Condensed Parent Company Information (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Securities available for sale	$ 2,910,869	$ 2,516,908
Total assets	27,336,086	23,975,302
Long term debt	305,513	436,280
Other liabilities	179,852	160,008
Stockholders' equity	2,884,949	2,719,768	$ 2,413,143	$ 2,472,402
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	27,336,086	23,975,302
Hancock Holding Company [Member]
Cash	71,328	316,457
Securities available for sale	58,521	69,210
Investment in bank subsidiaries	2,953,032	2,547,224
Investment in non-bank subsidiaries	22,670	11,204
Due from subsidiaries and other assets	14,010	27,941
Total assets	3,119,561	2,972,036
Long term debt	234,135	251,573
Other liabilities	477	695
Stockholders' equity	2,884,949	2,719,768
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,119,561	$ 2,972,036