EARNINGS PER SHARE (Reconciliation of the Denominators of the Basic and Diluted EPS Computations) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Net Income:
Net income	$ 234,510	$ 263,917	$ 158,228
Less: Preferred Stock Dividends	11,868	11,868	5,658
Net Income available to common shareholders	$ 222,642	$ 252,049	$ 152,570
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	74,949,109	77,399,902	78,858,726
Dilutive effect of stock awards	4,000	18,000	17,000
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted	74,953,398	77,417,801	78,875,668
Basic EPS:
Earnings per common share, basic	$ 2.97	$ 3.26	$ 1.93
Diluted EPS:
Earnings per common share, diluted	$ 2.97	$ 3.26	$ 1.93