Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 13,964	$ 10,212	$ 26,779	$ 14,433
Securities [Abstract]
Net change in unrealized gain on securities available for sale	2,113	14,544	8,965	13,479
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income	(4,951)	(4,756)	(7,913)	(6,845)
Net change in non-credit related other than temporary impairment	23	0	(660)	0
Income tax expense	1,039	(3,679)	(161)	(2,503)
Other comprehensive income on investment securities available for sale	(1,776)	6,109	231	4,131
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on derivatives	(1,380)	(2,206)	(1,453)	(1,968)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses and interest differential on derivatives realized in net income	491	447	985	892
Income taxes	329	631	172	398
Other comprehensive income on cash flow hedges	(560)	(1,128)	(296)	(678)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(2,336)	4,981	(65)	3,453
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	11,628	15,193	26,714	17,886
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(7)	9	19	25
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND	$ 11,621	$ 15,202	$ 26,733	$ 17,911