Basis of Presentation (Earnings per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share
Net income attributable to Heartland	$ 6,890	$ 12,488
Preferred dividends and discount	(204)	(408)
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$ 6,686	$ 12,080
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	18,437	16,852
Assumed incremental common shares issued for common stock equivalents	288	335
Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share	18,725	17,187
Earnings per common share — basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.36	$ 0.72
Earnings per common share — diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.36	$ 0.70
Number of antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	95	105