CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income (loss)	$ 25,981	$ (44,100)	$ (198,251)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax	17,420	22,676	4,764
Reclassification adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities gains included in net income (loss), net of tax	(758)	(3,461)	(5,378)
Amortization of net unrealized gain associated with reclassification of available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities, net of tax	(913)	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on investment securities	15,014	(119)	(331)
Change in unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net of tax	0	0	(3,734)
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on derivative instruments	0	0	4,806
Amortization of net loss related to pension liability, net of tax	(911)	(413)	(4)
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on pension liability	(659)	(299)	23
Other comprehensive income	29,193	18,384	146
Comprehensive income (loss)	55,174	(25,716)	(198,105)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	(297)	(2,950)	(6,514)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$ 55,471	$ (22,766)	$ (191,591)