INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available for Sale
Amortized cost	$ 1,610,297	$ 1,468,983
Gross unrealized gains	24,543	24,851
Gross unrealized losses	(2,316)	(840)
Estimated fair value	1,632,524	1,492,994
Held to Maturity
Amortized cost	487	931
Estimated fair value	495	976
U.S. Government sponsored entities debt securities
Available for Sale
Amortized cost	354,145	370,184
Gross unrealized gains	3,148	2,993
Estimated fair value	357,293	373,177
States and political subdivisions debt securities
Available for Sale
Amortized cost	91,369	12,265
Gross unrealized gains	1,562	729
Gross unrealized losses	(407)
Estimated fair value	92,524	12,994
U.S. Government sponsored entities mortgage-backed securities
Available for Sale
Amortized cost	1,115,487	1,077,146
Gross unrealized gains	19,227	20,981
Gross unrealized losses	(1,864)	(825)
Estimated fair value	1,132,850	1,097,302
Held to Maturity
Amortized cost	487	931
Gross unrealized gains	8	45
Estimated fair value	495	976
Corporate securities
Available for Sale
Amortized cost	48,448	8,403
Gross unrealized gains	585	148
Gross unrealized losses	(45)
Estimated fair value	48,988	8,551
Other
Available for Sale
Amortized cost	848	985
Gross unrealized gains	21
Gross unrealized losses		(15)
Estimated fair value	$ 869	$ 970

Amount of investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.

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+ Details

- Definition

This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities, at a point in time, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, this item represents investments in debt securities which are categorized as held-to-maturity. The held-to-maturity category is for those securities that the entity has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity.

+ References

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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+ Details

- Definition

This item represents the aggregate fair value of investments in debt securities as of the balance sheet date and which are categorized as held-to-maturity.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

As of the balance sheet date, the excess of fair value over carrying value (amortized cost) of a debt security categorized as held-to-maturity, exclusive of dividend or interest income recognized but not yet received and exclusive of any write-downs for other-than-temporary impairment. Such item represents the gross unrecognized holding gain.

+ References+ Details