CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ 8,689	$ (2,742)	$ 22,650	$ (26,801)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax	2,740	5,644	14,610	29,024
Reclassification adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities gains included in net income (loss), net of tax	(422)	(2,708)	(758)	(3,427)
Amortization of net unrealized gain on securities transferred to held to maturity, net of tax	(474)	0	(474)	0
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on investment securities	7,086	(10,002)	13,297	2,200
Amortization of net loss related to pension liability, net of tax	21	15	63	47
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on pension liability	15	12	46	35
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,966	(7,039)	26,784	27,879
Comprehensive income (loss)	17,655	(9,781)	49,434	1,078
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	216	(668)	(229)	(1,530)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$ 17,439	$ (9,113)	$ 49,663	$ 2,608