| Cover | Jul. 24, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 24, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-12709 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Tompkins Financial Corporation |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001005817 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 16-1482357 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NY |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | P.O. Box 460 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Ithaca |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 14851 |
| City Area Code | (607) |
| Local Phone Number | 273-3210 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.10 par value |
| Trading Symbol | TMP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSEAMER |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
