Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 11,040	$ 8,859	$ 22,581	$ 16,705
Available-for-sale securities:
Change in net unrealized (loss) during the period	(22,824)	4,407	(26,102)	3,949
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	(45)	(561)	(265)	(562)
Change in non-credit impairment losses on available-for-sale securities	0	39	0	39
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net retirement plan actuarial gain	381	414	774	697
Amortization of net retirement plan prior service cost (credit)	8	11	17	18
Amortization of net retirement plan transition liability	8	10	15	20
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(22,472)	4,320	(25,561)	4,161
Subtotal comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	(11,432)	13,179	(2,980)	20,866
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(33)	(33)	(65)	(65)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ (11,465)	$ 13,146	$ (3,045)	$ 20,801