INCOME TAXES (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred tax assets:
Net unrealized loss on securities carried at fair value reflected in stockholders' equity	$ 107,669	$ 159,763
Net unrealized loss on derivatives reflected in stockholders’ equity	(382)	210
Net unrealized loss on securities transferred from carried at fair value to held to maturity reflected in stockholders' equity	42,541	45,174
Allowance for credit losses	34,527	28,732
Deferred compensation	13,055	12,861
Net operating loss carryforwards	14,789	21,844
Lease liability	7,241	7,731
Investments in partnerships	2,042	2,843
Other	7,971	5,476
Total deferred tax assets	229,453	284,634
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(13,000)	(19,001)
Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	216,453	265,633
Deferred tax liabilities:
Premises, furniture and equipment	8,245	9,227
Purchase accounting	10,070	7,954
Lease right-of-use asset	6,391	7,182
Deferred loan costs	6,031	6,078
Other	912	3,846
Total deferred tax liabilities	31,649	34,287
Net deferred tax asset	$ 184,804	$ 231,346