Parent Company (Statements of Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Benefit from income taxes	$ (3,532)	$ (5,062)	$ (5,493)
NET INCOME	12,125	15,131	15,194
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from Merchants Bank	7,085	5,789	7,607
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	5,857	10,211	8,721
Other expense, net	(1,276)	(1,337)	(1,743)
Benefit from income taxes	459	468	609
NET INCOME	$ 12,125	$ 15,131	$ 15,194