Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 12,602	$ 11,543
Available-for-sale securities:
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) during the period	5,290	(3,278)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	(56)	(220)
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net retirement plan actuarial loss	192	393
Amortization of net retirement plan prior service cost	8	8
Amortization of net retirement plan transition liability	0	8
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,434	(3,089)
Subtotal comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests and Tompkins Financial Corporation	18,036	8,454
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(33)	(33)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Tompkins Financial Corporation	$ 18,003	$ 8,421