PARENT COMPANY - Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements
Benefit from income taxes	$ (4,689)	$ (3,185)	$ (3,532)
NET INCOME	14,883	12,618	12,125
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements
Dividends from Merchants Bank	7,695	7,096	7,085
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	9,602	7,242	5,857
Other expense, net	(3,976)	(2,646)	(1,276)
Benefit from income taxes	1,562	926	459
NET INCOME	$ 14,883	$ 12,618	$ 12,125