CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ 7,123	$ (17,976)	$ 13,961	$ (24,059)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax	5,152	21,016	11,870	23,380
Reclassification adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities losses (gains) included in net income (loss), net of tax	3	(384)	(336)	(719)
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on investment securities	2,776	11,109	6,211	12,202
Amortization of net loss related to pension liability, net of tax	21	17	42	32
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on pension liability	16	12	31	23
Other comprehensive income	7,968	31,770	17,818	34,918
Comprehensive income	15,091	13,794	31,779	10,859
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(385)	(927)	(445)	(862)
Comprehensive income attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$ 15,476	$ 14,721	$ 32,224	$ 11,721