PARENT COMPANY (Statements of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Benefit from income taxes	$ (3,185)	$ (3,532)	$ (5,062)
NET INCOME	12,618	12,125	15,131
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from Merchants Bank	7,096	7,085	5,789
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	7,242	5,857	10,211
Other expense, net	(2,646)	(1,276)	(1,337)
Benefit from income taxes	926	459	468
NET INCOME	$ 12,618	$ 12,125	$ 15,131