Deferred Compensation Plan	12 Months Ended
Deferred Compensation Plan	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation Plan	Note 12—Deferred Compensation Plan The Company follows the provisions of ASC 710, for purposes of the First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (“DCP”). At December 31, 2011, the Company classified the cost basis of its common stock issued and held in trust in connection with the DCP of approximately $2,904,000 as treasury stock. The Company also classified the cost basis of its related deferred compensation obligation of approximately $2,904,000 as an equity instrument (deferred compensation). The DCP was effective as of June 1984. The purpose of the DCP is to enable directors, advisory directors, and key employees the opportunity to defer a portion of the fees and cash compensation paid by the Company as a means of maximizing the effectiveness and flexibility of compensation arrangements. The Company invests all participants’ deferrals in shares of common stock. Dividends paid on the shares are credited to participants’ DCP accounts and invested in additional shares. During 2011 and 2010 the Company issued 5,920 common shares and 4,766 common shares, respectively, pursuant to the DCP.

The entire disclosure for compensation costs, including compensated absences accruals, compensated absences liability, deferred compensation arrangements and income statement compensation items. Deferred compensation arrangements may include a description of an arrangement with an individual employee, which is generally an employment contract between the entity and a selected officer or key employee containing a promise by the employer to pay certain amounts at designated future dates, usually including a period after retirement, upon compliance with stipulated requirements. This type of arrangement is distinguished from broader based employee benefit plans as it is usually tailored to the employee. Disclosure also typically includes the amount of related compensation expense recognized during the reporting period, the number of shares (units) issued during the period under such arrangements, and the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the related liability.

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