XML 38 R73.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Sep. 30, 2014
Jun. 30, 2014
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Sep. 30, 2013
Jun. 30, 2013
Mar. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       $ 33,323us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance         $ 33,323us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance    
Provision for loan losses 3,898us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 3,685us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 3,989us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 3,396us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 3,100us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 3,178us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 2,700us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 2,400us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 14,968us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 11,378us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses 9,590us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
Balance at end of period 35,662us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance       33,323us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance       35,662us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance 33,323us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance  
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Total 35,662us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance       33,323us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance       35,662us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance 33,323us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance  
Business Activity                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       29,527us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      31,891us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
29,527us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
31,891us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
31,898us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
Charged-off loans                 9,470us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
8,102us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
9,067us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 673us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
1,329us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
416us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
Provision for loan losses                 12,065us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
4,409us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
8,644us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
Balance at end of period 32,795us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      29,527us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      32,795us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
29,527us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
31,891us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment 1,143us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      1,282us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      1,143us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
1,282us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
3,209us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
Collectively evaluated 31,652us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      28,245us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      31,652us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
28,245us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
28,682us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
Total 32,795us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      29,527us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
      32,795us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
29,527us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
31,891us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
Acquired Loans                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       3,796us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      1,317us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
3,796us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
1,317us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
546us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
Charged-off loans                 4,383us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
4,735us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
383us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 551us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
245us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
208us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
Provision for loan losses                 2,903us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
6,969us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
946us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
Balance at end of period 2,867us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      3,796us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      2,867us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
3,796us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
1,317us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment 171us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      757us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      171us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
757us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
55us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
Collectively evaluated 2,696us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      3,039us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      2,696us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
3,039us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
1,262us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
Total 2,867us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      3,796us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
      2,867us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
3,796us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
1,317us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       6,937us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      5,928us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
6,937us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
5,928us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
3,150us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Charged-off loans                 1,455us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
1,761us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
2,604us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 186us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
398us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
103us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Provision for loan losses                 1,168us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
2,372us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
5,279us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Balance at end of period 6,836us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      6,937us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      6,836us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
6,937us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
5,928us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment 155us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      905us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      155us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
905us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
287us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Collectively evaluated 6,681us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      6,032us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      6,681us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
6,032us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
5,641us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Total 6,836us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      6,937us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      6,836us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
6,937us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
5,928us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       625us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      509us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
625us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
509us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
281us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Charged-off loans                 1,141us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
636us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
43us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 179us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
1us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
 
Provision for loan losses                 952us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
751us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
271us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Balance at end of period 615us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      625us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      615us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
625us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
509us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment 48us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      230us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      48us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
230us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
55us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Collectively evaluated 567us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      395us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      567us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
395us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
454us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Total 615us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      625us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
      615us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
625us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
509us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_MortgagesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember
Commercial real estate | Business Activity                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       13,705us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      18,863us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
13,705us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
18,863us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
22,095us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Charged-off loans                 4,207us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
3,378us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
4,229us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 9us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
540us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
52us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Provision for loan losses                 5,183us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
(2,320)us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
945us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Balance at end of period 14,690us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      13,705us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      14,690us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
13,705us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
18,863us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment 922us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      219us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      922us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
219us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
1,444us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Collectively evaluated 13,768us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      13,486us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      13,768us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
13,486us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
17,419us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Total 14,690us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      13,705us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      14,690us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
13,705us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
18,863us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       2,339us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      390us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
2,339us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
390us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
158us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Charged-off loans                 1,477us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
1,748us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
 
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 261us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
15us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
 
Provision for loan losses                 (333)us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
3,682us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
232us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Balance at end of period 790us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      2,339us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      790us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
2,339us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
390us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment 48us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      488us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      48us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
488us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
 
Collectively evaluated 742us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      1,851us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      742us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
1,851us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
390us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Total 790us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      2,339us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      790us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
2,339us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
390us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       5,173us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      5,605us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
5,173us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
5,605us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
4,540us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Charged-off loans                 2,500us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
2,046us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
697us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 193us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
121us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
96us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Provision for loan losses                 2,340us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
1,493us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
1,666us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Balance at end of period 5,206us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      5,173us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      5,206us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
5,173us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
5,605us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment         55us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
        55us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
1,205us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Collectively evaluated 5,206us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      5,118us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      5,206us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
5,118us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
4,400us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Total 5,206us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      5,173us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      5,206us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
5,173us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
5,605us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       597us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      96us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
597us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
96us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
38us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Charged-off loans                 510us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
771us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
 
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 35us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
84us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
 
Provision for loan losses                 971us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
1,188us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
58us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Balance at end of period 1,093us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      597us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      1,093us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
597us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
96us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Collectively evaluated 1,093us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      597us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      1,093us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
597us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
96us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Total 1,093us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      597us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
      1,093us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
597us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
96us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember
Consumer | Business Activity                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       3,644us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      1,466us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
3,644us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
1,466us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
2,203us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Charged-off loans                 1,308us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
917us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
1,537us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 285us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
270us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
165us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Provision for loan losses                 3,307us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
2,825us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
635us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Balance at end of period 5,928us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      3,644us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      5,928us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
3,644us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
1,466us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment 66us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      103us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      66us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
103us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
273us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Collectively evaluated 5,862us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      3,541us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      5,862us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
3,541us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
1,193us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Total 5,928us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      3,644us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      5,928us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
3,644us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
1,466us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Consumer | Acquired Loans                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       235us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      314us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
235us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
314us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
87us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Charged-off loans                 1,255us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
1,580us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
340us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Recoveries on charged-off loans                 76us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
145us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
208us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Provision for loan losses                 1,313us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
1,356us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
359us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Balance at end of period 369us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      235us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      369us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
235us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
314us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Individually evaluated for impairment 75us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      39us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      75us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
39us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
 
Collectively evaluated 294us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      196us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      294us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
196us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
314us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Total 369us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      235us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
      369us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
235us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
314us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Unallocated | Business Activity                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period       68us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
      29us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
68us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
29us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
(90)us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Provision for loan losses                 67us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
39us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
119us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Balance at end of period 135us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
      68us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
      135us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
68us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
29us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Collectively evaluated 135us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
      68us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
      135us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
68us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
29us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Total 135us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
      68us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
      135us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
68us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
29us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansFromBusinessActivitiesMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Unallocated | Acquired Loans                      
Activity in the allowance for loan losses                      
Balance at beginning of period               8us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
  8us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
(18)us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Provision for loan losses                   (8)us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
26us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Balance at end of period                     8us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Allowance For Loan Losses                      
Collectively evaluated                     8us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember
Total                     $ 8us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ bhlb_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableBySourceAxis
= bhlb_LoansAcquiredFromBusinessCombinationsMember
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_UnallocatedFinancingReceivablesMember