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, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Net Income:
Net income	$ 201,818	$ 234,510	$ 263,917
Less: Preferred Stock Dividends	11,868	11,868	11,868
Net Income available to common shareholders	$ 189,950	$ 222,642	$ 252,049
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding	74,961,390	74,949,109	77,399,902
Dilutive effect of stock awards	1,000	4,000	18,000
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted	74,962,363	74,953,398	77,417,801
Basic EPS:
Earnings per common share, basic	$ 2.53	$ 2.97	$ 3.26
Diluted EPS:
Earnings per common share, diluted	$ 2.53	$ 2.97	$ 3.26