CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 21,072	$ 20,468
Available-for-sale securities:
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period	11,894	(14,610)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized (gain)loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	(94)
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net retirement plan actuarial loss	318	315
Amortization of net retirement plan prior service cost	3	3
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12,215	(14,386)
Total Comprehensive Income	33,287	6,082
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(32)	(32)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 33,255	$ 6,050