SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS (Gross Realized Gains and Losses on the Sale of Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2025	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Securities [Abstract]
Gross realized gains	$ 36	$ 33	$ 1,355
Gross realized losses	(117)	(6,526)	(42,344)
Net realized losses	(81)	(6,493)	(40,989)
Proceeds from sales of securities	$ 630,097	$ 642,985	$ 899,872