Consolidated Statements of Condition (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities available for sale pledged (in Dollars)	$ 174,240	$ 146,429
Securities held to maturity pledged (in Dollars)	136,109	206,282
Common shares, par value per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common shares, authorized shares (in Shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common shares, issued shares (in Shares)	35,263,768	35,225,110
Sterling National Bank [Member]
Securities available for sale pledged (in Dollars)	174,240	146,429
Securities held to maturity pledged (in Dollars)	136,109	206,282
Securities held to maturity estimated fair value (in Dollars)	$ 403,218	$ 425,775
Common shares, par value per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 50	$ 50
Common shares, authorized shares (in Shares)	358,526	358,526
Common shares, issued shares (in Shares)	358,526	358,526