Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reclassifications) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Loan servicing income reclassified to gain on sale of loans held for sale	$ 12,800,000	$ 11,400,000
Losses on sale of fixed assets reclassified from noninterest expenses to loss on sales/valuations of assets, net	$ 235,000	$ 14,000

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Fixed Assets, Reclassifications from Noninterest Expenses to Loss on Sales or Valuations of Assets, Net

No definition available.

Name:	htlf_GainLossonSaleofFixedAssetsReclassificationsfromNoninterestExpensestoLossonSalesorValuationsofAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix:	htlf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration