PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 677,184	$ 667,236
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	353,801	334,346
Premises and equipment, net	323,383	332,890
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	73,978	74,270
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life, minimum (in years)	10	10
Estimated Useful Life, maximum (in years)	40	40
Subtotal	305,814	305,201
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life, minimum (in years)	10	10
Estimated Useful Life, maximum (in years)	39	39
Subtotal	9,626	9,676
Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life, minimum (in years)	3	3
Estimated Useful Life, maximum (in years)	12	12
Subtotal	273,449	269,880
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 14,317	$ 8,209