EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income from continuing operations attributable to First Banks, Inc.	$ 5,405	$ 8,774
Preferred stock dividends declared	0	(4,881)
Accretion of discount on preferred stock	0	(898)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	5,405	2,995
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	0	(2,064)
Net income available to common stockholders	5,405	931
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	23,661	23,661
Basic earnings per common share - continuing operations	$ 228.43	$ 126.59
Basic loss per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (87.24)
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 228.43	$ 39.35
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	5,405	2,995
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	0	(2,064)
Net Income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	5,405	931
Effect of dilutive Securities - Class A convertible preferred stock	0	0
Diluted income available to First Banks, Inc. common stockholders	$ 5,405	$ 931
Effect of dilutive securities – Class A convertible preferred stock	4,421	0
Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	28,082	23,661
Diluted earnings per common share - continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 192.46	$ 126.59
Diluted loss per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (87.24)
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 192.46	$ 39.35