Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	May 05, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-34762
Entity Registrant Name	FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Entity Tax Identification Number	31-1042001
Entity Address, Address Line One	255 East Fifth Street, Suite 800
Entity Address, City or Town	Cincinnati,
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	45202
City Area Code	877
Local Phone Number	322-9530
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		97,281,532
Entity Central Index Key	0000708955
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
NASDAQ/NGS (GLOBAL SELECT MARKET) [Member]
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, No par value
Trading Symbol	FFBC
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ