Berkshire Hills Bancorp (BHLB) 10-Q 11 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	6-May-15
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP INC
Entity Central Index Key	1108134
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,517,572
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$43,089	$54,179
Short-term investments	19,125	17,575
Total cash and cash equivalents	62,214	71,754
Trading security	14,970	14,909
Securities available for sale, at fair value	1,099,656	1,091,818
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $44,744 and $44,997)	42,818	43,347
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other restricted securities	58,734	55,720
Total securities	1,216,178	1,205,794
Loans held for sale, at fair value	29,305	19,493
Residential mortgages	1,473,239	1,496,204
Commercial real estate	1,672,099	1,611,567
Commercial and industrial loans	826,815	804,366
Consumer loans	756,510	768,463
Total loans	4,728,663	4,680,600
Less: Allowance for loan losses	36,286	35,662
Net loans	4,692,377	4,644,938
Premises and equipment, net	85,053	87,279
Other real estate owned	1,444	2,049
Goodwill	264,742	264,742
Other intangible assets	10,627	11,528
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	105,302	104,588
Deferred tax assets, net	26,828	28,776
Other assets	77,169	61,090
Total assets	6,571,239	6,502,031
Liabilities
Demand deposits	892,225	869,302
NOW deposits	436,458	426,108
Money market deposits	1,372,924	1,407,179
Savings deposits	512,607	496,344
Time deposits	1,505,469	1,455,746
Total deposits	4,719,683	4,654,679
Short-term debt	894,500	900,900
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances	61,618	61,676
Subordinated notes	89,765	89,747
Total borrowings	1,045,883	1,052,323
Other liabilities	89,443	85,742
Total liabilities	5,855,009	5,792,744
Stockholders' equity
Common stock ($.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized and 26,525,466 shares issued and 25,252,635 shares outstanding in 2015; 26,525,466 shares issued and 25,182,566 shares outstanding in 2014)	265	265
Additional paid-in capital	585,307	587,289
Unearned compensation	-7,226	-6,147
Retained earnings	160,241	156,446
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	9,068	6,579
Treasury stock, at cost (1,272,831 shares in 2015 and 1,342,900 shares in 2014)	-31,425	-33,145
Total stockholders' equity	716,230	709,287
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$6,571,239	$6,502,031

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Securities held to maturity, fair values (in dollars)	$44,744	$44,997
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	26,525,466	26,525,466
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,252,635	25,182,566
Treasury stock, shares	1,272,831	1,342,900

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest and dividend income
Loans	$44,445	$42,494
Securities and other	8,306	7,301
Total interest and dividend income	52,751	49,795
Interest expense
Deposits	4,949	4,721
Borrowings	2,309	2,308
Total interest expense	7,258	7,029
Net interest income	45,493	42,766
Non-interest income
Loan related income	1,283	1,248
Mortgage banking income	1,253	372
Deposit related fees	5,677	5,439
Insurance commissions and fees	2,967	3,049
Wealth management fees	2,603	2,549
Total fee income	13,783	12,657
Other	-1,255	524
Gain on sale of securities, net	34	34
Loss on termination of hedges		-8,792
Total non-interest income	12,562	4,423
Total net revenue	58,055	47,189
Provision for loan losses	3,851	3,396
Non-interest expense
Compensation and benefits	21,811	19,859
Occupancy and equipment	7,108	6,814
Technology and communications	3,593	3,778
Marketing and promotion	713	521
Professional services	1,272	1,152
FDIC premiums and assessments	1,129	1,009
Other real estate owned and foreclosures	251	523
Amortization of intangible assets	901	1,306
Acquisition, restructuring and conversion related expenses	4,421	6,301
Other	3,949	4,097
Total non-interest expense	45,148	45,360
Income before income taxes	9,056	-1,567
Income tax expense (benefit)	297	-461
Net income (loss)	$8,759	($1,106)
Earnings per share:
Total basic earning per share (in dollars per share)	$0.35	($0.04)
Total diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.35	($0.04)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	24,803	24,698
Diluted (in shares)	24,955	24,698

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income (loss)	$8,759	($1,106)
Other comprehensive income, before tax
Changes in unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale	9,337	6,021
Changes in unrealized (loss) gain on derivative hedges	-3,901	4,533
Changes in unrealized gain on terminated swaps		3,237
Changes in unrealized (loss) gains on pension	-1,531
Income taxes related to other comprehensive income:
Changes in unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale	-3,605	-2,221
Changes in unrealized (loss) gains on derivative hedges	1,572	-1,832
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on terminated swaps		-1,312
Changes in unrealized (loss) gains on pension	617
Total other comprehensive income	2,489	8,426
Total comprehensive income	$11,248	$7,320

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Unearned compensation	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Treasury stock	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$265	$587,247	($5,563)	$141,958	($9,057)	($36,788)	$678,062
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	25,036
Comprehensive income:
Net loss				-1,106			-1,106
Other comprehensive income					8,426		8,426
Total comprehensive income							7,320
Cash dividends declared ($0.18 and $0.19 per share)				-4,561			-4,561
Treasury stock purchased						-2,467	-2,467
Treasury stock purchased (in shares)	-100
Forfeited shares		1	5			-6
Forfeited shares (in shares)	-1
Exercise of stock options				-793		1,512	719
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	61
Restricted stock grants		37	-3,144			3,107
Restricted stock grants (in shares)	126
Stock-based compensation		41	891				932
Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation		-1,984					-1,984
Other, net						-431	-431
Other, net (in shares)	-17
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	265	585,342	-7,811	135,498	-631	-35,073	677,590
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	25,105
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	265	585,289	-6,147	156,446	6,579	-33,145	709,287
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	25,183
Comprehensive income:
Net loss				8,759			8,759
Other comprehensive income					2,489		2,489
Total comprehensive income							11,248
Cash dividends declared ($0.18 and $0.19 per share)				-4,799			-4,799
Forfeited shares		22	214			-236
Forfeited shares (in shares)	-9
Exercise of stock options				-165		281	116
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	11
Restricted stock grants		19	-2,286			2,267
Restricted stock grants (in shares)	92
Stock-based compensation			993				993
Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation		-23					-23
Other, net						-592	-592
Other, net (in shares)	-24
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$265	$585,307	($7,226)	$160,241	$9,068	($31,425)	$716,230
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015	25,253

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Cash dividends declared, per share	$0.19	$0.18

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$8,759	($1,106)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses	3,851	3,396
Net amortization of securities	-317	604
Change in unamortized net loan costs and premiums	398	64
Premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense	2,096	1,944
Stock-based compensation expense	993	932
Accretion of purchase accounting entries, net	-367	-1,999
Amortization of other intangibles	901	1,306
Write down of other real estate owned		125
Excess tax loss from stock-based payment arrangements	23	-89
Income from cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	-714	-813
Gain on sales of securities, net	-34	-34
Net (increase) decrease in loans held for sale	-9,812	8,171
Loss on disposition of assets	1,136	834
Loss on sale of real estate	154	208
Loss on termination of hedges		3,237
Amortization of interest in tax-advantaged projects	2,882	421
Net change in other	-6,145	-183
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,804	17,018
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net decrease in trading security	142	135
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale	4,693	3,171
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of securities available for sale	40,552	25,440
Purchases of securities available for sale	-41,068	-291,662
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of securities held to maturity	729	1,762
Purchases of securities held to maturity	-200
Net change in loans	-68,671	-59,851
Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	103	78
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	-3,117	-2,920
Net investment in limited partnership tax credits		-2,500
Purchase of premises and equipment, net	-946	-3,130
Acquisitions, net of cash paid		423,416
Proceeds from sale of other real estate	578	483
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-67,205	94,422
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	65,007	-70,422
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings	2,200,000	900,018
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings	-2,206,440	-937,682
Purchase of treasury stock		-2,467
Exercise of stock options	116	719
Excess tax loss from stock-based payment arrangements	-23	89
Common stock cash dividends paid	-4,799	-4,561
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	53,861	-114,306
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-9,540	-2,866
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	71,754	75,539
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	62,214	72,673
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid on deposits	4,902	4,718
Interest paid on borrowed funds	2,306	3,145
Income taxes (refunded) paid, net	274	146
Acquisition of non-cash assets and liabilities:
Assets acquired		18,064
Liabilities assumed		-441,550
Other non-cash changes:
Other net comprehensive income	2,489	5,189
Real estate owned acquired in settlement of loans	$127	$476

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	NOTE 1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and contain all adjustments, consisting solely of normal, recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods.
	In addition, these interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, and accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared according to U.S. GAAP have been omitted.
	The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and note disclosures for Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Reclassifications
	Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board “FASB” issued Accounting Standard Updated “ASU” ASU No. 2014-01, “Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” ASU No. 2014-01 permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. This new guidance also requires new disclosures for all investors in these projects. ASU No. 2014-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Upon adoption, the guidance must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. However, entities that use the effective yield method to account for investments in these projects before adoption may continue to do so for these pre-existing investments. The Company has elected not to adopt the proportional amortization method, which had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	Also in January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, “Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” The objective of this guidance is to clarify when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. ASU No. 2014-04 states that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, ASU No. 2014-04 requires interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. ASU No. 2014-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2014-04 effective January 1, 2015, which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.  See Note 4 - Loans to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the disclosures required by ASU No. 2014-04.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11 related to repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financing and disclosures. The pronouncement changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to secured borrowing accounting, which is consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements. The pronouncement also requires two new disclosures. The first disclosure requires an entity to disclose information on transfers accounted for as sales in transactions that are economically similar to repurchase agreements. The second disclosure provides increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The pronouncement is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is not permitted. As of March 31, 2015 the Company did not have any repurchase transactions, and therefore the adoption of this pronouncement did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-14 related to classification of certain government-guaranteed mortgage loans upon foreclosure. The objective of this guidance is to reduce diversity in practice related to how creditors classify government-guaranteed mortgage loans, including FHA or VA guaranteed loans, upon foreclosure. Some creditors reclassify those loans to real estate consistent with other foreclosed loans that do not have guarantees; others reclassify the loans to other receivables. The amendments in this guidance require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: (1) The loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure; (2) At the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim; and (3) At the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The pronouncement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2014-14 effective January 1, 2015, which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The new revenue pronouncement creates a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries and is more principles-based than current revenue guidance. The pronouncement provides a five-step model for a company to recognize revenue when it transfers control of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The five steps are (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations and (5) recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. The pronouncement is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 using either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” This ASU affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments: (1) Modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities; (2) Eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (3) Affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (4) Provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is not permitted; however, the FASB has issued a proposal to extend the effective date by one year.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” This ASU provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new guidance does not change the accounting for a customer’s accounting for service contracts. ASU No. 2015-05 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

TRADING_SECURITY

TRADING SECURITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
TRADING SECURITY.
TRADING SECURITY
	NOTE 2.TRADING SECURITY
	The Company holds a tax advantaged economic development bond that is being accounted for at fair value. The security had an amortized cost of $12.4 million and $12.6 million, and a fair value of $15.0 million and $14.9 million, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As discussed further in Note 12 - Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities, the Company has entered into a swap contract to swap-out the fixed rate of the security in exchange for a variable rate. The Company does not purchase securities with the intent of selling them in the near term, and there are no other securities in the trading portfolio at March 31, 2015.

SECURITIES_AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY
	NOTE 3. SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY
	The following is a summary of securities available for sale and held to maturity:
	(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross		Gross			Fair Value
				Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gains		Losses
	March 31, 2015
	Securities available for sale
	Debt securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	$	149,454	$	6,391	$	(395	)	$	155,450
	Government-guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	64,456		696		(113		)	65,039
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	750,730		13,157		(1,466		)	762,421
	Corporate bonds	55,560		411		(614		)	55,357
	Trust preferred securities	12,773		736		(82		)	13,427
	Other bonds and obligations	3,203		—		(7		)	3,196
	Total debt securities	1,036,176		21,391		(2,677		)	1,054,890
	Marketable equity securities	38,150		7,536		(920		)	44,766
	Total securities available for sale	1,074,326		28,927		(3,597		)	1,099,656
	Securities held to maturity
	Municipal bonds and obligations	4,847		—		—			4,847
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	70		5		—			75
	Tax advantaged economic development bonds	37,570		1,921		—			39,491
	Other bonds and obligations	331		—		—			331
	Total securities held to maturity	42,818		1,926		—			44,744
	Total	$	1,117,144	$	30,853	$	(3,597	)	$	1,144,400
	December 31, 2014
	Securities available for sale
	Debt securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	$	127,014	$	6,859	$	(174	)	$	133,699
	Government-guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	68,972		702		(206		)	69,468
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	755,893		7,421		(3,130		)	760,184
	Corporate bonds	55,134		120		(1,103		)	54,151
	Trust preferred securities	16,607		820		(1,212		)	16,215
	Other bonds and obligations	3,211		—		(52		)	3,159
	Total debt securities	1,026,831		15,922		(5,877		)	1,036,876
	Marketable equity securities	48,993		7,322		(1,373		)	54,942
	Total securities available for sale	1,075,824		23,244		(7,250		)	1,091,818
	Securities held to maturity
	Municipal bonds and obligations	4,997		—		—			4,997
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	70		4		—			74
	Tax advantaged economic development bonds	37,948		1,680		(34		)	39,594
	Other bonds and obligations	332		—		—			332
	Total securities held to maturity	43,347		1,684		(34		)	44,997
	Total	$	1,119,171	$	24,928	$	(7,284	)	$	1,136,815
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale (“AFS”) and held to maturity (“HTM”) securities, segregated by contractual maturity at March 31, 2015 are presented below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.  Mortgage-backed securities are shown in total, as their maturities are highly variable.  Equity securities have no maturity and are also shown in total.
		Available for sale				Held to maturity
		Amortized		Fair		Amortized			Fair
	(In thousands)	Cost		Value		Cost			Value
	Within 1 year	$	31,062	$	30,557	$	1,214		$	1,214
	Over 1 year to 5 years	1,256		1,264		16,802			17,774
	Over 5 years to 10 years	17,319		17,698		12,232			12,532
	Over 10 years	171,353		177,911		12,500			13,149
	Total bonds and obligations	220,990		227,430		42,748			44,669
	Marketable equity securities	38,150		44,766		—			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	815,186		827,460		70			75
	Total	$	1,074,326	$	1,099,656	$	42,818		$	44,744
	Securities with unrealized losses, segregated by the duration of their continuous unrealized loss positions, are summarized as follows:
		Less Than Twelve Months				Over Twelve Months					Total
		Gross				Gross					Gross
		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized		Fair
	(In thousands)	Losses		Value		Losses			Value		Losses		Value
	March 31, 2015
	Securities available for sale
	Debt securities:
Municipal bonds and obligations	$	62	$	19,756	$	333		$	11,796	$	395	$	31,552
Government-guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	11		5,638		102			6,701		113		12,339
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	—		—		1,466			142,786		1,466		142,786
Corporate bonds	614		33,680		—			—		614		33,680
Trust preferred securities	82		2,192		—			—		82		2,192
Other bonds and obligations	—		—		7			2,057		7		2,057
Total debt securities	769		61,266		1,908			163,340		2,677		224,606
Marketable equity securities	636		7,364		284			4,576		920		11,940
Total securities available for sale	1,405		68,630		2,192			167,916		3,597		236,546
Securities held to maturity
Tax advantaged economic development bonds	—		—		—			—		—		—
Total securities held to maturity	—		—		—			—		—		—
Total	$	1,405	$	68,630	$	2,192		$	167,916	$	3,597	$	236,546
December 31, 2014
Securities available for sale
Debt securities:
Municipal bonds and obligations	$	8	$	1,001	$	166		$	7,206	$	174	$	8,207
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	46		7,122		160			16,727		206		23,849
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	236		30,672		2,894			167,473		3,130		198,145
Corporate bonds	1,103		39,571		—			—		1,103		39,571
Trust preferred securities	65		935		1,147			2,408		1,212		3,343
Other bonds and obligations	—				52			3,035		52		3,035
Total debt securities	1,458		79,301		4,419			196,849		5,877		276,150
Marketable equity securities	1,039		9,902		334			4,755		1,373		14,657
Total securities available for sale	2,497		89,203		4,753			201,604		7,250		290,807
Securities held to maturity
Tax advantaged economic development bonds	—		—		34			7,972		34		7,972
Total securities held to maturity	—		—		34			7,972		34		7,972
Total	$	2,497	$	89,203	$	4,787		$	209,576	$	7,284	$	298,779
Debt Securities
The Company expects to recover its amortized cost basis on all debt securities in its AFS and HTM portfolios. Furthermore, the Company does not intend to sell nor does it anticipate that it will be required to sell any of its securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2015, prior to this recovery. The Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities until recovery is supported by the Company’s strong capital and liquidity positions as well as its historically low portfolio turnover. The following summarizes, by investment security type, the basis for the conclusion that the debt securities in an unrealized loss position within the Company’s AFS and HTM portfolios were not other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015:
AFS municipal bonds and obligations
At March 31, 2015, 28 of the total 190 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS municipal bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.2% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Company continually monitors the municipal bond sector of the market carefully and periodically evaluates the appropriate level of exposure to the market.  At this time, the Company feels the bonds in this portfolio carry minimal risk of default and the Company is appropriately compensated for that risk.  There were no material underlying credit downgrades during the first quarter of 2015.  All securities are performing.
AFS residential mortgage-backed securities
At March 31, 2015, 36 out of the total 198 securities in the Company’s portfolios of AFS residential mortgage-backed securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.0% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) guarantee the contractual cash flows of all of the Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during the past quarter. All securities are performing.
AFS corporate bonds
At March 31, 2015, 2 out of 6 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS corporate bonds were in an unrealized loss position. The aggregate unrealized loss represents 1.8% of the amortized cost of bonds in unrealized loss positions.  The Company reviews the financial strength of all of these bonds and has concluded that the amortized cost remains supported by the expected future cash flows of these securities.  Neither bond is investment grade rated.
At March 31, 2015, $0.5 million of the total unrealized losses was attributable to a $31.1 million investment.  The Company evaluated this security, with a Level 2 fair value of $30.6 million, for potential other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at March 31, 2015 and determined that OTTI was not evident based on both the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until the recovery of its remaining amortized cost.
AFS trust preferred securities
At March 31, 2015, 2 out of the 4 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS trust preferred securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 3.6% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Company’s evaluation of the present value of expected cash flows on these securities supports its conclusions about the recoverability of the securities’ amortized cost basis. Both securities are investment grade rated.  The Company reviews the financial strength of all of the single issue trust issuers and has concluded that the amortized cost remains supported by the market value of these securities and they are performing.
AFS other bonds and obligations
At March 31, 2015, 4 of the total 8 securities in the Company’s portfolio of other bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 0.4% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during first quarter of 2015. All securities are performing.
Marketable Equity Securities
In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolio for OTTI, the Company considers its ability to more likely than not hold an equity security to recovery.  The Company additionally considers other various factors including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer.  Any OTTI is recognized immediately through earnings.
At March 31, 2015, 6 out of the total 29 securities in the Company’s portfolio of marketable equity securities were in an unrealized loss position. The unrealized loss represented 7.2% of the amortized cost of the securities. The Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities until recovery of their cost basis and does not consider the securities other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015.  As new information becomes available in future periods, changes to the Company’s assumptions may be warranted and could lead to a different conclusion regarding the OTTI of these securities.

LOANS

LOANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
LOANS
LOANS
	NOTE 4. LOANS
	The Company’s loan portfolio is segregated into the following segments: residential mortgage, commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and consumer. Residential mortgage loans include classes for 1- 4 family owner occupied and construction loans.  Commercial real estate loans include construction, single and multi-family, and other commercial real estate classes.  Commercial and industrial loans include asset based lending loans, lease financing and other commercial business loan classes.  Consumer loans include home equity, direct and indirect auto and other.  These portfolio segments each have unique risk characteristics that are considered when determining the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses.
	A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is secured by real estate in western Massachusetts, southern Vermont, northeastern New York, and in the Bank’s other New England lending areas. The ability of many of the Bank’s borrowers to honor their contracts is dependent, among other things, on the specific economy and real estate markets of these areas.
	Total loans include business activity loans and acquired loans. Acquired loans are those loans acquired from the acquisitions of the 20 acquired branches, Beacon Federal Bancorp, Inc., The Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, Legacy Bancorp, Inc., and Rome Bancorp, Inc. The following is a summary of total loans:
			March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Business			Acquired			Total		Business		Acquired		Total
			Activities Loans			Loans					Activities Loans		Loans
	Residential mortgages:
	1-4 family		$	1,188,018		$	256,503		$	1,444,521	$	1,199,408	$	268,734	$	1,468,142
	Construction		27,796			922			28,718		27,044		1,018		28,062
	Total residential mortgages		1,215,814			257,425			1,473,239		1,226,452		269,752		1,496,204
	Commercial real estate:
	Construction		182,800			4,046			186,846		169,189		4,201		173,390
	Single and multi-family		142,297			48,429			190,726		140,050		53,168		193,218
	Other commercial real estate		1,086,893			207,634			1,294,527		1,030,837		214,122		1,244,959
	Total commercial real estate		1,411,990			260,109			1,672,099		1,340,076		271,491		1,611,567
	Commercial and industrial loans:
	Asset based lending		354,106			—			354,106		341,246		—		341,246
	Other commercial and industrial loans		424,565			48,144			472,709		411,945		51,175		463,120
	Total commercial and industrial loans		778,671			48,144			826,815		753,191		51,175		804,366
	Total commercial loans		2,190,661			308,253			2,498,914		2,093,267		322,666		2,415,933
	Consumer loans:
	Home equity		255,368			62,247			317,615		252,681		65,951		318,632
	Auto and other		351,826			87,069			438,895		346,480		103,351		449,831
	Total consumer loans		607,194			149,316			756,510		599,161		169,302		768,463
	Total loans		$	4,013,669		$	714,994		$	4,728,663	$	3,918,880	$	761,720	$	4,680,600
	The carrying amount of the acquired loans at March 31, 2015 totaled $715 million.  A subset of these loans was determined to have evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition date, which is accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30. These purchased credit-impaired loans presently maintain a carrying value of $12.7 million (and a note balance of $23.9). These loans are evaluated for impairment through the periodic reforecasting of expected cash flows. Loans that were considered not impaired at the acquisition date had a carrying amount of $702 million.
	The carrying amount of the acquired loans at December 31, 2014 totaled $762 million. A subset of these loans was determined to have evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition date, which is accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30. These purchased credit-impaired loans presently maintain a carrying value of $13.8 million (and a note balance of $25.8). These loans are evaluated for impairment through the periodic reforecasting of expected cash flows. Loans that were considered not impaired at the acquisition date had a carrying amount of $747.9 million.
	The following table summarizes activity in the accretable yield for the acquired loan portfolio that falls under the purview of ASC 310-30, Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer.
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	2,541		$	2,559
	Sales		—			—
	Reclassification form nonaccretable difference for loans with improved cash flows		1,330			1,540
	Accretion		(440		)	(945		)
	Balance at end of period		$	3,431		$	3,154
	The following is a summary of past due loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Business Activities Loans
	(in thousands)		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater		Total Past		Current		Total Loans		Past Due >
			Past Due			Past Due			Than 90		Due						90 days and
									Days Past								Accruing
									Due
	March 31, 2015
	Residential mortgages:
	1-4 family		$	1,888		$	888		$	4,066	$	6,842	$	1,181,176	$	1,188,018	$	1,699
	Construction		—			—			414		414		27,382		27,796		414
	Total		1,888			888			4,480		7,256		1,208,558		1,215,814		2,113
	Commercial real estate:
	Construction		—			—			758		758		182,042		182,800		—
	Single and multi-family		245			247			406		898		141,399		142,297		—
	Other commercial real estate		1,900			330			9,202		11,432		1,075,461		1,086,893		266
	Total		2,145			577			10,366		13,088		1,398,902		1,411,990		266
	Commercial and industrial loans:
	Asset based lending		—			—			—		—		354,106		354,106		—
	Other commercial and industrial loans		1,371			150			725		2,246		422,319		424,565		—
	Total		1,371			150			725		2,246		776,425		778,671		—
	Consumer loans:
	Home equity		589			154			2,546		3,289		252,079		255,368		1,354
	Auto and other		744			54			255		1,053		350,773		351,826		3
	Total		1,333			208			2,801		4,342		602,852		607,194		1,357
	Total		$	6,737		$	1,823		$	18,372	$	26,932	$	3,986,737	$	4,013,669	$	3,736
	Business Activities Loans
	(in thousands)		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater		Total Past		Current		Total Loans		Past Due >
Past Due			Past Due			Than 90			Due		90 days and
						Days Past					Accruing
						Due
December 31, 2014
Residential mortgages:
1-4 family		$	5,580		$	146		$	4,053	$	9,779	$	1,189,629	$	1,199,408	$	1,527
Construction		666			410			—		1,076		25,968		27,044		—
Total		6,246			556			4,053		10,855		1,215,597		1,226,452		1,527
Commercial real estate:
Construction		—			2,000			720		2,720		166,469		169,189		—
Single and multi-family		178			156			458		792		139,258		140,050		—
Other commercial real estate		692			705			9,383		10,780		1,020,057		1,030,837		621
Total		870			2,861			10,561		14,292		1,325,784		1,340,076		621
Commercial and industrial loans:
Asset based lending		—			—			—		—		341,246		341,246		—
Other commercial and industrial loans		1,040			498			856		2,394		409,551		411,945		6
Total		1,040			498			856		2,394		750,797		753,191		6
Consumer loans:
Home equity		333			1,000			1,387		2,720		249,961		252,681		230
Auto and other		831			65			315		1,211		345,269		346,480		10
Total		1,164			1,065			1,702		3,931		595,230		599,161		240
Total		$	9,320		$	4,980		$	17,172	$	31,472	$	3,887,408	$	3,918,880	$	2,394
Acquired Loans
(in thousands)		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater		Total Past		Acquired		Total Loans		Past Due >
		Past Due			Past Due			Than 90		Due		Credit				90 days and
								Days Past				Impaired				Accruing
								Due
March 31, 2015
Residential mortgages:
1-4 family		$	187		$	592		$	1,930	2,709		$	361	$	256,503	$	144
Construction		—			—			—		—		—		922		—
Total		187			592			1,930		2,709		361		257,425		144
Commercial real estate:
Construction		—			—			676		676		1,281		4,046		—
Single and multi-family		323			45			2,728		3,096		4,924		48,429		2,257
Other commercial real estate		1,116			116			2,269		3,501		5,222		207,634		—
Total		1,439			161			5,673		7,273		11,427		260,109		2,257
Commercial and industrial loans:
Asset based lending		—			—			—		—		—		—		—
Other commercial and industrial loans		285			—			586		871		705		48,144		3
Total		285			—			586		871		705		48,144		3
Consumer loans:
Home equity		209			228			1,118		1,555		170		62,247		242
Auto and other		1,394			23			731		2,148		—		87,069		19
Total		1,603			251			1,849		3,703		170		149,316		261
Total		$	3,514		$	1,004		$	10,038	$	14,556	$	12,663	$	714,994	$	2,665
Acquired Loans
(in thousands)		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater		Total Past		Acquired		Total Loans		Past Due >
		Past Due			Past Due			Than 90		Due		Credit				90 days and
								Days Past				Impaired				Accruing
								Due
December 31, 2014
Residential mortgages:
1-4 family		$	1,133		$	638		$	1,651	$	3,422	$	375	$	268,734	$	269
Construction		—			—			—		—		—		1,018		—
Total		1,133			638			1,651		3,422		375		269,752		269
Commercial real estate:
Construction		—			—			691		691		1,296		4,201		—
Single and multi-family		277			—			572		849		5,477		53,168		—
Other commercial real estate		—			715			2,004		2,719		5,504		214,122		329
Total		277			715			3,267		4,259		12,277		271,491		329
Commercial and industrial loans:
Asset based lending		—			—			—		—		—		—		—
Other commercial and industrial loans		202			32			855		1,089		986		51,175		—
Total		202			32			855		1,089		986		51,175		—
Consumer loans:
Home equity		176			95			1,049		1,320		171		65,951		466
Auto and other		1,170			944			1,363		3,477		—		103,351		194
Total		1,346			1,039			2,412		4,797		171		169,302		660
Total		$	2,958		$	2,424		$	8,185	$	13,567	$	13,809	$	761,720	$	1,258
The following is summary information pertaining to non-accrual loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
(In thousands)		Business			Acquired			Total		Business		Acquired		Total
		Activities Loans			Loans (1)					Activities Loans		Loans (2)
Residential mortgages:
1-4 family		$	2,367		$	1,786		$	4,153	$	2,526	$	1,382	$	3,908
Construction		—			—			—		—		—		—
Total		2,367			1,786			4,153		2,526		1,382		3,908
Commercial real estate:
Construction		758			—			758		720		—		720
Single and multi-family		406			471			877		458		141		599
Other commercial real estate		8,936			1,939			10,875		8,762		1,675		10,437
Total		10,100			2,410			12,510		9,940		1,816		11,756
Commercial and industrial loans:
Other commercial and industrial loans		725			569			1,294		850		811		1,661
Total		725			569			1,294		850		811		1,661
Consumer loans:
Home equity		1,192			876			2,068		1,157		583		1,740
Auto and other		252			712			964		305		1,169		1,474
Total		1,444			1,588			3,032		1,462		1,752		3,214
Total non-accrual loans		$	14,636		$	6,353		$	20,989	$	14,778	$	5,761	$	20,539
	-1		At quarter end March 31, 2015, acquired credit impaired loans accounted for $1.0 million of non-accrual loans that are not presented in the above table.
	-2		At year end 2014, acquired credit impaired loans accounted for $1.2 million of non-accrual loans that are not presented in the above table.
Loans evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)		Residential			Commercial			Commercial and		Consumer		Total
		mortgages			real estate			industrial loans
March 31, 2015
Loans receivable:
Balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	3,028		$	22,342		$	262	$	448	$	26,080
Collectively evaluated		1,212,786			1,389,648			778,409		606,746		3,987,589
Total		$	1,215,814		$	1,411,990		$	778,671	$	607,194	$	4,013,669
Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)		Residential			Commercial			Commercial and		Consumer		Total
		mortgages			real estate			industrial loans
December 31, 2014
Loans receivable:
Balance at end of year
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	3,238		$	22,015		$	743	$	452	$	26,448
Collectively evaluated for impairment		1,223,214			1,318,061			752,448		598,709		3,892,432
Total		$	1,226,452		$	1,340,076		$	753,191	$	599,161	$	3,918,880
Acquired Loans
(In thousands)		Residential			Commercial			Commercial and		Consumer		Total
		mortgages			real estate			industrial loans
March 31, 2015
Loans receivable:
Balance at end of Period
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,194		$	6,203		$	47	$	546	$	7,990
Collectively evaluated		256,231			253,906			48,097		148,770		707,004
Total		$	257,425		$	260,109		$	48,144	$	149,316	$	714,994
Acquired Loans
(In thousands)		Residential			Commercial			Commercial and		Consumer		Total
		mortgages			real estate			industrial loans
December 31, 2014
Loans receivable:
Balance at end of year
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	695		$	5,637		$	39	$	199	$	6,570
Collectively evaluated for impairment		269,057			265,854			51,136		169,103		755,150
Total		$	269,752		$	271,491		$	51,175	$	169,302	$	761,720
The following is a summary of impaired loans at March 31, 2015:
Business Activities Loans
		At March 31, 2015
(In thousands)		Recorded Investment			Unpaid Principal			Related Allowance
					Balance
With no related allowance:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	3,028		$	3,028		$	—
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		180			180			—
Other commercial real estate loans		14,380			14,380			—
Commercial real esate - construction		2,632			2,632			—
Other commercial and industrial loans		262			262			—
Consumer - home equity		334			334			—
Consumer - other		114			114			—
With an allowance recorded:
Other commercial real estate loans		$	4,064		$	5,150		$	1,086
Total
Residential mortgages		$	3,028		$	3,028		$	—
Commercial real estate		21,256			22,342			1,086
Commercial and industrial loans		262			262			—
Consumer		448			448			—
Total impaired loans		$	24,994		$	26,080		$	1,086
Acquired Loans
		At March 31, 2015
(In thousands)		Recorded Investment			Unpaid Principal			Related Allowance
					Balance
With no related allowance:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	625		$	625		$	—
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		2,857			2,857			—
Other commercial real estate loans		1,649			1,649			—
Other commercial and industrial loans		47			47			—
Consumer - home equity		197			197			—
With an allowance recorded:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	517		$	569		$	52
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		318			330			12
Other commercial real estate loans		504			691			187
Commercial real esate - construction		420			676			256
Consumer - home equity		288			349			61
Total
Residential mortgages		$	1,142		$	1,194		$	52
Commercial real estate		5,748			6,203			455
Commercial and industrial loans		47			47			—
Consumer		485			546			61
Total impaired loans		$	7,422		$	7,990		$	568
The following is a summary of impaired loans at December 31, 2014:
Business Activities Loans
		At December 31, 2014
(In thousands)		Recorded Investment			Unpaid Principal			Related Allowance
					Balance
With no related allowance:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	2,528		$	2,528		$	—
Commercial real estate - construction		16,990			16,990			—
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		—			—			—
Other commercial real estate loans		102			102			—
Other commercial and industrial loans		743			743			—
Consumer - home equity		87			87			—
Consumer - other		—			—			—
With an allowance recorded:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	555		$	710		$	155
Commercial real estate - construction		3,511			4,431			920
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		490			492			2
Other commercial real estate loans		—			—			—
Other commercial and industrial loans		—			—			—
Consumer - home equity		194			248			54
Consumer - other		105			117			12
Total
Residential mortgages		$	3,083		$	3,238		$	155
Commercial real estate		21,093			22,015			922
Commercial and industrial loans		743			743			—
Consumer		386			452			66
Total impaired loans		$	25,305		$	26,448		$	1,143
Acquired Loans
		At December 31, 2014
(In thousands)		Recorded Investment			Unpaid Principal			Related Allowance
					Balance
With no related allowance:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	189		$	189		$	—
Other commercial real estate loans		5,206			5,206			—
Other commercial and industrial loans		39			39			—
Consumer - home equity		—			—			—
With an allowance recorded:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	458		$	506		$	48
Other commercial real estate loans		383			431			48
Consumer - home equity		124			199			75
Total
Residential mortgages		$	647		$	695		$	48
Other commercial real estate loans		5,589			5,637			48
Other commercial and industrial loans		39			39			—
Consumer - home equity		124			199			75
Total impaired loans		$	6,399		$	6,570		$	171
The following is a summary of the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans as of March 31, 2015 and 2014:
Business Activities Loans
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015						Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)		Average Recorded			Cash Basis Interest			Average Recorded		Cash Basis Interest
		Investment			Income Recognized			Investment		Income Recognized
With no related allowance:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	3,108		$	28		$	4,142	$	23
Commercial real estate - construction		2,628			1			1,957		—
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		180			—			—		—
Other commercial real estate loans		15,315			131			16,180		154
Commercial and industrial loans		578			3			1,337		7
Consumer - home equity		334			—			348		1
Consumer - other		115			1			124		1
With an allowance recorded:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	—		$	—		$	1,774	$	16
Commercial real estate - construction		—			—			1,013		—
Other commercial real estate loans		5,267			—			3,450		—
Commercial and industrial loans		—			—			55		1
Consumer - home equity		—			—			41		—
Total
Residential mortgages		$	3,108		$	28		$	5,916	$	39
Commercial real estate		23,390			132			22,600		154
Commercial and industrial loans		578			3			1,392		8
Consumer loans		449			1			513		2
Total impaired loans		$	27,525		$	164		$	30,421	$	203
Acquired Loans
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015						Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)		Average Recorded			Cash Basis Interest			Average Recorded		Cash Basis Interest
		Investment			Income Recognized			Investment		Income Recognized
With no related allowance:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	670		$	3		$	1,303	$	5
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		2,892			24			—		—
Other commercial real estate loans		1,662			3			4,821		25
Other commercial and industrial loans		64			3			—		—
Consumer - home equity		197			2			562		1
Consumer - other		—			—			154		—
With an allowance recorded:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	569		$	—		$	162	$	—
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		397			—			—		—
Other commercial real estate loans		691			—			1,577		46
Commercial real esate - construction		666			44			—		—
Consumer - home equity		349			—			—		—
Consumer - other		—			—			70		2
Total
Residential mortgages		$	1,239		$	3		$	1,465	$	5
Other commercial real estate loans		6,308			71			6,398		71
Commercial and industrial loans		64			3			632		3
Consumer loans		546			2			154		—
Total impaired loans		$	8,157		$	79		$	8,649	$	79
Troubled Debt Restructuring Loans
The Company’s loan portfolio also includes certain loans that have been modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR), where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from the Company’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.  TDRs are evaluated individually for impairment and may result in a specific allowance amount allocated to an individual loan.
The following tables include the recorded investment and number of modifications identified during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and for the three months ended March 31, 2014, respectively.  The table includes the recorded investment in the loans prior to a modification and also the recorded investment in the loans after the loans were restructured. The modifications for the three months ending March 31, 2015 were attributable to interest rate concessions, maturity date extensions and released collateral.  The modification for the three months ending March 31, 2014 was attributable to concessions granted as ordered by bankruptcy court.
		Modifications by Class
		Three months ending March 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)		Number of		Pre-Modification			Post-Modification
		Modifications		Outstanding Recorded			Outstanding Recorded
				Investment			Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Commercial - Construction		1		$	123		$	123
Commercial - Other		1		2,000			2,000
Commercial and industrial - Other		1		33			33
Total		3		$	2,156		$	2,156
		Modifications by Class
		Three months ending March 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)		Number of		Pre-Modification			Post-Modification
		Modifications		Outstanding Recorded			Outstanding Recorded
				Investment			Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Residential - 1-4 Family		1		$	122		$	119
The following table discloses the recorded investment and number of modifications for TDRs within the last three months where a concession has been made, that then defaulted in the respective reporting period.
		Modifications that Subsequently Defaulted
		Three months ending March 31, 2015
		Number of Contracts		Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Commercial - Other		1		$	668
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, there were no loans that were restructured within the last twelve months that have subsequently defaulted during the period.
The following table presents the Company’s TDR activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ending
		March 31,
(In thousands)		2015			2014
Balance at beginning of the period		$	16,714		$	10,822
Principal payments		(484		)	(872		)
TDR status change (1)		—			(52		)
Other reductions/increases (2)		(1,182		)	95
Newly identified TDRs		2,156			119
Balance at end of the period		$	17,204		$	10,112
	-1		TDR status change classification represents TDR loans with a specified interest rate equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk and  the loan was on current payment status and not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement.
	-2		Other reductions classification consists of transfer to other real estate owned and charge-offs and advances to loans.
The evaluation of certain loans individually for specific impairment includes loans that were previously classified as TDRs or continue to be classified as TDRs.
As of March 31, 2015, the Company maintained foreclosed residential real estate property with a fair value of $653 thousand. Additionally, residential mortgage loans collateralized by real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure totaled $5.1 million. As of December 31, 2014, foreclosed residential real estate property totaled $1.3 million.

LOAN_LOSS_ALLOWANCE

LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE
LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE
	NOTE 5.LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE
	Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
	Business Activities Loans	Residential			Commercial		Commercial and			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
	(In thousands)	mortgages			real estate		industrial loans
	March 31, 2015
	Balance at beginning of period	$	6,836		$	14,690	$	5,206		$	5,928		$	135		$	32,795
	Charged-off loans	128			1,605		223			202			—			2,158
	Recoveries on charged-off loans	67			3		5			61			—			136
	Provision for loan losses	(702		)	1,330		1,460			(751		)	158			1,495
	Balance at end of period	$	6,073		$	14,418	$	6,448		$	5,036		$	293		$	32,268
	Individually evaluated for impairment	—			1,086		—			—			—			1,086
	Collectively evaluated	6,073			13,332		6,448			5,036			293			31,182
	Total	$	6,073		$	14,418	$	6,448		$	5,036		$	293		$	32,268
	Business Activities Loans	Residential			Commercial		Commercial and			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
	(In thousands)	mortgages			real estate		industrial loans
	March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	6,937		$	13,705	$	5,173		$	3,644		$	68		$	29,527
	Charged-off loans	706			660		189			429			—			1,984
	Recoveries on charged-off loans	7			1		20			79			—			107
	Provision for loan losses	(575		)	1,900		(185		)	836			(248		)	1,728
	Balance at end of period	$	5,663		$	14,946	$	4,819		$	4,130		$	(180	)	$	29,378
	Individually evaluated for impairment	397			1,558		54			9			—			2,018
	Collectively evaluated	5,266			13,388		4,765			4,121			(180		)	27,360
	Total	$	5,663		$	14,946	$	4,819		$	4,130		$	(180	)	$	29,378
	Acquired Loans	Residential			Commercial		Commercial and			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
	(In thousands)	mortgages			real estate		industrial loans
	March 31, 2015
	Balance at beginning of period	$	615		$	790	$	1,093		$	369		$	—		$	2,867
	Charged-off loans	238			405		198			433			—			1,274
	Recoveries on charged-off loans	—			—		41			28			—			69
	Provision for loan losses	372			1,579		(11		)	416			—			2,356
	Balance at end of period	$	749		$	1,964	$	925		$	380		$	—		$	4,018
	Individually evaluated for impairment	52			455					61			—			568
	Collectively evaluated	697			1,509		925			319			—			3,450
	Total	$	749		$	1,964	$	925		$	380		$	—		$	4,018
	Acquired Loans	Residential			Commercial		Commercial and			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
	(In thousands)	mortgages			real estate		industrial loans
	March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	625		$	2,339	$	597		$	235		$	—		$	3,796
	Charged-off loans	429			447		52			405			—			1,333
	Recoveries on charged-off loans	73			1		5			14			—			93
	Provision for loan losses	401			231		548			488			—			1,668
	Balance at end of period	$	670		$	2,124	$	1,098		$	332		$	—		$	4,224
	Individually evaluated for impairment	30			250		21			—			—			301
	Collectively evaluated	640			1,874		1,077			332			—			3,923
	Total	$	670		$	2,124	$	1,098		$	332		$	—		$	4,224
	Credit Quality Information
	Business Activities Loans Credit Quality Analysis
	The Company monitors the credit quality of its portfolio by using internal risk ratings that are based on regulatory guidance. Loans that are given a Pass rating are not considered a problem credit. Loans that are classified as Special Mention loans are considered to have potential credit problems and are evaluated closely by management. Substandard and non-accruing loans are loans for which a definitive weakness has been identified and which may make full collection of contractual cash flows questionable. Doubtful loans are those with identified weaknesses that make full collection of contractual cash flows, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.  The Company assigns an internal risk rating at origination and reviews the rating annually, semiannually or quarterly depending on the risk rating. The rating is also reassessed at any point in time when management becomes aware of information that may affect the borrower’s ability to fulfill their obligations.
	The Company risk rates its residential mortgages, including 1-4 family and residential construction loans, based on a three rating system: Pass, Special Mention and Substandard.  Loans that are current within 59 days are rated Pass.  Residential mortgages that are 60-89 days delinquent are rated Special Mention. Loans delinquent for 90 days or greater are rated Substandard and generally placed on non-accrual status.  Home equity loans are risk rated based on the same rating system as the Company’s residential mortgages.
	Ratings for other consumer loans, including auto loans, are based on a two rating system. Loans that are current within 119 days are rated Performing while loans delinquent for 120 days or more are rated Non-performing. Other consumer loans are placed on non-accrual at such time as they become Non-performing.
	Acquired Loans Credit Quality Analysis
	Upon acquiring a loan portfolio, our internal loan review function assigns risk ratings to the acquired loans, utilizing the same methodology as it does with business activities loans.  This may differ from the risk rating policy of the predecessor bank.  Loans which are rated Substandard or worse according to the rating process outlined below are deemed to be credit impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, regardless of whether they are classified as performing or non-performing.
	The Bank utilizes an eleven grade internal loan rating system for each of its acquired commercial real estate, construction and commercial loans as outlined in the Credit Quality Information section of this Note.  The Company risk rates its residential mortgages, including 1-4 family and residential construction loans, based on a three rating system: Pass, Special Mention and Substandard.  Residential mortgages that are current within 59 days are rated Pass.  Residential mortgages that are 60 — 89 days delinquent are rated Special Mention.  Residential mortgages delinquent for 90 days or greater are rated Substandard.  Home equity loans are risk rated based on the same rating system as the Company’s residential mortgages.  Other consumer loans are rated based on a two rating system.  Other consumer loans that are current within 119 days are rated Performing while loans delinquent for 120 days or more are rated Non-performing. Non-performing other consumer loans are deemed to be credit impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30.
	The Company subjects loans that do not meet the ASC 310-30 criteria to ASC 450-20 by collectively evaluating these loans for an allowance for loan loss.  The Company applies a methodology similar to the methodology prescribed for business activities loans, which includes the application of environmental factors to each category of loans.  The methodology to collectively evaluate the acquired loans outside the scope of ASC 310-30 includes the application of a number of environmental factors that reflect management’s best estimate of the level of incremental credit losses that might be recognized given current conditions.  This is reviewed as part of the allowance for loan loss adequacy analysis.  As the loan portfolio matures and environmental factors change, the loan portfolio will be reassessed each quarter to determine an appropriate reserve allowance.
	Additionally, the Company considers the need for an additional reserve for acquired loans accounted for outside of the scope of ASC 310-30 under ASC 310-20. At acquisition date, the Bank determined a fair value mark with credit and interest rate components.  Under the Company’s model, the impairment evaluation process involves comparing the carrying value of acquired loans, including the entire unamortized premium or discount, to the recorded reserve allowance. If necessary, the Company books an additional reserve to account for shortfalls identified through this calculation.  Fair value marks are not bifurcated when evaluating for impairment.
	A decrease in the expected cash flows in subsequent periods requires the establishment of an allowance for loan losses at that time for ASC 310-30 loans.  At March 31, 2015, the allowance for loan losses related to acquired loans was $4.0 million using the above mentioned criteria.
	The Company presented several tables within this footnote separately for business activity loans and acquired loans in order to distinguish the credit performance of the acquired loans from the business activity loans.
	The following table presents the Company’s loans by risk rating at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Business Activities Loans
	Residential Mortgages
	Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
		1-4 family					Construction						Total residential mortgages
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
Grade:
Pass	$	1,183,064		$	1,195,209	$	27,382		$	26,634		$	1,210,446		$	1,221,843
Special mention	888			146		—			410			888			556
Substandard	4,066			4,053		414			—			4,480			4,053
Total	$	1,188,018		$	1,199,408	$	27,796		$	27,044		$	1,215,814		$	1,226,452
Commercial Real Estate
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
	Construction					Single and multi-family						Other					Total commercial real estate
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014		2015		2014
Grade:
Pass	$	179,868		$	166,295	$	140,022		$	137,533		$	1,023,304		$	959,836	$	1,343,194	$	1,263,664
Special mention	—			—		—			—			6,891			6,933		6,891		6,933
Substandard	2,932			2,894		2,275			2,517			56,625			63,995		61,832		69,406
Doubtful	—			—		—			—			73			73		73		73
Total	$	182,800		$	169,189	$	142,297		$	140,050		$	1,086,893		$	1,030,837	$	1,411,990	$	1,340,076
Commercial and Industrial Loans
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
	Asset based lending					Other						Total comm. and industrial loans
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
Grade:
Pass	$	354,106		$	341,246	$	410,699		$	404,846		$	764,805		$	746,092
Special mention	—			—		187			560			187			560
Substandard	—			—		13,679			6,539			13,679			6,539
Total	$	354,106		$	341,246	$	424,565		$	411,945		$	778,671		$	753,191
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
	Home equity					Auto and other						Total consumer loans
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
Performing	$	254,176		$	251,524	$	351,574		$	346,175		$	605,750		$	597,699
Nonperforming	1,192			1,157		252			305			1,444			1,462
Total	$	255,368		$	252,681	$	351,826		$	346,480		$	607,194		$	599,161
Acquired Loans
Residential Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
	1-4 family					Construction						Total residential mortgages
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
Grade:
Pass	$	253,866		$	266,445	$	922		$	1,018		$	254,788		$	267,463
Special mention	707			638		—			—			707			638
Substandard	1,930			1,651		—			—			1,930			1,651
Total	$	256,503		$	268,734	$	922		$	1,018		$	257,425		$	269,752
Commercial Real Estate
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
	Construction					Single and multi-family						Other					Total commercial real estate
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014		2015		2014
Grade:
Pass	$	2,765		$	2,904	$	41,145		$	44,497		$	192,233		$	195,681	$	236,143	$	243,082
Special mention	—			—		120			533			2,208			4,868		2,328		5,401
Substandard	1,281			1,297		7,164			8,138			13,193			13,573		21,638		23,008
Total	$	4,046		$	4,201	$	48,429		$	53,168		$	207,634		$	214,122	$	260,109	$	271,491
Commercial and Industrial Loans
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
	Asset based lending					Other						Total comm. and industrial loans
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
Grade:
Pass	$	—		$	—	$	44,922		$	45,757		$	44,922		$	45,757
Special mention	—			—		—			1,723			—			1,723
Substandard	—			—		3,222			3,695			3,222			3,695
Total	$	—		$	—	$	48,144		$	51,175		$	48,144		$	51,175
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
	Home equity					Auto and other						Total consumer loans
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
Performing	$	61,371		$	65,368	$	86,356		$	102,182		$	147,727		$	167,550
Nonperforming	876			583		713			1,169			1,589			1,752
Total	$	62,247		$	65,951	$	87,069		$	103,351		$	149,316		$	169,302
The following table summarizes information about total loans rated Special Mention or lower as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  The table below includes consumer loans that are special mention and substandard accruing that are classified in the above table as performing based on payment activity.
	March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
(In thousands)	Business			Acquired Loans		Total			Business			Acquired Loans			Total
	Activities Loans								Activities Loans
Non-Accrual	$	14,636		$	7,373	$	22,009		$	14,778		$	6,927		$	21,705
Substandard Accruing	68,228			21,266		89,494			66,995			23,839			90,834
Total Classified	82,864			28,639		111,503			81,773			30,766			112,539
Special Mention	8,175			3,286		11,461			9,113			8,800			17,913
Total Criticized	$	91,039		$	31,925	$	122,964		$	90,886		$	39,566		$	130,452

DEPOSITS

DEPOSITS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
DEPOSITS
DEPOSITS
	NOTE 6.DEPOSITS
	A summary of time deposits is as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Time less than $100,000	$	506,577	$	515,570
	Time $100,000 or more	998,892		940,176
	Total time deposits	$	1,505,469	$	1,455,746
	Included in time deposits are brokered deposits of $478.8 million and $430.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Included in money market deposits presented on the consolidated balance sheet are reciprocal deposits of $7.4 million and $9.4 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

BORROWED_FUNDS

BORROWED FUNDS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
BORROWED FUNDS
BORROWED FUNDS
	NOTE 7.BORROWED FUNDS
	Borrowed funds at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized, as follows:
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
				Weighted				Weighted
				Average				Average
	(dollars in thousands)	Principal		Rate		Principal		Rate
	Short-term borrowings:
	Advances from the FHLBB	$	884,500	0.25	%	$	890,900	0.24	%
	Other Borrowings	10,000		1.83		10,000		1.80
	Total short-term borrowings:	894,500		0.25		900,900		0.23
	Long-term borrowings:
	Advances from the FHLBB	61,618		0.91		61,676		0.93
	Subordinated borrowings	74,301		7.00		74,283		7.00
	Junior subordinated borrowings	15,464		2.11		15,464		2.08
	Total long-term borrowings:	151,383		4.02		151,423		4.03
	Total	$	1,045,883	0.80	%	$	1,052,323	0.79	%
	Short term debt includes Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) advances with an original maturity of less than one year and a short-term line-of-credit drawdown through a correspondent bank.  The Bank also maintains a $3.0 million secured line of credit with the FHLBB that bears a daily adjustable rate calculated by the FHLBB. There was no outstanding balance on the FHLBB line of credit for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	The Bank is approved to borrow on a short-term basis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston as a non-member bank. The Bank has pledged certain loans and securities to the Federal Reserve Bank to support this arrangement. No borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston took place for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	Long-term FHLBB advances consist of advances with an original maturity of more than one year.  The advances outstanding at March 31, 2015 include callable advances totaling $5.0 million, and amortizing advances totaling $5.1 million.  The advances outstanding at December 31, 2014 include callable advances totaling $5.0 million, and amortizing advances totaling $5.1 million. All FHLBB borrowings, including the line of credit, are secured by a blanket security agreement on certain qualified collateral, principally all residential first mortgage loans and certain securities.
	A summary of maturities of FHLBB advances as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
				Weighted				Weighted
				Average				Average
	(in thousands, except rates)	Principal		Rate		Principal		Rate
	Fixed rate advances maturing:
	2015	$	934,500	0.25	%	$	940,900	0.24	%
	2016	1,503		0.03		1,519		0.88
	2017	5,000		4.33		5,000		4.33
	2018	—		0.00		—		0.00
	2019 and beyond	5,115		3.91		5,157		3.85
	Total FHLBB advances	$	946,118	0.29	%	$	952,576	0.28	%
	The Company does not have variable-rate debt for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	In September 2012, the Company issued fifteen year subordinated notes in the amount of $75.0 million at a discount of 1.15%.  The interest rate is fixed at 6.875% for the first ten years. After ten years, the notes become callable and convert to an interest rate of three-month LIBOR rate plus 511.3 basis points.
	The Company holds 100% of the common stock of Berkshire Hills Capital Trust I (“Trust I”) which is included in other assets with a cost of $0.5 million.  The sole asset of Trust I is $15.5 million of the Company’s junior subordinated debentures due in 2035. These debentures bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.85% and had a rate of 2.11% and 2.08% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company has the right to defer payments of interest for up to five years on the debentures at any time, or from time to time, with certain limitations, including a restriction on the payment of dividends to stockholders while such interest payments on the debentures have been deferred.  The Company has not exercised this right to defer payments.  The Company has the right to redeem the debentures at par value. Trust I is considered a variable interest entity for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary.  Accordingly, Trust I is not consolidated into the Company’s financial statements.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	NOTE 8.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	The actual and required capital ratios were as follows:
				Regulatory				Regulatory
				Minimum to be				Minimum to be
		March 31, 2015		Well Capitalized		December 31, 2014		Well Capitalized
	Company (consolidated)
	Total capital to risk weighted assets	11.4		10.0	%	11.4	%	10.0	%
	Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets	9.1		6.5		N/A		N/A
	Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets	9.2		8.0		9.0		6.0
	Tier 1 capital to average assets	7.1		5.0		7.0		5.0
	Bank
	Total capital to risk weighted assets	10.8		10.0	%	10.8	%	10.0	%
	Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets	9.4		6.5		N/A		N/A
	Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets	9.4		8.0		9.3		6.0
	Tier 1 capital to average assets	7.3		5.0		7.2		5.0
	At each date shown, the Company and the Bank met the conditions to be classified as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table above.
	Effective January 1, 2015, the Company and the Bank became subject to the Basel III rule that requires the Company and the Bank to assess their Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets and the Company and the Bank each exceed the minimum to be well capitalized.
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Other accumulated comprehensive income, before tax:
	Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities	$	25,330		$	15,993
	Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives	(7,200		)	(3,299		)
	Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans	(3,822		)	(2,291		)
	Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities	(9,682		)	(6,077		)
	Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives	2,902			1,330
	Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans	1,540			923
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	9,068		$	6,579
	The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	(In thousands)	Before Tax			Tax Effect			Net of Tax
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Net unrealized holding gains on AFS securities:
	Net unrealized gains arising during the period	$	9,371		$	(3,617	)	$	5,754
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income	(34		)	12			(22		)
	Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities	9,337			(3,605		)	5,732
	Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	(3,901		)	1,572			(2,329		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) realized in net income	—			—			—
	Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives	(3,901		)	1,572			(2,329		)
	Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	(1,596		)	643			(953		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) realized in net income	65			(26		)	39
	Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans	(1,531		)	617			(914		)
	Other comprehensive income	$	3,905		$	(1,416	)	$	2,489
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Net unrealized holding loss on AFS securities:
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	$	6,055		$	(2,233	)	$	3,822
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income	(34		)	12			(22		)
	Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities	6,021			(2,221		)	3,800
	Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	(860		)	368			(492		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income	5,393			(2,200		)	3,193
	Net gain on cash flow hedging derivatives	4,533			(1,832		)	2,701
	Net gain on terminated swap:
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	—			—			—
	Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income	3,237			(1,312		)	1,925
	Net gain on terminated swap	3,237			(1,312		)	1,925
	Other comprehensive income	$	13,791		$	(5,365	)	$	8,426
	The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Net unrealized			Net loss on			Net loss			Net unrealized
		holding (loss) gain			effective cash			on			holding loss
		on AFS			flow hedging			terminated			on
(in thousands)	Securities			derivatives			swap			pension plans			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Balance at Beginning of Period	$	9,916		$	(1,969	)	$	—		$	(1,368	)	$	6,579
Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) Before reclassifications	5,754			(2,329		)	—			(953		)	2,472
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	(22		)	—			—			39			17
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	5,732			(2,329		)	—			(914		)	2,489
Balance at End of Period	$	15,648		$	(4,298	)	$	—		$	(2,282	)	$	9,068
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Balance at Beginning of Period	$	(5,776	)	$	(1,366	)	$	(1,925	)	$	(1,368	)	$	(10,435	)
Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) Before reclassifications	3,822			(492		)	—			—			3,330
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	(22		)	3,193			1,925			—			5,096
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,800			2,701			1,925			—			8,426
Balance at End of Period	$	(1,976	)	$	1,335		$	—		$	(1,368	)	$	(2,009	)
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
							Affected Line Item in the
	Three Months Ended March 31,						Statement where Net Income
(in thousands)	2015			2014			is Presented
Realized (gains) on AFS securities:
	$	(34	)	$	(34	)	Non-interest income
	12			12			Tax expense
	(22		)	(22		)	Net of tax
Realized losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	—			5,393			Non-interest income
	—			(2,200		)	Tax expense
	—			3,193			Net of tax
Amortization of realized gains on terminated swap:
	—			3,237			Non-interest income
	—			(1,312		)	Tax expense
	—			1,925			Net of tax
Realized loss on pension plans:
	65			—			Non-interest income
	(26		)	—			Tax expense
	39			—			Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period	$	17		$	5,096		Net of tax

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
EARNINGS PER SHARE
EARNINGS PER SHARE
	NOTE 9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Earnings per share have been computed based on the following (average diluted shares outstanding are calculated using the treasury stock method):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2015		2014
	Net income/(loss)	$	8,759	$	(1,106	)
	Average number of common shares issued	26,525		26,525
	Less: average number of treasury shares	1,295		1,425
	Less: average number of unvested stock award shares	427		402
	Average number of basic common shares outstanding	24,803		24,698
	Plus: dilutive effect of unvested stock award shares	89		—
	Plus: dilutive effect of stock options outstanding	63		—
	Average number of diluted common shares outstanding	24,955		24,698
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	0.35	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted	$	0.35	$	(0.04	)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, 338 thousand shares of restricted stock and 210 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations.  For the three months ended March 31, 2014, 335 thousand shares of restricted stock and 321 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	NOTE 10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	A combined summary of activity in the Company’s stock award and stock option plans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is presented in the following table:
		Non-vested Stock
		Awards Outstanding				Stock Options Outstanding
				Weighted-				Weighted-
				Average				Average
		Number of		Grant Date		Number of		Exercise
	(Shares in thousands)	Shares		Fair Value		Shares		Price
	Balance, December 31, 2014	424		$	24.33	282		$	20.42
	Granted	92		24.9		—		—
	Stock options exercised	—		—		(11	)	10.52
	Stock awards vested	(82	)	24.22		—		—
	Forfeited	(10	)	23.5		—		—
	Expired	—		—		—		—
	Balance, March 31, 2015	424		$	24.48	271		$	21.12
	Exercisable options, March 31, 2015					271		$	21.12
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, proceeds from stock option exercises totaled $116 thousand and totaled $718 thousand, respectively.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, there were 82 thousand shares issued in connection with vested stock awards.  During the three months ended March 31, 2014, there were 62 thousand shares issued in connection with vested stock awards.  All of these shares were issued from available treasury stock.  Stock-based compensation expense totaled $993 thousand and $932 thousand during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards.

OPERATING_SEGMENTS

OPERATING SEGMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
OPERATING SEGMENTS
OPERATING SEGMENTS
	NOTE 11. OPERATING SEGMENTS
	The Company has two reportable operating segments, Banking and Insurance, which are delineated by the consolidated subsidiaries of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.  Banking includes the activities of the Bank and its subsidiaries, which provide retail and commercial banking, along with wealth management and investment services.  Insurance includes the activities of Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. (“BIG”), which provides retail and commercial insurance services.  The only other consolidated financial activity of the Company is the Parent, which consists of the transactions of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Management fees for corporate services provided by the Bank to BIG and the Parent are eliminated.
	The accounting policies of each reportable segment are the same as those of the Company.  The Insurance segment and the Parent reimburse the Bank for administrative services provided to them.  Income tax expense for the individual segments is calculated based on the activity of the segments, and the Parent records the tax expense or benefit necessary to reconcile to the consolidated total.  The Parent does not allocate capital costs.  Average assets include securities available-for-sale based on amortized cost.
	A summary of the Company’s operating segments was as follows:
	(In thousands)	Banking			Insurance		Parent			Eliminations			Total Consolidated
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Net interest income	$	46,339		$	—	$	5,154		$	(6,000	)	$	45,493
	Provision for loan losses	3,851			—		—			—			3,851
	Non-interest income	9,413			2,967		3,785			(3,603		)	12,562
	Non-interest expense	42,494			1,939		715			—			45,148
	Income before income taxes	9,407			1,028		8,224			(9,603		)	9,056
	Income tax expense (benefit)	433			399		(535		)	—			297
	Net income	$	8,974		$	629	$	8,759		$	(9,603	)	$	8,759
	Average assets (in millions)	$	6,479		$	28	$	757		$	(767	)	$	6,497
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Net interest income (expense)	$	43,712		$	—	$	(946	)	$	—		$	42,766
	Provision for loan losses	3,396			—		—			—			3,396
	Non-interest income	1,374			3,049		(252		)	252			4,423
	Non-interest expense	42,574			2,322		464			—			45,360
	Income before income taxes	(884		)	727		(1,662		)	252			(1,567		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(192		)	287		(556		)	—			(461		)
	Net income	$	(692	)	$	440	$	(1,106	)	$	252		$	(1,106	)
	Average assets (in millions)	$	5,829		$	26	$	722		$	(726	)	$	5,851

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
DERIVATIVE FINACIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company held derivatives with a total notional amount of $1.1 billion.  That amount included $300.0 million in forward starting interest rate swap derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.  The Company also had economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives totaling $724.1 million and $68.4 million, respectively, which are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are therefore recorded at fair value.  Economic hedges included interest rate swaps totaling $585.6 million, risk participation agreements with dealer banks of $49.0 million, and $89.4 million in forward commitment contracts.
	As part of the Company’s risk management strategy, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Interest rate swap agreements involve the risk of dealing with both Bank customers and institutional derivative counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. The agreements are entered into with counterparties that meet established credit standards and contain master netting and collateral provisions protecting the at-risk party. The derivatives program is overseen by the Risk Management Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Based on adherence to the Company’s credit standards and the presence of the netting and collateral provisions, the Company believes that the credit risk inherent in these contracts was not significant at March 31, 2015.
	The Company pledged collateral to derivative counterparties in the form of cash totaling $5.3 million and securities with an amortized cost of $27.5 million and a fair value of $27.7 million as of March 31, 2015. The Company does not typically require its commercial customers to post cash or securities as collateral on its program of back-to-back economic hedges. However certain language is written into the International Swaps Dealers Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) and loan documents where, in default situations, the Bank is allowed to access collateral supporting the loan relationship to recover any losses suffered on the derivative asset or liability. The Company may need to post additional collateral in the future in proportion to potential increases in unrealized loss positions.
	Information about derivative assets and liabilities at March 31, 2015, follows:
						Weighted		Weighted Average Rate				Estimated
			Notional			Average				Contract		Fair Value
			Amount			Maturity		Received		pay rate		Asset (Liability)
			(In thousands)			(In years)						(In thousands)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings		$	300,000		4		0	%	2.29	%	$	(7,200	)
	Total cash flow hedges		300,000									(7,200		)
	Economic hedges:
	Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond		12,412			14.7		0.52	%	5.09	%	(2,799		)
	Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers		286,590			6		2.19	%	4.59	%	(15,405		)
	Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers		286,590			6		4.59	%	2.19	%	15,444
	Risk Participation Agreements with Dealer Banks		49,038			15.9						(100		)
	Forward sale commitments		89,432			0.2						(388		)
	Total economic hedges		724,062									(3,248		)
	Non-hedging derivatives:
	Interest rate lock commitments		68,374			0.2						977
	Total non-hedging derivatives		68,374									977
	Total		$	1,092,436								$	(9,471	)
	Information about derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014, follows:
						Weighted		Weighted Average Rate				Estimated
			Notional			Average				Contract		Fair Value
			Amount			Maturity		Received		pay rate		Asset (Liability)
			(In thousands)			(In years)						(In thousands)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings		$	300,000		4.3		0	%	2.29	%	$	(3,299	)
	Total cash flow hedges		300,000									(3,299		)
	Economic hedges:
	Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond		12,554			14.9		0.52	%	5.09	%	(2,578		)
	Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers		297,158			6		2.23	%	4.54	%	(12,183		)
	Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers		297,158			6		4.54	%	2.23	%	12,221
	Risk participation agreements with dealer banks		45,842			16.6						(91		)
	Forward sale commitments		42,366			0.2						(510		)
	Total economic hedges		695,078									(3,141		)
	Non-hedging derivatives:
	Interest rate lock commitments		39,589			0.2						625
	Total non-hedging derivatives		39,589									625
	Total		$	1,034,667								$	(5,815	)
	Cash flow hedges
	The effective portion of unrealized changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges is reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction is forecasted to affect earnings. Each quarter, the Company assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.
	The Company has entered into six forward-starting interest rate swap contracts with a combined notional value of $300.0 million as of March 31, 2015.  The six forward starting swaps will become effective in 2016.  All have durations of three years. This hedge strategy converts the one month rolling FHLBB borrowings based on the FHLBB’s one month fixed interest rate to fixed interest rates, thereby protecting the Company from floating interest rate variability.
	Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and in the other comprehensive income section of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows), were as follows:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015			2014
	Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings:
	Unrealized (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(3,901	)	$	(785	)
	Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive income to other non-interest income for termination of swaps		—			8,630
	Reclassification of unrealized deferred tax benefit from accumulated other comprehensive income to tax expense for terminated swaps		—			(3,611		)
	Net tax benefit on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		1,572			314
	Interest rate swaps on junior subordinated debentures:
	Unrealized loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		—			(1		)
	Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense		—			129
	Net tax expense on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		—			(51		)
	Other comprehensive loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments and tax effects		$	(2,329	)	$	(3,815	)
	Net interest expense recognized in interest expense on junior subordinated notes		$	—		$	129
	Hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges was immaterial to the Company’s financial statements during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate liabilities. During the next twelve months, the Company does not anticipate any such reclassifications.
	As a result of the branch acquisition, in the first quarter of 2014, the Company initiated and subsequently terminated all of its interest rate swaps, with various institutions, associated with FHLB advances with 3-month LIBOR based floating interest rates with an aggregate notional amount of $30 million, all of its interest rate swaps associated with 90 day rolling FHLB advances issued using the FHLB’s 3-month fixed interest rate with an aggregate notional amount of $145 million and all of its forward-starting interest rate swaps associated with 90 day rolling FHLB advances issued using the FHLB’s 3-month fixed interest rate with an aggregate notional amount of $235 million. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company elected to extinguish $215 million of FHLB advances related to the terminated swaps. As a result the Company reclassified $8.6 million of losses from the effective portion of the unrealized changes in the fair value of the terminated derivatives from other comprehensive income to non-interest income as the forecasted transactions to the related FHLB advances will not occur.
	Economic hedges
As of March 31, 2015, the Company has an interest rate swap with a $12.4 million notional amount to swap out the fixed rate of interest on an economic development bond bearing a fixed rate of 5.09%, currently within the Company’s trading portfolio under the fair value option, in exchange for a LIBOR-based floating rate. The intent of the economic hedge is to improve the Company’s asset sensitivity to changing interest rates in anticipation of favorable average floating rates of interest over the 21-year life of the bond.  The fair value changes of the economic development bond are mostly offset by fair value changes of the related interest rate swap.
The Company also offers certain derivative products directly to qualified commercial borrowers.  The Company economically hedges derivative transactions executed with commercial borrowers by entering into mirror-image, offsetting derivatives with third-party financial institutions.  The transaction allows the Company’s customer to convert a variable-rate loan to a fixed rate loan. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for its customer, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts mostly offset each other in earnings. Credit valuation adjustments arising from the difference in credit worthiness of the commercial loan and financial institution counterparties totaled $38.6 thousand as of March 31, 2015.  The interest income and expense on these mirror image swaps exactly offset each other.
The Company has risk participation agreements with dealer banks. Risk participation agreements occur when the Company participates on a loan and a swap where another bank is the lead.  The Company gets paid a fee to take on the risk associated with having to make the lead bank whole on Berkshire’s portion of the pro-rated swap should the borrower default. Changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings.
The Company utilizes forward sale commitments to hedge interest rate risk and the associated effects on the fair value of interest rate lock commitments and loans held for sale.  The forward sale commitments are accounted for as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings.
The Company uses the following types of forward sale commitments contracts:
	·		Best efforts loan sales,
	·		Mandatory delivery loan sales, and
	·		To Be Announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities sales.
A best efforts contract refers to a loan sale agreement where the Company commits to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor if the loan to the underlying borrower closes.  The Company may enter into a best efforts contract once the price is known, which is shortly after the potential borrower’s interest rate is locked.
A mandatory delivery contract is a loan sale agreement where the Company commits to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor at a specified price on or before a specified date.  Generally, the Company may enter into mandatory delivery contracts shortly after the loan closes with a customer.
The Company may sell TBA mortgage-backed securities to hedge the changes in fair value of interest rate lock commitments and held for sale loans, which do not have corresponding best efforts or mandatory delivery contracts.  These security sales transactions are closed once mandatory contracts are written.  On the closing date the price of the security is locked-in, and the sale is paired-off with a purchase of the same security.  Settlement of the security purchase/sale transaction is done with cash on a net-basis.
Non-hedging derivatives
The Company enters into interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”) for residential mortgage loans, which commit the Company to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specific interest rate and within a specified period of time.  IRLCs that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for sale are considered derivative financial instruments under applicable accounting guidance.  Outstanding IRLCs expose the Company to the risk that the price of the mortgage loans underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates from inception of the rate lock to the funding of the loan.  The IRLCs are free-standing derivatives which are carried at fair value with changes recorded in noninterest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.  Changes in the fair value of IRLCs subsequent to inception are based on changes in the fair value of the underlying loan resulting from the fulfillment of the commitment and changes in the probability that the loan will fund within the terms of the commitment, which is affected primarily by changes in interest rates and the passage of time.
Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Income related to economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2015			2014
Economic hedges
Interest rate swap on industrial revenue bond:
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income		$	(271	)	$	(381	)
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income		(3,114		)	187
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:
Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income		3,114			(187		)
Favorable (Unfavorable) change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non-interest income		1			7
Risk Participation Agreements:
Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income		(9		)	—
Forward Commitments:
Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income		(388		)	(108		)
Realized loss in other non-interest income		(91		)	(164		)
Non-hedging derivatives
Interest rate lock commitments
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income		$	977		$	377
Realized gain in other non-interest income		755			469
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Enforceable Master Netting Arrangements
Interest Rate Swap Agreements (“Swap Agreements”)
The Company enters into swap agreements to facilitate the risk management strategies for commercial banking customers. The Company mitigates this risk by entering into equal and offsetting swap agreements with highly rated third party financial institutions. The swap agreements are free-standing derivatives and are recorded at fair value in the Company’s consolidated statements of condition. The Company is party to master netting arrangements with its financial institution counterparties; however, the Company does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes. The master netting arrangements provide for a single net settlement of all swap agreements, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Collateral generally in the form of marketable securities is received or posted by the counterparty with net liability positions, respectively, in accordance with contract thresholds.  The Company had net asset positions with its commercial banking counterparties totaling $15.4 million and $12.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The Company had net liability positions with its financial institution counterparties totaling $25.5 million and $18.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  At March 31, 2015, the Company did not have a net liability position with its commercial banking counterparties, compared to a $0.1 million liability at December 31, 2014.  The collateral posted by the Company that covered liability positions was $25.5 million and $18.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
The following table presents the assets and liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
								Net Amounts
		Gross			Gross Amounts			of Assets			Gross Amounts Not Offset in
		Amounts of			Offset in the			Presented in the			the Statements of Condition
		Recognized			Statements of			Statements of			Financial			Cash
(in thousands)		Assets			Condition			Condition			Instruments			Collateral Received		Net Amount
As of March 31, 2015
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties		$	42		$	—		$	42		$	—		$	—	$	42
Commercial counterparties		15,444			—			15,444			—			—		15,444
Total		$	15,486		$	—		$	15,486		$	—		$	—	$	15,486
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
								Net Amounts
		Gross			Gross Amounts			of Liabilities			Gross Amounts Not Offset in
		Amounts of			Offset in the			Presented in the			the Statements of Condition
		Recognized			Statements of			Statements of			Financial			Cash
(in thousands)		Liabilities			Condition			Condition			Instruments			Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
As of March 31, 2015
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties		$	(25,546	)	$	—		$	(25,546	)	$	20,456		$	5,090	$	—
Commercial counterparties		—			—			—			—			—		—
Total		$	(25,546	)	$	—		$	(25,546	)	$	20,456		$	5,090	$	—
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
								Net Amounts
		Gross			Gross Amounts			of Assets			Gross Amounts Not Offset in
		Amounts of			Offset in the			Presented in the			the Statements of Condition
		Recognized			Statements of			Statements of			Financial			Cash
(in thousands)		Assets			Condition			Condition			Instruments			Collateral Received		Net Amount
As of December 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties		$	23		$	—		$	23		$	—		$	—	$	23
Commercial counterparties		12,270			—			12,270			—			—		12,270
Total		$	12,293		$	—		$	12,293		$	—		$	—	$	12,293
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
								Net Amounts
		Gross			Gross Amounts			of Liabilities			Gross Amounts Not Offset in
		Amounts of			Offset in the			Presented in the			the Statements of Condition
		Recognized			Statements of			Statements of			Financial			Cash
(in thousands)		Liabilities			Condition			Condition			Instruments			Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
As of December 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties		$	(18,232	)	$	58		$	(18,174	)	$	14,984		$	3,190	$	—
Commercial counterparties		(50		)	—			(50		)	—			—		(50		)
Total		$	(18,282	)	$	58		$	(18,224	)	$	14,984		$	3,190	$	(50	)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are carried at fair value.
	Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value.
		March 31, 2015
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(In thousands)	Inputs			Inputs			Inputs			Fair Value
	Trading security	$	—		$	—		$	14,970		$	14,970
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	—			155,450			—			155,450
	Governmentguaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	—			65,039			—			65,039
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	—			762,421			—			762,421
	Corporate bonds	—			55,357			—			55,357
	Trust preferred securities	—			13,427			—			13,427
	Other bonds and obligations	—			3,196			—			3,196
	Marketable equity securities	43,690			357			719			44,766
	Loans held for sale	—			29,305			—			29,305
	Derivative assets	—			15,444			977			16,421
	Derivative liabilities	295			25,504			93			25,892
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(In thousands)	Inputs			Inputs			Inputs			Fair Value
	Trading security	$	—		$	—		$	14,909		$	14,909
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	—			133,699			—			133,699
	Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	—			69,468			—			69,468
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	—			760,184			—			760,184
	Corporate bonds	—			54,151			—			54,151
	Trust preferred securities	—			14,667			1,548			16,215
	Other bonds and obligations	—			3,159			—			3,159
	Marketable equity securities	53,806			358			778			54,942
	Loans Held for Sale	—			19,493			—			19,493
	Derivative assets	—			12,328			625			12,953
	Derivative liabilities	417			18,259			93			18,769
	There were no transfers between levels during the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
	Trading Security at Fair Value. The Company holds one security designated as a trading security. It is a tax advantaged economic development bond issued to the Company by a local nonprofit which provides wellness and health programs. The determination of the fair value for this security is determined based on a discounted cash flow methodology. Certain inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable and there is little to no market activity in the security; therefore, the security meets the definition of a Level 3 security.  The discount rate used in the valuation of the security is sensitive to movements in the 3-month LIBOR rate.
	Securities Available for Sale. AFS securities classified as Level 1 consist of publicly-traded equity securities for which the fair values can be obtained through quoted market prices in active exchange markets. AFS securities classified as Level 2 include most of the Company’s debt securities. The pricing on Level 2 was primarily sourced from third party pricing services, overseen by management, and is based on models that consider standard input factors such as dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and condition, among other things. The Company owns one privately owned equity security classified as Level 3. The security’s fair value is determined through unobservable issuer-provided financial information and a pricing model utilizing peer data.
	Loans held for sale. The Company elected the fair value option for all loans held for sale (HFS) originated on or after May 1, 2012.  Loans HFS are classified as Level 2 as the fair value is based on input factors such as quoted prices for similar loans in active markets.
								Aggregate Fair Value
	March 31, 2015	Aggregate			Aggregate			Less Aggregate
	(In thousands)	Fair Value			Unpaid Principal			Unpaid Principal
	Loans Held for Sale	$	29,305		$	28,483		$	822
								Aggregate Fair Value
	December 31, 2014	Aggregate			Aggregate			Less Aggregate
	(In thousands)	Fair Value			Unpaid Principal			Unpaid Principal
	Loans Held for Sale	$	19,493		$	18,885		$	608
	The changes in fair value of loans held for sale for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, were gains of $214 thousand and $409 thousand, respectively.  The changes in fair value are included in mortgage banking income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Derivative Assets and Liabilities.
	Interest Rate Swap.  The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves.
	The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings.
	Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties.  However, as of March 31, 2015, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Interest Rate Lock Commitments. The Company enters into IRLCs for residential mortgage loans, which commit the Company to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specific interest rate and within a specified period of time.  The estimated fair value of commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for sale is based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets. However, this value is adjusted by a factor which considers the likelihood that the loan in a lock position will ultimately close, and by the non-refundable costs of originating the loan.  The closing ratio is derived from the Bank’s internal data and is adjusted using significant management judgment.  The costs to originate are primarily based on the Company’s internal commission rates that are not observable. As such, IRLCs are classified as Level 3 measurements.
	Forward Sale Commitments. The Company utilizes forward sale commitments as economic hedges against potential changes in the values of the IRLCs and loans held for sale.  To Be Announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities forward commitment sales are used as the hedging instrument, are classified as Level 1, and consist of publicly-traded debt securities for which identical fair values can be obtained through quoted market prices in active exchange markets.  The fair values of the Company’s best efforts and mandatory delivery loan sale commitments are determined similarly to the IRLCs using quoted prices in the market place that are observable.  However, costs to originate and closing ratios included in the calculation are internally generated and are based on management’s judgment and prior experience, which are considered factors that are not observable.  As such, best efforts and mandatory forward commitments are classified as Level 3 measurements.
	The table below presents the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
		Assets (Liabilities)
					Securities			Interest Rate
		Trading			Available			Lock			Forward
	(In thousands)	Security			for Sale			Commitments			Commitments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	14,909		$	2,326		$	625		$	(93	)
	Sale of AFS Security	—			(1,327		)	—			—
	Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income	203			—			1,730			—
	Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(280		)	—			—
Paydown of trading security	(142		)	—			—			—
Transfers to held for sale loans	—			—			(1,378		)	—
Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	14,970		$	719		$	977		$	(93	)
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at March 31, 2015	$	2,558		$	(51	)	$	977		$	(93	)
	Assets (Liabilities)
				Securities			Interest Rate
	Trading			Available			Lock			Forward
(In thousands)	Security			for Sale			Commitments			Commitments
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	14,840		$	1,964		$	258		$	19
Purchase of Marketable Equity Security	—			—			—			—
Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income	218			—			719			(115		)
Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			82			—			—
Paydown of trading account security	(135		)	—			—			—
Transfers to held for sale loans	—			—			(600		)	—
Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	14,923		$	2,046		$	377		$	(96	)
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at March 31, 2014	$	1,962		$	(1,288	)	$	377		$	(96	)
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 recurring assets and liabilities is as follows:
	Fair Value							Significant
								Unobservable Input
(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Value
Assets (Liabilities)
Trading Security	$	14,970		Discounted Cash Flow		Discount Rate		2.34		%
AFS Securities	719			Pricing Model		Median Peer Price/Tangible Book Value Percentage Multiple		93.35		%
Forward Commitments	(93		)	Historical Trend		Closing Ratio		89.54		%
				Pricing Model		Origination Costs, per loan		$	2,500
Interest Rate Lock Commitment	977			Historical Trend		Closing Ratio		89.54		%
				Pricing Model		Origination Costs, per loan		$	2,500
Total	$	16,573
	Fair Value							Significant
								Unobservable Input
(In thousands)	December 31, 2014			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Value
Assets (Liabilities)
Trading Security	$	14,909		Discounted Cash Flow		Discount Rate		2.6		%
AFS Securities	2,326			Discounted Cash Flow		Discount Rate		13.74		%
						Credit Spread		11.06		%
Forward Commitments	(93		)	Historical Trend		Closing Ratio		91.07		%
				Pricing Model		Origination Costs, per loan		$	2,500
Interest Rate Lock Commitment	625			Historical Trend		Closing Ratio		91.07		%
				Pricing Model		Origination Costs, per loan		$	2,500
Total	$	17,767
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company is required, on a non-recurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP. The following is a summary of applicable non-recurring fair value measurements. There are no liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014			Three months ended
							March 31, 2015
	Level 3			Level 3			Total
(In thousands)	Inputs			Inputs			Gains (Losses)
Assets
Impaired loans	$	6,111		$	5,820		$	292
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights	3,871			3,757			—
Other real estate owned	1,444			2,049			(155		)
Total	$	11,426		$	11,626		$	137
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 non-recurring assets is as follows:
	Fair Value
(in thousands)	March 31, 2015			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average) (a)
Assets
Impaired loans	$	6,111		Fair value of collateral		Loss severity		3.78% to 53.08% (23.5%)
						Appraised value		$139.5 to $1,600.0 ($981.7)
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights	3,871			Discounted cash flow		Constant prepayment rate (CPR)		8.2% to 19.85% (11.05%)
						Discount rate		10.00% to 13.00% (10.42%)
Other real estate owned	1,444			Fair value of collateral		Appraised value		$57 to $700.0 ($470.7)
Total	$	11,426
(a) Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties.
	Fair Value
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average) (a)
Assets
Impaired loans	$	5,820		Fair value of collateral		Loss severity		0.31% to 38.7% (12.65%)
						Appraised value		$5 to $1,600.0 ($912.7)
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights	3,757			Discounted cash flow		Constant prepayment rate (CPR)		7.83% to 19.00% (9.92%)
						Discount rate		10.00% to 13.00% (10.43%)
Other real estate owned	2,049			Fair value of collateral		Appraised value		$57 to $700.0 ($462.6)
Total	$	11,626
(a) Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties.
There were no Level 1 or Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Impaired Loans. Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Periodically, the Company records non-recurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Non-recurring adjustments can also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans calculated when establishing the allowance for credit losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and, as a result, the carrying value of the loan less the calculated valuation amount does not necessarily represent the fair value of the loan.  Real estate collateral is typically valued using appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace.  However, the choice of observable data is subject to significant judgment, and there are often adjustments based on judgment in order to make observable data comparable and to consider the impact of time, the condition of properties, interest rates, and other market factors on current values.  Additionally, commercial real estate appraisals frequently involve discounting of projected cash flows, which relies inherently on unobservable data.  Therefore, nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments that relate to real estate collateral have generally been classified as Level 3. Estimates of fair value for other collateral that supports commercial loans are generally based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and therefore such valuations have been classified as Level 3.
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights.  A loan servicing right asset represents the amount by which the present value of the estimated future net cash flows to be received from servicing loans exceed adequate compensation for performing the servicing. The fair value of servicing rights is estimated using a present value cash flow model. The most important assumptions used in the valuation model are the anticipated rate of the loan prepayments and discount rates. Adjustments are only recorded when the discounted cash flows derived from the valuation model are less than the carrying value of the asset. Although some assumptions in determining fair value are based on standards used by market participants, some are based on unobservable inputs and therefore are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
Other real estate owned (“OREO”). OREO results from the foreclosure process on residential or commercial loans issued by the Bank. Upon assuming the real estate, the Company records the property at the fair value of the asset less the estimated sales costs. Thereafter, OREO properties are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less the estimated sales costs. OREO fair values are primarily determined based on Level 3 data including sales comparables and appraisals.
Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments follow. Certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments are excluded from disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented herein may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.
	March 31, 2015
	Carrying			Fair
(In thousands)	Amount			Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	62,214		$	62,214		$	62,214		$	—		$	—
Trading security	14,970			14,970			—			—			14,970
Securities available for sale	1,099,656			1,099,656			43,690			1,055,247			719
Securities held to maturity	42,818			44,744			—			—			44,744
FHLB bank stock and restricted securities	58,734			58,734			—			58,734			—
Net loans	4,692,377			4,736,177			—			—			4,736,177
Loans held for sale	29,305			29,305			—			29,305			—
Accrued interest receivable	17,786			17,786			—			17,786			—
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	105,302			105,302			—			105,302			—
Derivative assets	16,421			16,421			—			15,444			977
Assets held for sale	1,266			1,266			—			1,266			—
Financial Liabilities
Total deposits	$	4,719,683		$	4,720,914		—			$	4,720,914		$	—
Short-term debt	894,500			894,675			—			894,675			—
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances	61,618			63,273			—			63,273			—
Subordinated borrowings	89,765			94,062			—			94,062			—
Derivative liabilities	25,892			25,892			295			25,504			93
	December 31, 2014
	Carrying			Fair
(In thousands)	Amount			Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	71,754		$	71,754		$	71,754		$	—		$	—
Trading security	14,909			14,909			—			—			14,909
Securities available for sale	1,091,818			1,091,818			5,806			1,035,686			2,326
Securities held to maturity	43,347			44,997			—			—			44,997
FHLB bank stock and restricted securities	55,720			55,720			—			55,720			—
Net loans	4,644,938			4,695,256			—			—			4,695,256
Loans held for sale	19,493			19,493			—			19,493			—
Accrued interest receivable	17,274			17,274			—			17,274			—
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	104,588			104,588			—			104,588			—
Derivative assets	12,953			12,953			—			12,328			625
Assets held for sale	1,280			1,280			—			1,280			—
Financial Liabilities
Total deposits	$	4,654,679		$	4,655,234		$	—		$	4,655,234		$	—
Short-term debt	900,900			900,983			—			900,983			—
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances	61,676			63,283			—			63,283			—
Subordinated borrowings	89,747			93,441			—			93,441			—
Derivative liabilities	18,769			18,769			417			18,259			93
Other than as discussed above, the following methods and assumptions were used by management to estimate the fair value of significant classes of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.
Cash and cash equivalents. Carrying value is assumed to represent fair value for cash and cash equivalents that have original maturities of ninety days or less.
FHLB bank stock and restricted securities. Carrying value approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the issuers.
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies. Carrying value approximates fair value.
Loans, net. The carrying value of the loans in the loan portfolio is based on the cash flows of the loans discounted over their respective loan origination rates. The origination rates are adjusted for substandard and special mention loans to factor the impact of declines in the loan’s credit standing. The fair value of the loans is estimated by discounting future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans with similar terms would be made to borrowers of similar credit quality.
Accrued interest receivable. Carrying value approximates fair value.
Deposits. The fair value of demand, non-interest bearing checking, savings and money market deposits is determined as the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of time deposits is estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using market rates offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
Borrowed funds. The fair value of borrowed funds is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using market rates for similar borrowings.  Such funds include all categories of debt and debentures in the table above.
Subordinated borrowings. The Company utilizes a pricing service along with internal models to estimate the valuation of its junior subordinated debentures. The junior subordinated debentures re-price every ninety days.
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments. Off-balance-sheet financial instruments include standby letters of credit and other financial guarantees and commitments considered immaterial to the Company’s financial statements.

NET_INTEREST_INCOME_AFTER_PROV

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
	NOTE 14. NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
	Presented below is net interest income after provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015		2014
	Net interest income	$	45,493	$	42,766
	Provision for loan losses	3,851		3,396
	Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$	41,642	$	39,370

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	NOTE 15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On April 17, 2015, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Hampden Bancorp, Inc. (“Hampden”). Hampden Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Hampden, had 10 banking offices providing a range of services in the Springfield area and has merged with and into Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.
	Excluding Hampden shares held by Berkshire, Hampden shareholders received 4.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock. As of April 17, 2015, Hampden, on a consolidated basis, had assets with a carrying value of approximately $687.8 million, including loans outstanding with a carrying value of approximately $501.0 million, as well as deposits with a carrying value of approximately $482.1 million. The results of Hampden’s operations will be included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income from the date of acquisition. The Company incurred $3.3 million of merger and acquisition expenses related to the Hampden and Hampden Bank merger for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Excluding the $3.3 million of merger and acquisition expenses, this merger agreement had no significant effect on the Company’s financial statements for the periods presented
	As a result of the proximity of the closing of the merger with Hampden to the date these consolidated financial statements are available to be issued, the Company is still evaluating the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Accordingly, the amount of any goodwill and other intangible assets to be recognized in connection with this transaction is also yet to be determined.

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Basis of Presentation
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and contain all adjustments, consisting solely of normal, recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods.
	In addition, these interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, and accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared according to U.S. GAAP have been omitted.
	The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and note disclosures for Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Reclassifications
	Reclassifications
	Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Recent Adopted Accounting Principles
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board “FASB” issued Accounting Standard Updated “ASU” ASU No. 2014-01, “Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” ASU No. 2014-01 permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. This new guidance also requires new disclosures for all investors in these projects. ASU No. 2014-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Upon adoption, the guidance must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. However, entities that use the effective yield method to account for investments in these projects before adoption may continue to do so for these pre-existing investments. The Company has elected not to adopt the proportional amortization method, which had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	Also in January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, “Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” The objective of this guidance is to clarify when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. ASU No. 2014-04 states that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, ASU No. 2014-04 requires interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. ASU No. 2014-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2014-04 effective January 1, 2015, which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.  See Note 4 - Loans to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the disclosures required by ASU No. 2014-04.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11 related to repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financing and disclosures. The pronouncement changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to secured borrowing accounting, which is consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements. The pronouncement also requires two new disclosures. The first disclosure requires an entity to disclose information on transfers accounted for as sales in transactions that are economically similar to repurchase agreements. The second disclosure provides increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The pronouncement is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is not permitted. As of March 31, 2015 the Company did not have any repurchase transactions, and therefore the adoption of this pronouncement did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-14 related to classification of certain government-guaranteed mortgage loans upon foreclosure. The objective of this guidance is to reduce diversity in practice related to how creditors classify government-guaranteed mortgage loans, including FHA or VA guaranteed loans, upon foreclosure. Some creditors reclassify those loans to real estate consistent with other foreclosed loans that do not have guarantees; others reclassify the loans to other receivables. The amendments in this guidance require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: (1) The loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure; (2) At the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim; and (3) At the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The pronouncement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2014-14 effective January 1, 2015, which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements
	Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The new revenue pronouncement creates a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries and is more principles-based than current revenue guidance. The pronouncement provides a five-step model for a company to recognize revenue when it transfers control of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The five steps are (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations and (5) recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. The pronouncement is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 using either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” This ASU affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments: (1) Modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities; (2) Eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (3) Affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (4) Provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is not permitted; however, the FASB has issued a proposal to extend the effective date by one year.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” This ASU provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new guidance does not change the accounting for a customer’s accounting for service contracts. ASU No. 2015-05 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

SECURITIES_AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_1

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY
Summary of securities available for sale ("AFS") and held to maturity
	(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross		Gross			Fair Value
				Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gains		Losses
	March 31, 2015
	Securities available for sale
	Debt securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	$	149,454	$	6,391	$	(395	)	$	155,450
	Government-guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	64,456		696		(113		)	65,039
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	750,730		13,157		(1,466		)	762,421
	Corporate bonds	55,560		411		(614		)	55,357
	Trust preferred securities	12,773		736		(82		)	13,427
	Other bonds and obligations	3,203		—		(7		)	3,196
	Total debt securities	1,036,176		21,391		(2,677		)	1,054,890
	Marketable equity securities	38,150		7,536		(920		)	44,766
	Total securities available for sale	1,074,326		28,927		(3,597		)	1,099,656
	Securities held to maturity
	Municipal bonds and obligations	4,847		—		—			4,847
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	70		5		—			75
	Tax advantaged economic development bonds	37,570		1,921		—			39,491
	Other bonds and obligations	331		—		—			331
	Total securities held to maturity	42,818		1,926		—			44,744
	Total	$	1,117,144	$	30,853	$	(3,597	)	$	1,144,400
	December 31, 2014
	Securities available for sale
	Debt securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	$	127,014	$	6,859	$	(174	)	$	133,699
	Government-guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	68,972		702		(206		)	69,468
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	755,893		7,421		(3,130		)	760,184
	Corporate bonds	55,134		120		(1,103		)	54,151
	Trust preferred securities	16,607		820		(1,212		)	16,215
	Other bonds and obligations	3,211		—		(52		)	3,159
	Total debt securities	1,026,831		15,922		(5,877		)	1,036,876
	Marketable equity securities	48,993		7,322		(1,373		)	54,942
	Total securities available for sale	1,075,824		23,244		(7,250		)	1,091,818
	Securities held to maturity
	Municipal bonds and obligations	4,997		—		—			4,997
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	70		4		—			74
	Tax advantaged economic development bonds	37,948		1,680		(34		)	39,594
	Other bonds and obligations	332		—		—			332
	Total securities held to maturity	43,347		1,684		(34		)	44,997
	Total	$	1,119,171	$	24,928	$	(7,284	)	$	1,136,815
Schedule of amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale (AFS) and held to maturity (HTM) securities, segregated by contractual maturity
		Available for sale				Held to maturity
		Amortized		Fair		Amortized			Fair
	(In thousands)	Cost		Value		Cost			Value
	Within 1 year	$	31,062	$	30,557	$	1,214		$	1,214
	Over 1 year to 5 years	1,256		1,264		16,802			17,774
	Over 5 years to 10 years	17,319		17,698		12,232			12,532
	Over 10 years	171,353		177,911		12,500			13,149
	Total bonds and obligations	220,990		227,430		42,748			44,669
	Marketable equity securities	38,150		44,766		—			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	815,186		827,460		70			75
	Total	$	1,074,326	$	1,099,656	$	42,818		$	44,744
Schedule of securities with unrealized losses, segregated by the duration of their continuous unrealized loss positions
		Less Than Twelve Months				Over Twelve Months					Total
		Gross				Gross					Gross
		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized		Fair
	(In thousands)	Losses		Value		Losses			Value		Losses		Value
	March 31, 2015
	Securities available for sale
	Debt securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	$	62	$	19,756	$	333		$	11,796	$	395	$	31,552
	Government-guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	11		5,638		102			6,701		113		12,339
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	—		—		1,466			142,786		1,466		142,786
	Corporate bonds	614		33,680		—			—		614		33,680
	Trust preferred securities	82		2,192		—			—		82		2,192
	Other bonds and obligations	—		—		7			2,057		7		2,057
	Total debt securities	769		61,266		1,908			163,340		2,677		224,606
	Marketable equity securities	636		7,364		284			4,576		920		11,940
	Total securities available for sale	1,405		68,630		2,192			167,916		3,597		236,546
	Securities held to maturity
	Tax advantaged economic development bonds	—		—		—			—		—		—
	Total securities held to maturity	—		—		—			—		—		—
	Total	$	1,405	$	68,630	$	2,192		$	167,916	$	3,597	$	236,546
	December 31, 2014
	Securities available for sale
	Debt securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	$	8	$	1,001	$	166		$	7,206	$	174	$	8,207
	Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	46		7,122		160			16,727		206		23,849
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	236		30,672		2,894			167,473		3,130		198,145
	Corporate bonds	1,103		39,571		—			—		1,103		39,571
	Trust preferred securities	65		935		1,147			2,408		1,212		3,343
	Other bonds and obligations	—				52			3,035		52		3,035
	Total debt securities	1,458		79,301		4,419			196,849		5,877		276,150
	Marketable equity securities	1,039		9,902		334			4,755		1,373		14,657
	Total securities available for sale	2,497		89,203		4,753			201,604		7,250		290,807
	Securities held to maturity
	Tax advantaged economic development bonds	—		—		34			7,972		34		7,972
	Total securities held to maturity	—		—		34			7,972		34		7,972
	Total	$	2,497	$	89,203	$	4,787		$	209,576	$	7,284	$	298,779

LOANS_Tables

LOANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
LOANS
Schedule of loans
			March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Business			Acquired			Total		Business		Acquired		Total
			Activities Loans			Loans					Activities Loans		Loans
	Residential mortgages:
	1-4 family		$	1,188,018		$	256,503		$	1,444,521	$	1,199,408	$	268,734	$	1,468,142
	Construction		27,796			922			28,718		27,044		1,018		28,062
	Total residential mortgages		1,215,814			257,425			1,473,239		1,226,452		269,752		1,496,204
	Commercial real estate:
	Construction		182,800			4,046			186,846		169,189		4,201		173,390
	Single and multi-family		142,297			48,429			190,726		140,050		53,168		193,218
	Other commercial real estate		1,086,893			207,634			1,294,527		1,030,837		214,122		1,244,959
	Total commercial real estate		1,411,990			260,109			1,672,099		1,340,076		271,491		1,611,567
	Commercial and industrial loans:
	Asset based lending		354,106			—			354,106		341,246		—		341,246
	Other commercial and industrial loans		424,565			48,144			472,709		411,945		51,175		463,120
	Total commercial and industrial loans		778,671			48,144			826,815		753,191		51,175		804,366
	Total commercial loans		2,190,661			308,253			2,498,914		2,093,267		322,666		2,415,933
	Consumer loans:
	Home equity		255,368			62,247			317,615		252,681		65,951		318,632
	Auto and other		351,826			87,069			438,895		346,480		103,351		449,831
	Total consumer loans		607,194			149,316			756,510		599,161		169,302		768,463
	Total loans		$	4,013,669		$	714,994		$	4,728,663	$	3,918,880	$	761,720	$	4,680,600
Schedule of activity in the accretable yield for the acquired loan portfolio that falls under the purview of ASC 310-30, Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	2,541		$	2,559
	Sales		—			—
	Reclassification form nonaccretable difference for loans with improved cash flows		1,330			1,540
	Accretion		(440		)	(945		)
	Balance at end of period		$	3,431		$	3,154
Summary of past due loans
	Business Activities Loans
	(in thousands)		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater		Total Past		Current		Total Loans		Past Due >
			Past Due			Past Due			Than 90		Due						90 days and
									Days Past								Accruing
									Due
	March 31, 2015
	Residential mortgages:
	1-4 family		$	1,888		$	888		$	4,066	$	6,842	$	1,181,176	$	1,188,018	$	1,699
	Construction		—			—			414		414		27,382		27,796		414
	Total		1,888			888			4,480		7,256		1,208,558		1,215,814		2,113
	Commercial real estate:
	Construction		—			—			758		758		182,042		182,800		—
	Single and multi-family		245			247			406		898		141,399		142,297		—
	Other commercial real estate		1,900			330			9,202		11,432		1,075,461		1,086,893		266
	Total		2,145			577			10,366		13,088		1,398,902		1,411,990		266
	Commercial and industrial loans:
	Asset based lending		—			—			—		—		354,106		354,106		—
	Other commercial and industrial loans		1,371			150			725		2,246		422,319		424,565		—
	Total		1,371			150			725		2,246		776,425		778,671		—
	Consumer loans:
	Home equity		589			154			2,546		3,289		252,079		255,368		1,354
	Auto and other		744			54			255		1,053		350,773		351,826		3
	Total		1,333			208			2,801		4,342		602,852		607,194		1,357
	Total		$	6,737		$	1,823		$	18,372	$	26,932	$	3,986,737	$	4,013,669	$	3,736
	Business Activities Loans
	(in thousands)		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater		Total Past		Current		Total Loans		Past Due >
			Past Due			Past Due			Than 90		Due						90 days and
									Days Past								Accruing
									Due
	December 31, 2014
	Residential mortgages:
	1-4 family		$	5,580		$	146		$	4,053	$	9,779	$	1,189,629	$	1,199,408	$	1,527
	Construction		666			410			—		1,076		25,968		27,044		—
	Total		6,246			556			4,053		10,855		1,215,597		1,226,452		1,527
	Commercial real estate:
	Construction		—			2,000			720		2,720		166,469		169,189		—
	Single and multi-family		178			156			458		792		139,258		140,050		—
	Other commercial real estate		692			705			9,383		10,780		1,020,057		1,030,837		621
	Total		870			2,861			10,561		14,292		1,325,784		1,340,076		621
	Commercial and industrial loans:
	Asset based lending		—			—			—		—		341,246		341,246		—
	Other commercial and industrial loans		1,040			498			856		2,394		409,551		411,945		6
	Total		1,040			498			856		2,394		750,797		753,191		6
	Consumer loans:
	Home equity		333			1,000			1,387		2,720		249,961		252,681		230
	Auto and other		831			65			315		1,211		345,269		346,480		10
	Total		1,164			1,065			1,702		3,931		595,230		599,161		240
	Total		$	9,320		$	4,980		$	17,172	$	31,472	$	3,887,408	$	3,918,880	$	2,394
	Acquired Loans
	(in thousands)		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater		Total Past		Acquired		Total Loans		Past Due >
			Past Due			Past Due			Than 90		Due		Credit				90 days and
									Days Past				Impaired				Accruing
									Due
	March 31, 2015
	Residential mortgages:
	1-4 family		$	187		$	592		$	1,930	2,709		$	361	$	256,503	$	144
	Construction		—			—			—		—		—		922		—
	Total		187			592			1,930		2,709		361		257,425		144
	Commercial real estate:
	Construction		—			—			676		676		1,281		4,046		—
	Single and multi-family		323			45			2,728		3,096		4,924		48,429		2,257
	Other commercial real estate		1,116			116			2,269		3,501		5,222		207,634		—
	Total		1,439			161			5,673		7,273		11,427		260,109		2,257
Commercial and industrial loans:
Asset based lending		—			—			—		—		—		—		—
Other commercial and industrial loans		285			—			586		871		705		48,144		3
Total		285			—			586		871		705		48,144		3
Consumer loans:
Home equity		209			228			1,118		1,555		170		62,247		242
Auto and other		1,394			23			731		2,148		—		87,069		19
Total		1,603			251			1,849		3,703		170		149,316		261
Total		$	3,514		$	1,004		$	10,038	$	14,556	$	12,663	$	714,994	$	2,665
Acquired Loans
(in thousands)		30-59 Days			60-89 Days			Greater		Total Past		Acquired		Total Loans		Past Due >
		Past Due			Past Due			Than 90		Due		Credit				90 days and
								Days Past				Impaired				Accruing
								Due
December 31, 2014
Residential mortgages:
1-4 family		$	1,133		$	638		$	1,651	$	3,422	$	375	$	268,734	$	269
Construction		—			—			—		—		—		1,018		—
Total		1,133			638			1,651		3,422		375		269,752		269
Commercial real estate:
Construction		—			—			691		691		1,296		4,201		—
Single and multi-family		277			—			572		849		5,477		53,168		—
Other commercial real estate		—			715			2,004		2,719		5,504		214,122		329
Total		277			715			3,267		4,259		12,277		271,491		329
Commercial and industrial loans:
Asset based lending		—			—			—		—		—		—		—
Other commercial and industrial loans		202			32			855		1,089		986		51,175		—
Total		202			32			855		1,089		986		51,175		—
Consumer loans:
Home equity		176			95			1,049		1,320		171		65,951		466
Auto and other		1,170			944			1,363		3,477		—		103,351		194
Total		1,346			1,039			2,412		4,797		171		169,302		660
Total		$	2,958		$	2,424		$	8,185	$	13,567	$	13,809	$	761,720	$	1,258
Summary of information pertaining to non-accrual loans
			March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Business			Acquired			Total		Business		Acquired		Total
			Activities Loans			Loans (1)					Activities Loans		Loans (2)
	Residential mortgages:
	1-4 family		$	2,367		$	1,786		$	4,153	$	2,526	$	1,382	$	3,908
	Construction		—			—			—		—		—		—
	Total		2,367			1,786			4,153		2,526		1,382		3,908
	Commercial real estate:
	Construction		758			—			758		720		—		720
	Single and multi-family		406			471			877		458		141		599
	Other commercial real estate		8,936			1,939			10,875		8,762		1,675		10,437
	Total		10,100			2,410			12,510		9,940		1,816		11,756
	Commercial and industrial loans:
	Other commercial and industrial loans		725			569			1,294		850		811		1,661
	Total		725			569			1,294		850		811		1,661
	Consumer loans:
	Home equity		1,192			876			2,068		1,157		583		1,740
	Auto and other		252			712			964		305		1,169		1,474
	Total		1,444			1,588			3,032		1,462		1,752		3,214
	Total non-accrual loans		$	14,636		$	6,353		$	20,989	$	14,778	$	5,761	$	20,539
		-1		At quarter end March 31, 2015, acquired credit impaired loans accounted for $1.0 million of non-accrual loans that are not presented in the above table.
		-2		At year end 2014, acquired credit impaired loans accounted for $1.2 million of non-accrual loans that are not presented in the above table.
Schedule of loans evaluated for impairment
	Business Activities Loans
	(In thousands)		Residential			Commercial			Commercial and		Consumer		Total
			mortgages			real estate			industrial loans
	March 31, 2015
	Loans receivable:
	Balance at end of period
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	3,028		$	22,342		$	262	$	448	$	26,080
	Collectively evaluated		1,212,786			1,389,648			778,409		606,746		3,987,589
	Total		$	1,215,814		$	1,411,990		$	778,671	$	607,194	$	4,013,669
	Business Activities Loans
	(In thousands)		Residential			Commercial			Commercial and		Consumer		Total
			mortgages			real estate			industrial loans
	December 31, 2014
	Loans receivable:
	Balance at end of year
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	3,238		$	22,015		$	743	$	452	$	26,448
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		1,223,214			1,318,061			752,448		598,709		3,892,432
	Total		$	1,226,452		$	1,340,076		$	753,191	$	599,161	$	3,918,880
	Acquired Loans
	(In thousands)		Residential			Commercial			Commercial and		Consumer		Total
			mortgages			real estate			industrial loans
	March 31, 2015
	Loans receivable:
	Balance at end of Period
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,194		$	6,203		$	47	$	546	$	7,990
	Collectively evaluated		256,231			253,906			48,097		148,770		707,004
	Total		$	257,425		$	260,109		$	48,144	$	149,316	$	714,994
	Acquired Loans
	(In thousands)		Residential			Commercial			Commercial and		Consumer		Total
			mortgages			real estate			industrial loans
	December 31, 2014
	Loans receivable:
	Balance at end of year
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	695		$	5,637		$	39	$	199	$	6,570
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		269,057			265,854			51,136		169,103		755,150
	Total		$	269,752		$	271,491		$	51,175	$	169,302	$	761,720
Summary of impaired loans
	Business Activities Loans
			At March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)		Recorded Investment			Unpaid Principal			Related Allowance
						Balance
	With no related allowance:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	3,028		$	3,028		$	—
	Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		180			180			—
	Other commercial real estate loans		14,380			14,380			—
	Commercial real esate - construction		2,632			2,632			—
	Other commercial and industrial loans		262			262			—
	Consumer - home equity		334			334			—
	Consumer - other		114			114			—
	With an allowance recorded:
	Other commercial real estate loans		$	4,064		$	5,150		$	1,086
	Total
	Residential mortgages		$	3,028		$	3,028		$	—
	Commercial real estate		21,256			22,342			1,086
	Commercial and industrial loans		262			262			—
	Consumer		448			448			—
	Total impaired loans		$	24,994		$	26,080		$	1,086
	Acquired Loans
			At March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)		Recorded Investment			Unpaid Principal			Related Allowance
						Balance
	With no related allowance:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	625		$	625		$	—
	Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		2,857			2,857			—
	Other commercial real estate loans		1,649			1,649			—
	Other commercial and industrial loans		47			47			—
	Consumer - home equity		197			197			—
	With an allowance recorded:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	517		$	569		$	52
	Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		318			330			12
	Other commercial real estate loans		504			691			187
	Commercial real esate - construction		420			676			256
	Consumer - home equity		288			349			61
	Total
	Residential mortgages		$	1,142		$	1,194		$	52
	Commercial real estate		5,748			6,203			455
	Commercial and industrial loans		47			47			—
	Consumer		485			546			61
	Total impaired loans		$	7,422		$	7,990		$	568
	Business Activities Loans
			At December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Recorded Investment			Unpaid Principal			Related Allowance
						Balance
	With no related allowance:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	2,528		$	2,528		$	—
	Commercial real estate - construction		16,990			16,990			—
	Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		—			—			—
	Other commercial real estate loans		102			102			—
	Other commercial and industrial loans		743			743			—
	Consumer - home equity		87			87			—
	Consumer - other		—			—			—
	With an allowance recorded:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	555		$	710		$	155
	Commercial real estate - construction		3,511			4,431			920
	Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		490			492			2
	Other commercial real estate loans		—			—			—
	Other commercial and industrial loans		—			—			—
	Consumer - home equity		194			248			54
	Consumer - other		105			117			12
	Total
Residential mortgages		$	3,083		$	3,238		$	155
Commercial real estate		21,093			22,015			922
Commercial and industrial loans		743			743			—
Consumer		386			452			66
Total impaired loans		$	25,305		$	26,448		$	1,143
Acquired Loans
		At December 31, 2014
(In thousands)		Recorded Investment			Unpaid Principal			Related Allowance
					Balance
With no related allowance:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	189		$	189		$	—
Other commercial real estate loans		5,206			5,206			—
Other commercial and industrial loans		39			39			—
Consumer - home equity		—			—			—
With an allowance recorded:
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	458		$	506		$	48
Other commercial real estate loans		383			431			48
Consumer - home equity		124			199			75
Total
Residential mortgages		$	647		$	695		$	48
Other commercial real estate loans		5,589			5,637			48
Other commercial and industrial loans		39			39			—
Consumer - home equity		124			199			75
Total impaired loans		$	6,399		$	6,570		$	171
Summary of the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans
	Business Activities Loans
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2015						Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)		Average Recorded			Cash Basis Interest			Average Recorded		Cash Basis Interest
			Investment			Income Recognized			Investment		Income Recognized
	With no related allowance:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	3,108		$	28		$	4,142	$	23
	Commercial real estate - construction		2,628			1			1,957		—
	Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		180			—			—		—
	Other commercial real estate loans		15,315			131			16,180		154
	Commercial and industrial loans		578			3			1,337		7
	Consumer - home equity		334			—			348		1
	Consumer - other		115			1			124		1
	With an allowance recorded:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	—		$	—		$	1,774	$	16
	Commercial real estate - construction		—			—			1,013		—
	Other commercial real estate loans		5,267			—			3,450		—
	Commercial and industrial loans		—			—			55		1
	Consumer - home equity		—			—			41		—
	Total
	Residential mortgages		$	3,108		$	28		$	5,916	$	39
	Commercial real estate		23,390			132			22,600		154
	Commercial and industrial loans		578			3			1,392		8
	Consumer loans		449			1			513		2
	Total impaired loans		$	27,525		$	164		$	30,421	$	203
	Acquired Loans
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2015						Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)		Average Recorded			Cash Basis Interest			Average Recorded		Cash Basis Interest
			Investment			Income Recognized			Investment		Income Recognized
	With no related allowance:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	670		$	3		$	1,303	$	5
	Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		2,892			24			—		—
	Other commercial real estate loans		1,662			3			4,821		25
	Other commercial and industrial loans		64			3			—		—
	Consumer - home equity		197			2			562		1
	Consumer - other		—			—			154		—
	With an allowance recorded:
	Residential mortgages - 1-4 family		$	569		$	—		$	162	$	—
	Commercial real estate - single and multifamily		397			—			—		—
	Other commercial real estate loans		691			—			1,577		46
	Commercial real esate - construction		666			44			—		—
	Consumer - home equity		349			—			—		—
	Consumer - other		—			—			70		2
	Total
	Residential mortgages		$	1,239		$	3		$	1,465	$	5
	Other commercial real estate loans		6,308			71			6,398		71
	Commercial and industrial loans		64			3			632		3
	Consumer loans		546			2			154		—
	Total impaired loans		$	8,157		$	79		$	8,649	$	79
Schedule of recorded investment and number of modifications for TDRs identified during the period
			Modifications by Class
			Three months ending March 31, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)		Number of		Pre-Modification			Post-Modification
			Modifications		Outstanding Recorded			Outstanding Recorded
					Investment			Investment
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	Commercial - Construction		1		$	123		$	123
	Commercial - Other		1		2,000			2,000
	Commercial and industrial - Other		1		33			33
	Total		3		$	2,156		$	2,156
			Modifications by Class
			Three months ending March 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)		Number of		Pre-Modification			Post-Modification
			Modifications		Outstanding Recorded			Outstanding Recorded
					Investment			Investment
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	Residential - 1-4 Family		1		$	122		$	119
			Modifications that Subsequently Defaulted
			Three months ending March 31, 2015
			Number of Contracts		Recorded Investment
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	Commercial - Other		1		$	668
Schedule of TDR activity
			Three Months Ending
			March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of the period		$	16,714		$	10,822
	Principal payments		(484		)	(872		)
	TDR status change (1)		—			(52		)
	Other reductions/increases (2)		(1,182		)	95
	Newly identified TDRs		2,156			119
	Balance at end of the period		$	17,204		$	10,112
		-1		TDR status change classification represents TDR loans with a specified interest rate equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk and  the loan was on current payment status and not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement.
		-2		Other reductions classification consists of transfer to other real estate owned and charge-offs and advances to loans.

LOAN_LOSS_ALLOWANCE_Tables

LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE
Schedule of activity in the allowance for loan losses
	Business Activities Loans	Residential			Commercial		Commercial and			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
	(In thousands)	mortgages			real estate		industrial loans
	March 31, 2015
	Balance at beginning of period	$	6,836		$	14,690	$	5,206		$	5,928		$	135		$	32,795
	Charged-off loans	128			1,605		223			202			—			2,158
	Recoveries on charged-off loans	67			3		5			61			—			136
	Provision for loan losses	(702		)	1,330		1,460			(751		)	158			1,495
	Balance at end of period	$	6,073		$	14,418	$	6,448		$	5,036		$	293		$	32,268
	Individually evaluated for impairment	—			1,086		—			—			—			1,086
	Collectively evaluated	6,073			13,332		6,448			5,036			293			31,182
	Total	$	6,073		$	14,418	$	6,448		$	5,036		$	293		$	32,268
	Business Activities Loans	Residential			Commercial		Commercial and			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
	(In thousands)	mortgages			real estate		industrial loans
	March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	6,937		$	13,705	$	5,173		$	3,644		$	68		$	29,527
	Charged-off loans	706			660		189			429			—			1,984
	Recoveries on charged-off loans	7			1		20			79			—			107
	Provision for loan losses	(575		)	1,900		(185		)	836			(248		)	1,728
	Balance at end of period	$	5,663		$	14,946	$	4,819		$	4,130		$	(180	)	$	29,378
	Individually evaluated for impairment	397			1,558		54			9			—			2,018
	Collectively evaluated	5,266			13,388		4,765			4,121			(180		)	27,360
	Total	$	5,663		$	14,946	$	4,819		$	4,130		$	(180	)	$	29,378
	Acquired Loans	Residential			Commercial		Commercial and			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
	(In thousands)	mortgages			real estate		industrial loans
	March 31, 2015
	Balance at beginning of period	$	615		$	790	$	1,093		$	369		$	—		$	2,867
	Charged-off loans	238			405		198			433			—			1,274
	Recoveries on charged-off loans	—			—		41			28			—			69
	Provision for loan losses	372			1,579		(11		)	416			—			2,356
	Balance at end of period	$	749		$	1,964	$	925		$	380		$	—		$	4,018
	Individually evaluated for impairment	52			455					61			—			568
	Collectively evaluated	697			1,509		925			319			—			3,450
	Total	$	749		$	1,964	$	925		$	380		$	—		$	4,018
	Acquired Loans	Residential			Commercial		Commercial and			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
	(In thousands)	mortgages			real estate		industrial loans
	March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	625		$	2,339	$	597		$	235		$	—		$	3,796
	Charged-off loans	429			447		52			405			—			1,333
	Recoveries on charged-off loans	73			1		5			14			—			93
	Provision for loan losses	401			231		548			488			—			1,668
	Balance at end of period	$	670		$	2,124	$	1,098		$	332		$	—		$	4,224
	Individually evaluated for impairment	30			250		21			—			—			301
	Collectively evaluated	640			1,874		1,077			332			—			3,923
	Total	$	670		$	2,124	$	1,098		$	332		$	—		$	4,224
Schedule of loans by risk rating
	Business Activities Loans
	Residential Mortgages
	Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
		1-4 family					Construction						Total residential mortgages
	(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
		2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Grade:
	Pass	$	1,183,064		$	1,195,209	$	27,382		$	26,634		$	1,210,446		$	1,221,843
	Special mention	888			146		—			410			888			556
	Substandard	4,066			4,053		414			—			4,480			4,053
	Total	$	1,188,018		$	1,199,408	$	27,796		$	27,044		$	1,215,814		$	1,226,452
	Commercial Real Estate
	Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
		Construction					Single and multi-family						Other					Total commercial real estate
	(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Dec. 31,
		2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014		2015		2014
	Grade:
	Pass	$	179,868		$	166,295	$	140,022		$	137,533		$	1,023,304		$	959,836	$	1,343,194	$	1,263,664
	Special mention	—			—		—			—			6,891			6,933		6,891		6,933
	Substandard	2,932			2,894		2,275			2,517			56,625			63,995		61,832		69,406
	Doubtful	—			—		—			—			73			73		73		73
	Total	$	182,800		$	169,189	$	142,297		$	140,050		$	1,086,893		$	1,030,837	$	1,411,990	$	1,340,076
	Commercial and Industrial Loans
	Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
		Asset based lending					Other						Total comm. and industrial loans
	(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
		2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Grade:
	Pass	$	354,106		$	341,246	$	410,699		$	404,846		$	764,805		$	746,092
	Special mention	—			—		187			560			187			560
	Substandard	—			—		13,679			6,539			13,679			6,539
	Total	$	354,106		$	341,246	$	424,565		$	411,945		$	778,671		$	753,191
	Consumer Loans
	Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
		Home equity					Auto and other						Total consumer loans
	(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
		2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Performing	$	254,176		$	251,524	$	351,574		$	346,175		$	605,750		$	597,699
	Nonperforming	1,192			1,157		252			305			1,444			1,462
	Total	$	255,368		$	252,681	$	351,826		$	346,480		$	607,194		$	599,161
	Acquired Loans
	Residential Mortgages
	Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
		1-4 family					Construction						Total residential mortgages
	(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
		2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Grade:
	Pass	$	253,866		$	266,445	$	922		$	1,018		$	254,788		$	267,463
	Special mention	707			638		—			—			707			638
	Substandard	1,930			1,651		—			—			1,930			1,651
	Total	$	256,503		$	268,734	$	922		$	1,018		$	257,425		$	269,752
	Commercial Real Estate
	Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
		Construction					Single and multi-family						Other					Total commercial real estate
	(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Dec. 31,
		2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014		2015		2014
	Grade:
	Pass	$	2,765		$	2,904	$	41,145		$	44,497		$	192,233		$	195,681	$	236,143	$	243,082
	Special mention	—			—		120			533			2,208			4,868		2,328		5,401
	Substandard	1,281			1,297		7,164			8,138			13,193			13,573		21,638		23,008
	Total	$	4,046		$	4,201	$	48,429		$	53,168		$	207,634		$	214,122	$	260,109	$	271,491
	Commercial and Industrial Loans
	Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
	Asset based lending					Other						Total comm. and industrial loans
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
Grade:
Pass	$	—		$	—	$	44,922		$	45,757		$	44,922		$	45,757
Special mention	—			—		—			1,723			—			1,723
Substandard	—			—		3,222			3,695			3,222			3,695
Total	$	—		$	—	$	48,144		$	51,175		$	48,144		$	51,175
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
	Home equity					Auto and other						Total consumer loans
(In thousands)	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014			2015			2014
Performing	$	61,371		$	65,368	$	86,356		$	102,182		$	147,727		$	167,550
Nonperforming	876			583		713			1,169			1,589			1,752
Total	$	62,247		$	65,951	$	87,069		$	103,351		$	149,316		$	169,302
Summary of information about total loans rated special mention or lower
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Business			Acquired Loans		Total			Business			Acquired Loans			Total
		Activities Loans								Activities Loans
	Non-Accrual	$	14,636		$	7,373	$	22,009		$	14,778		$	6,927		$	21,705
	Substandard Accruing	68,228			21,266		89,494			66,995			23,839			90,834
	Total Classified	82,864			28,639		111,503			81,773			30,766			112,539
	Special Mention	8,175			3,286		11,461			9,113			8,800			17,913
	Total Criticized	$	91,039		$	31,925	$	122,964		$	90,886		$	39,566		$	130,452

DEPOSITS_Tables

DEPOSITS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
DEPOSITS
Summary of time deposits
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Time less than $100,000	$	506,577	$	515,570
	Time $100,000 or more	998,892		940,176
	Total time deposits	$	1,505,469	$	1,455,746

BORROWED_FUNDS_Tables

BORROWED FUNDS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
BORROWED FUNDS
Schedule of borrowed funds
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
				Weighted				Weighted
				Average				Average
	(dollars in thousands)	Principal		Rate		Principal		Rate
	Short-term borrowings:
	Advances from the FHLBB	$	884,500	0.25	%	$	890,900	0.24	%
	Other Borrowings	10,000		1.83		10,000		1.80
	Total short-term borrowings:	894,500		0.25		900,900		0.23
	Long-term borrowings:
	Advances from the FHLBB	61,618		0.91		61,676		0.93
	Subordinated borrowings	74,301		7.00		74,283		7.00
	Junior subordinated borrowings	15,464		2.11		15,464		2.08
	Total long-term borrowings:	151,383		4.02		151,423		4.03
	Total	$	1,045,883	0.80	%	$	1,052,323	0.79	%
Summary of maturities of FHLBB advances
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
				Weighted				Weighted
				Average				Average
	(in thousands, except rates)	Principal		Rate		Principal		Rate
	Fixed rate advances maturing:
	2015	$	934,500	0.25	%	$	940,900	0.24	%
	2016	1,503		0.03		1,519		0.88
	2017	5,000		4.33		5,000		4.33
	2018	—		0.00		—		0.00
	2019 and beyond	5,115		3.91		5,157		3.85
	Total FHLBB advances	$	946,118	0.29	%	$	952,576	0.28	%

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Schedule of actual and required capital ratios
				Regulatory				Regulatory
				Minimum to be				Minimum to be
		March 31, 2015		Well Capitalized		December 31, 2014		Well Capitalized
	Company (consolidated)
	Total capital to risk weighted assets	11.4		10.0	%	11.4	%	10.0	%
	Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets	9.1		6.5		N/A		N/A
	Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets	9.2		8.0		9.0		6.0
	Tier 1 capital to average assets	7.1		5.0		7.0		5.0
	Bank
	Total capital to risk weighted assets	10.8		10.0	%	10.8	%	10.0	%
	Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets	9.4		6.5		N/A		N/A
	Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets	9.4		8.0		9.3		6.0
	Tier 1 capital to average assets	7.3		5.0		7.2		5.0
Schedule of components of accumulated other comprehensive income
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Other accumulated comprehensive income, before tax:
	Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities	$	25,330		$	15,993
	Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives	(7,200		)	(3,299		)
	Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans	(3,822		)	(2,291		)
	Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities	(9,682		)	(6,077		)
	Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives	2,902			1,330
	Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans	1,540			923
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	9,068		$	6,579
Schedule of components of other comprehensive income
	(In thousands)	Before Tax			Tax Effect			Net of Tax
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Net unrealized holding gains on AFS securities:
	Net unrealized gains arising during the period	$	9,371		$	(3,617	)	$	5,754
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income	(34		)	12			(22		)
	Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities	9,337			(3,605		)	5,732
	Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	(3,901		)	1,572			(2,329		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) realized in net income	—			—			—
	Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives	(3,901		)	1,572			(2,329		)
	Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	(1,596		)	643			(953		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) realized in net income	65			(26		)	39
	Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans	(1,531		)	617			(914		)
	Other comprehensive income	$	3,905		$	(1,416	)	$	2,489
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Net unrealized holding loss on AFS securities:
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	$	6,055		$	(2,233	)	$	3,822
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income	(34		)	12			(22		)
	Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities	6,021			(2,221		)	3,800
	Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	(860		)	368			(492		)
	Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income	5,393			(2,200		)	3,193
	Net gain on cash flow hedging derivatives	4,533			(1,832		)	2,701
	Net gain on terminated swap:
	Net unrealized loss arising during the period	—			—			—
	Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income	3,237			(1,312		)	1,925
	Net gain on terminated swap	3,237			(1,312		)	1,925
	Other comprehensive income	$	13,791		$	(5,365	)	$	8,426
Schedule of gross changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
		Net unrealized			Net loss on			Net loss			Net unrealized
		holding (loss) gain			effective cash			on			holding loss
		on AFS			flow hedging			terminated			on
	(in thousands)	Securities			derivatives			swap			pension plans			Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at Beginning of Period	$	9,916		$	(1,969	)	$	—		$	(1,368	)	$	6,579
	Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) Before reclassifications	5,754			(2,329		)	—			(953		)	2,472
	Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	(22		)	—			—			39			17
	Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	5,732			(2,329		)	—			(914		)	2,489
	Balance at End of Period	$	15,648		$	(4,298	)	$	—		$	(2,282	)	$	9,068
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at Beginning of Period	$	(5,776	)	$	(1,366	)	$	(1,925	)	$	(1,368	)	$	(10,435	)
	Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) Before reclassifications	3,822			(492		)	—			—			3,330
	Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	(22		)	3,193			1,925			—			5,096
	Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,800			2,701			1,925			—			8,426
	Balance at End of Period	$	(1,976	)	$	1,335		$	—		$	(1,368	)	$	(2,009	)
Schedule of amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
								Affected Line Item in the
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Statement where Net Income
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			is Presented
	Realized (gains) on AFS securities:
		$	(34	)	$	(34	)	Non-interest income
		12			12			Tax expense
		(22		)	(22		)	Net of tax
	Realized losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
		—			5,393			Non-interest income
		—			(2,200		)	Tax expense
		—			3,193			Net of tax
	Amortization of realized gains on terminated swap:
		—			3,237			Non-interest income
		—			(1,312		)	Tax expense
		—			1,925			Net of tax
	Realized loss on pension plans:
		65			—			Non-interest income
		(26		)	—			Tax expense
		39			—			Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	17		$	5,096		Net of tax

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Schedule of earnings per share
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2015		2014
	Net income/(loss)	$	8,759	$	(1,106	)
	Average number of common shares issued	26,525		26,525
	Less: average number of treasury shares	1,295		1,425
	Less: average number of unvested stock award shares	427		402
	Average number of basic common shares outstanding	24,803		24,698
	Plus: dilutive effect of unvested stock award shares	89		—
	Plus: dilutive effect of stock options outstanding	63		—
	Average number of diluted common shares outstanding	24,955		24,698
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	0.35	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted	$	0.35	$	(0.04	)

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Summary of activity in the stock award and stock option plans
		Non-vested Stock
		Awards Outstanding				Stock Options Outstanding
				Weighted-				Weighted-
				Average				Average
		Number of		Grant Date		Number of		Exercise
	(Shares in thousands)	Shares		Fair Value		Shares		Price
	Balance, December 31, 2014	424		$	24.33	282		$	20.42
	Granted	92		24.9		—		—
	Stock options exercised	—		—		(11	)	10.52
	Stock awards vested	(82	)	24.22		—		—
	Forfeited	(10	)	23.5		—		—
	Expired	—		—		—		—
	Balance, March 31, 2015	424		$	24.48	271		$	21.12
	Exercisable options, March 31, 2015					271		$	21.12

OPERATING_SEGMENTS_Tables

OPERATING SEGMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
OPERATING SEGMENTS
Summary of the operating segments
	(In thousands)	Banking			Insurance		Parent			Eliminations			Total Consolidated
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Net interest income	$	46,339		$	—	$	5,154		$	(6,000	)	$	45,493
	Provision for loan losses	3,851			—		—			—			3,851
	Non-interest income	9,413			2,967		3,785			(3,603		)	12,562
	Non-interest expense	42,494			1,939		715			—			45,148
	Income before income taxes	9,407			1,028		8,224			(9,603		)	9,056
	Income tax expense (benefit)	433			399		(535		)	—			297
	Net income	$	8,974		$	629	$	8,759		$	(9,603	)	$	8,759
	Average assets (in millions)	$	6,479		$	28	$	757		$	(767	)	$	6,497
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Net interest income (expense)	$	43,712		$	—	$	(946	)	$	—		$	42,766
	Provision for loan losses	3,396			—		—			—			3,396
	Non-interest income	1,374			3,049		(252		)	252			4,423
	Non-interest expense	42,574			2,322		464			—			45,360
	Income before income taxes	(884		)	727		(1,662		)	252			(1,567		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(192		)	287		(556		)	—			(461		)
	Net income	$	(692	)	$	440	$	(1,106	)	$	252		$	(1,106	)
	Average assets (in millions)	$	5,829		$	26	$	722		$	(726	)	$	5,851

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAKL_INSTRUME

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAKL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
DERIVATIVE FINACIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Schedule of interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
	Information about derivative assets and liabilities at March 31, 2015, follows:
					Weighted		Weighted Average Rate				Estimated
		Notional			Average				Contract		Fair Value
		Amount			Maturity		Received		pay rate		Asset (Liability)
		(In thousands)			(In years)						(In thousands)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings	$	300,000		4		0	%	2.29	%	$	(7,200	)
	Total cash flow hedges	300,000									(7,200		)
	Economic hedges:
	Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond	12,412			14.7		0.52	%	5.09	%	(2,799		)
	Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers	286,590			6		2.19	%	4.59	%	(15,405		)
	Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers	286,590			6		4.59	%	2.19	%	15,444
	Risk Participation Agreements with Dealer Banks	49,038			15.9						(100		)
	Forward sale commitments	89,432			0.2						(388		)
	Total economic hedges	724,062									(3,248		)
	Non-hedging derivatives:
	Interest rate lock commitments	68,374			0.2						977
	Total non-hedging derivatives	68,374									977
	Total	$	1,092,436								$	(9,471	)
	Information about derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014, follows:
					Weighted		Weighted Average Rate				Estimated
		Notional			Average				Contract		Fair Value
		Amount			Maturity		Received		pay rate		Asset (Liability)
		(In thousands)			(In years)						(In thousands)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings	$	300,000		4.3		0	%	2.29	%	$	(3,299	)
	Total cash flow hedges	300,000									(3,299		)
	Economic hedges:
	Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond	12,554			14.9		0.52	%	5.09	%	(2,578		)
	Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers	297,158			6		2.23	%	4.54	%	(12,183		)
	Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers	297,158			6		4.54	%	2.23	%	12,221
	Risk participation agreements with dealer banks	45,842			16.6						(91		)
	Forward sale commitments	42,366			0.2						(510		)
	Total economic hedges	695,078									(3,141		)
	Non-hedging derivatives:
	Interest rate lock commitments	39,589			0.2						625
	Total non-hedging derivatives	39,589									625
	Total	$	1,034,667								$	(5,815	)
Schedule of amounts included in the consolidated statements of income and in the other comprehensive income section of the consolidated statements of comprehensive income
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings:
	Unrealized (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(3,901	)	$	(785	)
	Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive income to other non-interest income for termination of swaps	—			8,630
	Reclassification of unrealized deferred tax benefit from accumulated other comprehensive income to tax expense for terminated swaps	—			(3,611		)
	Net tax benefit on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	1,572			314
	Interest rate swaps on junior subordinated debentures:
	Unrealized loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	—			(1		)
	Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense	—			129
	Net tax expense on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	—			(51		)
	Other comprehensive loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments and tax effects	$	(2,329	)	$	(3,815	)
	Net interest expense recognized in interest expense on junior subordinated notes	$	—		$	129
Schedule of amounts included in the consolidated statements of income related to economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Economic hedges
	Interest rate swap on industrial revenue bond:
	Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income	$	(271	)	$	(381	)
	Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:
	Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income	(3,114		)	187
	Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:
	Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income	3,114			(187		)
	Favorable (Unfavorable) change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non-interest income	1			7
	Risk Participation Agreements:
	Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income	(9		)	—
	Forward Commitments:
	Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income	(388		)	(108		)
	Realized loss in other non-interest income	(91		)	(164		)
	Non-hedging derivatives
	Interest rate lock commitments
	Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income	$	977		$	377
	Realized gain in other non-interest income	755			469
Schedule of assets subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement
								Net Amounts
		Gross			Gross Amounts			of Assets			Gross Amounts Not Offset in
		Amounts of			Offset in the			Presented in the			the Statements of Condition
		Recognized			Statements of			Statements of			Financial			Cash
	(in thousands)	Assets			Condition			Condition			Instruments			Collateral Received		Net Amount
	As of March 31, 2015
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
	Institutional counterparties	$	42		$	—		$	42		$	—		$	—	$	42
	Commercial counterparties	15,444			—			15,444			—			—		15,444
	Total	$	15,486		$	—		$	15,486		$	—		$	—	$	15,486
								Net Amounts
		Gross			Gross Amounts			of Assets			Gross Amounts Not Offset in
		Amounts of			Offset in the			Presented in the			the Statements of Condition
		Recognized			Statements of			Statements of			Financial			Cash
	(in thousands)	Assets			Condition			Condition			Instruments			Collateral Received		Net Amount
	As of December 31, 2014
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
	Institutional counterparties	$	23		$	—		$	23		$	—		$	—	$	23
	Commercial counterparties	12,270			—			12,270			—			—		12,270
	Total	$	12,293		$	—		$	12,293		$	—		$	—	$	12,293
Schedule of liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement
								Net Amounts
		Gross			Gross Amounts			of Liabilities			Gross Amounts Not Offset in
		Amounts of			Offset in the			Presented in the			the Statements of Condition
		Recognized			Statements of			Statements of			Financial			Cash
	(in thousands)	Liabilities			Condition			Condition			Instruments			Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
	As of March 31, 2015
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
	Institutional counterparties	$	(25,546	)	$	—		$	(25,546	)	$	20,456		$	5,090	$	—
	Commercial counterparties	—			—			—			—			—		—
	Total	$	(25,546	)	$	—		$	(25,546	)	$	20,456		$	5,090	$	—
								Net Amounts
		Gross			Gross Amounts			of Liabilities			Gross Amounts Not Offset in
		Amounts of			Offset in the			Presented in the			the Statements of Condition
		Recognized			Statements of			Statements of			Financial			Cash
	(in thousands)	Liabilities			Condition			Condition			Instruments			Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
	As of December 31, 2014
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
	Institutional counterparties	$	(18,232	)	$	58		$	(18,174	)	$	14,984		$	3,190	$	—
	Commercial counterparties	(50		)	—			(50		)	—			—		(50		)
	Total	$	(18,282	)	$	58		$	(18,224	)	$	14,984		$	3,190	$	(50	)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Summary of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value
		March 31, 2015
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(In thousands)	Inputs			Inputs			Inputs			Fair Value
	Trading security	$	—		$	—		$	14,970		$	14,970
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	—			155,450			—			155,450
	Governmentguaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	—			65,039			—			65,039
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	—			762,421			—			762,421
	Corporate bonds	—			55,357			—			55,357
	Trust preferred securities	—			13,427			—			13,427
	Other bonds and obligations	—			3,196			—			3,196
	Marketable equity securities	43,690			357			719			44,766
	Loans held for sale	—			29,305			—			29,305
	Derivative assets	—			15,444			977			16,421
	Derivative liabilities	295			25,504			93			25,892
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(In thousands)	Inputs			Inputs			Inputs			Fair Value
	Trading security	$	—		$	—		$	14,909		$	14,909
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Municipal bonds and obligations	—			133,699			—			133,699
	Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities	—			69,468			—			69,468
	Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities	—			760,184			—			760,184
	Corporate bonds	—			54,151			—			54,151
	Trust preferred securities	—			14,667			1,548			16,215
	Other bonds and obligations	—			3,159			—			3,159
	Marketable equity securities	53,806			358			778			54,942
	Loans Held for Sale	—			19,493			—			19,493
	Derivative assets	—			12,328			625			12,953
	Derivative liabilities	417			18,259			93			18,769
Schedule of loans held for sale
								Aggregate Fair Value
	March 31, 2015	Aggregate			Aggregate			Less Aggregate
	(In thousands)	Fair Value			Unpaid Principal			Unpaid Principal
	Loans Held for Sale	$	29,305		$	28,483		$	822
								Aggregate Fair Value
	December 31, 2014	Aggregate			Aggregate			Less Aggregate
	(In thousands)	Fair Value			Unpaid Principal			Unpaid Principal
	Loans Held for Sale	$	19,493		$	18,885		$	608
Schedule of changes in level 3 assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
		Assets (Liabilities)
					Securities			Interest Rate
		Trading			Available			Lock			Forward
	(In thousands)	Security			for Sale			Commitments			Commitments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	14,909		$	2,326		$	625		$	(93	)
	Sale of AFS Security	—			(1,327		)	—			—
	Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income	203			—			1,730			—
	Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(280		)	—			—
	Paydown of trading security	(142		)	—			—			—
	Transfers to held for sale loans	—			—			(1,378		)	—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	14,970		$	719		$	977		$	(93	)
	Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at March 31, 2015	$	2,558		$	(51	)	$	977		$	(93	)
		Assets (Liabilities)
					Securities			Interest Rate
		Trading			Available			Lock			Forward
	(In thousands)	Security			for Sale			Commitments			Commitments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	14,840		$	1,964		$	258		$	19
	Purchase of Marketable Equity Security	—			—			—			—
	Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income	218			—			719			(115		)
	Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			82			—			—
	Paydown of trading account security	(135		)	—			—			—
	Transfers to held for sale loans	—			—			(600		)	—
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	14,923		$	2,046		$	377		$	(96	)
	Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at March 31, 2014	$	1,962		$	(1,288	)	$	377		$	(96	)
Summary of applicable non-recurring fair value measurements
		Fair Value
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2015			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average) (a)
	Assets
	Impaired loans	$	6,111		Fair value of collateral		Loss severity		3.78% to 53.08% (23.5%)
							Appraised value		$139.5 to $1,600.0 ($981.7)
	Capitalized mortgage servicing rights	3,871			Discounted cash flow		Constant prepayment rate (CPR)		8.2% to 19.85% (11.05%)
							Discount rate		10.00% to 13.00% (10.42%)
	Other real estate owned	1,444			Fair value of collateral		Appraised value		$57 to $700.0 ($470.7)
	Total	$	11,426
	(a) Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties.
		Fair Value
	(in thousands)	December 31, 2014			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average) (a)
	Assets
	Impaired loans	$	5,820		Fair value of collateral		Loss severity		0.31% to 38.7% (12.65%)
							Appraised value		$5 to $1,600.0 ($912.7)
	Capitalized mortgage servicing rights	3,757			Discounted cash flow		Constant prepayment rate (CPR)		7.83% to 19.00% (9.92%)
							Discount rate		10.00% to 13.00% (10.43%)
	Other real estate owned	2,049			Fair value of collateral		Appraised value		$57 to $700.0 ($462.6)
	Total	$	11,626
	(a) Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties.
Summary of estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of financial instruments
		March 31, 2015
		Carrying			Fair
	(In thousands)	Amount			Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Financial Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	62,214		$	62,214		$	62,214		$	—		$	—
	Trading security	14,970			14,970			—			—			14,970
	Securities available for sale	1,099,656			1,099,656			43,690			1,055,247			719
	Securities held to maturity	42,818			44,744			—			—			44,744
	FHLB bank stock and restricted securities	58,734			58,734			—			58,734			—
	Net loans	4,692,377			4,736,177			—			—			4,736,177
	Loans held for sale	29,305			29,305			—			29,305			—
	Accrued interest receivable	17,786			17,786			—			17,786			—
	Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	105,302			105,302			—			105,302			—
	Derivative assets	16,421			16,421			—			15,444			977
	Assets held for sale	1,266			1,266			—			1,266			—
	Financial Liabilities
	Total deposits	$	4,719,683		$	4,720,914		—			$	4,720,914		$	—
	Short-term debt	894,500			894,675			—			894,675			—
	Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances	61,618			63,273			—			63,273			—
	Subordinated borrowings	89,765			94,062			—			94,062			—
	Derivative liabilities	25,892			25,892			295			25,504			93
		December 31, 2014
		Carrying			Fair
	(In thousands)	Amount			Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Financial Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	71,754		$	71,754		$	71,754		$	—		$	—
	Trading security	14,909			14,909			—			—			14,909
	Securities available for sale	1,091,818			1,091,818			5,806			1,035,686			2,326
	Securities held to maturity	43,347			44,997			—			—			44,997
	FHLB bank stock and restricted securities	55,720			55,720			—			55,720			—
	Net loans	4,644,938			4,695,256			—			—			4,695,256
	Loans held for sale	19,493			19,493			—			19,493			—
	Accrued interest receivable	17,274			17,274			—			17,274			—
	Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	104,588			104,588			—			104,588			—
	Derivative assets	12,953			12,953			—			12,328			625
	Assets held for sale	1,280			1,280			—			1,280			—
	Financial Liabilities
	Total deposits	$	4,654,679		$	4,655,234		$	—		$	4,655,234		$	—
	Short-term debt	900,900			900,983			—			900,983			—
	Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances	61,676			63,283			—			63,283			—
	Subordinated borrowings	89,747			93,441			—			93,441			—
	Derivative liabilities	18,769			18,769			417			18,259			93
Recurring
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Schedule of quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
		Fair Value							Significant
									Unobservable Input
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Value
	Assets (Liabilities)
	Trading Security	$	14,970		Discounted Cash Flow		Discount Rate		2.34		%
	AFS Securities	719			Pricing Model		Median Peer Price/Tangible Book Value Percentage Multiple		93.35		%
	Forward Commitments	(93		)	Historical Trend		Closing Ratio		89.54		%
					Pricing Model		Origination Costs, per loan		$	2,500
	Interest Rate Lock Commitment	977			Historical Trend		Closing Ratio		89.54		%
					Pricing Model		Origination Costs, per loan		$	2,500
	Total	$	16,573
		Fair Value							Significant
									Unobservable Input
	(In thousands)	December 31, 2014			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Value
	Assets (Liabilities)
	Trading Security	$	14,909		Discounted Cash Flow		Discount Rate		2.6		%
	AFS Securities	2,326			Discounted Cash Flow		Discount Rate		13.74		%
							Credit Spread		11.06		%
	Forward Commitments	(93		)	Historical Trend		Closing Ratio		91.07		%
					Pricing Model		Origination Costs, per loan		$	2,500
	Interest Rate Lock Commitment	625			Historical Trend		Closing Ratio		91.07		%
					Pricing Model		Origination Costs, per loan		$	2,500
	Total	$	17,767
Non-recurring
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Schedule of quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014			Three months ended
								March 31, 2015
		Level 3			Level 3			Total
	(In thousands)	Inputs			Inputs			Gains (Losses)
	Assets
	Impaired loans	$	6,111		$	5,820		$	292
	Capitalized mortgage servicing rights	3,871			3,757			—
	Other real estate owned	1,444			2,049			(155		)
	Total	$	11,426		$	11,626		$	137

NET_INTEREST_INCOME_AFTER_PROV1

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
Schedule of net interest income after provision for loan losses
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015		2014
	Net interest income	$	45,493	$	42,766
	Provision for loan losses	3,851		3,396
	Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$	41,642	$	39,370

TRADING_SECURITY_Details

TRADING SECURITY (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
TRADING SECURITY.
Amortized cost	$12,400,000	$12,600,000
Fair value	14,970,000	14,909,000
Amount of other securities in the trading portfolio	$0

SECURITIES_AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_2

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	$1,074,326	$1,075,824
Gross Unrealized Gains	28,927	23,244
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,597	-7,250
Fair Value	1,099,656	1,091,818
Securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	42,818	43,347
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,926	1,684
Gross Unrealized Losses		-34
Fair Value	44,744	44,997
Securities
Total Amortized Cost	1,117,144	1,119,171
Total Gross Unrealized Gains	30,853	24,928
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,597	-7,284
Total Fair Value	1,144,400	1,136,815
Debt securities
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	1,036,176	1,026,831
Gross Unrealized Gains	21,391	15,922
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,677	-5,877
Fair Value	1,054,890	1,036,876
Debt securities | Municipal bonds and obligations
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	149,454	127,014
Gross Unrealized Gains	6,391	6,859
Gross Unrealized Losses	-395	-174
Fair Value	155,450	133,699
Securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	4,847	4,997
Fair Value	4,847	4,997
Debt securities | Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	64,456	68,972
Gross Unrealized Gains	696	702
Gross Unrealized Losses	-113	-206
Fair Value	65,039	69,468
Debt securities | Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	750,730	755,893
Gross Unrealized Gains	13,157	7,421
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,466	-3,130
Fair Value	762,421	760,184
Securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	70	70
Gross Unrealized Gains	5	4
Fair Value	75	74
Debt securities | Corporate bonds
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	55,560	55,134
Gross Unrealized Gains	411	120
Gross Unrealized Losses	-614	-1,103
Fair Value	55,357	54,151
Debt securities | Trust preferred securities
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	12,773	16,607
Gross Unrealized Gains	736	820
Gross Unrealized Losses	-82	-1,212
Fair Value	13,427	16,215
Debt securities | Tax advantaged economic development bonds
Securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	37,570	37,948
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,921	1,680
Gross Unrealized Losses		-34
Fair Value	39,491	39,594
Debt securities | Other bonds and obligations
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	3,203	3,211
Gross Unrealized Losses	-7	-52
Fair Value	3,196	3,159
Securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	331	332
Fair Value	331	332
Marketable equity securities
Securities available for sale:
Amortized Cost	38,150	48,993
Gross Unrealized Gains	7,536	7,322
Gross Unrealized Losses	-920	-1,373
Fair Value	$44,766	$54,942

SECURITIES_AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_3

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available for sale, Amortized Cost
Within 1 year	$31,062
Over 1 year to 5 years	1,256
Over 5 years to 10 years	17,319
Over 10 years	171,353
Total bonds and obligations	220,990
Marketable equity securities	38,150
Residential mortgage-backed securities	815,186
Amortized Cost	1,074,326	1,075,824
Available for sale, Fair Value
Within 1 year	30,557
Over 1 year to 5 years	1,264
Over 5 years to 10 years	17,698
Over 10 years	177,911
Total bonds and obligations	227,430
Marketable equity securities	44,766
Residential mortgage-backed securities	827,460
Fair Value	1,099,656	1,091,818
Held to maturity, Amortized Cost
Within 1 year	1,214
Over 1 year to 5 years	16,802
Over 5 years to 10 years	12,232
Over 10 years	12,500
Total bonds and obligations	42,748
Residential mortgage-backed securities	70
Amortized Cost	42,818	43,347
Held to maturity, Fair Value
Within 1 year	1,214
Over 1 year to 5 years	17,774
Over 5 years to 10 years	12,532
Over 10 years	13,149
Total bonds and obligations	44,669
Residential mortgage-backed securities	75
Fair Value	$44,744	$44,997

SECURITIES_AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_4

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	security
Securities available for sale
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	$1,405	$2,497
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value	68,630	89,203
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	2,192	4,753
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value	167,916	201,604
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	3,597	7,250
Total Fair Value	236,546	290,807
Securities held to maturity
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		34
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value		7,972
Total Gross Unrealized Losses		34
Total Fair Value		7,972
Securities available for sale and held to maturity
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	1,405	2,497
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value	68,630	89,203
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	2,192	4,787
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value	167,916	209,576
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	3,597	7,284
Total Fair Value	236,546	298,779
Debt Securities
Total unrealized losses	3,597	7,250
Fair value of investment	1,099,656	1,091,818
Level 2
Debt Securities
Fair value of investment	1,055,247	1,035,686
Level 3
Debt Securities
Fair value of investment	719	2,326
Corporate bonds | One investment | Level 2
Debt Securities
Fair value of investment	30,600
Debt securities
Securities available for sale
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	769	1,458
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value	61,266	79,301
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	1,908	4,419
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value	163,340	196,849
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	2,677	5,877
Total Fair Value	224,606	276,150
Debt Securities
Total unrealized losses	2,677	5,877
Fair value of investment	1,054,890	1,036,876
Debt securities | Municipal bonds and obligations
Securities available for sale
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	62	8
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value	19,756	1,001
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	333	166
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value	11,796	7,206
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	395	174
Total Fair Value	31,552	8,207
Debt Securities
Number of securities in the portfolio of AFS	190
Number of AFS investment securities in unrealized loss positions	28
Aggregate unrealized losses as a percentage of the amortized cost of the securities in unrealized loss positions	1.20%
Total unrealized losses	395	174
Fair value of investment	155,450	133,699
Debt securities | Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
Securities available for sale
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	11	46
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value	5,638	7,122
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	102	160
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value	6,701	16,727
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	113	206
Total Fair Value	12,339	23,849
Debt Securities
Total unrealized losses	113	206
Fair value of investment	65,039	69,468
Debt securities | Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
Securities available for sale
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		236
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value		30,672
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	1,466	2,894
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value	142,786	167,473
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	1,466	3,130
Total Fair Value	142,786	198,145
Debt Securities
Total unrealized losses	1,466	3,130
Fair value of investment	762,421	760,184
Debt securities | Corporate bonds
Securities available for sale
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	614	1,103
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value	33,680	39,571
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	614	1,103
Total Fair Value	33,680	39,571
Debt Securities
Number of securities in the portfolio of AFS	6
Number of AFS investment securities in unrealized loss positions	2
Aggregate unrealized losses as a percentage of the amortized cost of the securities in unrealized loss positions	1.80%
Total unrealized losses	614	1,103
Fair value of investment	55,357	54,151
Debt securities | Corporate bonds | One investment
Debt Securities
Total unrealized losses	500
Fair value of investment	31,100
Debt securities | Trust preferred securities
Securities available for sale
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	82	65
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value	2,192	935
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		1,147
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value		2,408
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	82	1,212
Total Fair Value	2,192	3,343
Debt Securities
Number of securities in the portfolio of AFS	4
Number of AFS investment securities in unrealized loss positions	2
Aggregate unrealized losses as a percentage of the amortized cost of the securities in unrealized loss positions	3.60%
Total unrealized losses	82	1,212
Fair value of investment	13,427	16,215
Debt securities | Other bonds and obligations
Securities available for sale
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	7	52
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value	2,057	3,035
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	7	52
Total Fair Value	2,057	3,035
Debt Securities
Number of securities in the portfolio of AFS	8
Number of AFS investment securities in unrealized loss positions	4
Aggregate unrealized losses as a percentage of the amortized cost of the securities in unrealized loss positions	0.40%
Total unrealized losses	7	52
Fair value of investment	3,196	3,159
Debt securities | Tax advantaged economic development bonds
Securities held to maturity
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		34
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value		7,972
Total Gross Unrealized Losses		34
Total Fair Value		7,972
Debt securities | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Debt Securities
Number of securities in the portfolio of AFS	198
Number of AFS investment securities in unrealized loss positions	36
Aggregate unrealized losses as a percentage of the amortized cost of the securities in unrealized loss positions	1.00%
Marketable equity securities
Securities available for sale
Less Than Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	636	1,039
Less Than Twelve Months, Fair Value	7,364	9,902
Over Twelve Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	284	334
Over Twelve Months, Fair Value	4,576	4,755
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	920	1,373
Total Fair Value	11,940	14,657
Debt Securities
Number of securities in the portfolio of AFS	29
Number of AFS investment securities in unrealized loss positions	6
Aggregate unrealized losses as a percentage of the amortized cost of the securities in unrealized loss positions	7.20%
Total unrealized losses	920	1,373
Fair value of investment	$44,766	$54,942

LOANS_Details

LOANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans
Loans	$4,728,663,000		$4,680,600,000
Activity in the accretable yield for the acquired loan portfolio
Balance at beginning of period	2,541,000	2,559,000
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference for loans with improved cash flows	1,330,000	1,540,000
Accretion	-440,000	-945,000
Balance at end of period	3,431,000	3,154,000
Business Activity
Loans
Loans	4,013,669,000		3,918,880,000
Acquired Loans
Loans
Number of branches	20
Loans	714,994,000		761,720,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	12,700,000		13,800,000
Note balance of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	23,900,000		25,800,000
Carrying amount of loans not considered impaired at the acquisition date	702,000,000		747,900,000
Residential | Mortgages
Loans
Loans	1,473,239,000		1,496,204,000
Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	1,215,814,000		1,226,452,000
Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	257,425,000		269,752,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	361,000		375,000
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family
Loans
Loans	1,444,521,000		1,468,142,000
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	1,188,018,000		1,199,408,000
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	256,503,000		268,734,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	361,000		375,000
Residential | Mortgages | Construction
Loans
Loans	28,718,000		28,062,000
Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	27,796,000		27,044,000
Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	922,000		1,018,000
Commercial real estate
Loans
Loans	1,672,099,000		1,611,567,000
Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	1,411,990,000		1,340,076,000
Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	260,109,000		271,491,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	11,427,000		12,277,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans
Loans
Loans	1,294,527,000		1,244,959,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	1,086,893,000		1,030,837,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	207,634,000		214,122,000
Commercial real estate | Construction
Loans
Loans	186,846,000		173,390,000
Commercial real estate | Construction | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	182,800,000		169,189,000
Commercial real estate | Construction | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	4,046,000		4,201,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	1,281,000		1,296,000
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family
Loans
Loans	190,726,000		193,218,000
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	142,297,000		140,050,000
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	48,429,000		53,168,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	4,924,000		5,477,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	1,086,893,000		1,030,837,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	207,634,000		214,122,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	5,222,000		5,504,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans
Loans
Loans	826,815,000		804,366,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	778,671,000		753,191,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	48,144,000		51,175,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	705,000		986,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Asset based lending
Loans
Loans	354,106,000		341,246,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Asset based lending | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	354,106,000		341,246,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans
Loans
Loans	472,709,000		463,120,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	424,565,000		411,945,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	48,144,000		51,175,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	705,000		986,000
Consumer
Loans
Loans	756,510,000		768,463,000
Consumer | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	607,194,000		599,161,000
Consumer | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	149,316,000		169,302,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	170,000		171,000
Consumer | Home equity
Loans
Loans	317,615,000		318,632,000
Consumer | Home equity | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	255,368,000		252,681,000
Consumer | Home equity | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	62,247,000		65,951,000
Carrying amount of loans considered impaired at the acquisition date	170,000		171,000
Consumer | Auto and other
Loans
Loans	438,895,000		449,831,000
Consumer | Auto and other | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	351,826,000		346,480,000
Consumer | Auto and other | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	87,069,000		103,351,000
Commercial
Loans
Loans	2,498,914,000		2,415,933,000
Commercial | Business Activity
Loans
Loans	2,190,661,000		2,093,267,000
Commercial | Acquired Loans
Loans
Loans	$308,253,000		$322,666,000

LOANS_Details_2

LOANS (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Past due loans
Total loans	$4,728,663	$4,680,600
Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	6,737	9,320
60-89 Days Past Due	1,823	4,980
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	18,372	17,172
Total Past Due	26,932	31,472
Current	3,986,737	3,887,408
Total loans	4,013,669	3,918,880
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	3,736	2,394
Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	3,514	2,958
60-89 Days Past Due	1,004	2,424
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	10,038	8,185
Total Past Due	14,556	13,567
Current	12,663	13,809
Acquired Credit Impaired	12,700	13,800
Total loans	714,994	761,720
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	2,665	1,258
Residential | Mortgages
Past due loans
Total loans	1,473,239	1,496,204
Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,888	6,246
60-89 Days Past Due	888	556
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	4,480	4,053
Total Past Due	7,256	10,855
Current	1,208,558	1,215,597
Total loans	1,215,814	1,226,452
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	2,113	1,527
Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	187	1,133
60-89 Days Past Due	592	638
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,930	1,651
Total Past Due	2,709	3,422
Acquired Credit Impaired	361	375
Total loans	257,425	269,752
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	144	269
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family
Past due loans
Total loans	1,444,521	1,468,142
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,888	5,580
60-89 Days Past Due	888	146
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	4,066	4,053
Total Past Due	6,842	9,779
Current	1,181,176	1,189,629
Total loans	1,188,018	1,199,408
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	1,699	1,527
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	187	1,133
60-89 Days Past Due	592	638
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,930	1,651
Total Past Due	2,709	3,422
Acquired Credit Impaired	361	375
Total loans	256,503	268,734
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	144	269
Residential | Mortgages | Construction
Past due loans
Total loans	28,718	28,062
Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due		666
60-89 Days Past Due		410
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	414
Total Past Due	414	1,076
Current	27,382	25,968
Total loans	27,796	27,044
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	414
Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
Total loans	922	1,018
Commercial real estate
Past due loans
Total loans	1,672,099	1,611,567
Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	2,145	870
60-89 Days Past Due	577	2,861
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	10,366	10,561
Total Past Due	13,088	14,292
Current	1,398,902	1,325,784
Total loans	1,411,990	1,340,076
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	266	621
Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,439	277
60-89 Days Past Due	161	715
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	5,673	3,267
Total Past Due	7,273	4,259
Acquired Credit Impaired	11,427	12,277
Total loans	260,109	271,491
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	2,257	329
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans
Past due loans
Total loans	1,294,527	1,244,959
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Past due loans
Total loans	1,086,893	1,030,837
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
Total loans	207,634	214,122
Commercial real estate | Construction
Past due loans
Total loans	186,846	173,390
Commercial real estate | Construction | Business Activity
Past due loans
60-89 Days Past Due		2,000
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	758	720
Total Past Due	758	2,720
Current	182,042	166,469
Total loans	182,800	169,189
Commercial real estate | Construction | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	676	691
Total Past Due	676	691
Acquired Credit Impaired	1,281	1,296
Total loans	4,046	4,201
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family
Past due loans
Total loans	190,726	193,218
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	245	178
60-89 Days Past Due	247	156
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	406	458
Total Past Due	898	792
Current	141,399	139,258
Total loans	142,297	140,050
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	323	277
60-89 Days Past Due	45
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	2,728	572
Total Past Due	3,096	849
Acquired Credit Impaired	4,924	5,477
Total loans	48,429	53,168
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	2,257
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,900	692
60-89 Days Past Due	330	705
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	9,202	9,383
Total Past Due	11,432	10,780
Current	1,075,461	1,020,057
Total loans	1,086,893	1,030,837
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	266	621
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,116
60-89 Days Past Due	116	715
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	2,269	2,004
Total Past Due	3,501	2,719
Acquired Credit Impaired	5,222	5,504
Total loans	207,634	214,122
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing		329
Commercial real estate | Business loans
Past due loans
Total loans	826,815	804,366
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,371	1,040
60-89 Days Past Due	150	498
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	725	856
Total Past Due	2,246	2,394
Current	776,425	750,797
Total loans	778,671	753,191
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing		6
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	285	202
60-89 Days Past Due		32
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	586	855
Total Past Due	871	1,089
Acquired Credit Impaired	705	986
Total loans	48,144	51,175
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	3
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Asset based lending
Past due loans
Total loans	354,106	341,246
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Asset based lending | Business Activity
Past due loans
Current	354,106	341,246
Total loans	354,106	341,246
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans
Past due loans
Total loans	472,709	463,120
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,371	1,040
60-89 Days Past Due	150	498
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	725	856
Total Past Due	2,246	2,394
Current	422,319	409,551
Total loans	424,565	411,945
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing		6
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	285	202
60-89 Days Past Due		32
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	586	855
Total Past Due	871	1,089
Acquired Credit Impaired	705	986
Total loans	48,144	51,175
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	3
Commercial
Past due loans
Total loans	2,498,914	2,415,933
Commercial | Business Activity
Past due loans
Total loans	2,190,661	2,093,267
Commercial | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
Total loans	308,253	322,666
Consumer
Past due loans
Total loans	756,510	768,463
Consumer | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,333	1,164
60-89 Days Past Due	208	1,065
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	2,801	1,702
Total Past Due	4,342	3,931
Current	602,852	595,230
Total loans	607,194	599,161
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	1,357	240
Consumer | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,603	1,346
60-89 Days Past Due	251	1,039
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,849	2,412
Total Past Due	3,703	4,797
Acquired Credit Impaired	170	171
Total loans	149,316	169,302
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	261	660
Consumer | Home equity
Past due loans
Total loans	317,615	318,632
Consumer | Home equity | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	589	333
60-89 Days Past Due	154	1,000
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	2,546	1,387
Total Past Due	3,289	2,720
Current	252,079	249,961
Total loans	255,368	252,681
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	1,354	230
Consumer | Home equity | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	209	176
60-89 Days Past Due	228	95
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,118	1,049
Total Past Due	1,555	1,320
Acquired Credit Impaired	170	171
Total loans	62,247	65,951
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	242	466
Consumer | Auto and other
Past due loans
Total loans	438,895	449,831
Consumer | Auto and other | Business Activity
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	744	831
60-89 Days Past Due	54	65
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	255	315
Total Past Due	1,053	1,211
Current	350,773	345,269
Total loans	351,826	346,480
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	3	10
Consumer | Auto and other | Acquired Loans
Past due loans
30-59 Days Past Due	1,394	1,170
60-89 Days Past Due	23	944
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	731	1,363
Total Past Due	2,148	3,477
Total loans	87,069	103,351
Past Due > 90 days and Accruing	$19	$194

LOANS_Details_3

LOANS (Details 3) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	$20,989	$20,539
Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	14,636	14,778
Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	6,353	5,761
Acquired credit impaired loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,000	1,200
Residential | Mortgages
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	4,153	3,908
Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	2,367	2,526
Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,786	1,382
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	4,153	3,908
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	2,367	2,526
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,786	1,382
Commercial real estate
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	12,510	11,756
Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	10,100	9,940
Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	2,410	1,816
Commercial real estate | Construction
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	758	720
Commercial real estate | Construction | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	758	720
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	877	599
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	406	458
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	471	141
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	10,875	10,437
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	8,936	8,762
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,939	1,675
Commercial real estate | Business loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,294	1,661
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	725	850
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	569	811
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,294	1,661
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	725	850
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	569	811
Consumer
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	3,032	3,214
Consumer | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,444	1,462
Consumer | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,588	1,752
Consumer | Home equity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	2,068	1,740
Consumer | Home equity | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	1,192	1,157
Consumer | Home equity | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	876	583
Consumer | Auto and other
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	964	1,474
Consumer | Auto and other | Business Activity
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	252	305
Consumer | Auto and other | Acquired Loans
Non-accrual loans
Non-accrual loans	$712	$1,169

LOANS_Details_4

LOANS (Details 4) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Total loans	$4,728,663	$4,680,600
Business Activity
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	26,080	26,448
Collectively evaluated	3,987,589	3,892,432
Total loans	4,013,669	3,918,880
Acquired Loans
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	7,990	6,570
Collectively evaluated	707,004	755,150
Total loans	714,994	761,720
Residential | Mortgages
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Total loans	1,473,239	1,496,204
Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	3,028	3,238
Collectively evaluated	1,212,786	1,223,214
Total loans	1,215,814	1,226,452
Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,194	695
Collectively evaluated	256,231	269,057
Total loans	257,425	269,752
Commercial real estate
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Total loans	1,672,099	1,611,567
Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	22,342	22,015
Collectively evaluated	1,389,648	1,318,061
Total loans	1,411,990	1,340,076
Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	6,203	5,637
Collectively evaluated	253,906	265,854
Total loans	260,109	271,491
Commercial real estate | Business loans
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Total loans	826,815	804,366
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	262	743
Collectively evaluated	778,409	752,448
Total loans	778,671	753,191
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	47	39
Collectively evaluated	48,097	51,136
Total loans	48,144	51,175
Consumer
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Total loans	756,510	768,463
Consumer | Business Activity
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	448	452
Collectively evaluated	606,746	598,709
Total loans	607,194	599,161
Consumer | Acquired Loans
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Individually evaluated for impairment	546	199
Collectively evaluated	148,770	169,103
Total loans	149,316	169,302
Commercial
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Total loans	2,498,914	2,415,933
Commercial | Business Activity
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Total loans	2,190,661	2,093,267
Commercial | Acquired Loans
Loans receivable: balance at end of period
Total loans	$308,253	$322,666

LOANS_Details_5

LOANS (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Activity
Recorded Investment
Total	$24,994		$25,305
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	26,080		26,448
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	1,086		1,143
Average Recorded Investment
Total	27,525	30,421
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
Total	164	203
Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
Total	7,422		6,399
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	7,990		6,570
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	568		171
Average Recorded Investment
Total	8,157	8,649
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
Total	79	79
Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
Total	3,028		3,083
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	3,028		3,238
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded			155
Average Recorded Investment
Total	3,108	5,916
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
Total	28	39
Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
Total	1,142		647
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	1,194		695
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	52		48
Average Recorded Investment
Total	1,239	1,465
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
Total	3	5
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	3,028		2,528
With an allowance recorded			555
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	3,028		2,528
With an allowance recorded			710
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded			155
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	3,028		2,528
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	3,108	4,142
With an allowance recorded		1,774
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	28	23
With an allowance recorded		16
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	625		189
With an allowance recorded	517		458
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	625		189
With an allowance recorded	569		506
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	52		48
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	625		189
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	670	1,303
With an allowance recorded	569	162
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	3	5
Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
Total	21,256		21,093
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	22,342		22,015
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	1,086		922
Average Recorded Investment
Total	23,390	22,600
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
Total	132	154
Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
Total	5,748		5,589
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	6,203		5,637
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	455		48
Commercial real estate | Construction | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	2,632		16,990
With an allowance recorded			3,511
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	2,632		16,990
With an allowance recorded			4,431
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded			920
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	2,632		16,990
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	2,628	1,957
With an allowance recorded		1,013
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	1
Commercial real estate | Construction | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
With an allowance recorded	420
Unpaid Principal Balance
With an allowance recorded	676
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	256
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	180
With an allowance recorded			490
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	180
With an allowance recorded			492
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded			2
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	180
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	180
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	2,857
With an allowance recorded	318
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	2,857
With an allowance recorded	330
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	12
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	2,857
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	2,892
With an allowance recorded	397
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	24
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	14,380		102
With an allowance recorded	4,064
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	14,380		102
With an allowance recorded	5,150
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	1,086
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	14,380		102
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	15,315	16,180
With an allowance recorded	5,267	3,450
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	131	154
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	1,649		5,206
With an allowance recorded	504		383
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	1,649		5,206
With an allowance recorded	691		431
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	187		48
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	1,649		5,206
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	1,662	4,821
With an allowance recorded	691	1,577
Total	6,308	6,398
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	3	25
With an allowance recorded		46
Total	71	71
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
Total	262		743
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	262		743
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	578	1,337
With an allowance recorded		55
Total	578	1,392
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	3	7
With an allowance recorded		1
Total	3	8
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	64
Total	64	632
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	3
Total	3	3
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	262		743
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	262		743
Related Allowance
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	262		743
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	47		39
Total	47		39
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	47		39
Total	47		39
Related Allowance
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	47		39
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Construction | Acquired Loans
Average Recorded Investment
With an allowance recorded	666
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With an allowance recorded	44
Consumer | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
Total	448		386
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	448		452
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded			66
Average Recorded Investment
Total	449	513
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
Total	1	2
Consumer | Acquired Loans
Average Recorded Investment
Total	546	154
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
Total	2
Consumer | Home equity | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	334		87
With an allowance recorded			194
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	334		87
With an allowance recorded			248
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded			54
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	334		87
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	334	348
With an allowance recorded		41
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance		1
Consumer | Home equity | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	197
With an allowance recorded	288		124
Total			124
Unpaid Principal Balance
With an allowance recorded	349		199
Total			199
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	61		75
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	197
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	197	562
With an allowance recorded	349
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	2	1
Consumer | Other | Business Activity
Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	114
With an allowance recorded			105
Unpaid Principal Balance
With no related allowance	114
With an allowance recorded			117
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded			12
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	114
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance	115	124
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance	1	1
Consumer | Other | Acquired Loans
Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance		154
With an allowance recorded		70
Cash Basis Interest Income Recognized
With an allowance recorded		2
Consumer | Business loans | Home equity | Acquired Loans
Recorded Investment
Total	485
Unpaid Principal Balance
Total	546
Related Allowance
With an allowance recorded	$61

LOANS_Details_6

LOANS (Details 6) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	item	loan
	loan
Troubled Debt Restructuring
Borrower's sustained repayment performance period	6 months
Number of Modifications	3
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$2,156,000
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	2,156,000
Number of loans restructured within the last twelve months, which subsequently defaulted	0	0
TDR activity
Balance at beginning of the period	16,714,000	10,822,000
Principal payments	-484,000	-872,000
TDR status change		-52,000
Other reductions/increases	-1,182,000	95,000
Newly identified TDRs	2,156,000	119,000
Balance at end of the period	17,204,000	10,112,000
Residential
TDR activity
Foreclosed property	653,000		1,300,000
Residential | Mortgages
TDR activity
Process of foreclosure	5,100,000
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family
Troubled Debt Restructuring
Number of Modifications		1
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		122,000
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		119,000
Commercial real estate | Other
Troubled Debt Restructuring
Number of Modifications	1
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	2,000,000
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	2,000,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate
Troubled Debt Restructuring
Number of Modifications	1
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	33,000
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	33,000
Commercial | Construction
Troubled Debt Restructuring
Number of Modifications	1
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	123,000
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	123,000
Commercial | Other commercial real estate
Modifications that subsequently defaulted
Number of Contracts	1
Recorded Investment	$668,000

LOAN_LOSS_ALLOWANCE_Details

LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	$35,662
Provision for loan losses	3,851	3,396
Balance at end of period	36,286
Allowance For Loan Losses
Total	36,286
Business Activity
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	32,795	29,527
Charged-off loans	2,158	1,984
Recoveries on charged-off loans	136	107
Provision for loan losses	1,495	1,728
Balance at end of period	32,268	29,378
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,086	2,018
Collectively evaluated	31,182	27,360
Total	32,268	29,378
Acquired Loans
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	2,867	3,796
Charged-off loans	1,274	1,333
Recoveries on charged-off loans	69	93
Provision for loan losses	2,356	1,668
Balance at end of period	4,018	4,224
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	568	301
Collectively evaluated	3,450	3,923
Total	4,018	4,224
Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	6,836	6,937
Charged-off loans	128	706
Recoveries on charged-off loans	67	7
Provision for loan losses	-702	-575
Balance at end of period	6,073	5,663
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		397
Collectively evaluated	6,073	5,266
Total	6,073	5,663
Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	615	625
Charged-off loans	238	429
Recoveries on charged-off loans		73
Provision for loan losses	372	401
Balance at end of period	749	670
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	52	30
Collectively evaluated	697	640
Total	749	670
Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	14,690	13,705
Charged-off loans	1,605	660
Recoveries on charged-off loans	3	1
Provision for loan losses	1,330	1,900
Balance at end of period	14,418	14,946
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,086	1,558
Collectively evaluated	13,332	13,388
Total	14,418	14,946
Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	790	2,339
Charged-off loans	405	447
Recoveries on charged-off loans		1
Provision for loan losses	1,579	231
Balance at end of period	1,964	2,124
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	455	250
Collectively evaluated	1,509	1,874
Total	1,964	2,124
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	5,206	5,173
Charged-off loans	223	189
Recoveries on charged-off loans	5	20
Provision for loan losses	1,460	-185
Balance at end of period	6,448	4,819
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		54
Collectively evaluated	6,448	4,765
Total	6,448	4,819
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	1,093	597
Charged-off loans	198	52
Recoveries on charged-off loans	41	5
Provision for loan losses	-11	548
Balance at end of period	925	1,098
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		21
Collectively evaluated	925	1,077
Total	925	1,098
Consumer | Business Activity
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	5,928	3,644
Charged-off loans	202	429
Recoveries on charged-off loans	61	79
Provision for loan losses	-751	836
Balance at end of period	5,036	4,130
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment		9
Collectively evaluated	5,036	4,121
Total	5,036	4,130
Consumer | Acquired Loans
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	369	235
Charged-off loans	433	405
Recoveries on charged-off loans	28	14
Provision for loan losses	416	488
Balance at end of period	380	332
Allowance For Loan Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	61
Collectively evaluated	319	332
Total	380	332
Unallocated | Business Activity
Activity in the allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	135	68
Provision for loan losses	158	-248
Balance at end of period	293	-180
Allowance For Loan Losses
Collectively evaluated	293	-180
Total	$293	($180)

LOAN_LOSS_ALLOWANCE_Details_2

LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit quality information
Loans	4,728,663,000	$4,680,600,000
Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	4,013,669,000	3,918,880,000
Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Number of grades in internal loan rating system	11
Allowance for losses on acquired loans under Subtopic ASC 310-30	4,000,000
Loans	714,994,000	761,720,000
Residential | Mortgages
Credit quality information
Number of grades in internal loan rating system	3
Loans	1,473,239,000	1,496,204,000
Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,215,814,000	1,226,452,000
Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	257,425,000	269,752,000
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family
Credit quality information
Loans	1,444,521,000	1,468,142,000
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,188,018,000	1,199,408,000
Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	256,503,000	268,734,000
Residential | Mortgages | Construction
Credit quality information
Loans	28,718,000	28,062,000
Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	27,796,000	27,044,000
Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	922,000	1,018,000
Commercial real estate
Credit quality information
Loans	1,672,099,000	1,611,567,000
Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,411,990,000	1,340,076,000
Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	260,109,000	271,491,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans
Credit quality information
Loans	1,294,527,000	1,244,959,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,086,893,000	1,030,837,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	207,634,000	214,122,000
Commercial real estate | Construction
Credit quality information
Loans	186,846,000	173,390,000
Commercial real estate | Construction | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	182,800,000	169,189,000
Commercial real estate | Construction | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	4,046,000	4,201,000
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family
Credit quality information
Loans	190,726,000	193,218,000
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	142,297,000	140,050,000
Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	48,429,000	53,168,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,086,893,000	1,030,837,000
Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	207,634,000	214,122,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans
Credit quality information
Loans	826,815,000	804,366,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	778,671,000	753,191,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	48,144,000	51,175,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Asset based lending
Credit quality information
Loans	354,106,000	341,246,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Asset based lending | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	354,106,000	341,246,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans
Credit quality information
Loans	472,709,000	463,120,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	424,565,000	411,945,000
Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	48,144,000	51,175,000
Consumer
Credit quality information
Loans	756,510,000	768,463,000
Consumer | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	607,194,000	599,161,000
Consumer | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	149,316,000	169,302,000
Consumer | Home equity
Credit quality information
Loans	317,615,000	318,632,000
Consumer | Home equity | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	255,368,000	252,681,000
Consumer | Home equity | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	62,247,000	65,951,000
Consumer | Auto and other
Credit quality information
Loans	438,895,000	449,831,000
Consumer | Auto and other | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	351,826,000	346,480,000
Consumer | Auto and other | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	87,069,000	103,351,000
Consumer | Other
Credit quality information
Number of grades in internal loan rating system	2
Commercial
Credit quality information
Loans	2,498,914,000	2,415,933,000
Commercial | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	2,190,661,000	2,093,267,000
Commercial | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	308,253,000	322,666,000
Pass | Residential | Mortgages | Maximum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	59 days
Pass | Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,210,446,000	1,221,843,000
Pass | Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	254,788,000	267,463,000
Pass | Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans | Maximum
Credit quality information
Period within which loans are current, based on which risk rating is assigned	59 days
Pass | Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,183,064,000	1,195,209,000
Pass | Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	253,866,000	266,445,000
Pass | Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	27,382,000	26,634,000
Pass | Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	922,000	1,018,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,343,194,000	1,263,664,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	236,143,000	243,082,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Construction | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	179,868,000	166,295,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Construction | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	2,765,000	2,904,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	140,022,000	137,533,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	41,145,000	44,497,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,023,304,000	959,836,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	192,233,000	195,681,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	764,805,000	746,092,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	44,922,000	45,757,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Asset based lending | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	354,106,000	341,246,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	410,699,000	404,846,000
Pass | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	44,922,000	45,757,000
Special mention
Credit quality information
Loans	11,461,000	17,913,000
Special mention | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	8,175,000	9,113,000
Special mention | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	3,286,000	8,800,000
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | Minimum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	60 days
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | Maximum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	89 days
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	888,000	556,000
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	707,000	638,000
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans | Minimum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	60 days
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans | Maximum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	89 days
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	888,000	146,000
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	707,000	638,000
Special mention | Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans		410,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	6,891,000	6,933,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	2,328,000	5,401,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	120,000	533,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	6,891,000	6,933,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	2,208,000	4,868,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	187,000	560,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans		1,723,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	187,000	560,000
Special mention | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans		1,723,000
Substandard
Credit quality information
Loans	89,494,000	90,834,000
Substandard | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	68,228,000	66,995,000
Substandard | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	21,266,000	23,839,000
Substandard | Residential | Mortgages | Minimum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	90 days
Substandard | Residential | Mortgages | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	4,480,000	4,053,000
Substandard | Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	1,930,000	1,651,000
Substandard | Residential | Mortgages | Acquired Loans | Minimum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	90 days
Substandard | Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	4,066,000	4,053,000
Substandard | Residential | Mortgages | 1-4 family | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	1,930,000	1,651,000
Substandard | Residential | Mortgages | Construction | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	414,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	61,832,000	69,406,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	21,638,000	23,008,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Construction | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	2,932,000	2,894,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Construction | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	1,281,000	1,297,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	2,275,000	2,517,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Single and multi-family | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	7,164,000	8,138,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	56,625,000	63,995,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	13,193,000	13,573,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	13,679,000	6,539,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	3,222,000	3,695,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	13,679,000	6,539,000
Substandard | Commercial real estate | Business loans | Other commercial and industrial loans | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	3,222,000	3,695,000
Doubtful | Commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	73,000	73,000
Doubtful | Commercial real estate | Other commercial real estate | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	73,000	73,000
Performing | Consumer | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	605,750,000	597,699,000
Performing | Consumer | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	147,727,000	167,550,000
Performing | Consumer | Home equity | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	254,176,000	251,524,000
Performing | Consumer | Home equity | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	61,371,000	65,368,000
Performing | Consumer | Auto and other | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	351,574,000	346,175,000
Performing | Consumer | Auto and other | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	86,356,000	102,182,000
Performing | Consumer | Other | Maximum
Credit quality information
Period within which loans are current, based on which risk rating is assigned	119 days
Performing | Consumer | Other | Acquired Loans | Maximum
Credit quality information
Period within which loans are current, based on which risk rating is assigned	119 days
Nonperforming | Consumer | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,444,000	1,462,000
Nonperforming | Consumer | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	1,589,000	1,752,000
Nonperforming | Consumer | Home equity | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	1,192,000	1,157,000
Nonperforming | Consumer | Home equity | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	876,000	583,000
Nonperforming | Consumer | Auto and other | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	252,000	305,000
Nonperforming | Consumer | Auto and other | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	713,000	1,169,000
Nonperforming | Consumer | Other | Minimum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	120 days
Nonperforming | Consumer | Other | Acquired Loans | Maximum
Credit quality information
Delinquency period of loans based on which risk rating is assigned to loans	120 days
Non-Accrual
Credit quality information
Loans	22,009,000	21,705,000
Non-Accrual | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	14,636,000	14,778,000
Non-Accrual | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	7,373,000	6,927,000
Classified
Credit quality information
Loans	111,503,000	112,539,000
Classified | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	82,864,000	81,773,000
Classified | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	28,639,000	30,766,000
Criticized
Credit quality information
Loans	122,964,000	130,452,000
Criticized | Business Activity
Credit quality information
Loans	91,039,000	90,886,000
Criticized | Acquired Loans
Credit quality information
Loans	31,925,000	$39,566,000

DEPOSITS_Details

DEPOSITS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Account balances
less than $100,000	$506,577,000	$515,570,000
$100,000 or more	998,892,000	940,176,000
Total	1,505,469,000	1,455,746,000
Brokered Time Deposits	478,800,000	430,800,000
Reciprocal deposits	$7,400,000	$9,400,000

BORROWED_FUNDS_Details

BORROWED FUNDS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Short-term borrowings	$894,500,000	$900,900,000
Long-term borrowings	151,383,000	151,423,000
Total borrowings	1,045,883,000	1,052,323,000
Weighted average rate on short-term borrowings (as a percent)	0.25%	0.23%
Weighted average rate on long-term borrowings (as a percent)	4.02%	4.03%
Weighted Average Rate (as a percent)	0.80%	0.79%
Secured line of credit	3,000,000
Advances from the FHLB
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Short-term borrowings	884,500,000	890,900,000
Long-term borrowings	61,618,000	61,676,000
Weighted average rate on short-term borrowings (as a percent)	0.25%	0.24%
Weighted average rate on long-term borrowings (as a percent)	0.91%	0.93%
Outstanding balance on FHLBB line of credit	0	0
Advances from the FHLB, callable advances
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Long-term borrowings	5,000,000	5,000,000
Advances from the FHLB, amortizing advances
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Long-term borrowings	5,100,000	5,100,000
Federal Reserve Bank Advances
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Notes
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Long-term borrowings	74,301,000	74,283,000
Weighted average rate on long-term borrowings (as a percent)	7.00%	7.00%
Junior subordinated debentures
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Long-term borrowings	15,464,000	15,464,000
Weighted average rate on long-term borrowings (as a percent)	2.11%	2.08%
Other borrowings
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Short-term borrowings	$10,000,000	$10,000,000
Weighted average rate on short-term borrowings (as a percent)	1.83%	1.80%

BORROWED_FUNDS_Details_2

BORROWED FUNDS (Details 2) (Fixed rate advances, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed rate advances
Principal
2015	$934,500	$940,900
2016	1,503	1,519
2017	5,000	5,000
2019 and beyond	5,115	5,157
Total	$946,118	$952,576
Weighted Average Rate (as a percent)
2015	0.25%	0.24%
2016	0.03%	0.88%
2017	4.33%	4.33%
2018	0.00%	0.00%
2019 and beyond	3.91%	3.85%
Total	0.29%	0.28%

BORROWED_FUNDS_Details_3

BORROWED FUNDS (Details 3) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Maturity period	15 years
Principal amount of debt issued	$75
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	6.88%
Maturity period with fixed interest rate	10 years
Discount rate (as a percent)	1.15%
Notes | Three-month LIBOR rate
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	511.30%
Junior subordinated debentures | Trust I
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Common stock of trust (as a percent)		100.00%
Common stock of trust included in other asset		0.5
Sole asset of trust in form of debt		15.5
Variable interest rate (as a percent)		2.11%	2.08%
Junior subordinated debentures | Trust I | Maximum
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Period up to which interest payments can be deferred		5 years
Junior subordinated debentures | LIBOR | Trust I
Borrowings and junior subordinated debentures
Interest rate margin (as a percent)		1.85%

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
Total capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	11.40%	11.40%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	9.10%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	9.20%	9.00%
Tier 1 capital to average assets (as a percent)	7.10%	7.00%
Regulatory Minimum to be Well Capitalized, Total capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	10.00%	10.00%
Regulatory Minimum to be Well Capitalized, Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	6.50%
Regulatory Minimum to be Well Capitalized, Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	8.00%	6.00%
Regulatory Minimum to be Well Capitalized, Tier 1 capital to average assets (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
Bank
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
Total capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	10.80%	10.80%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	9.40%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	9.40%	9.30%
Tier 1 capital to average assets (as a percent)	7.30%	7.20%
Regulatory Minimum to be Well Capitalized, Total capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	10.00%	10.00%
Regulatory Minimum to be Well Capitalized, Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	6.50%
Regulatory Minimum to be Well Capitalized, Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets (as a percent)	8.00%	6.00%
Regulatory Minimum to be Well Capitalized, Tier 1 capital to average assets (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_2

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$9,068	$6,579	($2,009)	($10,435)
Net unrealized holding loss (gain) on AFS securities:
Other accumulated comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	25,330	15,993
Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive income:	-9,682	-6,077
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	15,648	9,916	-1,976	-5,776
Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives
Other accumulated comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	-7,200	-3,299
Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive income:	2,902	1,330
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,298	-1,969	1,335	-1,366
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans
Other accumulated comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	-3,822	-2,291
Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive income:	1,540	923
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($2,282)	($1,368)	($1,368)	($1,368)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_3

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period
Net of Tax	$2,472	$3,330
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
Net of Tax	17	5,096
Other Comprehensive Income
Before Tax	3,905	13,791
Tax Effect	-1,416	-5,365
Total other comprehensive income	2,489	8,426
Net unrealized holding loss (gain) on AFS securities:
Net unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period
Before Tax	9,371	6,055
Tax Effect	-3,617	-2,233
Net of Tax	5,754	3,822
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
Before Tax	-34	-34
Tax Effect	12	12
Net of Tax	-22	-22
Other Comprehensive Income
Before Tax	9,337	6,021
Tax Effect	-3,605	-2,221
Total other comprehensive income	5,732	3,800
Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives
Net unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period
Before Tax	-3,901	-860
Tax Effect	1,572	368
Net of Tax	-2,329	-492
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
Before Tax		5,393
Tax Effect		-2,200
Net of Tax		3,193
Other Comprehensive Income
Before Tax	-3,901	4,533
Tax Effect	1,572	-1,832
Total other comprehensive income	-2,329	2,701
Net loss on terminated swap
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
Before Tax		3,237
Tax Effect		-1,312
Net of Tax		1,925
Other Comprehensive Income
Before Tax		3,237
Tax Effect		-1,312
Total other comprehensive income		1,925
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans
Net unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period
Before Tax	-1,596
Tax Effect	643
Net of Tax	-953
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
Before Tax	65
Tax Effect	-26
Net of Tax	39
Other Comprehensive Income
Before Tax	-1,531
Tax Effect	617
Total other comprehensive income	($914)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_4

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$6,579	($10,435)
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Loss before	2,472	3,330
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	17	5,096
Total other comprehensive income	2,489	8,426
Balance at the end of the period	9,068	-2,009
Net unrealized holding loss (gain) on AFS securities:
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	9,916	-5,776
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Loss before	5,754	3,822
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	-22	-22
Total other comprehensive income	5,732	3,800
Balance at the end of the period	15,648	-1,976
Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	-1,969	-1,366
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Loss before	-2,329	-492
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income		3,193
Total other comprehensive income	-2,329	2,701
Balance at the end of the period	-4,298	1,335
Net loss on terminated swap
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period		-1,925
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income		1,925
Total other comprehensive income		1,925
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	-1,368		-1,368
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Loss before	-953
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	39
Total other comprehensive income	-914
Balance at the end of the period	($2,282)	($1,368)	($1,368)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_5

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Non-interest income	$12,562	$4,423
Tax expense	-297	461
Net income (loss)	8,759	-1,106
Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)
Amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Net income (loss)	17	5,096
Net unrealized holding loss (gain) on AFS securities: | Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)
Amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Non-interest income	-34	-34
Tax expense	12	12
Net income (loss)	-22	-22
Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives | Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)
Amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Non-interest income		5,393
Tax expense		-2,200
Net income (loss)		3,193
Net loss on terminated swap | Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)
Amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Non-interest income		3,237
Tax expense		-1,312
Net income (loss)		1,925
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans | Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)
Amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Non-interest income	65
Tax expense	-26
Net income (loss)	$39

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings per share
Net income (loss)	$8,759	($1,106)
Average number of common shares issued	26,525	26,525
Less: average number of treasury shares	1,295	1,425
Less: average number of unvested stock award shares	427	402
Average number of basic common shares outstanding	24,803	24,698
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding	24,955	24,698
Earnings per share:
Total basic earning per share (in dollars per share)	$0.35	($0.04)
Total diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.35	($0.04)
Unvested Stock Award shares
Earnings per share
Plus: dilutive effect of share-based payment arrangements (in shares)	89
Options
Earnings per share
Plus: dilutive effect of share-based payment arrangements (in shares)	63

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details_2

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details 2)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Unvested Stock Award shares
Anti-dilutive securities
Securities excluded from the earnings per share calculations (in shares)	338	335
Options
Anti-dilutive securities
Securities excluded from the earnings per share calculations (in shares)	210	321

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-based compensation plans
Total compensation cost	$993,000,000	$932,000,000
Unvested Stock Award shares
Non-vested Stock Awards Outstanding, Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	424
Granted (in shares)	92
Stock awards vested (in shares)	-82	-62
Forfeited (in shares)	-10
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	424
Non-vested Stock Awards Outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$24.33
Granted (in dollars per share)	$24.90
Stock awards vested (in dollars per share)	$24.22
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$23.50
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$24.48
Options
Stock Options Outstanding, Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	282
Stock options exercised (in shares)	-11
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	271
Exercisable options at the end of the period (in shares)	271
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$20.42
Stock options exercised (in dollars per share)	$10.52
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$21.12
Exercisable options at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$21.12
Stock-based compensation plans
Proceeds from stock option exercises	$116,000	$718,000,000

OPERATING_SEGMENTS_Details

OPERATING SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	segment
Operating segments
Number of reportable operating segments	2
Net interest income	$45,493	$42,766
Provision for loan losses	3,851	3,396
Non-interest income	12,562	4,423
Non-interest expense	45,148	45,360
Income before income taxes	9,056	-1,567
Income tax expense (benefit)	297	-461
Net income (loss)	8,759	-1,106
Average assets (in millions)	6,497	5,851
Operating segment | Banking
Operating segments
Net interest income	46,339	43,712
Provision for loan losses	3,851	3,396
Non-interest income	9,413	1,374
Non-interest expense	42,494	42,574
Income before income taxes	9,407	-884
Income tax expense (benefit)	433	-192
Net income (loss)	8,974	-692
Average assets (in millions)	6,479	5,829
Operating segment | Insurance
Operating segments
Non-interest income	2,967	3,049
Non-interest expense	1,939	2,322
Income before income taxes	1,028	727
Income tax expense (benefit)	399	287
Net income (loss)	629	440
Average assets (in millions)	28	26
Reportable legal entity | Berkshire Hills Bancorp
Operating segments
Net interest income	5,154	-946
Non-interest income	3,785	-252
Non-interest expense	715	464
Income before income taxes	8,224	-1,662
Income tax expense (benefit)	-535	-556
Net income (loss)	8,759	-1,106
Average assets (in millions)	757	722
Eliminations
Operating segments
Net interest income	-6,000
Non-interest income	-3,603	252
Income before income taxes	-9,603	252
Net income (loss)	-9,603	252
Average assets (in millions)	($767)	($726)

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative instruments and hedging activities
Cash pledged as collateral to derivative counterparties	$5,300,000
Amortized cost of securities pledged as collateral to derivative counterparties	27,500,000
Fair value of securities as pledged collateral to derivative counterparties	27,700,000
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	1,092,436,000		1,034,667,000
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	-9,471,000		-5,815,000
Interest rate swaps
Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense	7,258,000	7,029,000
Net interest expense recognized in interest expense	2,309,000	2,308,000
FHLBB borrowings
Interest rate swaps
Extinguishment of FHLB advances		215,000,000
Loss reclassified from the effective portion of the unrealized changes in the fair value of the derivatives		8,600,000
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	300,000,000		300,000,000
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	-7,200,000		-3,299,000
Economic hedges
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	724,062,000		695,078,000
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	-3,248,000		-3,141,000
Interest rate swaps
Credit valuation adjustments	38,600
Economic hedges | Tax advantaged economic development bonds
Interest rate swaps
Fixed rate of interest (as a percent)	5.09%
Life of the bond	21 years
Non-hedging derivatives
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	68,374,000		39,589,000
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	977,000		625,000
Interest rate swaps | FHLBB borrowings
Interest rate swaps
Notional amount of derivative contract terminated		30,000,000
Interest rate swaps | 90 day rolling FHLB advances
Interest rate swaps
Notional amount of derivative contract terminated		145,000,000
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps
Other comprehensive income recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments and tax effects	-2,329,000	-3,815,000
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedges | FHLBB borrowings
Cash flow hedges:
Maturity period with fixed interest rate	1 month
Period of rolling advances	1 month
Interest rate swaps
Unrealized (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,901,000	-785,000
Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive income to other non-interest expense for termination of swaps		8,630,000
Reclassification of unrealized deferred tax (benefit) from accumulated other comprehensive income to tax expense for terminated swaps		-3,611,000
Net tax benefit on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	1,572,000	314,000
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedges | Junior subordinated debentures
Interest rate swaps
Unrealized (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		-1,000
Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense		129,000
Net tax benefit on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		-51,000
Net interest expense recognized in interest expense		129,000
Interest rate swaps | Economic hedges
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	585,600,000
Interest rate swaps | Economic hedges | Tax advantaged economic development bonds
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	12,412,000		12,554,000
Weighted Average Rate, Received (as a percent)	0.52%		0.52%
Weighted Average Rate, Contract pay rate (as a percent)	5.09%		5.09%
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	-2,799,000		-2,578,000
Interest rate swaps | Economic hedges | Tax advantaged economic development bonds | Weighted Average
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Weighted Average Maturity	14 years 8 months 12 days		14 years 10 months 24 days
Interest rate swaps | Economic hedges | Loans with commercial loan customers
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	286,590,000		297,158,000
Weighted Average Rate, Received (as a percent)	2.19%		2.23%
Weighted Average Rate, Contract pay rate (as a percent)	4.59%		4.54%
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	-15,405,000		-12,183,000
Economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income	-3,114,000	187,000
Favorable change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non-interest income	1,000	7,000
Interest rate swaps | Economic hedges | Loans with commercial loan customers | Weighted Average
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Weighted Average Maturity	6 years		6 years
Interest rate swaps | Economic hedges | Industrial revenue bond
Economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income	-271,000	-381,000
Forward-starting interest rate swaps | 90 day rolling FHLB advances
Interest rate swaps
Notional amount of derivative contract terminated		235,000,000
Forward-starting interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedges
Cash flow hedges:
Number of instruments	6
Durations of derivative instruments	3 months
Forward-starting interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedges | FHLBB borrowings
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	300,000,000		300,000,000
Weighted Average Rate, Received (as a percent)	0.00%		0.00%
Weighted Average Rate, Contract pay rate (as a percent)	2.29%		2.29%
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	-7,200,000		-3,299,000
Forward-starting interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedges | FHLBB borrowings | Weighted Average
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Weighted Average Maturity	4 years		4 years 3 months 18 days
Reverse interest rate swaps | Economic hedges | Loans with commercial loan customers
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	286,590,000		297,158,000
Weighted Average Rate, Received (as a percent)	4.59%		4.54%
Weighted Average Rate, Contract pay rate (as a percent)	2.19%		2.23%
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	15,444,000		12,221,000
Economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income	3,114,000	-187,000
Reverse interest rate swaps | Economic hedges | Loans with commercial loan customers | Weighted Average
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Weighted Average Maturity	6 years		6 years
Risk participation agreements | Economic hedges
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	49,038,000		45,842,000
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	-100,000		-91,000
Economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income	-9,000
Risk participation agreements | Economic hedges | Weighted Average
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Weighted Average Maturity	15 years 10 months 24 days		16 years 7 months 6 days
Interest rate lock commitments | Non-hedging derivatives
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	68,374,000		39,589,000
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	977,000		625,000
Economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income	977,000	377,000
Realized gain (loss) in other non-interest income	755,000	469,000
Interest rate lock commitments | Non-hedging derivatives | Weighted Average
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Weighted Average Maturity	2 months 12 days		2 months 12 days
Forward sale commitments | Economic hedges
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Notional Amount	89,432,000		42,366,000
Estimated Fair Value Asset (Liability)	-388,000		-510,000
Economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income	-388,000	-108,000
Realized gain (loss) in other non-interest income	($91,000)	($164,000)
Forward sale commitments | Economic hedges | Weighted Average
Interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities
Weighted Average Maturity	2 months 12 days		2 months 12 days

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$15,486	$12,293
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statements of Condition	15,486	12,293
Net Amount	15,486	12,293
Institutional counterparties
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	42	23
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statements of Condition	42	23
Net Amount	42	23
Commercial counterparties
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	15,444	12,270
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statements of Condition	15,444	12,270
Net Amount	$15,444	$12,270

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED2

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details 3) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	($25,546,000)	($18,282,000)
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Condition		58,000
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statements of Condition	-25,546,000	-18,224,000
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Condition
Financial instruments	20,456,000	14,984,000
Securities and Cash Collateral Pledged	5,090,000	3,190,000
Net Amount		-50,000
Interest rate swaps
Interest Rate Swap Agreements ("Swap Agreements")
Amount of collateral posted for the net liability positions	25,500,000	18,200,000
Institutional counterparties
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	-25,546,000	-18,232,000
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Condition		58,000
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statements of Condition	-25,546,000	-18,174,000
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Condition
Financial instruments	20,456,000	14,984,000
Securities and Cash Collateral Pledged	5,090,000	3,190,000
Commercial counterparties
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		-50,000
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statements of Condition		-50,000
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Condition
Net Amount		($50,000)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Trading security	$14,970	$14,909
Available-for-sale securities	1,099,656	1,091,818
Derivative liabilities	25,546	18,282
Debt securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	1,054,890	1,036,876
Debt securities | Municipal bonds and obligations
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	155,450	133,699
Debt securities | Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	65,039	69,468
Debt securities | Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	762,421	760,184
Debt securities | Corporate bonds
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	55,357	54,151
Debt securities | Trust preferred securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	13,427	16,215
Debt securities | Other bonds and obligations
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	3,196	3,159
Marketable equity securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	44,766	54,942
Total Fair Value
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Trading security	14,970	14,909
Available-for-sale securities	1,099,656	1,091,818
Loans held for sale	29,305	19,493
Derivative assets	16,421	12,953
Derivative liabilities	25,892	18,769
Level 1
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	43,690	5,806
Derivative liabilities	295	417
Level 2
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	1,055,247	1,035,686
Loans held for sale	29,305	19,493
Derivative assets	15,444	12,328
Derivative liabilities	25,504	18,259
Level 3
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Trading security	14,970	14,909
Available-for-sale securities	719	2,326
Derivative assets	977	625
Derivative liabilities	93	93
Recurring
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Transfers between Level 1, 2, and 3	0	0
Recurring | Total Fair Value
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Trading security	14,970	14,909
Loans held for sale	29,305	19,493
Derivative assets	16,421	12,953
Derivative liabilities	25,892	18,769
Recurring | Total Fair Value | Debt securities | Municipal bonds and obligations
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	155,450	133,699
Recurring | Total Fair Value | Debt securities | Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	65,039	69,468
Recurring | Total Fair Value | Debt securities | Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	762,421	760,184
Recurring | Total Fair Value | Debt securities | Corporate bonds
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	55,357	54,151
Recurring | Total Fair Value | Debt securities | Trust preferred securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	13,427	16,215
Recurring | Total Fair Value | Debt securities | Other bonds and obligations
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	3,196	3,159
Recurring | Total Fair Value | Marketable equity securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	44,766	54,942
Recurring | Level 1
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Derivative liabilities	295	417
Recurring | Level 1 | Marketable equity securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	43,690	53,806
Recurring | Level 2
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Loans held for sale	29,305	19,493
Derivative assets	15,444	12,328
Derivative liabilities	25,504	18,259
Recurring | Level 2 | Debt securities | Municipal bonds and obligations
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	155,450	133,699
Recurring | Level 2 | Debt securities | Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	65,039	69,468
Recurring | Level 2 | Debt securities | Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	762,421	760,184
Recurring | Level 2 | Debt securities | Corporate bonds
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	55,357	54,151
Recurring | Level 2 | Debt securities | Trust preferred securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	13,427	14,667
Recurring | Level 2 | Debt securities | Other bonds and obligations
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	3,196	3,159
Recurring | Level 2 | Marketable equity securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	357	358
Recurring | Level 3
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Trading security	14,970	14,909
Derivative assets	977	625
Derivative liabilities	93	93
Recurring | Level 3 | Debt securities | Trust preferred securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities		1,548
Recurring | Level 3 | Marketable equity securities
Assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Available-for-sale securities	$719	$778

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Level 2
Loans Held for Sale
Aggregate Fair Value	$29,305	$19,493
Aggregate Unpaid Principal	1,266	1,280
Loans Held for Sale
Loans Held for Sale
Gains in fair value of loans held for sale included in earnings	214
Losses in fair value of loans held for sale included in earnings	409
Recurring | Level 2
Loans Held for Sale
Aggregate Fair Value	29,305	19,493
Recurring | Loans Held for Sale | Level 2
Loans Held for Sale
Aggregate Fair Value	29,305	19,493
Aggregate Unpaid Principal	28,483	18,885
Aggregate Fair Value Less Aggregate Unpaid Principal	$822	$608

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in Level 3 assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Paydown of trading security	($317)	$604
Forward Commitments.
Changes in Level 3 assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the period	-93	-96
Liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		-19	93
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income		-115
Balance at the end of the period	93	96	93
Trading Security
Changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Number of securities in the portfolio	1
Changes in Level 3 assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance at the beginning of the period	14,909	14,840
Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income	203	218
Paydown of trading security	-142	-135
Balance at the end of the period	14,970	14,923
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the period	2,558	1,962
Securities Available for Sale
Changes in Level 3 assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,326	1,964
Sale AFS Security	-1,327
Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-280	82
Balance at the end of the period	719	2,046
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the period	-51	-1,288
Securities Available for Sale | Privately owned equity security
Changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Number of securities in the portfolio	1
Interest rate lock commitments
Changes in Level 3 assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance at the beginning of the period	625	258
Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income	1,730	719
Transfers to held for sale loans	-1,378	-600
Balance at the end of the period	977	377
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the period	$977	$377

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail3

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Other real estate owned	$1,444,000	$2,049,000
Liabilities measured on non-recurring basis	0	0
Recurring
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Fair Value Instruments Transfers between Levels	0	0
Non-recurring
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Fair Value Instruments Transfers between Levels	0	0
Non-recurring | Total Gains (Losses)
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Impaired loans	292,000
Other real estate owned	-155,000
Total	137,000
Level 3 | Recurring
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Assets measured on recurring basis	16,573,000	17,767,000
Level 3 | Recurring | Trading Security | Discounted Cash Flow
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Assets measured on recurring basis	14,970,000	14,909,000
Discount Rate (as percent)	2.34%	2.60%
Level 3 | Recurring | Securities Available for Sale | Discounted Cash Flow
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Assets measured on recurring basis		2,326,000
Discount Rate (as percent)		13.74%
Credit Spread (as a percent)		11.06%
Level 3 | Recurring | Securities Available for Sale | Pricing Model
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Assets measured on recurring basis	719,000
Median Peer Price / Tangible Book Value Percentage Multiple (as a percent)	93.35%
Level 3 | Recurring | Forward Commitments | Historical Trend
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Liabilities measured at fair value	-93,000	-93,000
Closing Ratio (as percent)	89.54%	91.07%
Level 3 | Recurring | Forward Commitments | Pricing Model
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Origination Costs	2,500,000	2,500,000
Level 3 | Recurring | Interest rate lock commitments | Historical Trend
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Assets measured on recurring basis	977,000	625,000
Closing Ratio (as percent)	89.54%	91.07%
Level 3 | Recurring | Interest rate lock commitments | Pricing Model
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Origination Costs	2,500,000	2,500,000
Level 3 | Non-recurring
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Impaired loans	6,111,000	5,820,000
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights	3,871,000	3,757,000
Other real estate owned	1,444,000	2,049,000
Total	11,426,000	11,626,000
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Minimum | Impaired loans
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Loss severity (as percent)		0.31%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Minimum | Impaired loans | Fair value of collateral
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Loss severity (as percent)	3.78%	5.00%
Appraised value	139,500
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Minimum | Capitalized mortgage servicing rights
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Constant prepayment rate (CPR) (as percent)		7.83%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Minimum | Capitalized mortgage servicing rights | Discounted Cash Flow
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Discount Rate (as percent)	10.00%
Constant prepayment rate (CPR) (as percent)	8.20%	10.00%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Minimum | Other real estate owned
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Appraised value		57,000
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Minimum | Other real estate owned | Fair value of collateral
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Appraised value	57,000
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Maximum | Impaired loans
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Loss severity (as percent)		38.70%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Maximum | Impaired loans | Fair value of collateral
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Loss severity (as percent)	53.08%	1600.00%
Appraised value	1,600,000
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Maximum | Capitalized mortgage servicing rights
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Constant prepayment rate (CPR) (as percent)		19.00%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Maximum | Capitalized mortgage servicing rights | Discounted Cash Flow
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Discount Rate (as percent)	13.00%
Constant prepayment rate (CPR) (as percent)	19.85%	13.00%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Maximum | Other real estate owned
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Appraised value		700,000
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Maximum | Other real estate owned | Fair value of collateral
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Appraised value	700,000
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Weighted Average | Impaired loans
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Loss severity (as percent)		12.65%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Weighted Average | Impaired loans | Fair value of collateral
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Loss severity (as percent)	23.50%	912.70%
Appraised value	981,700
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Weighted Average | Capitalized mortgage servicing rights
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Constant prepayment rate (CPR) (as percent)		9.92%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Weighted Average | Capitalized mortgage servicing rights | Discounted Cash Flow
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Discount Rate (as percent)	10.42%
Constant prepayment rate (CPR) (as percent)	11.05%	10.43%
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Weighted Average | Other real estate owned
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Appraised value		462,600
Level 3 | Non-recurring | Weighted Average | Other real estate owned | Fair value of collateral
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3
Appraised value	$470,700

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail4

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Assets
Trading security	$14,970	$14,909
Securities available for sale	1,099,656	1,091,818
Securities held to maturity	44,744	44,997
FHLB bank stock and restricted securities	58,734	55,720
Financial Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	25,546	18,282
Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of significant classes of financial instruments
Junior subordinated debentures re-price period	90 days
Level 1
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	62,214	71,754
Securities available for sale	43,690	5,806
Financial Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	295	417
Level 2
Financial Assets
Securities available for sale	1,055,247	1,035,686
FHLB bank stock and restricted securities	58,734	55,720
Loans held for sale	29,305	19,493
Accrued interest receivable	17,786	17,274
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	105,302	104,588
Derivative assets	15,444	12,328
Assets held for sale	1,266	1,280
Financial Liabilities
Total deposits	4,720,914	4,655,234
Short-term debt	894,675	900,983
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances	63,273	63,283
Subordinated borrowings	94,062	93,441
Derivative liabilities	25,504	18,259
Level 3
Financial Assets
Trading security	14,970	14,909
Securities available for sale	719	2,326
Securities held to maturity	44,744	44,997
Net loans	4,736,177	4,695,256
Derivative assets	977	625
Financial Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	93	93
Carrying Amount
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	62,214	71,754
Trading security	14,970	14,909
Securities available for sale	1,099,656	1,091,818
Securities held to maturity	42,818	43,347
FHLB bank stock and restricted securities	58,734	55,720
Net loans	4,692,377	4,644,938
Loans held for sale	29,305	19,493
Accrued interest receivable	17,786	17,274
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	105,302	104,588
Derivative assets	16,421	12,953
Assets held for sale	1,266	1,280
Financial Liabilities
Total deposits	4,719,683	4,654,679
Short-term debt	894,500	900,900
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances	61,618	61,676
Subordinated borrowings	89,765	89,747
Derivative liabilities	25,892	18,769
Total Fair Value
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	62,214	71,754
Trading security	14,970	14,909
Securities available for sale	1,099,656	1,091,818
Securities held to maturity	44,744	44,997
FHLB bank stock and restricted securities	58,734	55,720
Net loans	4,736,177	4,695,256
Loans held for sale	29,305	19,493
Accrued interest receivable	17,786	17,274
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies	105,302	104,588
Derivative assets	16,421	12,953
Assets held for sale	1,266	1,280
Financial Liabilities
Total deposits	4,720,914	4,655,234
Short-term debt	894,675	900,983
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances	63,273	63,283
Subordinated borrowings	94,062	93,441
Derivative liabilities	$25,892	$18,769

NET_INTEREST_INCOME_AFTER_PROV2

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net interest income	$45,493	$42,766
Provision for loan losses	3,851	3,396
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$41,642	$39,370

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 17, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Total Assets		$6,571,239,000	$6,502,031,000
Deposits		4,719,683,000	4,654,679,000
Hampden
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Merger and acquisition expenses		3,300,000
Hampden | Subsequent event
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Number of banking offices operated	10
Number of shares received by shareholders	4.2
Hampden
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Total Assets	687,800,000
Loans outstanding	501,000,000
Deposits	482,100,000