Parent Company (Statements of Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Benefit from income taxes	$ (3,978)		$ (3,977)		$ (3,124)
NET INCOME	15,131		15,194		14,620
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from Merchants Bank	5,789	[1]	7,607	[1]	7,953	[1]
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	10,211	[1]	8,721	[1]	7,832	[1]
Other expense, net	(1,337)		(1,743)		(1,788)
Benefit from income taxes	468		609		623
NET INCOME	$ 15,131		$ 15,194		$ 14,620

[1] Account balances are partially or fully eliminated in consolidation