| Cover | Nov. 30, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 30, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Heartland Financial USA, Inc. |
| Entity File Number | 001-15393 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 42-1405748 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1398 Central Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dubuque, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 52001 |
| City Area Code | 563 |
| Local Phone Number | 589-2100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share |
| Trading Symbol | HTLF |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000920112 |
