77		59,717		4		74,646	5	%
Galena State Bank & Trust Co.	25,478		8.65		11,787		4		14,734	5
Illinois Bank & Trust	33,252		7.42		17,926		4		22,407	5
Wisconsin Bank & Trust	54,885		8.76		25,070		4		31,337	5
New Mexico Bank & Trust	89,601		8.84		40,530		4		50,663	5
Arizona Bank & Trust	43,269		10.33		16,757		4		20,947	5
Rocky Mountain Bank	46,160		10.01		18,439		4		23,049	5
Summit Bank & Trust	10,464		9.16		4,567		4		5,709	5
Minnesota Bank & Trust	13,384		8.14		6,575		4		8,218	5
Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company	60,153		7.38		32,624		4		40,780	5

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The table below presents Heartland's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall:
		Total Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Trading securities	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—
	Securities available for sale
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	24,093			2,529			21,564		—
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,219,266			—			1,214,319		4,947
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	153,426			—			153,426		—
	Equity securities	5,083			—			5,083		—
	Interest rate lock commitments	2,496			—			—		2,496
	Forward commitments	275			—			275		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,404,639		$	2,529		$	1,394,667	$	7,443
	Liabilities
	Derivative financial instruments	$	3,646		$	—		$	3,646	$	—
	Forward commitments	1,619			—			1,619		—
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	5,265		$	—		$	5,265	$	—
	December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Trading securities	$	1,801		$	1,801		$	—	$	—
	Securities available for sale
	U.S. government corporations and agencies	218,303			4,084			214,219		—
	Mortgage-backed securities	1,143,947			—			1,140,649		3,298
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	266,624			—			266,624		—
	Equity securities	5,028			—			5,028		—
	Interest rate lock commitments	1,809			—			—		1,809
	Forward commitments	1,206			—			1,206		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,638,718		$	5,885		$	1,627,726	$	5,107
	Liabilities
	Derivative financial instruments	$	3,697		$	—		$	3,697	$	—
	Forward commitments	133			—			133		—
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	3,830		$	—		$	3,830	$	—
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring	The tables below present Heartland's assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, in thousands:
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other		Significant		Losses
					Active Markets for			Observable		Unobservable
					Identical Assets			Inputs		Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Collateral dependent impaired loans:
	Commercial	$	1,033		$	—		$	—	$	1,033	$	659
	Commercial real estate	12,584			—			—		12,584		492
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	552			—			—		552		2,229
	Residential real estate	3,173			—			—		3,173		—
	Consumer	2,003			—			—		2,003		22
	Total collateral dependent impaired loans	$	19,345		$	—		$	—	$	19,345	$	3,402
	Other real estate owned	$	19,016		$	—		$	—	$	19,016	$	1,938
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other		Significant		Losses
					Active Markets for			Observable		Unobservable
					Identical Assets			Inputs		Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Collateral dependent impaired loans:
	Commercial	$	7,229		$	—		$	—	$	7,229	$	919
	Commercial real estate	7,749			—			—		7,749		1,881
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	13,062			—			—		13,062		—
	Residential real estate	3,396			—			—		3,396		—
	Consumer	1,763			—			—		1,763		—
	Total collateral dependent impaired loans	$	33,199		$	—		$	—	$	33,199	$	2,800
	Other real estate owned	$	29,852		$	—		$	—	$	29,852	$	2,799
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information	The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis and for which Heartland has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value, in thousands:
		Fair Value			Valuation		Unobservable	Range
		at 12/31/14			Technique		Input	(Weighted Average)
	Z-TRANCHE Securities	$	4,947		Discounted cash flows		Pretax discount rate	7 - 9%
							Actual defaults	15.60 - 30.60% (24.50%)
							Actual deferrals	7.20 - 17.30% (12.90%)
	Interest rate lock commitments	2,496			Fair Value of		Closing ratio	-1
					Underlying Loan to
					Secondary Market
	Collateral dependent impaired loans:
	Commercial	1,033			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discount	-2
	Commercial real estate	12,584			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discount	-2
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	552			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discount	-2
	Residential real estate	3,173			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discount	-2
	Consumer	2,003			Modified appraised value		Third party valuation	-2
							Valuation discount	-2
	Other real estate owned	19,016			Modified appraised value		Disposal costs	-2
							Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discounts	-2
	(1) The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the closing ratio, which represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position that management estimates will ultimately close. The closing ratio calculation takes into consideration historical data and loan-level data; therefore, providing a range would not be meaningful. The weighted average closing ratio at December 31, 2014 was 84%.
	(2) Third party appraisals are obtained as to the value of the underlying asset, but disclosure of this information would not provide meaningful information, as the range will vary widely from loan to loan. Types of discounts considered included age of the appraisal, local market conditions, current condition of the property, and estimated sales costs. These discounts will also vary from loan to loan, thus providing range would not be meaningful.
		Fair Value			Valuation		Unobservable	Range
		at 12/31/13			Technique		Input	(Weighted Average)
	Z-TRANCHE Securities	$	3,298		Discounted cash flows		Pretax discount rate	7 - 9%
							Actual defaults	12.50 - 28.20% (20.80%)
							Actual deferrals	5.10 - 16.00% (11.10%)
	Interest rate lock commitments	1,809			Fair Value of		Closing ratio	-1
					Underlying Loan to
					Secondary Market
	Collateral dependent impaired loans:
	Commercial	7,229			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discount	-2
	Commercial real estate	7,749			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discount	-2
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	13,062			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discount	-2
	Residential real estate	3,396			Modified appraised value		Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discount	-2
	Consumer	1,763			Modified appraised value		Third party valuation	-2
							Valuation discount	-2
	Other real estate owned	29,852			Modified appraised value		Disposal costs	-2
							Third party appraisal	-2
							Appraisal discounts	-2
	(1) The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the closing ratio, which represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position that management estimates will ultimately close. The closing ratio calculation takes into consideration historical data and loan-level data; therefore, providing a range would not be meaningful. The weighted average closing ratio at December 31, 2013 was 87%.
	(2) Third party appraisals are obtained as to the value of the underlying asset, but disclosure of this information would not provide meaningful information, as the range will vary widely from loan to loan. Types of discounts considered included age of the appraisal, local market conditions, current condition of the property, and estimated sales costs. These discounts will also vary from loan to loan, thus providing range would not be meaningful.
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The changes in fair value of the Z-TRANCHE, a Level 3 asset, that is measured at fair value on a recurring basis is summarized in the following table, in thousands:
		For the Years Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Fair Value
	Balance at January 1,	$	3,298		$	4,089
	Total gains (losses), net:
	Included in earnings	—			(1,587		)
	Included in other comprehensive income	1,783			826
	Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
	Purchases	—			—
	Sales	—			—
	Settlements	(134		)	(30		)
	Balance at period end,	$	4,947		$	3,298
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The following analysis, which is inherently limited in depicting fair value, also does not consider any value associated with either existing customer relationships or the ability of Heartland to create value through loan origination, deposit gathering or fee generating activities. Many of the estimates presented below are based upon the use of highly subjective information and assumptions and, accordingly, the results may not be precise. Management believes that fair value estimates may not be comparable between financial institutions due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made. Furthermore, because the disclosed fair value amounts were estimated as of the balance sheet date, the amounts actually realized or paid upon maturity or settlement of the various financial instruments could be significantly different.
								Fair Value Measurements at
								31-Dec-14
		Carrying			Estimated			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Amount			Fair			Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
					Value			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
								(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	73,871		$	73,871		$	73,871	$	—	$	—
	Time deposits in other financial institutions	2,605			2,605			2,605		—		—
	Securities:
	Trading	—			—			—		—		—
	Available for sale	1,401,868			1,401,868			2,529		1,394,392		4,947
	Held to maturity	284,587			296,768			—		296,768		—
	Other investments	20,498			20,498			—		20,263		235
	Loans held for sale	70,514			70,514			—		70,514		—
	Loans, net:
	Commercial	1,024,065			1,009,802			—		1,008,769		1,033
	Commercial real estate	1,690,899			1,699,722			—		1,687,138		12,584
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	420,623			423,968			—		423,416		552
	Residential real estate	377,094			370,178			—		367,005		3,173
	Consumer	323,873			330,211			—		328,208		2,003
	Total Loans, net	3,836,554			3,833,881			—		3,814,536		19,345
	Derivative financial instruments	—			—			—		—		—
	Interest rate lock commitments	2,496			2,496			—		—		2,496
	Forward commitments	275			275			—		275		—
	Financial liabilities:
	Deposits
	Demand deposits	1,295,193			1,295,193			—		1,295,193		—
	Savings deposits	2,687,493			2,687,493			—		2,687,493		—
	Time deposits	785,336			785,336			—		785,336		—
	Short term borrowings	330,264			330,264			—		330,264		—
	Other borrowings	396,255			401,978			—		401,978		—
	Derivative financial instruments	3,646			3,646			—		3,646		—
	Forward commitments	1,619			1,619			—		1,619		—
								Fair Value Measurements at
								31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Estimated			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Amount			Fair			Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
					Value			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
								(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	125,270		$	125,270		$	125,270	$	—	$	—
	Time deposits in other financial institutions	—			—			—		—		—
	Securities:
	Trading	1,801			1,801			1,801		—		—
	Available for sale	1,633,902			1,633,902			4,084		1,626,520		3,298
	Held to maturity	237,498			237,437			—		237,437		—
	Other investments	21,843			21,843			—		21,608		235
	Loans held for sale	46,665			46,665			—		46,665		—
	Loans, net:
	Commercial	936,305			930,501			—		923,272		7,229
	Commercial real estate	1,516,352			1,512,773			—		1,505,024		7,749
	Agricultural and agricultural real estate	374,203			378,086			—		365,024		13,062
	Residential real estate	347,266			335,362			—		331,966		3,396
	Consumer	286,890			273,139			—		271,376		1,763
	Total Loans, net	3,461,016			3,429,861			—		3,396,662		33,199
	Derivative financial instruments	—			—			—		—		—
	Interest rate lock commitments	1,809			1,809			—		—		1,809
	Forward commitments	1,206			1,206			—		1,206		—
	Financial liabilities:
	Deposits
	Demand deposits	1,238,581			1,238,581			—		1,238,581		—
	Savings deposits	2,535,242			2,535,242			—		2,535,242		—
Time deposits	892,676			892,676			—		892,676		—
Short term borrowings	408,756			408,756			—		408,756		—
Other borrowings	350,109			355,923			—		355,923		—
Derivative financial instruments	3,697			3,697			—		3,697		—
Forward commitments	133			133			—		133		—

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting	The following table presents the financial information from Heartland's operating segments for the years ending December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, in thousands.
		Community and Other Banking		Mortgage Banking			Total
	31-Dec-14
	Net Interest Income	$	200,394	$	2,679		$	203,073
	Provision for loan losses	14,501		—			14,501
	Total noninterest income	48,330		33,894			82,224
	Total noninterest expense	172,392		43,408			215,800
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	61,831	$	(6,835	)	$	54,996
	December 31, 2013
	Net Interest Income	$	161,452	$	2,376		$	163,828
	Provision for loan losses	9,697		—			9,697
	Total noninterest income	49,810		39,808			89,618
	Total noninterest expense	150,767		45,794			196,561
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	50,798	$	(3,610	)	$	47,188
	December 31, 2012
	Net Interest Income	$	147,903	$	2,253		$	150,156
	Provision for loan losses	8,202		—			8,202
	Total noninterest income	50,947		57,715			108,662
	Total noninterest expense	142,646		40,735			183,381
	Income before income taxes	$	48,002	$	19,233		$	67,235
	Segment Assets
	31-Dec-14	$	5,951,875	$	100,487		$	6,052,362
	31-Dec-13	5,850,976		72,740			5,923,716
	December 31, 2012	4,868,618		121,935			4,990,553
	Average Loans
	31-Dec-14	$	3,679,908	$	64,922		$	3,744,830
	31-Dec-13	2,939,856		76,577			3,016,433
	31-Dec-12	2,605,151		91,301			2,696,452

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]
Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet	Condensed financial information for Heartland Financial USA, Inc. is as follows:
	BALANCE SHEETS
	(Dollars in thousands)
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Cash and interest bearing deposits	$	124,387		$	17,912
	Trading securities	—			1,801
	Securities available for sale	5,684			3,952
	Other investments, at cost	235			235
	Investment in subsidiaries	592,324			561,272
	Other assets	19,272			33,407
	Due from subsidiaries	6,000			6,000
	Total assets	$	747,902		$	624,579
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
	Other borrowings	$	238,941		$	174,153
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	12,644			10,966
	Total liabilities	251,585			185,119
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Preferred stock	81,698			81,698
	Common stock	18,511			18,399
	Capital surplus	95,816			91,632
	Retained earnings	298,764			265,067
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,528			(17,336		)
	Treasury stock	—			—
	Total stockholders’ equity	496,317			439,460
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	747,902		$	624,579
Schedule of Condensed Income Statement
	INCOME STATEMENTS
	(Dollars in thousands)
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Operating revenues:
	Dividends from subsidiaries	$	47,485		$	47,750		$	42,800
	Securities gains, net	—			2,316			—
	Gain on trading account securities	(38		)	1,421			47
	Other	640			726			664
	Total operating revenues	48,087			52,213			43,511
	Operating expenses:
	Interest	10,052			9,206			9,133
	Salaries and benefits	5,584			5,104			6,191
	Professional fees	3,406			3,671			3,100
	Other operating expenses	2,173			1,577			2,417
	Total operating expenses	21,215			19,558			20,841
	Equity in undistributed earnings (losses)	6,749			(1,275		)	19,739
	Income before income tax benefit	33,621			31,380			42,409
	Income tax benefit	8,279			5,409			7,383
	Net income	41,900			36,789			49,792
	Preferred dividends and discount	(817		)	(1,093		)	(3,400		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	41,083		$	35,696		$	46,392
Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement
	STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(Dollars in thousands)
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	41,900		$	36,789		$	49,792
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided  by operating activities:
	Undistributed (earnings) losses of subsidiaries	(6,749		)	1,275			(19,739		)
	Security gains, net	—			(2,316		)	—
	(Increase) decrease in due from subsidiaries	—			1,000			(4,250		)
	Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,678			(6,125		)	4,448
	(Increase) decrease in other assets	14,135			(4,104		)	(7,163		)
	(Increase) decrease in trading account securities	1,801			(1,421		)	(47		)
	Other, net	3,086			4,089			1,776
	Net cash provided by operating activities	55,851			29,187			24,817
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital contributions to subsidiaries	(6,735		)	(69,429		)	(32,841		)
	Purchases of other securities	—			—			(195		)
	Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	—			2,925			—
	Proceeds from sale of other investments	—			—			155
	Net assets acquired	—			44,697			—
	Net cash used by investing activities	(6,735		)	(21,807		)	(32,881		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from other borrowings	73,950			80			10,000
	Repayments of other borrowings	(9,162		)	(1,255		)	(6,374		)
	Cash dividends paid	(8,203		)	(8,001		)	(11,695		)
	Purchase of treasury stock	(899		)	(2,004		)	(2,937		)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,673			4,265			9,557
	Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	57,359			(6,915		)	(1,449		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	106,475			465			(9,513		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	17,912			17,447			26,960
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	124,387		$	17,912		$	17,447
	Supplemental disclosure:
	Stock consideration granted for acquisition	$	—		$	38,755		$	—

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial1

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2014	31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	Net interest income	$	52,171		$	51,491		$	50,799		$	48,612
	Provision for loan and lease losses	2,866			2,553			2,751			6,331
	Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses	49,305			48,938			48,048			42,281
	Noninterest income	21,233			20,606			21,535			18,850
	Noninterest expense	53,948			54,655			54,659			52,538
	Income taxes	4,327			2,916			4,150			1,703
	Net income	12,263			11,973			10,774			6,890
	Net income available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—			—			—			—
	Net income attributable to Heartland	12,263			11,973			10,774			6,890
	Preferred stock dividends and discount	(204		)	(205		)	(204		)	(204		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	12,059			11,768			10,570			6,686
	Per share:
	Earnings per share-basic	$	0.65		$	0.64		$	0.57		$	0.36
	Earnings per share-diluted	0.64			0.63			0.56			0.36
	Cash dividends declared on common stock	0.1			0.1			0.1			0.1
	Book value per common share	22.4			21.74			21.16			20.36
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	18,482,059			18,468,762			18,458,113			18,437,253
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	18,762,272			18,752,748			18,746,735			18,724,936
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2013	31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	Net interest income	$	46,357		$	39,880		$	38,924		$	38,667
	Provision for loan and lease losses	2,049			5,149			1,862			637
	Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses	44,308			34,731			37,062			38,030
	Noninterest income	17,574			20,718			24,858			26,468
	Noninterest expense	53,901			47,147			48,766			46,747
	Income taxes	46			1,492			3,598			5,199
	Net income	7,935			6,810			9,556			12,552
	Net income available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—			—			—			(64		)
	Net income attributable to Heartland	7,935			6,810			9,556			12,488
	Preferred stock dividends and discount	(204		)	(276		)	(205		)	(408		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	7,731			6,534			9,351			12,080
	Per share:
	Earnings per share-basic	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.55		$	0.72
	Earnings per share-diluted	0.42			0.38			0.54			0.7
	Cash dividends declared on common stock	0.1			0.1			0.1			0.1
	Book value per common share	19.44			18.58			18.51			19.54
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	18,096,345			16,935,581			16,907,405			16,851,672
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	18,360,470			17,221,154			17,203,924			17,187,180

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Principles of Presentation) (Details) (Minnesota Bank & Trust)	Mar. 31, 2013
Minnesota Bank & Trust
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	80.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Troubled Debt Restructured Loans) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Threshold period of consecutive payments to remove from nonaccrual status	6 months
Threshold period after modification holding current status to be considered in compliance with modified terms	30 days

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Loans and Leases) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Threshold period past due, nonperforming status of loans and leases	90 days

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Mortgage Servicing and Transfers of Financial Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Aggregate unpaid principal balance	$3.50	$3.05

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Premises, Furniture and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Building | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	18 years
Building | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	39 years
Land Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years
Furniture and Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Furniture and Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	7 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Goodwill and Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mortgage servicing rights, valuation allowance	$0	$0
Core Deposits | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life	8 years
Core Deposits | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life	18 years
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life	22 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Segment Reporting) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segment	2
Community Banking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segment	1
Mortgage Banking Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segment	1

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Earnings per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Heartland	$12,263	$11,973	$10,774	$6,890	$7,935	$6,810	$9,556	$12,488	$41,900	$36,789	$49,792
Preferred dividends and discount	-204	-205	-204	-204	-204	-276	-205	-408	-817	-1,093	-3,400
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$12,059	$11,768	$10,570	$6,686	$7,731	$6,534	$9,351	$12,080	$41,083	$35,696	$46,392
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	18,482,059	18,468,762	18,458,113	18,437,253	18,096,345	16,935,581	16,907,405	16,851,672	18,462,000	17,199,000	16,518,000
Assumed incremental common shares issued upon exercise of stock options and non-vested restricted stock units									280,000	261,000	251,000
Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share	18,762,272	18,752,748	18,746,735	18,724,936	18,360,470	17,221,154	17,203,924	17,187,180	18,742,000	17,460,000	16,769,000
Earnings per common share b basic (in dollars per share)	$0.65	$0.64	$0.57	$0.36	$0.43	$0.39	$0.55	$0.72	$2.23	$2.08	$2.81
Earnings per common share b diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.64	$0.63	$0.56	$0.36	$0.42	$0.38	$0.54	$0.70	$2.19	$2.04	$2.77
Number of antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computation (in shares)									88,000	99,000	106,000

Recovered_Sheet2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reclassifications) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Loan servicing income reclassified to gain on sale of loans held for sale	$12,800,000	$11,400,000
Losses on sale of fixed assets reclassified from noninterest expenses to loss on sales/valuations of assets, net	$235,000	$14,000

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 16, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 22, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets	6,052,362,000		$5,923,716,000		$4,990,553,000
Loans	3,836,554,000		3,461,016,000
Deposits	4,768,022,000		4,666,499,000
Goodwill	35,583,000		35,583,000
Nonaccrual loans	24,205,000		29,313,000
Community Bank-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Basis of aggregate purchase price as a percentage of adjusted tangible book value	155.00%
Morrill
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets		810,800,000
Loans		377,700,000
Deposits		665,300,000
Total consideration paid		55,374,000
Cash		16,619,000
Purchase price paid in cash, percentage		30.00%
Purchase price paid by delivery of shares of common stock		38,755,000
Purchase price paid by delivery of shares of common stock, percentage		70.00%
Business acquisition, number of shares issued		1,402,431
Goodwill		4,956,000
Merger related expenses			466,000
Nonaccrual loans		688,000
Freedom
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets						67,100,000
Loans						39,300,000
Deposits						54,100,000
Goodwill						0
Community Bank & Trust
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets	530,400,000
Loans	411,000,000
Deposits	446,700,000
Subsequent Event | Community Bank-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration paid				$53,100,000
Business acquisition, number of shares issued				1,970,720

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Fair

Acquisitions (Acquisitions Fair Values) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value of liabilities assumed
Goodwill resulting from acquisition		$35,583,000	$35,583,000
Morrill
Fair value of consideration paid
Common stock, number of shares	1,402,431
Common Stock (1,402,431 shares)	38,755,000
Cash	16,619,000
Total consideration paid	55,374,000
Fair value of assets acquired
Cash and due from banks	61,316,000
Securities:
Securities available for sale	339,362,000
Securities held to maturity	3,086,000
Other securities	4,139,000
Loans held for sale	97,000
Loans held to maturity	377,565,000
Premises, furniture and equipment, net	4,867,000
Other real estate, net	1,296,000
Other intangible assets, net	8,694,000
Other assets	5,389,000
Total assets	805,811,000
Fair value of liabilities assumed
Deposits	665,297,000
Short term borrowings	62,450,000
Other borrowings	22,809,000
Other liabilities	4,837,000
Total liabilities assumed	755,393,000
Fair value of net assets acquired	50,418,000
Goodwill resulting from acquisition	$4,956,000

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Details

Acquisitions (Pro Forma) (Details) (Morrill, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Morrill
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net interest income	$181,310	$168,475
Net income	$39,043	$52,052
Basic earnings per share (in usd per share)	$2.27	$3.15
Diluted earnings per share (in usd per share)	$2.24	$3.10

Cash_and_Due_from_Banks_Detail

Cash and Due from Banks (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Reserve balance requirement	$172	$28,700

Securities_Availableforsale_Se

Securities (Available-for-sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	$1,396,794	$1,659,456
Gross unrealized gains	17,385	11,423
Gross unrealized losses	-12,311	-36,977
Securities available for sale	1,401,868	1,633,902
Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	1,391,765	1,654,460
Gross unrealized gains	17,331	11,391
Gross unrealized losses	-12,311	-36,977
Securities available for sale	1,396,785	1,628,874
U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	24,010	220,157
Gross unrealized gains	98	147
Gross unrealized losses	-15	-2,001
Securities available for sale	24,093	218,303
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	1,219,305	1,156,983
Gross unrealized gains	11,929	9,538
Gross unrealized losses	-11,968	-22,574
Securities available for sale	1,219,266	1,143,947
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	148,450	277,320
Gross unrealized gains	5,304	1,706
Gross unrealized losses	-328	-12,402
Securities available for sale	153,426	266,624
Equity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	5,029	4,996
Gross unrealized gains	54	32
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Securities available for sale	$5,083	$5,028

Securities_Heldtomaturity_Secu

Securities (Held-to-maturity Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	$284,587	$237,498
Gross unrealized gains	13,793	6,000
Gross unrealized losses	-1,612	-6,061
Estimated fair value	296,768	237,437
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	5,734	5,973
Gross unrealized gains	217	199
Gross unrealized losses	-667	-321
Estimated fair value	5,284	5,851
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total investment securities	278,853	231,525
Gross unrealized gains	13,576	5,801
Gross unrealized losses	-945	-5,740
Estimated fair value	$291,484	$231,586

Securities_Availableforsale_Se1

Securities (Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$7,335
Due in 1 to 5 years	28,470
Due in 5 to 10 years	12,664
Due after 10 years	123,991
Total debt securities	172,460
Mortgage-backed securities	1,219,305
Equity securities	5,029
Total investment securities	1,396,794	1,659,456
Estimated Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	7,403
Due in 1 to 5 years	28,570
Due in 5 to 10 years	12,959
Due after 10 years	128,587
Total debt securities	177,519
Mortgage-backed securities	1,219,266
Equity securities	5,083
Estimated fair value	$1,401,868	$1,633,902

Securities_Heldtomaturity_Secu1

Securities (Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$1,049
Due in 1 to 5 years	13,388
Due in 5 to 10 years	57,242
Due after 10 years	207,174
Total debt securities	278,853
Mortgage-backed securities	5,734
Total investment securities	284,587	237,498
Estimated Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	1,098
Due in 1 to 5 years	14,038
Due in 5 to 10 years	59,904
Due after 10 years	216,444
Total debt securities	291,484
Mortgage-backed securities	5,284
Estimated fair value	$296,768	$237,437

Securities_Realized_Gain_Loss_

Securities (Realized Gain (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales	$791,767	$546,532	$576,083
Gross security gains	5,871	8,895	15,387
Gross security losses	$2,203	$1,774	$1,389

Securities_Available_for_Sale_

Securities (Available for Sale Securities Losses) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$334,291	$1,034,016
12 months or longer	326,585	128,943
Total	660,876	1,162,959
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	-7,412	-30,517
12 months or longer	-4,899	-6,460
Total	-12,311	-36,977
U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	6,042	196,345
12 months or longer	0	0
Total	6,042	196,345
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	-15	-2,001
12 months or longer	0	0
Total	-15	-2,001
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	327,363	640,684
12 months or longer	306,078	118,229
Total	633,441	758,913
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	-7,391	-17,064
12 months or longer	-4,577	-5,510
Total	-11,968	-22,574
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	886	196,987
12 months or longer	20,507	10,714
Total	21,393	207,701
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	-6	-11,452
12 months or longer	-322	-950
Total	($328)	($12,402)

Securities_Held_to_Maturity_Se

Securities (Held to Maturity Securities Losses) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$3,172	$49,345
12 months or longer	32,163	22,339
Total	35,335	71,684
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	-422	-3,827
12 months or longer	-1,190	-2,234
Total	-1,612	-6,061
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	0	2,170
12 months or longer	2,761	834
Total	2,761	3,004
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	0	-319
12 months or longer	-667	-2
Total	-667	-321
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	3,172	47,175
12 months or longer	29,402	21,505
Total	32,574	68,680
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	-422	-3,508
12 months or longer	-523	-2,232
Total	($945)	($5,740)

Securities_Otherthantemporary_

Securities (Other-than-temporary Impairments) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Securitied pledged as collateral		$870,700,000
Gross realized gains or losses on sale of available for sale securities with OTTI write-downs		0	0
OTTI write-downs included in earnings/on debt securities:
OTTI write-downs included in earnings, available for sale debt securities	184,000	184,000	184,000
OTTI write-downs included in earnings, held to maturity debt securities	797,000
Credit related OTTI		0	0	981,000
Intent to sell OTTI		0	0	0
Total debt security OTTI write-downs included in earnings/recorded as part of gross realized losses	981,000	0	0	981,000
Mortgage-backed securities recorded directly to AOCI for non-credit related impairment		0	0	683,000
Accretion of non-credit related impairment recorded directly to AOCI for non-credit related impairment		-95,000	-95,000	-71,000
Total recorded directly to AOCI for non-credit related impairment		-95,000	-95,000	612,000
Total OTTI losses recorded on debt securities		-95,000	-95,000	1,593,000
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Number of investments with OTTI	3
OTTI write-downs included in earnings/on debt securities:
OTTI write-downs included in earnings, available for sale debt securities		0	0	184,000
OTTI write-downs included in earnings, held to maturity debt securities		0	0	797,000
Held-to-maturity Securities
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Credit related to OTTI		797,000	797,000
Non-credit related OTTI		$422,000	$517,000
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Percentage of Heartland's Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Governmant Sponsored Enterprises		97.00%

Securities_Other_Securities_De

Securities (Other Securities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity, at fair value	$26,800,000	$180,900,000	$25,162,000	$179,528,000	$0
FHLB stock	$14,300,000	$15,600,000	$14,300,000	$15,600,000

Loans_and_Leases_Loans_and_Lea

Loans and Leases (Loans and Leases Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity	$3,877,863	$3,500,109
Gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity	3,877,863	3,500,109
Unearned discount	-90	-168
Deferred loan fees	-1,028	-2,989
Total net loans and leases receivable held to maturity	3,876,745	3,496,952
Loans covered under loss share agreement	1,258	5,749
Allowance for loan and lease losses	-41,449	-41,685
Loans and leases receivable, net	3,836,554	3,461,016
Threshold period past due, nonperforming status of loans and leases	90 days
Commercial
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity	1,036,080	950,197
Commercial Real Estate
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity	1,707,060	1,529,683
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity	423,827	376,735
Loans covered under loss share agreement	0	543
Residential Real Estate
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity	380,341	349,349
Loans covered under loss share agreement	1,204	2,280
Consumer
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity	330,555	294,145
Loans covered under loss share agreement	0	612
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity	2,743,140	2,479,880
Loans covered under loss share agreement	$54	$2,314
Citizens Finance Co | Loans and Finance Receivables | Consumer
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	21.00%
Minimum | Residential Real Estate
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Length of loan agreements	10 years
Minimum | Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Length of loan agreements	1 year
Maximum | Residential Real Estate
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Length of loan agreements	30 years
Maximum | Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Loans and Leases [Line Items]
Length of loan agreements	5 years

Loans_and_Leases_Allowance_for

Loans and Leases (Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Reveivables) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending Balance Under ASC 310-10-35	$2,697	$6,717
Ending Balance Under ASC 450-20	38,752	34,968
Total	41,449	41,685	38,715	36,808
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 310-10-35	61,724	71,961
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 450-20	3,816,139	3,428,148
Total	3,877,863	3,500,109
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending Balance Under ASC 310-10-35	754	2,817
Ending Balance Under ASC 450-20	11,155	10,282
Total	11,909	13,099	11,388
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 310-10-35	4,526	14,644
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 450-20	1,031,554	935,553
Total	1,036,080	950,197
Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending Balance Under ASC 310-10-35	636	818
Ending Balance Under ASC 450-20	15,262	13,334
Total	15,898	14,152	14,473
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 310-10-35	35,771	28,299
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 450-20	1,671,289	1,501,384
Total	1,707,060	1,529,683
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending Balance Under ASC 310-10-35	52	756
Ending Balance Under ASC 450-20	3,243	2,236
Total	3,295	2,992	2,138
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 310-10-35	5,049	16,667
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 450-20	418,778	360,068
Total	423,827	376,735
Residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending Balance Under ASC 310-10-35	442	605
Ending Balance Under ASC 450-20	3,299	3,115
Total	3,741	3,720	3,543
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 310-10-35	10,235	7,214
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 450-20	370,106	342,135
Total	380,341	349,349
Consumer
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending Balance Under ASC 310-10-35	813	1,721
Ending Balance Under ASC 450-20	5,793	6,001
Total	6,606	7,722	7,173
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 310-10-35	6,143	5,137
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment Under ASC 450-20	324,412	289,008
Total	$330,555	$294,145

Loans_and_Leases_Financing_Rec

Loans and Leases (Financing Receivables, Non accrual Status) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Nonaccrual loans	$24,205	$29,313
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans	865	13,081
Total nonaccrual loans	25,070	42,394
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more	0	24
Performing troubled debt restructured loans	$12,133	$19,353

Loans_and_Leases_Troubled_Debt

Loans and Leases (Troubled Debt Restructured Loans) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Troubled debt restructured loans	$13,000,000	$32,500,000
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans	865,000	13,081,000
Performing troubled debt restructured loans	$12,133,000	$19,353,000

Loans_and_Leases_Troubled_Debt1

Loans and Leases (Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	loans	loans	loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans		9	22
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		$4,471	$25,008
Post-Modification Recorded Investment		4,471	25,008
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans		0	4
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		0	17,934
Post-Modification Recorded Investment		0	17,934
Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans	4	2	5
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	1,600	357	1,797
Post-Modification Recorded Investment		357	1,797
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans		2	9
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		357	19,731
Post-Modification Recorded Investment		357	19,731
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans		2	8
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		3,357	4,349
Post-Modification Recorded Investment		3,357	4,349
Residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans		5	4
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		757	762
Post-Modification Recorded Investment		757	762
Consumer
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans		0	1
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		0	166
Post-Modification Recorded Investment		$0	$166

Loans_and_Leases_Troubled_Debt2

Loans and Leases (Troubled Debt Restructured Loans with Payment Default) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		loans	loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans With Payment Defaults		1	6
Recorded Investment With Payment Defaults		$55	$12,243
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans With Payment Defaults		0	3
Recorded Investment With Payment Defaults	61	0	11,598
Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans With Payment Defaults		1	1
Recorded Investment With Payment Defaults	480	55	480
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans With Payment Defaults		1	4
Recorded Investment With Payment Defaults		55	12,078
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans With Payment Defaults		0	0
Recorded Investment With Payment Defaults		0	0
Residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans With Payment Defaults		0	2
Recorded Investment With Payment Defaults		0	165
Consumer
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans With Payment Defaults		0	0
Recorded Investment With Payment Defaults		$0	$0

Loans_and_Leases_Loans_and_Lea1

Loans and Leases (Loans and Leases Not Covered by Share Agreements (Credit Quality Indicator)) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	loans	loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Number of loans classified as doubtful	0
Number of loans classified as loss	0
Loans and leases receivable	$3,877,863,000	$3,500,109,000
Number of loans classified as doubtful on nonaccrual status		1
Loans delinquent 30-89 days as a percentage of total loans	0.21%	0.30%
Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	3,592,750,000	3,215,775,000
Nonpass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	285,113,000	284,334,000
Nonimpaired Purchased Loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Doubtful loan, specific reserve		2,200,000
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	1,036,080,000	950,197,000
Commercial | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	939,717,000	871,825,000
Commercial | Nonpass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	96,363,000	78,372,000
Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	1,707,060,000	1,529,683,000
Commercial Real Estate | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	1,567,711,000	1,390,820,000
Commercial Real Estate | Nonpass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	139,349,000	138,863,000
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	2,743,140,000	2,479,880,000
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	2,507,428,000	2,262,645,000
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate | Nonpass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	235,712,000	217,235,000
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	423,827,000	376,735,000
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	402,883,000	335,821,000
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate | Nonpass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	20,944,000	40,914,000
Residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	380,341,000	349,349,000
Residential Real Estate | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	361,325,000	333,161,000
Residential Real Estate | Nonpass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	19,016,000	16,188,000
Consumer
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	330,555,000	294,145,000
Consumer | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	321,114,000	284,148,000
Consumer | Nonpass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable	$9,441,000	$9,997,000

Loans_and_Leases_Loans_and_Lea2

Loans and Leases (Loans and Leases Not Covered by Share Agreements (Percentage)) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Nonpass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Percent of nonaccrual loans	9.00%	15.00%
Special Mention
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Percent of loans	66.00%	59.00%
Substandard
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Percent of loans	34.00%	38.00%
Doubtful
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Percent of loans		3.00%

Loans_and_Leases_Loans_and_Lea3

Loans and Leases (Loans and Leases Not Covered by Share Agreements (Past Due Financing Receivables)) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	$6,306	$8,380
60-89 Days Past Due	2,020	2,085
90 Days or More Past Due	0	24
Total Past Due	8,326	10,489
Current	3,844,467	3,447,226
Nonaccrual	25,070	42,394
Total	3,877,863	3,500,109
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	980	697
60-89 Days Past Due	48	741
90 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	1,028	1,438
Current	1,032,707	935,508
Nonaccrual	2,345	13,251
Total	1,036,080	950,197
Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	1,788	3,042
60-89 Days Past Due	111	199
90 Days or More Past Due	0	24
Total Past Due	1,899	3,265
Current	1,693,554	1,511,618
Nonaccrual	11,607	14,800
Total	1,707,060	1,529,683
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	2,768	3,739
60-89 Days Past Due	159	940
90 Days or More Past Due	0	24
Total Past Due	2,927	4,703
Current	2,726,261	2,447,126
Nonaccrual	13,952	28,051
Total	2,743,140	2,479,880
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	119	818
60-89 Days Past Due	50	0
90 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	169	818
Current	422,219	369,907
Nonaccrual	1,439	6,010
Total	423,827	376,735
Residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	1,037	1,199
60-89 Days Past Due	445	56
90 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	1,482	1,255
Current	371,982	342,735
Nonaccrual	6,877	5,359
Total	380,341	349,349
Consumer
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	2,382	2,624
60-89 Days Past Due	1,366	1,089
90 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	3,748	3,713
Current	324,005	287,458
Nonaccrual	2,802	2,974
Total	$330,555	$294,145

Loans_and_Leases_Impaired_Loan

Loans and Leases (Impaired Loans Not Covered by Loss Share Agreements) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Loans with a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	$16,664	$36,828
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	53,132	42,400
Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Unpaid Contractual Balance	69,796	79,228
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	16,462	36,573
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	45,262	35,388
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Loan Balance	61,724	71,961
Related Allowance Recorded	2,697	6,717
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	22,942	27,235
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	39,466	50,768
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	62,408	78,003
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	457	787
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	1,523	933
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	1,980	1,720
Commercial
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Loans with a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	780	7,901
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	4,913	7,724
Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Unpaid Contractual Balance	5,693	15,625
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	780	7,901
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	3,746	6,743
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Loan Balance	4,526	14,644
Related Allowance Recorded	754	2,817
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	5,594	5,343
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	3,499	9,394
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	9,093	14,737
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	19	38
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	101	89
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	120	127
Commercial Real Estate
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Loans with a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	7,356	9,164
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	32,708	24,830
Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Unpaid Contractual Balance	40,064	33,994
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	7,322	8,909
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	28,449	19,390
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Loan Balance	35,771	28,299
Related Allowance Recorded	636	818
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	5,931	7,686
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	24,522	25,676
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	30,453	33,362
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	303	282
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	1,172	538
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	1,475	820
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Loans with a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	8,136	17,065
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	37,621	32,554
Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Unpaid Contractual Balance	45,757	49,619
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	8,102	16,810
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	32,195	26,133
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Loan Balance	40,297	42,943
Related Allowance Recorded	1,390	3,635
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	11,525	13,029
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	28,021	35,070
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	39,546	48,099
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	322	320
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	1,273	627
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	1,595	947
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Loans with a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	3,317	13,818
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	3,961	2,849
Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Unpaid Contractual Balance	7,278	16,667
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	3,317	13,818
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	1,732	2,849
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Loan Balance	5,049	16,667
Related Allowance Recorded	52	756
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	3,966	7,537
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	3,308	9,985
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	7,274	17,522
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	104	354
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	13	189
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	117	543
Residential Real Estate
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Loans with a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	2,412	2,460
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	8,200	5,345
Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Unpaid Contractual Balance	10,612	7,805
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	2,244	2,460
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	7,991	4,754
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Loan Balance	10,235	7,214
Related Allowance Recorded	442	605
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	3,398	3,179
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	6,267	4,198
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	9,665	7,377
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	12	13
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	110	80
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	122	93
Consumer
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Loans with a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	2,799	3,485
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Unpaid Contractual Balance	3,350	1,652
Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Unpaid Contractual Balance	6,149	5,137
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	2,799	3,485
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Loan Balance	3,344	1,652
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Loan Balance	6,143	5,137
Related Allowance Recorded	813	1,721
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	4,053	3,490
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	1,870	1,515
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Avg. Loan Balance	5,923	5,005
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method [Abstract]
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	19	100
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	127	37
Totals Impaired Loans Held to Maturity, Year-to-Date Interest Income Recognized	$146	$137

Loans_and_Leases_Troubled_Debt3

Loans and Leases (Troubled Debt in Text) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 02, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013
	agreements
Galena State Bank & Trust Co.
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of loss share agreements	2
Shared loss arrangement, maximum covered assets	$10,000,000
Galena State Bank & Trust Co. | Residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loss sharing agreement, term	10 years
Galena State Bank & Trust Co. | Losses | Non-residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loss sharing agreement, term	5 years
Galena State Bank & Trust Co. | Recoveries | Non-residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loss sharing agreement, term	8 years
Elizabeth State Bank
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Contractually required payments of loans acquired		42,700,000
Estimated fair value of loans acquired		37,800,000
Elizabeth State Bank | Impaired Purchased Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Contractually required payments of loans acquired		13,800,000
Estimated fair value of loans acquired		9,000,000
Allowance for loan and lease losses related to ASC 310-30 loans	0		0
Elizabeth State Bank | Nonimpaired Purchased Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Contractually required payments of loans acquired		28,900,000
Estimated fair value of loans acquired		$28,700,000

Loans_and_Leases_Carrying_Amou

Loans and Leases (Carrying Amount Loans Covered by Loss Share Agreements) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Loans covered by loss share agreement (carrying amount) [Line Items]
Impaired Purchased Loans	$305	$1,087
Non Impaired Purchased Loans	953	4,662
Total Covered Loans	1,258	5,749
Commercial and Commercial Real Estate
Loans covered by loss share agreement (carrying amount) [Line Items]
Impaired Purchased Loans	0	549
Non Impaired Purchased Loans	54	1,765
Total Covered Loans	54	2,314
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Loans covered by loss share agreement (carrying amount) [Line Items]
Impaired Purchased Loans	0	0
Non Impaired Purchased Loans	0	543
Total Covered Loans	0	543
Residential Real Estate
Loans covered by loss share agreement (carrying amount) [Line Items]
Impaired Purchased Loans	305	0
Non Impaired Purchased Loans	899	2,280
Total Covered Loans	1,204	2,280
Consumer Loans
Loans covered by loss share agreement (carrying amount) [Line Items]
Impaired Purchased Loans	0	538
Non Impaired Purchased Loans	0	74
Total Covered Loans	$0	$612

Loans_and_Leases_Loans_and_Lea4

Loans and Leases (Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties Roll Forward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$113,604	$97,611
Advances	84,348	85,058
Repayments	-62,353	-69,065
Balance at end of year	$135,599	$113,604

Allowance_for_Loan_and_Lease_L2

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year				$41,685				$38,715	$41,685	$38,715	$36,808
Provision for loan and lease losses	2,866	2,553	2,751	6,331	2,049	5,149	1,862	637	14,501	9,697	8,202
Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged-off									3,990	4,820	8,209
Loans and leases charged-off									-18,727	-11,547	-14,504
Balance at end of year	41,449				41,685				41,449	41,685	38,715
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year				13,099				11,388	13,099	11,388
Provision for loan and lease losses									6,806	3,152
Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged-off									753	1,019
Loans and leases charged-off									-8,749	-2,460
Balance at end of year	11,909				13,099				11,909	13,099
Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year				14,152				14,473	14,152	14,473
Provision for loan and lease losses									2,345	552
Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged-off									2,290	2,378
Loans and leases charged-off									-2,889	-3,251
Balance at end of year	15,898				14,152				15,898	14,152
Agricultural
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year				2,992				2,138	2,992	2,138
Provision for loan and lease losses									2,543	767
Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged-off									11	110
Loans and leases charged-off									-2,251	-23
Balance at end of year	3,295				2,992				3,295	2,992
Residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year				3,720				3,543	3,720	3,543
Provision for loan and lease losses									215	1,055
Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged-off									148	158
Loans and leases charged-off									-342	-1,036
Balance at end of year	3,741				3,720				3,741	3,720
Consumer
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year				7,722				7,173	7,722	7,173
Provision for loan and lease losses									2,592	4,171
Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged-off									788	1,155
Loans and leases charged-off									-4,496	-4,777
Balance at end of year	$6,606				$7,722				$6,606	$7,722

Premises_Furniture_and_Equipme2

Premises, Furniture and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises, furniture and equipment, gross	$207,257,000	$206,124,000
Less accumulated depreciation	-76,544,000	-70,410,000
Premises, furniture and equipment, net	130,713,000	135,714,000
Depreciation expense	8,400,000	7,700,000	6,400,000
Land and Land Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises, furniture and equipment, gross	36,186,000	36,679,000
Building and Building Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises, furniture and equipment, gross	114,824,000	115,052,000
Furniture and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises, furniture and equipment, gross	$56,247,000	$54,393,000

Goodwill_Core_Deposit_Intangib2

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 18, 2013	Nov. 22, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill resulting from acquisition			$35,583,000	$35,583,000
Morrill
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill resulting from acquisition	4,956,000
Morrill | Core Deposits
Goodwill [Line Items]
Recognized intangibles	8,500,000
Intangibles amortization period	8 years
Freedom
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill resulting from acquisition		0
Freedom | Core Deposits
Goodwill [Line Items]
Recognized intangibles		$890,000
Intangibles amortization period		8 years

Goodwill_Core_Deposit_Intangib3

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles and Other Intangible Assets (Carrying Amount of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$60,071	$54,406
Accumulated Amortization	26,139	21,447
Net Carrying Amount	33,932	32,959
Core Deposit Intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	21,069	21,069
Accumulated Amortization	12,525	10,345
Net Carrying Amount	8,544	10,724
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	37,825	32,160
Accumulated Amortization	12,841	10,372
Net Carrying Amount	24,984	21,788
Customer Relationship Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,177	1,177
Accumulated Amortization	773	730
Net Carrying Amount	$404	$447

Goodwill_Core_Deposit_Intangib4

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles and Other Intangible Assets (Estimated Future Amortization Expense for Amortizable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$8,068
2016	6,970
2017	5,895
2018	4,840
2019	3,772
Thereafter	4,387
Core Deposit Intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	1,780
2016	1,575
2017	1,393
2018	1,232
2019	1,056
Thereafter	1,508
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	6,246
2016	5,354
2017	4,462
2018	3,569
2019	2,678
Thereafter	2,675
Customer Relationship Intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	42
2016	41
2017	40
2018	39
2019	38
Thereafter	$204

Goodwill_Core_Deposit_Intangib5

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles and Other Intangible Assets (Mortgage Loans Servicing) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation servicing rights in tranches [Line Items]
Mortgage loans serviced for others	$3,500,000,000	$3,050,000,000
Custodial escrow balances maintained	15,200,000	12,800,000
Fair value of mortgage servicing rights	34,219,000	31,965,000
Mortgage servicing rights, valuation allowance	0	0
Mortgage Servicing Rights 15-year Tranche
Valuation servicing rights in tranches [Line Items]
Servicing rights, term	15 years
Mortgage Servicing Rights 30-year Tranche
Valuation servicing rights in tranches [Line Items]
Servicing rights, term	30 years
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Valuation servicing rights in tranches [Line Items]
Prepayment rate	11.40%	9.65%
Discount rate	9.20%	10.15%
Fees collected for servicing of mortgage loans	$8,800,000	$6,900,000	$4,400,000
Minimum | Mortgage Servicing Rights
Valuation servicing rights in tranches [Line Items]
Capitalization rate	0.75%	0.79%
Maximum | Mortgage Servicing Rights
Valuation servicing rights in tranches [Line Items]
Capitalization rate	1.39%	1.39%

Goodwill_Core_Deposit_Intangib6

Goodwill, Core Deposit Intangibles and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Capitalized Mortgage Servicing Rights) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$21,788	$15,653
Originations	8,618	12,769
Amortization	-5,422	-7,314
Purchased MSR	0	184
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights	0	496	-477
Balance at end of period	24,984	21,788	15,653
Fair value of mortgage servicing rights	$34,219	$31,965
Mortgage servicing rights, net to servicing portfolio	0.71%	0.72%

Deposits_Details

Deposits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Time Deposits, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$425,049,000
2016	178,921,000
2017	84,628,000
2018	32,732,000
2019	48,747,000
Thereafter	15,259,000
Total	785,336,000	892,676,000
Time deposits, $100,000 or more	327,100,000	354,200,000
Interest Expense, Deposits [Abstract]
Savings and money market accounts	8,042,000	6,674,000	6,736,000
Time certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more	3,474,000	4,403,000	4,776,000
Other time deposits	6,638,000	8,891,000	10,718,000
Interest expense on deposits	$18,154,000	$19,968,000	$22,230,000

Shortterm_Borrowings_Shortterm

Short-term Borrowings (Short-term Borrowings) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$330,264	$408,756
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	240,214	234,659
Federal Funds Purchased
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	14,050	69,097
FHLB Advance
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$76,000	$105,000

Shortterm_Borrowings_Balances_

Short-term Borrowings (Balances and Rates) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum month-end balance	$420,494	$408,756	$298,662
Average month-end balance	$307,470	$274,352	$248,048
Weighted average interest rate for the year	0.28%	0.31%	0.32%
Weighted average interest rate at year-end	0.19%	0.19%	0.31%

Shortterm_Borrowings_Narrative

Short-term Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	credit_line	credit_line
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Number of credit lines	1	1
Borrowing capacity	$20,000,000	$20,000,000
Line of credit outstanding	0	0
Collateralized short-term borrowing under Discount Window Program	$73,000,000	$100,800,000
Retail Repurchase Agreements
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt term	12 months	12 months
Revolving Credit Facility
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Restrictive covenants, return on average assets, minimum	0.50%
Restrictive covenants, nonperforming assets to tier 1 capital and allowance for loan and lease losses	30.00%
Restrictive covenants, allowance for loan and lease losses to gross loans and leases, minimum	1.00%
Term Loan
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Restrictive covenants, return on average assets, minimum	0.50%
Restrictive covenants, nonperforming assets to tier 1 capital and allowance for loan and lease losses	30.00%
Restrictive covenants, allowance for loan and lease losses to gross loans and leases, minimum	1.00%

Other_Borrowings_Schedule_of_O

Other Borrowings (Schedule of Other Borrowings) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$396,255,000	$350,109,000
FHLB stock, required collateral	12,000,000	14,200,000
Additional collateral, aggregate fair value	1,480,000,000	1,320,000,000
FHLB borrowing capacity	426,600,000
Advances from the FHLB
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	109,830,000	113,453,000
Weighted average interest rate	2.35%	3.06%
Wholesale Repurchase Agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	45,000,000	60,000,000
Weighted average interest rate	3.62%	3.38%
Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	125,065,000	124,860,000
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	29,500,000	37,500,000
Notes Payable to Unaffiliated Bank
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	10,369,000	11,719,000
Contracts Payable for Purchase of Real Estate and Other Assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	2,541,000	2,577,000
Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$73,950,000	$0

Other_Borrowings_Repurchase_Ag

Other Borrowings (Repurchase Agreements) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$396,255,000		$350,109,000
Wholesale Repurchase Agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	45,000,000		60,000,000
Wholesale Repurchase Agreements | Citigroup Global Markets | Repurchase agreement, maturity date April 17, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	15,000,000
Interest rate	3.32%	[1]
Wholesale Repurchase Agreements | Citigroup Global Markets | Repurchase agreement, maturity date April 17, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	20,000,000
Interest rate	3.61%	[1],[2]
Interest rate cap	3.61%
Wholesale Repurchase Agreements | Barclays Capital
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$10,000,000
Interest rate	4.07%	[1]
[1]	Interest rates are fixed with the exception of the interest rate on the $20.0 million transaction with Citigroup Global Markets.
[2]	Interest rate resets quarterly on the 17th of January, April, July and October of each year until maturity. Embedded within the contract is a cap interest rate of

Other_Borrowings_Trust_Preferr

Other Borrowings (Trust Preferred Offerings) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
	subsidiary
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of wholly-owned trust subsidiaries that issue preferred securities	7
Long-term debt	$396,255,000		$350,109,000
Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred issuance costs	197,000
Long-term debt	125,065,000		124,860,000
Trust Preferred Securities | Tier 1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	125,100,000		124,900,000
Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative	6.00%
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust III | Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	20,619,000
Stated interest rate, percent	8.25%
Interest rate	8.25%	[1]
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV | Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	25,774,000
Basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate	2.99%	[1],[2]
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative	5.00%
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V | Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	20,619,000
Basis spread on variable rate	1.33%
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate	1.56%	[1],[3]
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative	4.69%
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI | Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	20,619,000
Stated interest rate, percent	6.75%
Interest rate	6.75%	[1],[4]
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative	1.48%
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII | Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	20,619,000
Basis spread on variable rate	1.48%
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate	1.72%	[1],[5]
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative	4.70%
Morrill Statutory Trust I | Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	8,618,000
Basis spread on variable rate	3.25%
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate	3.50%	[1],[6]
Morrill Statutory Trust I | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative	4.92%
Morrill Statutory Trust II | Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$8,197,000
Basis spread on variable rate	2.85%
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate	3.09%	[1],[7]
Morrill Statutory Trust II | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative	4.51%
Morrill
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of wholly-owned trust subsidiaries that issue preferred securities	2
[1]	Effective weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 6.00% due to interest rate swap transactionson the variable rate securities as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
[2]	Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 5.00% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed inNote 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
[3]	Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.69% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed inNote 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
[4]	Interest rate is fixed at 6.75% through June 15, 2017 then resets to 1.48% over LIBOR for the remainder of the term.
[5]	Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.70% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed inNote 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
[6]	Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.92% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
[7]	Effective interest rate as of December 31, 2014, was 4.51% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 12 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.

Other_Borrowings_Narrative_Det

Other Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 20, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 13, 2015	Dec. 17, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes		$29,500,000	$37,500,000
Long-term debt		396,255,000	350,109,000
Tier 1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subordinated notes qualified as Tier 2 capital		74,000,000
Bank One | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative	5.14%
Derivative maturity	5 years
Trust Preferred Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		125,065,000	124,860,000
Trust Preferred Securities | Tier 1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		125,100,000	124,900,000
Trust Preferred Securities | Subsequent Event | Tier 1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Early redemption fees				0
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate, percent		5.00%
Prepayment of senior notes		8,000,000
Long-term debt		29,500,000	37,500,000
Senior Notes | December 1, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity amount		14,500,000
Senior Notes | February 1, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity amount		5,000,000
Senior Notes | February 1, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity amount		5,000,000
Senior Notes | February 1, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity amount		5,000,000
Loans Payable | Bank One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	15,000,000
Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate, percent					5.75%
Long-term debt		73,950,000	0
Debt issued					75,000,000
Debt discount					1,100,000
Subordinated Notes | Other Assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance expense		$353,000

Other_Borrowings_Schedule_of_M

Other Borrowings (Schedule of Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$152,782
2016	19,548
2017	10,197
2018	5,147
2019	5,694
Thereafter	202,887
Total	$396,255	$350,109

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Cash Collateral on Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash pledged as collateral	$5,300	$5,400
Counterparties
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash pledged as collateral	$0	$540

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Estimated Cash Payments and Reclassification to Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	$2.20
Estimated amount to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense within the next twelve months	$2.30

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Executed Interest Rate Swap) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 20, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2009	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		transaction	transaction	transaction
Interest Rate Swap 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$15
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount		85
Number of interest rate swap transactions		5	3
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging | New Forward Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount				$16.80
Number of interest rate swap transactions				2

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments (Balance Sheet Category and Fair Values of Derivative Insturments (Cash Flow Hedges)) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Interest Rate Swap 1
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$10,369	$11,719
Receive Rate	2.92%	2.92%
Weighted Average Pay Rate	5.14%	5.14%
Interest Rate Swap 7
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	25,000
Receive Rate	0.24%
Weighted Average Pay Rate	2.26%
Interest Rate Swap 3
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	20,000	20,000
Receive Rate	0.23%	0.24%
Weighted Average Pay Rate	3.22%	3.22%
Interest Rate Swap 4
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	20,000	20,000
Receive Rate	0.23%	0.24%
Weighted Average Pay Rate	3.36%	3.36%
Interest Rate Swap 5
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	10,000
Receive Rate	0.26%
Weighted Average Pay Rate	1.67%
Interest Rate Swap 6
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	10,000
Receive Rate	0.24%
Weighted Average Pay Rate	1.66%
Interest Rate Swap 2
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount		25,000
Receive Rate		0.24%
Weighted Average Pay Rate		2.58%
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Swap 1
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	-248	-457
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Swap 7
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	-534
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Swap 3
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	-1,046	-1,507
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Swap 4
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	-1,748	-1,587
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Swap 5
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	-35
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Swap 6
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	-35
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Swap 2
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value		($146)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments (Gains (Losses) Recognized on Derivatives (Cash Flow Hedges)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Swap 1
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Recognized in OCI, Amount of Gain (Loss)	$209	$254
Interest Rate Swap 7
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Recognized in OCI, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-534
Interest Rate Swap 3
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Recognized in OCI, Amount of Gain (Loss)	461	679
Interest Rate Swap 4
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Recognized in OCI, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-161	1,433
Interest Rate Swap 5
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Recognized in OCI, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-35
Interest Rate Swap 6
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Recognized in OCI, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-35
Interest Rate Swap 8
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Recognized in OCI, Amount of Gain (Loss)	146
Interest Rate Swap 2
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Recognized in OCI, Amount of Gain (Loss)		562
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap 1
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-252	-276
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap 7
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-386
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap 3
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-604	-594
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap 4
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-632	-616
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap 5
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-110
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap 6
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-109
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap 8
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Amount of Gain (Loss)	-146
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap 2
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Effective Portion, Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Amount of Gain (Loss)		-583
Other Income | Interest Rate Swap 1
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Ineffective Portion, Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss)	0	0
Other Income | Interest Rate Swap 7
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Ineffective Portion, Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss)	0
Other Income | Interest Rate Swap 3
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Ineffective Portion, Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss)	0	0
Other Income | Interest Rate Swap 4
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Ineffective Portion, Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss)	0	0
Other Income | Interest Rate Swap 5
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Ineffective Portion, Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss)	0
Other Income | Interest Rate Swap 6
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Ineffective Portion, Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss)	0
Other Income | Interest Rate Swap 8
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Ineffective Portion, Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss)	0
Other Income | Interest Rate Swap 2
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Ineffective Portion, Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss)		$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen7

Derivative Financial Instruments (Balance Sheet Category and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Not Designated as Hedging Instruments)) (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$74,863	$63,370
Interest Rate Lock Commitments | Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,496	1,809
Forward Commitments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	88,484	117,637
Notional Amount	218,337	53,277
Forward Commitments | Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	275	1,206
Forward Commitments | Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	($1,619)	($133)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen8

Derivative Financial Instruments (Derivative Instruments Gains and Losses Recognized (Not Designated as Hedging Instruments)) (Details) (Gain on Sale of Loans Held for Sale, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Year-to-Date Gain (Loss) Recognized	$2,422	($10,518)
Forward Commitments
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Year-to-Date Gain (Loss) Recognized	($2,417)	$1,832

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal									$5,833	$5,025	$11,513
State									3,633	2,549	5,366
Total current									9,466	7,574	16,879
Deferred:
Federal									2,703	2,447	404
State									927	314	101
Total deferred									3,630	2,761	505
Income tax expense	$4,327	$2,916	$4,150	$1,703	$46	$1,492	$3,598	$5,199	$13,096	$10,335	$17,384

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Tax effect of net unrealized loss on securities available for sale reflected in stockholdersb equity	$0	$9,766
Tax effect of net unrealized loss on derivatives reflected in stockholdersb equity	1,162	1,270
Securities	35	1,257
Allowance for loan and lease losses	15,346	15,766
Deferred compensation	6,384	4,674
Organization and acquisitions costs	366	393
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,149	4,463
Non-accrual loan interest	691	830
OREO writedowns	1,106	1,781
Rehab tax credit projects	3,547	2,438
Mortgage repurchase obligation	330	882
Self-funded health plan	578	0
Other	183	778
Gross deferred tax assets	34,877	44,298
Valuation allowance	-6,333	-4,615
Total deferred tax assets	28,544	39,683
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax effect of net unrealized gain on securities available for sale reflected in stockholdersb equity	-2,427	0
Premises, furniture and equipment	-8,569	-8,660
Tax bad debt reserves	-21	-523
Purchase accounting	-5,787	-5,323
Prepaid expenses	-514	-621
Mortgage servicing rights	-10,355	-8,996
Deferred loan fees	-1,267	-75
Other	-375	-324
Gross deferred tax liabilities	-29,315	-24,522
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	($771)	$15,161

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal corporate tax rate									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Computed bexpectedb tax on net income									$19,249	$16,493	$23,511
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
Nontaxable interest income									-6,246	-5,622	-4,539
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit									2,964	1,861	3,099
Tax credits									-3,819	-1,696	-6,669
Valuation allowance									853	209	1,851
Other									95	-910	131
Income tax expense	$4,327	$2,916	$4,150	$1,703	$46	$1,492	$3,598	$5,199	$13,096	$10,335	$17,384
Effective tax rates									23.80%	21.90%	25.90%

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$779	$773
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	71	65
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	37	188
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	-181	-247
Balance at end of period	$706	$779

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards, amount	$124,000	$98,000	$222,000
AMT credit carryforward		467,000
Annual limitation on deferred tax asset	516,000
Deferred tax assets, state operating loss carryforwards	3,300,000	2,400,000
Valuation allowance	6,333,000	4,615,000
Tax credits	3,819,000	1,696,000	6,669,000
Investment in low-income housing	4,000,000	4,300,000	4,500,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	706,000	779,000	773,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties	101,000	96,000
Capital Loss Carryforward
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	3,400,000	2,400,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	59,900,000	41,600,000
State and Local Jurisdiction | Colorado | 2008 through 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax payment (refund)	104,000
State and Local Jurisdiction | Operating Loss Carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	3,100,000	2,200,000
FSI
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, federal operating loss carryforwards	1,800,000	2,000,000
FSI | Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,400,000	6,000,000
Low-income Housing
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Low income housing credit carryforward		212,000
Tax credits	755,000	798,000	798,000
Tax credits, expected utilization, 2016	581,000
Tax credits, expected utilization, 2017	581,000
Tax credits, expected utilization, 2018	581,000
Tax credits, expected utilization, 2019	581,000
Tax credits, expected utilization, 2020	241,000
Historic Rehabilitation Credit
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credits	$3,100,000	$898,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Cost recognized	$2.90	$2.60	$2.60
Employer matching contribution, percent	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Contributions by employer	$2.10	$1.90	$1.60

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$4,194,000
2016	4,060,000
2017	2,971,000
2018	2,354,000
2019	1,920,000
Thereafter	12,220,000
Total	27,719,000
Rent expense	5,500,000	4,400,000	2,800,000
Lease revenue	$503,000	$505,000	$496,000

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Commitments to Extend Credit) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Credit Commitments [Line Items]
Residential mortgage loans, repurchase obligation amount	$850,000	$2,300,000
Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Activities
Long-term Credit Commitments [Line Items]
Reserve for unfunded commitments	44,000	78,000
Commitments to Extend Credit
Long-term Credit Commitments [Line Items]
Commitments to extend credit, amount	1,420,000,000	1,140,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit
Long-term Credit Commitments [Line Items]
Commitments to extend credit, amount	$38,900,000	$39,700,000

Stockbased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 11, 2014	Jan. 22, 2013	Dec. 31, 2006
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Typical options expiration period after date of grant	10 years
Vested options, weighted average remaining contractual life	2 years 0 months 21 days
Intrinsic value for vested options	$926,000
Intrinsic value for the total of all options exercised	168,000
Fair value of shares under vested stock options and awards	0
Cash received from options exercised	491,000	1,900,000
Tax benefit from options exercised	124,000	98,000
Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs	442,000	127,000	90,000
Number of shares of stock awarded for services performed	31,725	13,100	5,200
Period One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, award vesting periods	3 years
Period Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, award vesting periods	4 years
Period Three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, award vesting periods	5 years
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, award service periods	5 years
Share-based compensation costs	0	10,000	157,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, award vesting periods	5 years
Share-based compensation costs	2,900,000	1,700,000	1,800,000
Equity instruments other than options, granted (in shares)				67,190	72,595
Award vesting, number of equal installments	3
Number of shares of stock awarded for services performed	131,560	126,685	149,002
Total fair value of shares vested during period	1,500,000
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments other than options, granted (in shares)				32,645	40,990
Long-Term Incentive Plan 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance (in shares)	388,874
Long-Term Incentive Plan 2012 | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based unrecognized compensation costs	2,500,000
2006 ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs	$32,000	$194,000	$151,000
Maximum number of shares issuable (in shares)						500,000
Stocks purchased under the plan (in shares)	21,679	23,239	42,879
2006 ESPP | Fair Market Value at Investment Date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase price of common stock, percent						95.00%

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-based Compensation (Summary of Stock Options Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	261,936	377,907	570,762
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Exercised (in shares)	-24,334	-96,921	-172,521
Forfeited (in shares)	-21,751	-19,050	-20,334
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	215,851	261,936	377,907
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares)	215,851	261,936	333,024
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$23.60	$22.62	$21.06
Granted (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$20.20	$19.73	$17.39
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$24.97	$23.79	$23.42
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$23.85	$23.60	$22.62
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	$23.85	$23.60	$23.16

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-based Compensation (Summary of RSUs Activity) (Details) (RSUs, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
RSUs
Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	353,070	348,897	211,279
Granted (in shares)	131,560	126,685	149,002
Vested (in shares)	-73,554	-43,388	0
Forfeited (in shares)	-14,521	-79,124	-11,384
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	396,555	353,070	348,897
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period (in usd per share)	$18.48	$15.75	$15.79
Granted (in usd per share)	$26.71	$26.92	$16.36
Vested (in usd per share)	$16.65	$17	$0
Forfeited (in usd per share)	$20.48	$20.79	$16.03
Outstanding at end of period (in usd per share)	$21.48	$18.48	$15.75

Stockholder_Rights_Plan_Detail

Stockholder Rights Plan (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 17, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2002
	votes
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Original Rights Agreement, extended term	10 years
Number of preferred stock that can be purchased per right	0.001
Preferred stock, dividend rate (in usd per share)	$1
Dividends, preferred stock, common share equivalents per share	1,000
Liquidation value per share (in usd per share)	$1,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share of common stock	1,000
Preferred stock, number of voting rights	1,000
Distribution date	10 days
Common stock shares, market value as a percentage of purchase price	2
Minimum
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Beneficial ownership, percentage	15.00%
Series A Preferred Stock
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$1	$1	$1	$1
Preferred stock, redemption price (in usd per share)	$70,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized		16,000	16,000	16,000
Preferred stock, shares issued		0	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	0

Capital_Issuance_and_Redemptio1

Capital Issuance and Redemption (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 09, 2013	Jan. 17, 2012
	director
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Liquidation value per share (in usd per share)						$1,000
Tier 1 Capital			578,564,000	$537,964,000
Shelf registration, maximum offering					75,000,000
Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tier 1 Capital	247,700,000
Series C Preferred Stock | Minimum Outstanding Aggregate Liquidation Amount Has Been Met
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of directors that can be designated to the Board	2
Series C Preferred Stock | Right to Appoint a Representative as an Observer on the Board
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of dividend payments missed	5
Series C Preferred Stock | Right to Designate Two Directors to the Board | Minimum Outstanding Aggregate Liquidation Amount Has Been Met
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of dividend payments missed	6
Series C Preferred Stock | Minimum | Minimum Outstanding Aggregate Liquidation Amount Has Been Met
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference, value	25,000,000
Series C Preferred Stock | Issuance Date through September 30, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate	5.00%
Series C Preferred Stock | First Quarter of 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate		2.00%
Series C Preferred Stock | Through March 15, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate			1.00%
Series C Preferred Stock | March 16, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate			9.00%
Series C Preferred Stock | Secretary of the Treasury
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued	81,698
Liquidation value per share (in usd per share)	1,000
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	81,700,000	81,700,000

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement2

Regulatory Capital Requirements and Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	$703,032,000	$599,038,000
Actual - Ratio	15.73%	14.69%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	357,513,000	326,252,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	578,564,000	537,964,000
Actual - Ratio	12.95%	13.19%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	178,757,000	163,126,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	578,564,000	537,964,000
Actual - Ratio	9.75%	9.67%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	237,316,000	222,432,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Minimum Capital Requirement
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Retained earnings available for dividend payments	205,000,000
Capital Requirement to Remain Well Capitalized
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Retained earnings available for dividend payments	117,900,000
Dubuque Bank and Trust Company
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	145,587,000	141,184,000
Actual - Ratio	11.92%	12.30%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	97,676,000	91,854,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	122,094,000	114,818,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	136,178,000	130,859,000
Actual - Ratio	11.15%	11.40%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	48,838,000	45,927,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	73,257,000	68,891,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	136,178,000	130,859,000
Actual - Ratio	9.50%	8.77%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	57,359,000	59,717,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	71,699,000	74,646,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Galena State Bank & Trust Co.
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	27,644,000	27,398,000
Actual - Ratio	13.39%	13.42%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	16,517,000	16,328,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	20,646,000	20,410,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	26,111,000	25,478,000
Actual - Ratio	12.65%	12.48%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	8,258,000	8,164,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	12,387,000	12,246,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	26,111,000	25,478,000
Actual - Ratio	8.97%	8.65%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	11,648,000	11,787,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	14,560,000	14,734,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Illinois Bank & Trust
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	42,937,000	36,324,000
Actual - Ratio	13.80%	14.79%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	24,891,000	19,654,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	31,113,000	24,568,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	39,721,000	33,252,000
Actual - Ratio	12.77%	13.53%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	12,445,000	9,827,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	18,668,000	14,741,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	39,721,000	33,252,000
Actual - Ratio	8.02%	7.42%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	19,820,000	17,926,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	24,775,000	22,407,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Wisconsin Bank & Trust
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	62,780,000	59,747,000
Actual - Ratio	12.71%	13.08%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	39,522,000	36,556,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	49,403,000	45,696,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	57,551,000	54,885,000
Actual - Ratio	11.65%	12.01%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	19,761,000	18,278,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	29,642,000	27,417,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	57,551,000	54,885,000
Actual - Ratio	8.85%	8.76%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	26,018,000	25,070,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	32,523,000	31,337,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
New Mexico Bank & Trust
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	97,742,000	96,816,000
Actual - Ratio	13.04%	14.82%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	59,953,000	52,254,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	74,941,000	65,317,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	90,870,000	89,601,000
Actual - Ratio	12.13%	13.72%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	29,977,000	26,127,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	44,965,000	39,190,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	90,870,000	89,601,000
Actual - Ratio	8.22%	8.84%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	44,232,000	40,530,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	55,290,000	50,663,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Arizona Bank & Trust
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	51,287,000	47,335,000
Actual - Ratio	14.57%	14.59%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	28,151,000	25,960,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	35,189,000	32,451,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	48,009,000	43,269,000
Actual - Ratio	13.64%	13.33%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	14,076,000	12,980,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	21,114,000	19,470,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	48,009,000	43,269,000
Actual - Ratio	10.25%	10.33%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	18,737,000	16,757,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	23,421,000	20,947,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Rocky Mountain Bank
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	47,848,000	50,314,000
Actual - Ratio	12.78%	14.24%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	29,958,000	28,257,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	37,447,000	35,321,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	44,394,000	46,160,000
Actual - Ratio	11.86%	13.07%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	14,979,000	14,128,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	22,468,000	21,193,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	44,394,000	46,160,000
Actual - Ratio	9.53%	10.01%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	18,625,000	18,439,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	23,281,000	23,049,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Summit Bank & Trust
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	12,544,000	11,600,000
Actual - Ratio	11.80%	12.79%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	8,503,000	7,253,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	10,628,000	9,067,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	11,213,000	10,464,000
Actual - Ratio	10.55%	11.54%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	4,251,000	3,627,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	6,377,000	5,440,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	11,213,000	10,464,000
Actual - Ratio	8.44%	9.16%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	5,317,000	4,567,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	6,647,000	5,709,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Minnesota Bank & Trust
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	15,267,000	14,475,000
Actual - Ratio	12.43%	12.13%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	9,823,000	9,547,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	12,279,000	11,933,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	14,151,000	13,384,000
Actual - Ratio	11.53%	11.22%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	4,911,000	4,773,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	7,367,000	7,160,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	14,151,000	13,384,000
Actual - Ratio	8.90%	8.14%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	6,360,000	6,575,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	7,950,000	8,218,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	65,224,000	60,559,000
Actual - Ratio	12.02%	13.00%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	43,417,000	37,267,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Amount	54,271,000	46,583,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action - Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Actual - Amount	62,918,000	60,153,000
Actual - Ratio	11.59%	12.91%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	21,709,000	18,633,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	32,563,000	27,950,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Actual - Amount	62,918,000	60,153,000
Actual - Ratio	7.34%	7.38%
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Amount	34,269,000	32,624,000
For Capital Adequacy Purposes - Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Amount	$42,836,000	$40,780,000
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions - Ratio	5.00%	5.00%

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Measurem

Fair Value (Fair Value Measurement Recurring) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	$0	$1,801
Securities available for sale	1,401,868	1,633,902
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	1,801
Securities available for sale	2,529	4,084
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level 1 | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Level 1 | Forward Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Securities available for sale	1,394,392	1,626,520
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Derivative liabilities	3,646	3,697
Level 2 | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Level 2 | Forward Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	275	1,206
Derivative liabilities	1,619	133
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Securities available for sale	4,947	3,298
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level 3 | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	2,496	1,809
Level 3 | Forward Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	1,801
Total assets at fair value	1,404,639	1,638,718
Derivative liabilities	3,646	3,697
Total liabilities at fair value	5,265	3,830
Recurring Basis | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	2,496	1,809
Recurring Basis | Forward Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	275	1,206
Derivative liabilities	1,619	133
Recurring Basis | U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	24,093	218,303
Recurring Basis | Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	1,219,266	1,143,947
Recurring Basis | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	153,426	266,624
Recurring Basis | Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	5,083	5,028
Recurring Basis | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	1,801
Total assets at fair value	2,529	5,885
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Forward Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	2,529	4,084
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Total assets at fair value	1,394,667	1,627,726
Derivative liabilities	3,646	3,697
Total liabilities at fair value	5,265	3,830
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Forward Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	275	1,206
Derivative liabilities	1,619	133
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	21,564	214,219
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	1,214,319	1,140,649
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	153,426	266,624
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	5,083	5,028
Recurring Basis | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Total assets at fair value	7,443	5,107
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	2,496	1,809
Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Forward Commitments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 3 | U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	4,947	3,298
Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		$0

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Measurem1

Fair Value (Fair Value Measurement Non-recurring) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other real estate owned	$19,016	[1]	$29,852	[1]
Commercial | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	1,033	[1]	7,229	[1]
Commercial Real Estate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	12,584	[1]	7,749	[1]
Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	552	[1]	13,062	[1]
Residential Real Estate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	3,173	[1]	3,396	[1]
Consumer | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	2,003	[1]	1,763	[1]
Nonrecurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	19,345		33,199
Other real estate owned	19,016		29,852
Nonrecurring Basis | Losses
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	3,402		2,800
Other real estate owned	1,938		2,799
Nonrecurring Basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Other real estate owned	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Other real estate owned	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	19,345		33,199
Other real estate owned	19,016		29,852
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	1,033		7,229
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial | Losses
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	659		919
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	1,033		7,229
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial Real Estate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	12,584		7,749
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial Real Estate | Losses
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	492		1,881
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial Real Estate | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial Real Estate | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Commercial Real Estate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	12,584		7,749
Nonrecurring Basis | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	552		13,062
Nonrecurring Basis | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate | Losses
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	2,229		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	552		13,062
Nonrecurring Basis | Residential Real Estate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	3,173		3,396
Nonrecurring Basis | Residential Real Estate | Losses
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Residential Real Estate | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Residential Real Estate | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Residential Real Estate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	3,173		3,396
Nonrecurring Basis | Consumer
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	2,003		1,763
Nonrecurring Basis | Consumer | Losses
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	22		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Consumer | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Consumer | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	0		0
Nonrecurring Basis | Consumer | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	$2,003		$1,763
[1]	Third party appraisals are obtained as to the value of the underlying asset, but disclosure of this information would not provide meaningful information, as the range will vary widely from loan to loan. Types of discounts considered included age of the appraisal, local market conditions, current condition of the property, and estimated sales costs. These discounts will also vary from loan to loan, thus providing range would not be meaningful.

Fair_Value_Quantitative_Inform

Fair Value (Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$1,401,868		$1,633,902
Level 3
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	4,947		3,298
Derivative financial instruments	0		0
Other real estate owned	19,016	[1]	29,852	[1]
Level 3 | Commercial
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	1,033	[1]	7,229	[1]
Level 3 | Commercial Real Estate
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	12,584	[1]	7,749	[1]
Level 3 | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	552	[1]	13,062	[1]
Level 3 | Residential Real Estate
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	3,173	[1]	3,396	[1]
Level 3 | Consumer
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Collateral dependent impaired loans	2,003	[1]	1,763	[1]
Level 3 | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	2,496	[2]	1,809	[3]
Closing ratio	84.00%		87.00%
Level 3 | Z-Tranche Securities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$4,947		$3,298
Level 3 | Z-Tranche Securities | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Actual defaults	24.50%		20.80%
Actual deferrals	12.90%		11.10%
Level 3 | Z-Tranche Securities | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Pretax discount rate	7.00%		7.00%
Actual defaults	15.60%		12.50%
Actual deferrals	7.20%		5.10%
Level 3 | Z-Tranche Securities | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Pretax discount rate	9.00%		9.00%
Actual defaults	30.60%		28.20%
Actual deferrals	17.30%		16.00%
[1]	Third party appraisals are obtained as to the value of the underlying asset, but disclosure of this information would not provide meaningful information, as the range will vary widely from loan to loan. Types of discounts considered included age of the appraisal, local market conditions, current condition of the property, and estimated sales costs. These discounts will also vary from loan to loan, thus providing range would not be meaningful.
[2]	The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the closing ratio, which represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position that management estimates will ultimately close. The closing ratio calculation takes into consideration historical data and loan-level data; therefore, providing a range would not be meaningful. The weighted average closing ratio at December 31, 2014 was 84%.
[3]	The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the closing ratio, which represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position that management estimates will ultimately close. The closing ratio calculation takes into consideration historical data and loan-level data; therefore, providing a range would not be meaningful. The weighted average closing ratio at December 31, 2013 was 87%.

Fair_Value_Changes_Level_3_Ass

Fair Value (Changes Level 3 Assets (Fair Value, Recurring)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$1,809	$9,353
Total gains (losses), net:
Included in earnings	2,422	-10,518
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
Issuances	2,038	9,821
Settlements	-3,773	-6,847
Balance at end of period	2,496	1,809
Z-Tranche Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	3,298	4,089
Total gains (losses), net:
Included in earnings	0	-1,587
Included in other comprehensive income	1,783	826
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements	-134	-30
Balance at end of period	$4,947	$3,298

Fair_Value_Estimated_Fair_Valu

Fair Value (Estimated Fair Value Financial Instruments (Including Carrying Amounts)) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets:
Trading	$0	$1,801
Available for sale	1,401,868	1,633,902
Held to maturity	296,768	237,437
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	73,871	125,270
Time deposits in other financial institutions	2,605	0
Trading	0	1,801
Available for sale	2,529	4,084
Held to maturity	0	0
Other investments	0	0
Loans held for sale	0	0
Loans, net	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Short term borrowings	0	0
Other borrowings	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Forward Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Demand Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Savings Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Time Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commercial
Financial assets:
Loans, net	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commercial Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Residential Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Consumer
Financial assets:
Loans, net	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Time deposits in other financial institutions	0	0
Trading	0	0
Available for sale	1,394,392	1,626,520
Held to maturity	296,768	237,437
Other investments	20,263	21,608
Loans held for sale	70,514	46,665
Loans, net	3,814,536	3,396,662
Derivatives	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Short term borrowings	330,264	408,756
Other borrowings	401,978	355,923
Derivatives	3,646	3,697
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Forward Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	275	1,206
Financial liabilities:
Derivatives	1,619	133
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Demand Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	1,295,193	1,238,581
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Savings Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	2,687,493	2,535,242
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Time Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	785,336	892,676
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commercial
Financial assets:
Loans, net	1,008,769	923,272
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commercial Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	1,687,138	1,505,024
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	423,416	365,024
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Residential Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	367,005	331,966
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Consumer
Financial assets:
Loans, net	328,208	271,376
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Time deposits in other financial institutions	0	0
Trading	0	0
Available for sale	4,947	3,298
Held to maturity	0	0
Other investments	235	235
Loans held for sale	0	0
Loans, net	19,345	33,199
Derivatives	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Short term borrowings	0	0
Other borrowings	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Forward Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	2,496	1,809
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Demand Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Savings Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Time Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commercial
Financial assets:
Loans, net	1,033	7,229
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commercial Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	12,584	7,749
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	552	13,062
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Residential Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	3,173	3,396
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Consumer
Financial assets:
Loans, net	2,003	1,763
Carrying Amount
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	73,871	125,270
Time deposits in other financial institutions	2,605	0
Trading	0	1,801
Available for sale	1,401,868	1,633,902
Held to maturity	284,587	237,498
Other investments	20,498	21,843
Loans held for sale	70,514	46,665
Loans, net	3,836,554	3,461,016
Derivatives	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Short term borrowings	330,264	408,756
Other borrowings	396,255	350,109
Derivatives	3,646	3,697
Carrying Amount | Forward Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	275	1,206
Financial liabilities:
Derivatives	1,619	133
Carrying Amount | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	2,496	1,809
Carrying Amount | Demand Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	1,295,193	1,238,581
Carrying Amount | Savings Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	2,687,493	2,535,242
Carrying Amount | Time Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	785,336	892,676
Carrying Amount | Commercial
Financial assets:
Loans, net	1,024,065	936,305
Carrying Amount | Commercial Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	1,690,899	1,516,352
Carrying Amount | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	420,623	374,203
Carrying Amount | Residential Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	377,094	347,266
Carrying Amount | Consumer
Financial assets:
Loans, net	323,873	286,890
Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	73,871	125,270
Time deposits in other financial institutions	2,605	0
Trading	0	1,801
Available for sale	1,401,868	1,633,902
Held to maturity	296,768	237,437
Other investments	20,498	21,843
Loans held for sale	70,514	46,665
Loans, net	3,833,881	3,429,861
Derivatives	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Short term borrowings	330,264	408,756
Other borrowings	401,978	355,923
Derivatives	3,646	3,697
Estimated Fair Value | Forward Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	275	1,206
Financial liabilities:
Derivatives	1,619	133
Estimated Fair Value | Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Financial assets:
Derivatives	2,496	1,809
Estimated Fair Value | Demand Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	1,295,193	1,238,581
Estimated Fair Value | Savings Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	2,687,493	2,535,242
Estimated Fair Value | Time Deposits
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	785,336	892,676
Estimated Fair Value | Commercial
Financial assets:
Loans, net	1,009,802	930,501
Estimated Fair Value | Commercial Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	1,699,722	1,512,773
Estimated Fair Value | Agricultural and Agricultural Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	423,968	378,086
Estimated Fair Value | Residential Real Estate
Financial assets:
Loans, net	370,178	335,362
Estimated Fair Value | Consumer
Financial assets:
Loans, net	$330,211	$273,139

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Interest Income	$52,171	$51,491	$50,799	$48,612	$46,357	$39,880	$38,924	$38,667	$203,073	$163,828	$150,156
Provision for loan losses	2,866	2,553	2,751	6,331	2,049	5,149	1,862	637	14,501	9,697	8,202
Total noninterest income	21,233	20,606	21,535	18,850	17,574	20,718	24,858	26,468	82,224	89,618	108,662
Total noninterest expense	53,948	54,655	54,659	52,538	53,901	47,147	48,766	46,747	215,800	196,561	183,381
Income (loss) before income taxes									54,996	47,188	67,235
Segment Assets	6,052,362				5,923,716				6,052,362	5,923,716	4,990,553
Average Loans									3,744,830	3,016,433	2,696,452
Community and Other Banking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Interest Income									200,394	161,452	147,903
Provision for loan losses									14,501	9,697	8,202
Total noninterest income									48,330	49,810	50,947
Total noninterest expense									172,392	150,767	142,646
Income (loss) before income taxes									61,831	50,798	48,002
Segment Assets	5,951,875				5,850,976				5,951,875	5,850,976	4,868,618
Average Loans									3,679,908	2,939,856	2,605,151
Mortgage Banking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Interest Income									2,679	2,376	2,253
Provision for loan losses									0	0	0
Total noninterest income									33,894	39,808	57,715
Total noninterest expense									43,408	45,794	40,735
Income (loss) before income taxes									-6,835	-3,610	19,233
Segment Assets	100,487				72,740				100,487	72,740	121,935
Average Loans									$64,922	$76,577	$91,301

Parent_Company_Only_Financial_2

Parent Company Only Financial Information (Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and interest bearing deposits	$73,871	$125,270	$168,054	$129,834
Trading securities	0	1,801
Securities available for sale	1,401,868	1,633,902
Other investments, at cost	20,498	21,843
Other assets	59,983	76,899
TOTAL ASSETS	6,052,362	5,923,716	4,990,553
Liabilities and stockholdersb equity:
Other borrowings	396,255	350,109
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	61,504	58,892
TOTAL LIABILITIES	5,556,045	5,484,256
Stockholdersb equity:
Common stock	18,511	18,399
Capital surplus	95,816	91,632
Retained earnings	298,764	265,067
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,528	-17,336
Treasury stock	0	0
TOTAL EQUITY	496,317	439,460	404,539	352,893
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	6,052,362	5,923,716
Parent
Assets:
Cash and interest bearing deposits	124,387	17,912	17,447	26,960
Trading securities	0	1,801
Securities available for sale	5,684	3,952
Other investments, at cost	235	235
Investment in subsidiaries	592,324	561,272
Other assets	19,272	33,407
Due from subsidiaries	6,000	6,000
TOTAL ASSETS	747,902	624,579
Liabilities and stockholdersb equity:
Other borrowings	238,941	174,153
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	12,644	10,966
TOTAL LIABILITIES	251,585	185,119
Stockholdersb equity:
Preferred stock	81,698	81,698
Common stock	18,511	18,399
Capital surplus	95,816	91,632
Retained earnings	298,764	265,067
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,528	-17,336
Treasury stock	0	0
TOTAL EQUITY	496,317	439,460
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$747,902	$624,579

Parent_Company_Only_Financial_3

Parent Company Only Financial Information (Income Statements) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating revenues:
Securities gains, net									$3,668	$7,121	$13,998
Operating expenses:
Interest									33,969	35,683	39,182
Salaries and benefits									129,843	118,224	105,727
Professional fees									18,241	17,532	15,338
Income (loss) before income taxes									54,996	47,188	67,235
Income tax benefit	-4,327	-2,916	-4,150	-1,703	-46	-1,492	-3,598	-5,199	-13,096	-10,335	-17,384
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND	12,263	11,973	10,774	6,890	7,935	6,810	9,556	12,488	41,900	36,789	49,792
Preferred dividends and discount	-204	-205	-204	-204	-204	-276	-205	-408	-817	-1,093	-3,400
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	12,059	11,768	10,570	6,686	7,731	6,534	9,351	12,080	41,083	35,696	46,392
Parent
Operating revenues:
Dividends from subsidiaries									47,485	47,750	42,800
Securities gains, net									0	2,316	0
Gain (loss) on trading account securities									-38	1,421	47
Other									640	726	664
Total operating revenues									48,087	52,213	43,511
Operating expenses:
Interest									10,052	9,206	9,133
Salaries and benefits									5,584	5,104	6,191
Professional fees									3,406	3,671	3,100
Other operating expenses									2,173	1,577	2,417
Total operating expenses									21,215	19,558	20,841
Equity in undistributed earnings (losses)									6,749	-1,275	19,739
Income (loss) before income taxes									33,621	31,380	42,409
Income tax benefit									8,279	5,409	7,383
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND									41,900	36,789	49,792
Preferred dividends and discount									-817	-1,093	-3,400
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS									$41,083	$35,696	$46,392

Parent_Company_Only_Financial_4

Parent Company Only Financial Information (Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$12,263	$11,973	$10,774	$6,890	$7,935	$6,810	$9,556	$12,488	$41,900	$36,789	$49,792
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Securities gains, net									-3,668	-7,121	-13,998
(Increase) decrease in trading account securities									1,801	-1,421	-47
Other, net									7,715	-666	10,117
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES									80,401	135,588	48,698
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of other securities									-11,856	-7,288	-851
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities									791,767	546,532	576,083
Proceeds from the sale of other investments									13,201	5,588	4,694
Net cash acquired in acquisitions									0	49,665	61,778
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES									-193,672	-323,957	-349,713
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from other borrowings									78,950	5,160	11,700
Repayments of other borrowings									-32,804	-66,885	-6,806
Cash dividends paid									-8,203	-8,001	-11,695
Purchase of treasury stock									-899	-2,102	-2,937
Proceeds from issuance of common stock									1,673	4,265	9,557
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES									61,872	145,585	339,235
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									-51,399	-42,784	38,220
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				125,270				168,054	125,270	168,054	129,834
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	73,871				125,270				73,871	125,270	168,054
Supplemental disclosure:
Stock consideration granted for acquisition									0	38,755	0
Parent
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income									41,900	36,789	49,792
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Undistributed (earnings) losses of subsidiaries									-6,749	1,275	-19,739
Securities gains, net									0	-2,316	0
(Increase) decrease in due from subsidiaries									0	1,000	-4,250
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities									1,678	-6,125	4,448
(Increase) decrease in other assets									14,135	-4,104	-7,163
(Increase) decrease in trading account securities									1,801	-1,421	-47
Other, net									3,086	4,089	1,776
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES									55,851	29,187	24,817
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital contributions to subsidiaries									-6,735	-69,429	-32,841
Purchases of other securities									0	0	-195
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities									0	2,925	0
Proceeds from the sale of other investments									0	0	155
Net cash acquired in acquisitions									0	44,697	0
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES									-6,735	-21,807	-32,881
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from other borrowings									73,950	80	10,000
Repayments of other borrowings									-9,162	-1,255	-6,374
Cash dividends paid									-8,203	-8,001	-11,695
Purchase of treasury stock									-899	-2,004	-2,937
Proceeds from issuance of common stock									1,673	4,265	9,557
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES									57,359	-6,915	-1,449
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									106,475	465	-9,513
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				17,912				17,447	17,912	17,447	26,960
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	124,387				17,912				124,387	17,912	17,447
Supplemental disclosure:
Stock consideration granted for acquisition									$0	$38,755	$0

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial2

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net interest income	$52,171	$51,491	$50,799	$48,612	$46,357	$39,880	$38,924	$38,667	$203,073	$163,828	$150,156
Provision for loan and lease losses	2,866	2,553	2,751	6,331	2,049	5,149	1,862	637	14,501	9,697	8,202
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES	49,305	48,938	48,048	42,281	44,308	34,731	37,062	38,030	188,572	154,131	141,954
Noninterest income	21,233	20,606	21,535	18,850	17,574	20,718	24,858	26,468	82,224	89,618	108,662
Noninterest expense	53,948	54,655	54,659	52,538	53,901	47,147	48,766	46,747	215,800	196,561	183,381
Income taxes (includes $533 and $1,884 of income tax expense reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively)	4,327	2,916	4,150	1,703	46	1,492	3,598	5,199	13,096	10,335	17,384
NET INCOME	12,263	11,973	10,774	6,890	7,935	6,810	9,556	12,552	41,900	36,853	49,851
Net income available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-64	0	-64	-59
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND	12,263	11,973	10,774	6,890	7,935	6,810	9,556	12,488	41,900	36,789	49,792
Preferred stock dividends and discount	-204	-205	-204	-204	-204	-276	-205	-408	-817	-1,093	-3,400
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$12,059	$11,768	$10,570	$6,686	$7,731	$6,534	$9,351	$12,080	$41,083	$35,696	$46,392
Earnings per common share b basic (in dollars per share)	$0.65	$0.64	$0.57	$0.36	$0.43	$0.39	$0.55	$0.72	$2.23	$2.08	$2.81
Earnings per common share b diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.64	$0.63	$0.56	$0.36	$0.42	$0.38	$0.54	$0.70	$2.19	$2.04	$2.77
Cash dividends per share common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.40	$0.40	$0.50
Book value per common share (in dollars per share)	$22.40	$21.74	$21.16	$20.36	$19.44	$18.58	$18.51	$19.54
Weighted average common shares outstanding	18,482,059	18,468,762	18,458,113	18,437,253	18,096,345	16,935,581	16,907,405	16,851,672	18,462,000	17,199,000	16,518,000
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	18,762,272	18,752,748	18,746,735	18,724,936	18,360,470	17,221,154	17,203,924	17,187,180	18,742,000	17,460,000	16,769,000