PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Expense:
Interest	$ 24,104	$ 29,611	$ 43,638
(Loss) income from continuing operations, before benefit for income taxes	(67,801)	34,663	(45,360)
Benefit for income taxes	(288,501)	(139)	(10,654)
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	241,744	26,278	(41,150)
Parent Company [Member]
Income:
Management fees from subsidiaries	23	3	28
Net loss on derivative instruments	0	(43)	(194)
Other	458	578	509
Total income	481	538	343
Expense:
Interest	15,054	14,847	13,623
Other	933	1,506	(374)
Total expense	15,987	16,353	13,249
(Loss) income from continuing operations, before benefit for income taxes	(15,506)	(15,815)	(12,906)
Benefit for income taxes	(38,841)	(348)	(46)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	23,335	(15,467)	(12,860)
Equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	218,409	41,745	(28,290)
Net income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$ 241,744	$ 26,278	$ (41,150)