CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 82,435	$ 52,622	$ 59,471
Available-for-sale securities:
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period	(10,981)	(2,681)	(4,615)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized loss (gain) on sale included in available-for-sale securities	332	244	(556)
Employee benefit plans:
Net retirement plan loss	(2,594)	(3,434)	(1,673)
Net retirement plan prior service (credit) cost	0	728	(113)
Amortization of net retirement plan actuarial gain	1,298	905	803
Amortization of net retirement plan prior service cost (credit)	11	9	46
Other comprehensive loss	(11,934)	(4,229)	(6,108)
Subtotal comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	70,501	48,393	53,363
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(127)	(128)	(131)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 70,374	$ 48,265	$ 53,232