General Litigation and Regulatory Examinations	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
General Litigation and Regulatory Examinations	GENERAL LITIGATION AND REGULATORY EXAMINATIONS On July 8, 2015, a purported shareholder of Ameriana Bancorp filed a putative class action lawsuit captioned Shiva Stein, individually and on behalf of other similarly situated vs. Ameriana Bancorp et al., Cause No. 49D10-1507-PL-022566 in Marion County, Indiana Superior Court 10 against Ameriana Bancorp, its board of directors and First Merchants Corporation. Plaintiff's complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty and/or aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty regarding the proposed merger of Ameriana into First Merchants. The plaintiff seeks (1) class certification, (2) to enjoin the merger, (3) compensatory damages in an unspecified amount, and (4) an accounting of unspecified damages, and costs, disbursements and professional fees. At this early stage of the litigation, it is not possible to assess the probability of a material adverse outcome or reasonably estimate any potential financial impact of the lawsuit on First Merchants. The defendants believe the claims against them are without merit and intend to contest the matter vigorously. The Corporation is also subject to other claims and lawsuits that arise primarily in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, the Corporation is subject to periodic examinations by various regulatory agencies. It is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate resolution of such claims, lawsuits, and examinations will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Corporation.

GENERAL LITIGATION AND REGULATORY EXAMINATIONS

On July 8, 2015, a purported shareholder of Ameriana Bancorp filed a putative class action lawsuit captioned Shiva Stein, individually and on behalf of other similarly situated vs. Ameriana Bancorp et al., Cause No. 49D10-1507-PL-022566 in Marion County, Indiana Superior Court 10 against Ameriana Bancorp, its board of directors and First Merchants Corporation. Plaintiff's complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty and/or aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty regarding the proposed merger of Ameriana into First Merchants. The plaintiff seeks (1) class certification, (2) to enjoin the merger, (3) compensatory damages in an unspecified amount, and (4) an accounting of unspecified damages, and costs, disbursements and professional fees. At this early stage of the litigation, it is not possible to assess the probability of a material adverse outcome or reasonably estimate any potential financial impact of the lawsuit on First Merchants. The defendants believe the claims against them are without merit and intend to contest the matter vigorously.

The Corporation is also subject to other claims and lawsuits that arise primarily in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, the Corporation is subject to periodic examinations by various regulatory agencies. It is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate resolution of such claims, lawsuits, and examinations will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Corporation.