BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. ("HTLF") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 23, 2023. Footnote disclosures to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in the footnotes to the audited consolidated financial statements have been omitted. The financial information included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of the interim period ended June 30, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending December 31, 2023. During the first quarter of 2023, HTLF reclassified swap and loan syndication income (collectively, "capital markets fees") to capital markets fees from other noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income, and all prior periods have been adjusted. During the second quarter of 2023, HTLF reclassified Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance premiums to FDIC insurance assessments from professional fees on the consolidated statements of income, and all prior periods have been adjusted.
Earnings Per Share	Basic earnings per share is determined using net income available to common stockholders and weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and assumed incremental common shares issued.
Subsequent Events	HTLF has evaluated subsequent events that may require recognition or disclosure through the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC.
Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards	ASU 2022-01 In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2022-01, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging-Portfolio Layer Method," which expands the current last-of-layer method by allowing multiple hedged layers to be designated for a single closed portfolio of financial assets or one or more beneficial interests secured by a portfolio of financial instruments. HTLF adopted this ASU on January 1, 2023, and these amendments were applied prospectively. ASU 2022-02 In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures." These amendments eliminate the troubled debt restructurings ("TDR") recognition and measurement guidance and, instead, require that an entity evaluate (consistent with the accounting for other loan modifications) whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments also enhance existing disclosure requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, these amendments require that an entity disclose current-period gross charge-offs by year of origination for loans receivable within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. The guidance was effective for entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. HTLF adopted this ASU on January 1, 2023, as required, and these amendments were applied prospectively. ASU 2023-02 In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02 "Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)." ASU 2023-02 expands the permitted use of the proportional amortization method, which is currently only available to low-income housing tax credit investments, to other tax equity investments if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of an investment is amortized in proportion to the income tax benefits received and both the amortization of the investment and the income tax benefits received are recognized as a component of income tax expense. This ASU is effective on January 1, 2024 and may be applied on either a modified retrospective or retrospective basis or, for certain changes, on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this ASU are not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position.
Fair Value Hierarchy	Under ASC 820, assets and liabilities are grouped at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are: Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis. Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Securities held to maturity are generally recorded at cost. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities. Level 2 securities include U.S. government and agency securities, mortgage and asset-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. On a quarterly basis, a secondary independent pricing service is used for the securities portfolio to validate the pricing from HTLF's primary pricing service. Equity Securities with a Readily Determinable Fair Value Equity securities with a readily determinable fair value generally include Community Reinvestment Act mutual funds and are classified as Level 2 due to the infrequent trading of these securities. The fair value is based on the price per share. Loans Held for Sale Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, HTLF classifies loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2. Loans Held to Maturity HTLF does not record loans held to maturity at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, certain loans are considered collateral dependent and an allowance for credit losses is established. The fair value of individually assessed loans is measured using the fair value of the collateral. In accordance with ASC 820, individually assessed loans measured at fair value are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Premises, Furniture and Equipment Held for Sale HTLF considers third party appraisals less estimated disposal costs, as well as independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling bank premises, furniture and equipment, in determining the fair value of particular properties held for sale. Accordingly, the valuation of premises, furniture and equipment held for sale is subject to significant external and internal judgment. HTLF periodically reviews premises, furniture and equipment held for sale to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. Premises, furniture and equipment held for sale are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Mortgage Servicing Rights Mortgage servicing rights assets represent the value associated with servicing residential real estate loans that have been sold to outside investors with servicing retained. The fair value for servicing assets is determined through discounted cash flow analysis and utilizes discount rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs. All of the assumptions in the discounted cash flow analysis require a significant degree of management estimation and judgment. Mortgage servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including note type and note term. If the valuation model reflects a fair value less than the carrying value, mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. HTLF classifies mortgage servicing rights as nonrecurring with Level 3 measurement inputs. On March 31, 2023, HTLF sold its mortgage servicing rights portfolio. The transaction qualified as a sale, and $7.7 million of mortgage servicing rights were de-recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. The book value and fair value were both $0 as of March 31, 2023. Derivative Financial Instruments HTLF's current interest rate risk strategy includes interest rate swaps. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, HTLF incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, HTLF has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. Although HTLF has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of June 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, HTLF has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, HTLF has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Interest rate lock commitments HTLF uses an internal valuation model that relies on internally developed inputs to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments which is based on unobservable inputs that reflect management's assumptions and specific information about each borrower. Interest rate lock commitments are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Forward commitments The fair value of forward commitments are estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current trade pricing for similar financial instruments in active markets that HTLF has the ability to access and are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Other Real Estate Owned Other real estate owned ("OREO") represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the fair value of the property at the time of acquisition (representing the property's cost basis), plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. HTLF considers third party appraisals, as well as independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling OREO, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. HTLF periodically reviews OREO to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. OREO is classified as nonrecurring Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2023

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. ("HTLF") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 23, 2023. Footnote disclosures to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in the footnotes to the audited consolidated financial statements have been omitted.

The financial information included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of the interim period ended June 30, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending December 31, 2023.

During the first quarter of 2023, HTLF reclassified swap and loan syndication income (collectively, "capital markets fees") to capital markets fees from other noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income, and all prior periods have been adjusted.

During the second quarter of 2023, HTLF reclassified Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance premiums to FDIC insurance assessments from professional fees on the consolidated statements of income, and all prior periods have been adjusted.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is determined using net income available to common stockholders and weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and assumed incremental common shares issued.

Subsequent Events

HTLF has evaluated subsequent events that may require recognition or disclosure through the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC.

Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards

ASU 2022-01

In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2022-01, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging-Portfolio Layer Method," which expands the current last-of-layer method by allowing multiple hedged layers to be designated for a single closed portfolio of financial assets or one or more beneficial interests secured by a portfolio of financial instruments. HTLF adopted this ASU on January 1, 2023, and these amendments were applied prospectively.

ASU 2022-02

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures." These amendments eliminate the troubled debt restructurings ("TDR") recognition and measurement guidance and, instead, require that an entity evaluate (consistent with the accounting for other loan modifications) whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments also enhance existing disclosure requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made

to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, these amendments require that an entity disclose current-period gross charge-offs by year of origination for loans receivable within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. The guidance was effective for entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. HTLF adopted this ASU on January 1, 2023, as required, and these amendments were applied prospectively.

ASU 2023-02

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02 "Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)." ASU 2023-02 expands the permitted use of the proportional amortization method, which is currently only available to low-income housing tax credit investments, to other tax equity investments if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of an investment is amortized in proportion to the income tax benefits received and both the amortization of the investment and the income tax benefits received are recognized as a component of income tax expense. This ASU is effective on January 1, 2024 and may be applied on either a modified retrospective or retrospective basis or, for certain changes, on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this ASU are not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Under ASC 820, assets and liabilities are grouped at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis.

Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity

Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Securities held to maturity are generally recorded at cost. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities. Level 2 securities include U.S. government and agency securities, mortgage and asset-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. On a quarterly basis, a secondary independent pricing service is used for the securities portfolio to validate the pricing from HTLF's primary pricing service.

Equity Securities with a Readily Determinable Fair Value

Equity securities with a readily determinable fair value generally include Community Reinvestment Act mutual funds and are classified as Level 2 due to the infrequent trading of these securities. The fair value is based on the price per share.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, HTLF classifies loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.

Loans Held to Maturity

HTLF does not record loans held to maturity at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, certain loans are considered collateral dependent and an allowance for credit losses is established. The fair value of individually assessed loans is measured using the fair value of the collateral. In accordance with ASC 820, individually assessed loans measured at fair value are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Premises, Furniture and Equipment Held for Sale

HTLF considers third party appraisals less estimated disposal costs, as well as independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling bank premises, furniture and equipment, in determining the fair value of particular properties held for sale. Accordingly, the valuation of premises, furniture and equipment held for sale is subject to significant external and internal judgment. HTLF periodically reviews premises, furniture and equipment held for sale to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. Premises, furniture and equipment held for sale are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage servicing rights assets represent the value associated with servicing residential real estate loans that have been sold to outside investors with servicing retained. The fair value for servicing assets is determined through discounted cash flow analysis and utilizes discount rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs. All of the assumptions in the discounted cash flow analysis require a significant degree of management estimation and judgment. Mortgage servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including note type and note term. If the valuation model reflects a fair value less than the carrying value, mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. HTLF classifies mortgage servicing rights as nonrecurring with Level 3 measurement inputs.

On March 31, 2023, HTLF sold its mortgage servicing rights portfolio. The transaction qualified as a sale, and $7.7 million of mortgage servicing rights were de-recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. The book value and fair value were both $0 as of March 31, 2023.

Derivative Financial Instruments

HTLF's current interest rate risk strategy includes interest rate swaps. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, HTLF incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, HTLF has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

Although HTLF has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of June 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, HTLF has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, HTLF has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Interest rate lock commitments

HTLF uses an internal valuation model that relies on internally developed inputs to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments which is based on unobservable inputs that reflect management's assumptions and specific information about each borrower. Interest rate lock commitments are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Forward commitments

The fair value of forward commitments are estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current trade pricing for similar financial instruments in active markets that HTLF has the ability to access and are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned ("OREO") represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the fair value of the property at the time of acquisition (representing the property's cost basis), plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. HTLF considers third party appraisals, as well

as independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling OREO, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. HTLF periodically reviews OREO to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. OREO is classified as nonrecurring Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.