CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 15,749	$ 14,284
Available-for-sale securities:
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period	1,197	12,575
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	(139)
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net retirement plan actuarial gain	214	206
Amortization of net retirement plan prior service cost	14	18
Net current-period other comprehensive income	1,425	12,660
Total Comprehensive Income	17,174	26,944
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(32)	(33)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 17,142	$ 26,911