CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ 241,923	$ 25,981	$ (44,100)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax	(23,486)	17,420	22,676
Reclassification adjustment for available-for-sale investment securities gains included in net income (loss), net of tax	(246)	(758)	(3,461)
Amortization of net unrealized gain associated with reclassification of available-for-sale investment securities to held-to-maturity investment securities, net of tax	(1,303)	(913)	0
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on investment securities	(15,033)	15,014	(119)
Amortization of net loss related to pension liability, net of tax	895	(911)	(413)
Reclassification adjustment for deferred tax asset valuation allowance on pension liability	1,416	(659)	(299)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(37,757)	29,193	18,384
Comprehensive income (loss)	204,166	55,174	(25,716)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	179	(297)	(2,950)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$ 203,987	$ 55,471	$ (22,766)