Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Presentation	Principles of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Heartland and its subsidiaries: Dubuque Bank and Trust Company; Illinois Bank & Trust; Wisconsin Bank & Trust; New Mexico Bank & Trust; Arizona Bank & Trust; Rocky Mountain Bank; Centennial Bank and Trust; Minnesota Bank & Trust; Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company; Premier Valley Bank; Citizens Finance Parent Co.; DB&T Insurance, Inc.; DB&T Community Development Corp.; Heartland Community Development, Inc.; Heartland Financial USA, Inc. Insurance Services; Citizens Finance Co.; Citizens Finance of Illinois Co.; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII; Morrill Statutory Trust I; Morrill Statutory Trust II; Sheboygan Statutory Trust I and CBNM Capital Trust I. All of Heartland’s subsidiaries are wholly-owned as of December 31, 2016. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and prevailing practices within the banking industry. In preparing such financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheets and revenues and expenses for the years then ended. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change relates to the determination of the allowance for loan losses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents - For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest bearing deposits held at the Federal Reserve Bank, federal funds sold to other banks and other short-term investments. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods.
Trading Securities	Trading Securities - Trading securities represent those securities Heartland intends to actively trade and are stated at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in noninterest income.
Securities Available for Sale	Securities Available for Sale - Available for sale securities consist of those securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, which management intends to hold for indefinite periods of time or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayments or other similar factors. Available for sale securities are stated at fair value with any unrealized gain or loss, net of applicable income tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Security premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted using the interest method over the period from the purchase date to the expected maturity or call date of the related security. Declines in the fair value of investment securities available for sale (with certain exceptions for debt securities noted below) that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings as a realized loss, and a new cost basis for the securities is established. In evaluating whether impairment is other-than-temporary, Heartland considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of Heartland to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Declines in the fair value of debt securities below amortized cost are deemed to be other-than-temporary in circumstances where: (1) Heartland has the intent to sell a security; (2) it is more likely than not that Heartland will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) Heartland does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If Heartland intends to sell a security or if it is more likely than not that Heartland will be required to sell the security before recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If Heartland does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in noninterest income, and an amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. Realized securities gains or losses on securities sales (using specific identification method) and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in impairment loss on securities in the consolidated statements of income.
Securities Held to Maturity	Securities Held to Maturity - Securities which Heartland has the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity. Such securities are stated at amortized cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are amortized/accreted using the interest method over the period from the purchase date to the expected maturity or call date of the related security. Unrealized losses determined to be other-than-temporary are charged to noninterest income.
Loans, Loans Held for Sale, Allowance for Loan Losses and Other Real Estate	Loans Held for Sale - Loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. Gains or losses on sales are recorded in noninterest income. Direct loan origination costs and fees are deferred at origination of the loan. These deferred costs and fees are recognized in noninterest income as part of the gain or loss on sales of loans upon sale of the loan. Loans - Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income based primarily on the principal balance outstanding. Heartland’s policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to the timely collection of the interest and principal, normally when a loan is 90 days past due. When interest accruals are deemed uncollectible, interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for loan losses. A loan can be restored to accrual status if the borrower has resumed paying the full amount of the scheduled contractual interest and principal payments on the loan, and (1) all principal and interest amounts contractually due (including arrearages) are reasonably assured of repayment within a reasonable period of time, and (2) that there is a sustained period of repayment performance (generally a minimum of six months) by the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms. Under Heartland’s credit policies, a loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that Heartland will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreement. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except where more practical, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Net nonrefundable loan origination fees and certain direct costs associated with the lending process are deferred and recognized as a yield adjustment over the life of the related loan. Allowance for Loan Losses - The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level estimated by management to provide for known and inherent risks in the loan portfolios. The allowance is based upon a continuing review of past loan loss experience, current economic conditions, volume growth, the underlying collateral value of the loans and other relevant factors. Loans which are deemed uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance. Provisions for loan losses and recoveries on previously charged-off loans are added to the allowance. Other Real Estate - Other real estate represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is recorded at the estimated fair value of the property less disposal costs. The excess of carrying value over fair value less disposal costs is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent write downs estimated on the basis of later valuations and gains or losses on sales are charged to loss on sales/valuation of assets, net. Expenses incurred in maintaining such properties are charged to other real estate and loan collection expenses.
Acquired Loans	Acquired Loans - The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 310-30 establishes accounting standards for acquired loans with deteriorated credit quality. Heartland reviews acquired loans for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from initial investment in the acquired loans to determine if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. If those differences are attributable to credit quality, the contractually required payments received in excess of the amount of its cash flows expected at acquisition, or nonaccretable discount, is not accreted into income. FASB ASC 310-30 requires that the excess of all cash flows expected at acquisition over the initial investment in the loan be recognized as interest income using the interest method over the term of the loan. This excess is referred to as accretable discount and is recorded as a reduction of the loan balance. When a loan is paid off, the excess of any cash received over the net investment is recorded as interest income. In addition to the amount of purchase discount that is recognized at that time, income may include interest owed by the borrower prior to the acquisition of the loan, interest collected if on nonperforming status, prepayment fees and other loan fees. At acquisition, for purchased loans not subject to ASC 310-30, the purpose of the loan (e.g., business, agricultural or personal), the type of borrower (e.g., business or individual) and the type of collateral for the loan (e.g., commercial real estate, residential real estate, general business assets or unsecured) of each loan are considered in order to assign purchased loans into one of the following five loan pools: commercial, commercial real estate, agricultural and agricultural real estate, residential real estate and consumer. These five pools are separately maintained and tracked for each acquisition, and they are consistent with the five loan categories presented in Note 5, "Loans." For purchased loans not subject to ASC 310-30, the discount, if any, representing the excess of the amount of reasonably estimable and probable discounted future cash collections over the purchase price, is accreted into interest income using the interest method over the weighted average remaining contractual life of the loan pool. Because Heartland uses the pool method as described above, no adjustment is made to the discount of an individual loan on the specific date of a credit event with respect to such loan. Additionally, the discount is not accreted on nonperforming loans. Loans not subject to ASC 310-30 migrate from the purchased loan pools to the regular loan portfolio when the borrower requests to refinance the loan prior to maturity or renews the loan at maturity, and, in either event, signs a new loan agreement. In conjunction with the refinancing or renewal process, the new loan is evaluated in accordance with Heartland’s underwriting standards, and a credit decision is made with respect to whether the new loan should be extended.
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans	Troubled Debt Restructured Loans - Loans are considered troubled debt restructured loans ("TDR") if concessions have been granted to borrowers that are experiencing financial difficulty. The concessions granted generally involve the modification of terms of the loan, such as changes in payment schedule or interest rate, which generally would not otherwise be considered. TDRs can involve loans remaining on nonaccrual, moving to nonaccrual, or continuing on accrual status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. Nonaccrual TDRs are included and treated consistently with all other nonaccrual loans. In addition, all accruing TDRs are reported and accounted for as impaired loans. Generally, TDRs remain on nonaccrual until the customer has attained a sustained period of repayment performance under the modified loan terms (generally a minimum of six months). However, performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and whether the loan should be returned to or maintained on accrual status. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, the loan remains on nonaccrual status. A loan that is a TDR that has an interest rate consistent with market rates at the time of restructuring and is in compliance with its modified terms in the calendar year after the year in which the restructuring took place is no longer considered a TDR but remains an impaired loan. To be considered in compliance with its modified terms, a loan that is a TDR must be in accrual status and must be current or less than 30 days past due under the modified repayment terms; however, the loan will continue to be considered impaired. A loan that has been modified at a below market rate will remain classified as a TDR and an impaired loan. If the borrower’s financial conditions improve to the extent that the borrower qualifies for a new loan with market terms, the new loan will not be considered a TDR or impaired if Heartland's credit analysis shows the borrower's ability to perform under the new market terms.
Mortgage Servicing and Transfers of Financial Assets	Mortgage Servicing and Transfers of Financial Assets - Heartland regularly sells residential mortgage loans to others, primarily government sponsored entities, on a non-recourse basis. Sold loans are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Heartland generally retains the right to service the sold loans for a fee. Servicing Rights, Net - Mortgage and commercial servicing rights associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are initially capitalized at fair value and recorded on the consolidated statements of income as a component of gains on sale of loans held for sale. The values of these capitalized servicing rights are amortized as an offset to the servicing revenue earned in relation to the servicing revenue expected to be earned. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based on the calculation of their fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including loan type and loan term.
Reserve for Unfunded Commitments	Reserve for Unfunded Commitments - This reserve is maintained at a level that, in the opinion of management, is appropriate to absorb probable losses associated with Heartland’s commitment to lend funds under existing agreements such as letters or lines of credit. Management determines the appropriateness of the reserve for unfunded commitments based upon reviews of delinquencies, current economic conditions, the risk characteristics of the various categories of commitments and other relevant factors. The reserve is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are evaluated on a regular basis and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known. Draws on unfunded commitments that are considered uncollectible at the time funds are advanced are charged to the allowance. Provisions for unfunded commitment losses are added to the reserve for unfunded commitments, which is included in the Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheets.
Premises, Furniture and Equipment	Premises, Furniture and Equipment - Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The provision for depreciation of premises, furniture and equipment is determined by straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of 18 to 39 years for buildings, 15 years for land improvements and 3 to 7 years for furniture and equipment.
Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles and Customer Relationship Intangibles, Net	Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired subsidiaries’ net assets over their fair value at the purchase date. Heartland assesses goodwill for impairment annually, and more frequently if events occur which may indicate possible impairment, and assesses goodwill at the reporting unit level, also giving consideration to overall enterprise value as part of that assessment. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, Heartland first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If Heartland concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is more than its carrying value, then no further testing of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit is required. However, if Heartland concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then Heartland performs a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment to recognize, if any. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired and it is not necessary to continue to step two of the impairment process. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, step two is performed. In step two, the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is computed as a residual value after allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. Heartland estimates the fair value of its reporting units using market multiples of comparable entities, including recent transactions, or a combination of market multiples and discounted cash flow methodology. These methods incorporate assumptions specific to the entity, such as the use of financial forecasts. Core Deposit Intangibles and Customer Relationship Intangibles, Net - Core deposit intangibles are amortized over 8 to 18 years on an accelerated basis. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized over 22 years on an accelerated basis. Periodically, Heartland reviews these intangible assets for events or circumstances that may indicate a change in the recoverability of the underlying basis.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance	Bank-Owned Life Insurance - Heartland and its subsidiaries have purchased life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers. The one-time premiums paid for the policies, which coincide with the initial cash surrender value, are recorded as an asset. Increases or decreases in the cash surrender value, other than proceeds from death benefits, are recorded as noninterest income in income on bank owned life insurance. Proceeds from death benefits first reduce the cash surrender value attributable to the individual policy and then any additional proceeds are recorded in noninterest income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes - Heartland and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and separate or combined income or franchise tax returns as required by the various states. Heartland recognizes certain income and expenses in different time periods for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The provision for deferred income taxes is based on an asset and liability approach and represents the change in deferred income tax accounts during the year, including the effect of enacted tax rate changes. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets if their expected realization is deemed not to be more likely than not. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. Heartland recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Mortgage Derivatives	Derivative Financial Instruments - Heartland uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management, which includes interest rate swaps, certain interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of securities related to mortgage banking activities. FASB ASC Topic 815 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. As required by ASC 815, Heartland records all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. To qualify for hedge accounting, Heartland must comply with the detailed rules and documentation requirements at the inception of the hedge, and hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of each hedging relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured periodically throughout the life of the hedging relationship. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to interest income or expense when the hedged transaction affects earnings, while the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in other noninterest income. Heartland assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the cumulative changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the cumulative changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. No component of the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Heartland has fair value hedging relationships at December 31, 2016. Heartland uses hedge accounting in accordance with ASC 815, with the unrealized gains and losses, representing the change in fair value of the derivative and the change in fair value of the risk being hedged on the related loan, being recorded in the consolidated statements of income. The ineffective portions of the unrealized gains or losses, if any, are recorded in interest income and interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Heartland uses statistical regression to assess hedge effectiveness, both at the inception of the hedge as well as on a continual basis. The regression analysis involves regressing the periodic change in fair value of the hedging instrument against the periodic changes in the fair value of the asset being hedged due to changes in the hedge risk. Heartland does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage Heartland’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks, but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815. Mortgage Derivatives - Heartland uses interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities. These commitments are considered derivative instruments. The fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of gains on sale of loans held for sale. These derivative contracts are designated as free standing derivative contracts and are not designated against specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or forecasted transactions and therefore do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting - Public business enterprises are required to report information about operating segments in financial statements and selected information about operating segments in financial reports issued to shareholders. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by management in determining how to allocate resources and to assess effectiveness of the segments' performance. Generally, financial information is required to be reported on the basis that is used internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources to segments. Heartland has two reporting segments, one for community banking and one for mortgage banking operations.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements - Fair value represents the estimated price at which an orderly transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (i.e. an exit price concept). Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using discounted cash flow or other valuation techniques. Inputs into the valuation methods are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties, and require significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Accordingly, the derived fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts Heartland could realize in a current market exchange. Assets and liabilities are categorized into three levels based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine the fair value. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Heartland's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Below is a brief description of each fair value level: Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock - Treasury stock is accounted for by the cost method, whereby shares of common stock reacquired are recorded at their purchase price. When treasury stock is reissued, any difference between the sales proceeds, or fair value when issued for business combinations, and the cost is recognized as a charge or credit to capital surplus.
Trust Department Assets	Trust Department Assets - Property held for customers in fiduciary or agency capacities is not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because such items are not assets of the Heartland banks.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share - Basic earnings per share is determined using net income available to common stockholders and weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and assumed incremental common shares issued.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events - Heartland has evaluated subsequent events that may require recognition or disclosure through the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC.
Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards	Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards - In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The amendment clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard. The amendment outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The new guidance does not apply to certain contracts within the scope of other ASC Topics, such as lease contracts, insurance contracts, financing arrangements, financial instruments, guarantees other than product or service warranties and nonmonetary exchanges between entities in the same line of business to facilitate sales to customers. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard in 2018, as required, which may require a change in the recognition of certain recurring revenue streams within trust and investment management fees; however, the adoption of these amendments are not expected to have a significant effect on results of operations, financial position and liquidity. In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether a Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity." The amendment clarifies how current guidance should be interpreted in evaluating the characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument issued in the form of a share. One criterion requires evaluating whether the nature of the host contract is more akin to debt or to equity and whether the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative feature are "clearly and closely related" to the host contract. In making that evaluation, an issuer or investor must consider all terms and features in a hybrid financial instrument including the embedded derivative feature that is being evaluated for separate accounting or may consider all terms and features in the hybrid financial instrument except for the embedded derivative feature that is being evaluated for separate accounting. This ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Heartland adopted this standard on January 1, 2016, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, "Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items." The amendment eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Presently, an event or transaction is presumed to be an ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity is required to segregate the extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. This amended guidance will prohibit separate disclosure of extraordinary items in the income statement. This amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Heartland adopted this standard on January 1, 2016, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software." The amendment intends to provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The guidance will not change GAAP for a customer's accounting for service contracts. As a result, all software licenses within the scope of this guidance will be accounted for consistently with other licenses of intangible assets. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Heartland adopted this standard on January 1, 2016, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity. In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance ASU 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The amendments in ASU 2016-01 to Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments, contain the following elements: (1) require equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (2) simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (3) eliminates the requirement for public entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (4) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (5) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (6) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or accompanying notes to the financial statements; (7) clarifies that the entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Except for the early application of the amendment noted in item (5) above, early adoption of the amendments in this update is not permitted. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard in 2019, as required, and is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." Topic 842 requires a lessee to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (ROU) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and will be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Heartland leases certain properties and equipment under operating leases that will result in recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets under the ASU; however the majority of Heartland's properties and equipment are owned, not leased. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard in 2019 as required. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." The amendments in this ASU simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any interim or annual period prior to the effective date. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. Heartland intends to adopt this ASU in 2017, as required, and believes there will be no material impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity; however, the adoption could cause some volatility in income tax expense in periods in which stock awards vest. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)." The amendments in this ASU require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The amendments in this ASU indicate that an entity should not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position to avoid recording a credit loss. In addition, in determining whether a credit loss exists, the amendments in this ASU also remove the requirements to consider the historical and implied volatility of the fair value of a security and recoveries or declines in fair value after the balance sheet date. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity may adopt the amendments earlier as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard in 2020, as required, and is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The amendments in this update address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The amendments in this update should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. Heartland intends to adopt this ASU in 2018, as required, and is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-4, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)." This amendment is to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity will perform only step one of its quantitative goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and then recognizing the impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity will still have the option to perform a qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative step one impairment test is necessary. This amendment is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period for impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. Heartland intends to adopt this ASU in the third quarter of 2020, consistent with the annual impairment test as of September 30 each year, and is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications - During the fourth quarter of 2016, Heartland made one balance sheet reclassification. Heartland separated the balance sheet category of other intangibles, net, into two balance sheet categories: servicing rights, net, and core deposit intangibles and customer relationship intangibles, net. The reclassification is presented in all reporting periods presented, and the reclassification did not have a material impact on Heartland's financial position. Heartland believes this reclassification provides further clarification of its intangible assets.
Fair Value Hierarchy	Fair Value Hierarchy Under ASC 820, assets and liabilities are grouped at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are: Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis. Assets Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Securities held to maturity are generally recorded at cost and are only recorded at fair value to the extent a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities. Level 2 securities include U.S. government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds, equity securities and corporate debt securities. The Level 3 securities consist primarily of Z tranche mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities. On a quarterly basis, a secondary independent pricing service is used for a sample of securities to validate the pricing from Heartland's primary pricing service. Loans Held for Sale Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, Heartland classifies loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2. Loans Held to Maturity Heartland does not record loans held to maturity at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC 310. The fair value of impaired loans is measured using one of the following impairment methods: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or 2) the observable market price of the loan or 3) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. In accordance with ASC 820, impaired loans measured at fair value are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Premises, Furniture and Equipment Held for Sale Heartland values premises, furniture and equipment held for sale based on third-party appraisals less estimated disposal costs. Heartland considers third party appraisals, as well as independent fair value assessments from Realtors or persons involved in selling bank premises, furniture and equipment, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of premises, furniture and equipment held for sale is subject to significant external and internal judgment. Heartland periodically reviews premises, furniture and equipment held for sale to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. Premises, furniture and equipment held for sale are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Mortgage Servicing Rights Mortgage servicing rights assets represent the value associated with servicing residential real estate loans that have been sold to outside investors with servicing retained. The fair value for servicing assets is determined through discounted cash flow analysis and utilizes discount rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs. All of these assumptions require a significant degree of management estimation and judgment. Mortgage servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including note type and note term. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. Heartland classifies mortgage servicing rights as nonrecurring with Level 3 measurement inputs. Commercial Servicing Rights Commercial servicing rights assets represent the value associated with servicing commercial loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration and United States Department of Agriculture that have been sold with servicing retained by Heartland. Heartland uses the amortization method (i.e., the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value measured on a nonrecurring basis), not fair value measurement accounting, to determine the carrying value of its commercial servicing rights. The fair value for servicing assets is determined through market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available, or through a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Inputs utilized include discount rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs. All of these assumptions require a significant degree of management estimation and judgment. Commercial servicing rights are subject to impairment testing, and the carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. If the valuation model reflects a fair value less than the carrying value, commercial servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. Heartland classifies commercial servicing rights as nonrecurring with Level 3 measurement inputs. Derivative Financial Instruments Heartland's current interest rate risk strategy includes interest rate swaps. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, Heartland incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, Heartland has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. Although Heartland has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, Heartland has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, Heartland has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Interest Rate Lock Commitments Heartland uses an internal valuation model that relies on internally developed inputs to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments which is based on unobservable inputs that reflect management's assumptions and specific information about each borrower. Interest rate lock commitments are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Forward Commitments The fair value of forward commitments are estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current trade pricing for similar financial instruments in active markets that Heartland has the ability to access and are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Other Real Estate Owned Other real estate owned ("OREO") represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the fair value of the property at the time of acquisition (representing the property's cost basis), plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. Heartland considers third party appraisals, as well as independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling OREO, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. Heartland periodically reviews OREO to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. OREO is classified as nonrecurring Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.