Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Provision for loan and lease losses Provision for Loan and Lease Losses Net amortization of premium on securities Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Provision for deferred taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Securities gains, net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Securities, Net (Increase) decrease in trading account securities Increase (Decrease) in Trading Securities Loss on impairment of equity securities Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Stock based compensation Share-based Compensation Loans originated for sale Payments for Origination and Purchases of Loans Held-for-sale Proceeds on sales of loans Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held-for-sale Net gains on sales of loans Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net (increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Receivable, Net (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Decrease in accrued interest payable Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Goodwill impairment charge Goodwill, Impairment Loss Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSR) Impairment (Recovery) Gain on acquisition Gain on Purchase of Business Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash and cash equivalents received in acquisition, net of cash paid Cash Acquired from Acquisition CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from the sale of securities held to maturity Proceeds from Sale of Held-to-maturity Securities Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on securities available for sale Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on securities held to maturity Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Held-to-maturity Securities Purchase of securities available for sale Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchase of securities held to maturity Payments to Acquire Held-to-maturity Securities Net increase in loans and leases Payments for (Proceeds from) Loans and Leases Purchase of bank owned life insurance policies Payments to Acquire Life Insurance Policies Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds on sale of OREO and other repossessed assets Proceeds from Sale of Foreclosed Assets NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net increase in demand deposits and savings accounts Net increase in demand deposits and savings accounts Net increase (decrease) in demand deposits and savings accounts - net change in demand deposit account balances, interest bearing demand deposit balances and savings account balances Net decrease in time deposit accounts Increase (Decrease) in Time Deposits Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Proceeds from other borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of other borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt Issuance of Series C preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Redemption of preferred stock Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Redemption of warrant Payments for Repurchase of Warrants Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Income tax benefits on exercised stock options Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Dividends paid Payments of Dividends NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD Supplemental disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for income/franchise taxes Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Loans transferred to OREO and other repossessed assets Loans transferred to OREO Loans transferred to OREO - Loan balances transferred from loans held-to-maturity to other real estate owned Purchases of available for sale securites, accrued, not paid Purchases of available for sale securites, accrued, not paid Purchases of available for sale securites, accrued, not paid Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract] Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Stock Plans [Abstract] Stock Plans [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Regulatory Capital Requiements and Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends [Abstract] Regulatory Capital Requiements and Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends [Abstract] Restrictions on Dividends, Loans and Advances [Text Block] Restrictions on Dividends, Loans and Advances [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Securities [Abstract] Note 3: Securities [Abstract] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series C Preferred Stock [Member] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and due from banks Cash and Due from Banks Federal funds sold and other short-term investments Federal Funds Sold Cash and cash equivalents Securities: Trading, at fair value Trading Securities Available for sale, at fair value (cost of $1,242,460) at December 31, 2011, and $1,188,807 at December 31, 2010) Available-for-sale Securities Held to maturity, at cost (fair value of $57,486 at December 31, 2011, and $58,610 at December 31, 2010) Held-to-maturity Securities Loans held for sale, net Loans Held-for-sale, Other Loans and leases receivable: Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Reported Amount [Abstract] Loans held to maturity Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income Loans covered by loss share agreements Loans covered by loss share agreements Loans covered by loss share agreements Allowance for loan and lease losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Loans and leases receivable, net Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Reported Amount Premises, furniture and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other real estate, net Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Cash surrender value on life insurance Bank Owned Life Insurance FDIC indemnification asset FDIC indemnification asset FDIC indemnification asset Other assets Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES: Liabilities [Abstract] Deposits: Deposits [Abstract] Demand Noninterest-bearing Deposit Liabilities, Domestic Savings Deposits, Savings Deposits Time Time Deposits Total deposits Deposits Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Other borrowings Other Long-term Debt Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES Liabilities STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock (par value $1 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 16,611,671 shares) Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital surplus Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock at cost (126,881 shares at December 31, 2011, and 186,616 shares at December 31, 2010) Treasury Stock, Value TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest TOTAL EQUITY Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Goodwill, Core Deposit Premium and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Note 6: Goodwill, Core Deposit Premium and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure - Receivables, Loans, Notes Receivable and Others [Abstract] Disclosure - Receivables, Loans, Notes Receivable and Others [Abstract] Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Text Block] Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Balance Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Reclassification adjustment for net security (gains)/losses realized in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax Reclassification adjustment for net derivatives (gains)/losses realized in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax Income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Sale of noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest Cumulative preferred dividends accrued and discount accretion Preferred Stock, Accretion of Redemption Discount Repurchase of Series B preferred stock and warrants Repurchase of Series B preferred stock and warrants Repurchase of Series B preferred stock and warrants Payment for Preferred Stock and Warrants Cash dividends declared: Dividends [Abstract] Dividends, Preferred Stock $50.00 per share Dividends, Preferred Stock Dividends, Common Stock, $0.40 per share Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Purchase of Shares of Common Stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Issuance of Shares of Common Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Commitments to issue common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Balance Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Abstract] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Abstract] Allowance for Credit Losses [Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses [Text Block] Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract] Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Other Borrowings [Abstract] Other Borrowings [Abstract] Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-term Debt [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Premises, Furniture and Equipment [Abstract] Premises, Furniture and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Short-term Debt [Abstract] Short-term Debt [Text Block] Short-term Debt [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Cash and Due from Banks [Abstract] Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure: Derivative Concepts and Hedging Activities [Abstract] Disclosure: Derivative Concepts and Hedging Activities [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure - Fair Value Measures and Disclosures [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Measures and Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Parent Company Only Financial Information [Abstract] Parent Company Only Financial Information [Abstract] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Capital Issuance and Redemption [Abstract] Capital Issuance and Redemption [Abstract] Preferred Stock [Text Block] Preferred Stock [Text Block] Stockholder Rights Plan [Abstract] Stockholder Rights Plan [Abstract] Exchange Membership with Rights of Ownership and to Conduct Business Policy [Policy Text Block] Exchange Membership with Rights of Ownership and to Conduct Business Policy [Policy Text Block] Statements of Income [Abstract] Statements of Income [Abstract] INTEREST INCOME: Interest Income (Expense), Net [Abstract] Interest and fees on loans and leases Interest and Fee Income, Loans and Leases Interest on securities: Interest and Dividend Income, Securities, by Taxable Status [Abstract] Taxable Interest Income, Securities, Taxable Nontaxable Interest Income, Securities, Tax Exempt Interest on federal funds sold Interest Income, Federal Funds Sold Interest on interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions Interest Income, Deposits with Financial Institutions TOTAL INTEREST INCOME Interest and Dividend Income, Operating INTEREST EXPENSE: Interest Expense [Abstract] Interest on deposits Interest Expense, Deposits Interest on short-term borrowings Interest Expense, Short-term Borrowings Interest on other borrowings Interest Expense, Other Long-term Debt TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE Interest Expense NET INTEREST INCOME Interest Income (Expense), Net NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES Interest Income (Expense), after Provision for Loan Loss NONINTEREST INCOME: Noninterest Income [Abstract] Service charges and fees Fees and Commissions, Depositor Accounts Loan servicing income Servicing Fees, Net Trust fees Fees and Commissions, Fiduciary and Trust Activities Brokerage and insurance commissions Insurance Commissions and Fees Securities gains, net Gain (loss) on trading account securities Trading Gains (Losses) Impairment loss on equity securities Gains on sale of loans held for sale Gain (Loss) on Sale of Loans and Leases Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights Income on bank owned life insurance Bank Owned Life Insurance Income Gain on acquisition Other noninterest income Noninterest Income, Other Operating Income TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME Noninterest Income NONINTEREST EXPENSES Noninterest Expense [Abstract] Salaries and employee benefits Labor and Related Expense Occupancy Occupancy, Net Furniture and equipment Equipment Expense Professional fees Professional Fees FDIC insurance assessments Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Premium Expense Advertising Advertising Expense Intangible assets amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Net loss on repossessed assets Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate Other noninterest expenses Other Noninterest Expense NONINTEREST EXPENSES Noninterest Expense INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) NET INCOME Net income available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Preferred dividends and discount Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC Earnings Per Share, Basic EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED Earnings Per Share, Diluted CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document [Domain] Document [Domain] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Common Stock [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] Cost of available for sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Fair value of held to maturity securities Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, liquidation value Temporary Equity, Liquidation Preference Treasury stock shares Treasury Stock, Shares Statements of Changes in Equity and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statements of Changes in Equity and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Cash dividends per share preferred stock Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Cash dividends per share common stock Shares of common stock purchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Shares of common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued