INCOME TAXES (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets:
Book allowance for loan losses in excess of tax specific charge-offs	$ 39,520	$ 31,602
Interest on nonaccrual loans	641	473
Deferred compensation	3,999	3,727
Net operating losses	6,467	560
Premises and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	5,526	2,457
OREO valuation allowance	9,689	7,398
Assets acquired in FDIC-assisted acquisition	23,364	19,170
State tax benefit	3,311	247
Accrued liabilities	9,550	10,126
Other	5,336	10,374
Goodwill	4,764	3,846
Gross deferred tax assets	112,167	89,980
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Core deposit and customer relationship intangibles	4,504	5,004
Deferred loan fees and costs	76	296
Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale	16,513	23,824
FHLB stock and dividends	7,709	7,557
Unrealized income from FDIC-assisted acquisition	35,427	23,614
Gross deferred tax liabilities	64,229	60,295
Total net deferred tax asset	47,938	29,685
Reduction in unrecognized tax benefit due to lapse of statute	$ (117)