CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 52,622	$ 59,471	$ 58,552
Available-for-sale securities:
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period	(2,681)	(4,615)	(4,946)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized loss (gain) on sales included in available-for-sale securities	244	(556)	(665)
Employee benefit plans:
Net retirement plan gain (loss)	(3,434)	(1,673)	1,108
Net retirement plan prior service cost	728	(113)	0
Amortization of net retirement plan actuarial gain	905	803	1,331
Amortization of net retirement plan prior service cost (credit)	9	46	(3,818)
Other comprehensive loss	(4,229)	(6,108)	(6,990)
Subtotal comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	48,393	53,363	51,562
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(128)	(131)	(131)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 48,265	$ 53,232	$ 51,431