Merchants Bancshares 10-K 13 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	MERCHANTS BANCSHARES INC
Trading Symbol	mbvt
Entity Central Index Key	726517
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,328,818
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$151,193,957

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$23,745	$30,434
Interest earning deposits with banks and other short-term investments	130,714	85,037
Total cash and cash equivalents	154,459	115,471
Investments:
Securities available for sale, at fair value	203,473	252,513
Securities held to maturity (fair value of $139,171 and $137,087)	138,421	140,826
Total investments	341,894	393,339
Loans	1,182,334	1,166,233
Less: Allowance for loan losses	11,833	12,042
Net loans	1,170,501	1,154,191
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	4,378	7,496
Bank premises and equipment, net	15,492	15,572
Investment in real estate limited partnerships	5,196	4,631
Bank owned life insurance	10,311	10,000
Other assets	21,233	24,769
Total assets	1,723,464	1,725,469
LIABILITIES
Demand (noninterest bearing)	566,366	266,299
Savings, interest bearing checking and money market accounts	530,722	752,171
Time deposits	211,684	305,106
Total deposits	1,308,772	1,323,576
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	258,464	250,314
Other long-term debt	2,320	2,403
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust	20,619	20,619
Other liabilities	7,468	8,946
Total liabilities	1,597,643	1,605,858
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.01 par value Authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued 6,651,760 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 Outstanding: 6,327,226 at December 31, 2014 and 6,318,708 at December 31, 2013	67	67
Capital in excess of par value	37,404	37,129
Retained earnings	100,697	95,657
Treasury stock, at cost: 324,534 shares at December 31, 2014 and 333,052 shares at December 31, 2013	-13,865	-14,043
Deferred compensation arrangements: 308,670 shares at December 31, 2014 and 319,854 shares at December 31, 2013	6,566	6,521
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-5,048	-5,720
Total shareholders' equity	125,821	119,611
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,723,464	1,725,469
Preferred Class A Non-Voting [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock	0	0
Preferred Class B Voting [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock	$0	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Securities held to maturity, fair value	$139,171	$137,087
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	6,651,760	6,651,760
Common stock, shares outstanding	6,327,226	6,318,708
Treasury stock, shares	324,534	333,052
Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Member]
Common stock, shares outstanding	308,670	319,854
Preferred Class A Non-Voting [Member]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Preferred Class B Voting [Member]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Interest and fees on loans	$42,815,000	$43,987,000	$44,977,000
Investment income:
Interest and dividends on investment securities	7,965,000	9,912,000	11,834,000
Interest on interest earning deposits with banks and other short-term investments	192,000	68,000	46,000
Total interest and dividend income	50,972,000	53,967,000	56,857,000
INTEREST EXPENSE
Savings, interest bearing checking and money market accounts	1,647,000	1,184,000	776,000
Time deposits	1,725,000	2,166,000	2,775,000
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other short-term debt	353,000	914,000	1,790,000
Long-term debt	800,000	806,000	1,542,000
Total interest expense	4,525,000	5,070,000	6,883,000
Net interest income	46,447,000	48,897,000	49,974,000
Provision for credit losses	150,000	800,000	950,000
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	46,297,000	48,097,000	49,024,000
NONINTEREST INCOME
Impairment losses on securities	0	-166,000	0
Net gains (losses) on investment securities	107,000	-12,000	507,000
Trust division income	3,393,000	3,062,000	2,685,000
Service charges on deposits	3,842,000	3,989,000	4,078,000
Net debit card income	2,660,000	2,875,000	2,854,000
Gain on sale of other assets	0	794,000	1,083,000
Earnings on Bank Owned Life Insurance	311,000	0	0
Other	1,261,000	1,088,000	1,406,000
Total noninterest income	11,574,000	11,630,000	12,613,000
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Compensation and benefits	20,758,000	19,165,000	19,582,000
Occupancy expense	4,319,000	4,165,000	3,826,000
Equipment expense	4,148,000	3,892,000	3,626,000
Legal and professional fees	2,997,000	2,755,000	2,545,000
Marketing	1,218,000	1,429,000	1,730,000
State franchise taxes	1,435,000	1,439,000	1,295,000
FDIC Insurance	857,000	872,000	866,000
Prepayment penalty on long-term debt	0	0	1,363,000
Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") expenses	111,000	121,000	197,000
Other	6,371,000	5,696,000	5,920,000
Total noninterest expense	42,214,000	39,534,000	40,950,000
Income before provision for income taxes	15,657,000	20,193,000	20,687,000
Provision for income taxes	3,532,000	5,062,000	5,493,000
NET INCOME	$12,125,000	$15,131,000	$15,194,000
Basic earnings per common share	$1.92	$2.40	$2.43
Diluted earnings per common share	$1.91	$2.40	$2.42

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$12,125	$15,131	$15,194
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Unrealized holding gain (losses) on securities available for sale, net of taxes of $921, $(3,398), and $(181)	1,705	-6,311	-336
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period for securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity, net of taxes of $4, $(1,902), and $0	8	-3,533	0
Amortization of unrealized holding losses of securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity, net of taxes of $254, $128, and $0	472	237	0
Reclassification adjustments for net securities losses (gains) included in net income, net of taxes of $(38), $62, and $(177)	-69	116	-329
Change in net unrealized loss on interest rate swaps, net of taxes of $86, $116, and $122	161	216	226
Pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $(863), $721, and $(241)	-1,605	1,340	-448
Other comprehensive (loss) income	672	-7,935	-887
Comprehensive (loss) income	$12,797	$7,196	$14,307

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com1

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale, tax	$921	($3,398)	($181)
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period for securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity, tax	4	-1,902	0
Amortization of unrealized holding losses of securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity, tax	254	128	0
Reclassification adjustments for net securities losses (gains) included in net income, tax	-38	62	-177
Change in net unrealized loss on interest rate swaps, tax	86	116	122
Pension liability adjustment, tax	($863)	$721	($241)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$67	$36,544	$79,393	($15,817)	$6,248	$3,102	$109,537
Net income	0	0	15,194	0	0	0	15,194
Dividends paid ($1.12 per share)	0	0	-7,007	0	0	0	-7,007
Sale of treasury stock	0	2	0	16	0	0	18
Purchase of treasury stock							0
Distribution of stock under deferred compensation arrangements	0	0	0	386	-386	0	0
Shares granted under stock plans and deferral of director fees, including excess tax benefit	0	41	0	380	90	0	511
Share-based compensation expense	0	72	0	0	100	0	172
Dividend reinvestment plan	0	83	0	249	351	0	683
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	0	-887	-887
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	67	36,742	87,580	-14,786	6,403	2,215	118,221
Net income	0	0	15,131	0	0	0	15,131
Dividends paid ($1.12 per share)	0	0	-7,054	0	0	0	-7,054
Sale of treasury stock	0	3	0	12	0	0	15
Purchase of treasury stock							0
Distribution of stock under deferred compensation arrangements	0	0	0	450	-450	0	0
Shares granted under stock plans and deferral of director fees, including excess tax benefit	0	223	0	140	61	0	424
Share-based compensation expense	0	27	0	0	160	0	187
Dividend reinvestment plan	0	134	0	141	347	0	622
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	0	-7,935	-7,935
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	67	37,129	95,657	-14,043	6,521	-5,720	119,611
Net income	0	0	12,125	0	0	0	12,125
Dividends paid ($1.12 per share)	0	0	-7,085	0	0	0	-7,085
Sale of treasury stock							0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	-82	0	0	-82
Distribution of stock under deferred compensation arrangements	0	0	0	553	-553	0	0
Shares granted under stock plans and deferral of director fees, including excess tax benefit	0	275	0	164	22	0	461
Share-based compensation expense	0	0	0	-122	241	0	119
Dividend reinvestment plan	0	0	0	-335	335	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	0	672	672
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$67	$37,404	$100,697	($13,865)	$6,566	($5,048)	$125,821

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid per share	$1.12	$1.12	$1.12

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$12,125	$15,131	$15,194
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses	150	800	950
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-175	4,329	772
Depreciation and amortization	2,452	2,181	1,948
Amortization of investment security premiums and accretion of discounts, net	707	1,101	2,330
Stock based compensation	119	187	172
Contribution to pension plan	0	0	-5,000
Net losses (gains) on sales of investment securities	-107	12	-507
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investment securities	0	166	0
Net gains on sale of loans	0	0	0
Net (gains) losses on sale of premises, equipment and other assets	104	-794	-1,040
Deferred (gain) on sale of premises	-517	-934	0
(Gains) losses on sale of other real estate owned	35	-20	-7
Bank owned life insurance	-311	0	0
Amortization of real estate limited partnership investments	1,257	1,039	1,516
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Net change in interest receivable	195	386	753
Net change in other assets	790	-1,635	-2,333
Net change in interest payable	-49	-19	2,196
Net change in other liabilities	-861	634	-11,282
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,915	22,564	5,662
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale	56,889	53,215	129,936
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale	37,235	99,979	186,540
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held to maturity	15,486	7,254	151
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	3,118	649	485
Purchases of investment securities available for sale	-55,495	-60,580	-316,251
Loan originations in excess of principal payments	-16,264	-86,185	-55,428
Proceeds from sales of loans, net	0	2,378	0
Proceeds from sale of other assets	0	0	334
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment	0	3,026	788
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned	68	171	505
Real estate limited partnership investments	-1,822	-247	-1,750
Investment in bank owned life insurance	0	-10,000	0
Purchases of bank premises and equipment	-2,477	-3,019	-3,877
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	36,738	6,640	-58,567
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in deposits	-14,804	52,496	93,200
Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase, short-term	8,150	-37,206	24,993
Principal payments on long-term debt	-83	-80	-20,079
Cash dividends paid	-7,085	-6,432	-6,324
Purchase of Treasury Stock	-82	0	0
Sale of treasury stock	0	15	18
Increase in deferred compensation arrangements	0	237	213
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net of withholding taxes	225	0	280
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and distribution of shares in deferred compensation arrangements	14	8	20
Net cash provided by financing activities	-13,665	9,038	92,321
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	38,988	38,243	39,416
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period	115,471	77,228	37,812
Cash and cash equivalents end of period	154,459	115,471	77,228
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Total interest payments	4,574	5,051	4,687
Total income tax payments	8,054	800	5,950
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Distribution of stock under deferred compensation arrangements	553	450	391
Distribution of treasury stock in lieu of cash dividend under dividend reinvestment plan	0	622	683
Non-cash exercise of stock options	124	181	130
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned	0	213	140
Transfer of securities from available for sale to held to maturity	12,626	152,887	0
Decrease in payable for investments purchased	$0	$0	($9,461)

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary Merchants Bank (the “Bank,” and collectively with the Company, “Merchants”, “we,” “us, or “our”). All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We offer a full range of deposit, loan, cash management, and trust services to meet the financial needs of individual consumers, businesses and municipalities at 32 full-service banking offices throughout the state of Vermont as of December 31, 2014.
	Management’s Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates include those used in determining the allowance for credit losses, income taxes, interest income recognition on loans and investments and analysis of other-than-temporary impairment of our investment securities portfolio. Operating results in the future may vary from the amounts derived from Management's estimates and assumptions.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal Funds sold and other short-term investments, with maturities at time of purchase of less than 90 days, in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Investment Securities
	We classify certain of our investments in debt securities as held to maturity, which are carried at amortized cost, if we have the positive intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Investments in debt securities that are not classified as held to maturity and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale securities or trading securities. Available for sale securities are investments not classified as trading or held to maturity. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value which is measured at each reporting date. The resulting unrealized gain or loss is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of the associated tax effects. Gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized through the statement of income using the specific identification method.
	Transfers from securities available for sale to securities held to maturity are recorded at the securities’ fair values on the date of the transfer. Any net unrealized gains or losses continue to be included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), on a net of tax basis. As long as the securities are carried in the held to maturity portfolio, such amounts are amortized (accreted) over the estimated remaining life of the transferred securities as an adjustment to yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of premiums and discounts.
	Interest and dividend income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, are recorded in earnings for all categories of investment securities. Discounts and premiums related to debt securities are amortized using the level-yield method which anticipates prepayments for amortizing securities.
	Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.  Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings.  For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.
	Federal Home Loan Bank System
	We are a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Member institutions are required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLBB in an amount at least equal to the sum of 0.35% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans and similar obligations at the beginning of each year. We were in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2014. FHLBB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
	Bank Owned Life Insurance
	We purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives where the Bank is the beneficiary. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value (“CSV”) adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Increases in the CSV of the policies, as well as death benefits received, net of any CSV, are recorded in noninterest income, and are not subject to income taxes.
	Loans
	Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.
	Allowance for Credit Losses
	The allowance for credit losses (“Allowance”) is comprised of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for undisbursed lines of credit, and is based on Management’s estimate of the amount required to reflect probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. Factors considered in evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance include previous loss experience, the size and composition of the portfolio, risk rating composition, current economic and real estate market conditions and their effect on the borrowers, the performance of individual loans in relation to contractual terms and estimated fair values of properties that secure impaired loans.
	The allowance consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) and classified as impaired.
	Commercial and commercial real estate loans are individually evaluated for impairment when a loan meets any of the specific criteria identified in our methodology. If a loan is impaired, the loan is either charged down, or a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
	Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties,  are considered TDRs. Concessions that result in a loan being considered a TDR usually consists of a reduction in interest rate to a below market rate, taking into account the credit quality of the note, or a deferment or reduction of payments, principal or interest, which alters the Bank’s position or significantly extends the note’s maturity date, such that the present value of cash flows to be received is less than those contractually established at the loan’s origination. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loans effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, we determine the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.
	Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
	The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.  The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by us over the most recent 5 years.  This actual loss experiences is supplemented with other factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment.  These factors include consideration of the following:  levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. Due to the added risks associated with loans which are graded as pass-watch, special mention, and substandard that are not classified as impaired, an additional analysis is performed to determine whether an allowance is needed that is not fully captured by the historical loss experience. While historical loss experience by loan segment and migration of loans into higher risk classifications are considered, the following factors are also considered in determining the level of needed allowance on such loans: the historical loss rates of loans specifically classified as pass-watch, special mention, or substandard; and the trends in the collateral on the loans included within these classifications. This analysis created an additional $1.23 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $1.55 million at December 31, 2013 in needed allowance for loan loss.
	We have divided the loan portfolio into portfolio segments, each with different risk characteristics and methodologies for assessing risk. Each portfolio segment is broken down into class segments where appropriate. Class segments contain unique measurement attributes, risk characteristics and methods for monitoring and assessing risk that are necessary to develop the allowance for loan and lease losses. Unique characteristics such as borrower type, loan type, collateral type, and risk characteristics define each class segment. A description of the segments follows:
	Commercial, financial and agricultural: We offer a variety of loan options to meet the specific needs of commercial customers including term loans and lines of credit. Such loans are made available to businesses for working capital such as inventory and receivables, business expansion and equipment purchases. Generally, a collateral lien is placed on equipment, receivables, inventory or other assets owned by the borrower. These loans carry a higher risk than commercial real estate loans by the nature of the underlying collateral, and the collateral value may change daily. To reduce the risk, management generally employs enhanced monitoring requirements, obtains personal guarantees and, where appropriate, may also attempt to secure real estate as collateral.
	Municipal: Municipal loans primarily consist of term and time loans issued on a tax-exempt and taxable basis which are general obligations of the municipality. These loans are viewed as lower risk as municipalities can utilize taxing power to meet financial obligations.
	Real Estate – Residential: Residential real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by first or second mortgages on primary residences. We originate adjustable-rate and fixed-rate, one- to four-family residential real estate loans for the construction, purchase or refinancing of a mortgage. These loans are generally collateralized by owner-occupied properties located in our market area. Loans on one- to four-family residential real estate are generally originated in amounts of no more than 80% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is lower). Hazard insurance is required.  Mortgage title insurance is also required for all first mortgages and for second mortgages in excess of $100,000.
	Real Estate – Commercial: We offer commercial real estate loans to finance real estate purchases and refinancing of existing commercial properties. These commercial real estate loans are generally secured by first liens on the real estate, which may include both owner occupied and non-owner occupied facilities. The types of facilities financed include apartments, hotels, warehouses, retail facilities, manufacturing facilities and office buildings. Our underwriting analysis includes credit verification, independent appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and a detailed analysis of the borrower’s underlying cash flows.
	Real Estate – Construction: We offer construction loans for the construction, expansion and improvement of residential and commercial properties which are secured by the real estate being developed. A review of all plans and budgets is performed prior to approval, third party progress documents are required during construction, and an independent approval process for all draw and release requests is maintained to ensure that funding is prudently administered and that funds are sufficient to complete the project.
	Installment: We offer traditional direct consumer installment loans for various personal needs, including vehicle and boat financing. The vast majority of these loans are secured by a lien on the purchased vehicle and are underwritten using credit scores and income verification. We do not provide any indirect consumer lending activities.
	Income Recognition on Impaired and Nonaccrual Loans
	Interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued and placed on non-accrual status at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Mortgage loans, and commercial loans are charged off to the extent principal or interest is deemed uncollectible. Consumer and credit card loans continue to accrue interest until they are charged off no later than 120 days past due unless the loan is well secured and is in the process of collection. Past-due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.
	All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Under the cash-basis method, interest income is recorded when the payment is received in cash. Loans may be returned to accrual status when there is a sustained period of repayment performance (generally a minimum of six months) by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms of the loans and all principal and interest amounts contractually due, including arrearages, are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time.
	While a loan is classified as nonaccrual and the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is uncertain, any payments received are generally applied to reduce the principal balance. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a nonaccrual loan had been partially charged-off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Interest collections in excess of that amount are recorded as a reduction of principal.
	Premises and Equipment
	Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided using straight-line and accelerated methods at rates that depreciate the original cost of the premises and equipment over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the expected lease term in the case of leasehold improvements. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals of minor items are generally charged to expense as incurred. When premises and equipment are replaced, retired, or deemed no longer useful they are written down to estimated selling price less costs to sell by a charge to current earnings.
	Investments in Real Estate Limited Partnerships
	We have investments in various real estate limited partnerships that acquire, develop, own and operate low and moderate-income housing. Our ownership interest in these limited partnerships ranges from 5.36% to 99.9% as of December 31, 2014. These investments are made directly in Low Income Housing Tax Credit, or LIHTC, partnerships formed by third parties. As a limited partner in these operating partnerships, we receive tax credits and tax deductions for losses incurred by the underlying properties.
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-01, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” The amendment permits an entity to amortize the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the amount of the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. This ASU was applied retrospectively and prior periods have been reclassified accordingly. The adoption of this ASU had had a net effect of $0 to net income in the years presented in these financial statements. Merchants has unfunded commitments of $3,019,280 at year-end related to qualified affordable housing project investments, which will be paid in 2015 and 2016. There were no impairment losses during the year resulting from the forfeiture or ineligibility of tax credits related to qualified affordable housing project investments.
	Other Real Estate Owned
	Collateral acquired through foreclosure is initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell, at the time of acquisition, establishing a new cost basis. Any cost in excess of the estimated fair value on the transfer date is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent decreases in the fair value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) are reflected as a write-down and charged to expense. Net operating income or expense related to foreclosed property is included in noninterest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	Repurchase Agreements
	Repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured financing transactions since we maintain effective control over the transferred securities and the transfer meets the other criteria for such accounting. Obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. The securities underlying the agreements are delivered to a custodial account for the benefit of the repurchase agreement holders. The repurchase agreement holders, who may sell, loan or otherwise dispose of such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations, agree to resell to us the same securities at the maturities of the agreements.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Amended and Restated Merchants Bancshares, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan provides grants of up to 600,000 stock options or restricted stock awards to certain key employees. We recognize compensation expense for services received in a share-based payment transaction over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. The compensation cost is based on the grant-date fair value of the award (as determined by quoted market prices). Stock awards are granted at fair market value on the date of the grant and vest based on a three year service period.
	The fair value of an option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that requires us to develop estimates for assumptions used in the model. The Black-Scholes valuation model uses the following assumptions: expected volatility, expected term of option, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Expected volatility estimates are developed by us based on historical volatility of our stock. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the grant date.
	Employee Benefit Costs
	Prior to 1995, we maintained a non-contributory pension plan covering substantially all employees that met eligibility requirements. The plan was curtailed in 1995. The cost of this plan, based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits, is charged to current operating expenses. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a single employer defined benefit post retirement plan as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets and recognize changes in the funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the change occurred.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Low-income housing tax credits and historic rehabilitation credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense in the year in which they are earned. We recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in other noninterest expense in our consolidated statements of income. Penalties and/or interest were zero or immaterial for 2014, 2013 and 2012. Our policy is to reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur.  The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination.  For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed in a manner similar to that of basic earnings per share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares (such as stock options) were issued during the period, computed using the treasury stock method. Shares held in rabbi trusts related to deferred compensation plans are considered outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share.
	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income.  Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.
	Loss Contingencies
	Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.  Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.
	Restrictions on Cash
	Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements.
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	At the inception of a derivative contract, we designate the derivative as one of three types based on our intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge.  These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation (“stand-alone derivative”).  For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  For both types of hedges, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as noninterest income.
	Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged.  Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.
We formally document the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship.  This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions.  We also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items.
When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income.  When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued, but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.
Segment Reporting
Our operations are solely in the financial services industry and include providing to our customers traditional banking and other financial services. We operate primarily in the state of Vermont. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of our consolidated financial results. Therefore, we have a single operating segment for financial reporting purposes.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note.  Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items.  Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications are made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements whenever necessary to conform to the current year’s presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or shareholders’ equity.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In May 2014 the FASB amended existing guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. This amendment supersedes and replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. In addition, this amendment specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. These amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting standard on the consolidated financial statements.

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Securities [Abstract]
Investment Securities	NOTE 3: INVESTMENT SECURITIES
	Investments in securities are classified as available for sale or held to maturity as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The amortized cost and fair values of the securities classified as available for sale and held to maturity as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
				Gross		Gross
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	(In thousands)	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Available for Sale:
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	25,048	$	57	$	12	$	25,093
	Residential Real Estate Mortgage-backed Securities ("Agency MBSs")		92,827		2,680		100		95,407
	Agency Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities ("Agency CMBSs")		22,056		20		372		21,704
	Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations ("Agency CMOs")		60,880		241		239		60,882
	Asset Backed Securities ("ABSs")		351		36		0		387
	Total Available for Sale	$	201,162	$	3,034	$	723	$	203,473
				Gross		Gross
		Amortized		Unrecognized		Unrecognized		Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Held to Maturity:
	U.S. Agency Obligations	$	22,072	$	597	$	0	$	22,669
	U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprises ("U.S. GSEs")		9,498		59		0		9,557
	Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") Obligations		4,720		100		0		4,820
	Agency CMOs		94,022		280		519		93,783
	Agency MBSs		8,109		233		0		8,342
	Total Held to Maturity	$	138,421	$	1,269	$	519	$	139,171
	The amortized cost and fair values of the securities classified as available for sale and held to maturity as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
				Gross		Gross
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	(In thousands)	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Available for Sale:
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	100	$	0	$	0	$	100
	Agency MBSs		97,882		2,876		1,487		99,271
	Agency CMBSs		18,398		0		760		17,638
	Agency CMOs		98,162		254		1,207		97,209
	Collateralized Loan Obligations ("CLOs")		37,834		73		0		37,907
	ABSs		357		31		0		388
	Total Available for Sale	$	252,733	$	3,234	$	3,454	$	252,513
				Gross		Gross
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Held to Maturity:
	U.S. Agency Obligations (SBA's only)	$	23,580	$	0	$	458	$	23,122
	U.S. GSEs		9,442		0		512		8,930
	FHLB Obligations		4,684		0		191		4,493
	Agency CMOs		94,105		0		2,426		91,679
	Agency MBSs		9,015		25		177		8,863
	Total Held to Maturity	$	140,826	$	25	$	3,764	$	137,087
	The contractual final maturity distribution of the debt securities classified as available for sale of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
				After One		After Five
		Within		But Within		But Within		After Ten
	(In thousands)	One Year		Five Years		Ten Years		Years		Total
	Available for Sale (at fair value):
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	0	$	25,093	$	0	$	0	$	25,093
	Agency MBSs		32		2,674		21,265		71,436		95,407
	Agency CMBSs		0		13,831		3,668		4,205		21,704
	Agency CMOs		0		0		2,301		58,581		60,882
	ABSs		0		0		0		387		387
	Total Available for Sale	$	32	$	41,598	$	27,234	$	134,609	$	203,473
	Available for Sale (at amortized cost):
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	0	$	25,048	$	0	$	0	$	25,048
	Agency MBSs		31		2,538		20,514		69,744		92,827
	Agency CMBSs		0		13,989		3,740		4,327		22,056
	Agency CMOs		0		0		2,292		58,588		60,880
	ABSs		0		0		0		351		351
	Total Available for Sale	$	31	$	41,575	$	26,546	$	133,010	$	201,162
	The contractual final maturity distribution of the debt securities classified as held to maturity of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
				After One		After Five
	Within		But Within		But Within		After Ten
(In thousands)	One Year		Five Years		Ten Years		Years		Total
Held to Maturity (at fair value):
U.S. Agency Obligations	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	22,669	$	22,669
U.S. GSEs		0		0		9,557		0		9,557
FHLB Obligations		0		0		4,820		0		4,820
Agency CMOs		0		0		0		93,783		93,783
Agency MBSs		0		13		111		8,218		8,342
Total Held to Maturity	$	0	$	13	$	14,488	$	124,670	$	139,171
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost):
U.S. Agency Obligations	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	22,072	$	22,072
U.S. GSEs		0		0		9,498		0		9,498
FHLB Obligations		0		0		4,720		0		4,720
Agency CMOs		0		0		0		94,022		94,022
Agency MBSs		0		13		98		7,998		8,109
Total Held to Maturity	$	0	$	13	$	14,316	$	124,092	$	138,421
Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have rights to call or prepay obligations. Maturities of Agency MBSs and Agency CMOs in the table above are based on final contractual maturities.
The following table presents the proceeds, gross gains and gross losses on available for sale securities.
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Proceeds	$	56,889	$	53,215	$	129,936
Gross gains		303		548		811
Gross losses		-196		-560		-304
Net gains (losses)	$	107	$	-12	$	507
Securities with a carrying value of $317.22 million and $315.53 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and for other purposes required by law.
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
(In thousands)	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss			Fair Value	Loss
U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	5,080	$	12	$	0	$	0	$	5,080	$	12
Agency MBSs		7,893		23	$	10,763		77		18,656		100
Agency CMBSs		0		0		17,478		372		17,478		372
Agency CMOs		11,384		49		10,962		190		22,346		239
Total	$	24,357	$	84	$	39,203	$	639	$	63,560	$	723
Gross unrecognized losses on investment securities held to maturity and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
(In thousands)	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss			Fair Value	Loss
Agency CMOs		14,338		108	411	43,911	519	411		58,249		519
Agency MBSs		0		0	0	0	0	0		0		0
Total	$	14,338	$	108	$	43,911	$	411	$	58,249	$	519
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
(In thousands)	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss
Available for Sale
Agency MBSs		46,547		1,487		0		0		46,547		1,487
Agency CMBSs		12,778		578		4,860		182		17,638		760
Agency CMOs		57,904		977		3,557		230		61,461		1,207
Total		117,229		3,042		8,417		412		125,646		3,454
	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
(In thousands)	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss
Held to Maturity
U.S. Agency Obligations	$	13,722	$	307	$	9,400	$	151	$	23,122	$	458
U.S. GSEs		8,930		512		0		0		8,930		512
FHLB Obligations		4,493		191		0		0		4,493		191
Agency CMOs		66,203		1,410		25,476		1,016		91,679		2,426
Agency MBSs		8,569		177		0		0		8,569		177
Total	$	101,917	$	2,597	$	34,876	$	1,167	$	136,793	$	3,764
There were no securities classified as trading at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Unrealized losses on investment securities result from the cost basis of the security being higher than its current fair value. These discrepancies generally occur because of changes in interest rates since the time of purchase, or because the credit quality of the issuer has deteriorated. We perform a quarterly analysis of each security in our portfolio to determine if impairment exists, and if it does, whether that impairment is other-than-temporary.
At December 31, 2014, all of our MBSs and CMOs held were issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies, primarily FNMA and FHLMC, institutions which the government has affirmed its commitment to support.  Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality, and because we do not have the intent to sell these securities and it is not likely that we will be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, we do not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014.
Agency MBSs and Agency CMOs consist of pools of residential mortgages which are guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) with various origination dates and maturities.  Agency CMBS consists of bonds backed by commercial real estate which are guaranteed by FNMA and GNMA.
We use external pricing services to obtain fair market values for our investment portfolio.   We have obtained and reviewed the service providers’ pricing and reference data documentation. Evaluations are based on market data and vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information.  Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, the service provider’s evaluated pricing applications apply available information as applicable through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing, to prepare evaluations.  In addition, model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model are used to assess interest rate impact and develop prepayment scenarios, with inputs determined based on knowledge of the market.  We periodically test the values provided to us by the pricing service through a combination of back testing on actual sales of securities and by obtaining prices on all bonds from an alternative pricing source.
We do not intend to sell the investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position, and it is unlikely that we will be required to sell the investment securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity.
During 2014, we transferred securities with a total amortized cost of $12.63 million, and a corresponding fair value of $12.64 million, from available for sale to held to maturity.  The net unrealized gain, net of taxes, on these securities at the dates of the transfers was $8 thousand. During the third and fourth quarters of 2013, we transferred securities with a total amortized cost of $152.89 million, and a corresponding fair value of $147.45 million, from available for sale to held to maturity. The net unrealized holding loss, net of taxes, on these securities at the dates of the transfers were $3.53 million. The unrealized holding gains and losses at the time of transfer continues to be reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax and are amortized over the remaining lives of the securities as an adjustment of the yield.  The amortization of the unamortized holding gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income will offset the effect on interest income of the premium and discount for the transferred securities.  The remaining unamortized balance of the net losses for the securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity was $4.35 million or $2.82 million, net of tax at December 31, 2014.
In 2014, the entire CLO portfolio was sold for a small net loss. In 2013 an impairment charge was taken totaling $166 thousand related to the $37.91 million CLO portfolio. Under the Volcker Rule, following a conformance period, we may have been required to divest some or all of our CLOs.

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses [Abstract]
Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses	NOTE 4: LOANS AND THE ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
	Loans
	The composition of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	177,597	$	172,810
	Municipal loans		94,366		94,007
	Real estate loans – residential		469,529		489,706
	Real estate loans – commercial		412,447		371,319
	Real estate loans – construction		23,858		31,841
	Installment loans		4,504		5,655
	All other loans		33		895
	Total loans	$	1,182,334	$	1,166,233
	We primarily originate residential real estate, commercial, commercial real estate, municipal obligations and installment loans to customers throughout the state of Vermont. There are no significant industry concentrations in the loan portfolio. Loans totaled $1.18 billion and $1.17 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Total loans included $734 thousand and $618 thousand of net deferred loan origination costs at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The aggregate amount of overdrawn deposit balances classified as loan balances was $235 thousand and $895 thousand at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The following table reflects our loan loss experience and activity in the allowance for credit losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Beginning balance	$	3,354		768		3,081		5,085		512		18		10	$	12,828
	Charge-offs		-34		0		-25		0		0		-2		-170		-231
	Recoveries		10		0		24		1		0		2		31		68
	Provision (credit)		1		-132		47		165		-97		-5		171		150
	Ending balance	$	3,331	$	636	$	3,127	$	5,251	$	415	$	13	$	42	$	12,815
	The following table reflects our loan loss experience and activity in the allowance for credit losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Beginning balance	$	3,447	$	522	$	3,421	$	4,660	$	234	$	17	$	11	$	12,312
	Charge-offs		-20		0		-289		-1		0		-9		-93		-412
	Recoveries		62		0		6		40		1		6		13		128
	Provision (credit)		-135		246		-57		386		277		4		79		800
	Ending balance	$	3,354	$	768	$	3,081	$	5,085	$	512	$	18	$	10	$	12,828
	The following table reflects our loan loss experience and activity in the allowance for credit losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Beginning balance	$	2,905	$	309	$	3,017	$	4,605	$	477	$	23	$	17	$	11,353
	Charge-offs		-9		0		-20		-32		0		0		0		-61
	Recoveries		30		0		14		1		25		0		0		70
	Provision (credit)		521		213		410		86		-268		-6		-6		950
	Ending balance	$	3,447	$	522	$	3,421	$	4,660	$	234	$	17	$	11	$	12,312
	The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for undisbursed lines of credit. The reserve for undisbursed lines of credit is included in other liabilities on the balance sheet. The following presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based upon impairment method at December 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$	0		0		63		0		0		0		0	$	63
	Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment		3,331		636		3,064		5,251		415		13		42		12,752
	Totals	$	3,331	$	636	$	3,127	$	5,251	$	415	$	13	$	42	$	12,815
	Financing receivables:
	Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$	134		0		657		0		0		0		0	$	791
	Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment		177,463		94,366		468,872		412,447		23,858		4,504		33		1,181,543
	Totals	$	177,597	$	94,366	$	469,529	$	412,447	$	23,858	$	4,504	$	33	$	1,182,334
	Components:
	Allowance for loan losses	$	2,583		623		3,038		5,209		325		13		42	$	11,833
	Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit		748		13		89		42		90		0		0		982
	Total allowance for credit losses	$	3,331	$	636	$	3,127	$	5,251	$	415	$	13	$	42	$	12,815
	The following presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based upon impairment method at December 31, 2013:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$	2	$	0	$	41	$	69	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	112
	Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment		3,352		768		3,040		5,016		512		18		10		12,716
	Totals	$	3,354	$	768	$	3,081	$	5,085	$	512	$	18	$	10	$	12,828
	Financing receivables:
	Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$	20	$	0	$	722	$	164	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	906
	Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment		172,790		94,007		488,984		371,155		31,841		5,655		895		1,165,327
	Totals	$	172,810	$	94,007	$	489,706	$	371,319	$	31,841	$	5,655	$	895	$	1,166,233
	Components:
	Allowance for loan losses	$	2,740	$	758	$	2,995	$	5,040	$	481	$	18	$	10	$	12,042
	Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit		614		10		86		45		31		0		0		786
Total allowance for credit losses	$	3,354	$	768	$	3,081	$	5,085	$	512	$	18	$	10	$	12,828
The table below presents the recorded investment of loans, including nonperforming and restructured loans, segregated by class, with delinquency aging as of December 31, 2014:
	31-60 Days		61-90 Days		91 Days or More		Total Past						91 Days or more past due and
(In thousands)	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Due		Current		Total		Accruing
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	49		0		0	$	49	$	177,548	$	177,597	$	0
Municipal		0		0		0		0		94,366		94,366		0
Real estate-residential:
First mortgage		157		0		391		548		431,191		431,739		0
Second mortgage		33		0		79		112		37,678		37,790		0
Real estate-commercial:
Owner occupied		0		22		0		22		260,075		260,097		0
Non-owner occupied		202		0		0		202		152,148		152,350		0
Real estate-construction:
Residential		0		0		0		0		4,131		4,131		0
Commercial		0		0		0		0		19,727		19,727		0
Installment		0		0		0		0		4,504		4,504		0
Other		0		0		0		0		33		33		0
Total	$	441	$	22	$	470	$	933	$	1,181,401	$	1,182,334	$	0
Of the total past due loans in the aging table above, $519 thousand are non-performing of which $0 are restructured loans and $0 were 91 days or more past due and accruing.  There were $414 thousand past due performing loans at December 31, 2014.
The table below presents the recorded investment of loans, including nonaccrual and restructured loans, segregated by class, with delinquency aging as of December 31, 2013:
	31-60 Days		61-90 Days		91 Days or More		Total Past						91 Days or more past due and
(In thousands)	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Due		Current		Total		Accruing
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	0	$	0	$	20	$	20	$	172,790	$	172,810	$	0
Municipal		0		0		0		0		94,007		94,007		0
Real estate-residential:
First mortgage		4		294		341		639		452,440		453,079		0
Second mortgage		0		4		181		185		36,442		36,627		75
Real estate-commercial:
Owner occupied		0		0		0		0		224,416		224,416		0
Non-owner occupied		72		0		0		72		146,831		146,903		0
Real estate-construction:
Residential		0		0		0		0		2,495		2,495		0
Commercial		0		0		0		0		29,346		29,346		0
Installment		0		0		0		0		5,655		5,655		0
Other		0		0		0		0		895		895		0
Total	$	76	$	298	$	542	$	916	$	1,165,317	$	1,166,233	$	75
Of the total past due loans in the aging table above, $542 thousand are non-performing of which $42 thousand are restructured loans and $75 thousand were greater than 90 days past due and accruing. There were $374 thousand past due performing loans at December 31, 2013.
Impaired loans by class at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
(In thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance recorded
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	134	$	136	$	0	$	86
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		147		257		0		256
Second mortgage		79		79		0		136
Real estate – commercial:
Owner occupied		0		0		0		12
Non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0
Installment		0		0		0		0
With related allowance recorded
Commercial, financial and agricultural		0		0		0		12
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		431		432		63		204
Second mortgage		0		0		0		0
Real estate – commercial:
Owner occupied		0		0		0		119
Installment		0		0		0		0
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural		134		136		0		98
Real estate – residential		657		768		63		596
Real estate – commercial		0		0		0		131
Installment		0		0		0		0
Total	$	791	$	904	$	63	$	825
Impaired loans by class at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
(In thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance recorded
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	211
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		410		629		0		541
Second mortgage		181		218		0		145
Real estate – commercial:
Owner occupied		0		0		0		93
Non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0
Installment		0		0		0		1
With related allowance recorded
Commercial, financial and agricultural		20		21		2		343
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		131		135		41		512
Second mortgage		0		0		0		246
Real estate – commercial:
Owner occupied		164		175		69		170
Installment		0		0		0		5
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural		20		21		2		554
Real estate – residential		722		982		41		1,444
Real estate – commercial		164		175		69		263
Installment		0		0		0		6
Total	$	906	$	1,178	$	112	$	2,267
Impaired loans by class at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
(In thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment
With no related allowance recorded
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	7	$	22	$	0	$	39
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		853		1,010		0		807
Second mortgage		16		17		0		247
Real estate – commercial:
Owner occupied		295		367		0		380
Non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0
Installment		0		0		0		1
With related allowance recorded
Commercial, financial and agricultural		226		228		149		37
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		748		766		173		662
Second mortgage		700		700		188		320
Real estate – commercial:
Non-owner occupied		177		179		59		136
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural		233		250		149		76
Real estate – residential		2,317		2,493		361		2,036
Real estate – commercial		472		546		59		516
Installment and other		0		0		0		1
Total	$	3,022	$	3,289	$	569	$	2,629
Interest income recorded on impaired loans was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Residential and commercial loans serviced for others at December 31, 2014 and 2013 amounted to approximately $13.53 million and $13.83 million, respectively.
Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
(In thousands)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
Nonaccrual  loans	$	598	$	425
Loans greater than 90 days and accruing		0		75
Troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs")		193		406
Total nonperforming loans	$	791	$	906
Of the total TDRs in the table above, $63 thousand at December 31, 2014 and $235 thousand at December 31, 2013, are non-accruing. There were three commercial loans restructured with a balance of $46 thousand and one residential loan restructured with a balance of $55 thousand in 2014. We have reviewed all restructurings that occurred on or after January 1, 2014 for identification as TDRs. We did not identify as a TDR any loans for which the allowance for credit losses had been measured under a general allowance for credit losses methodology.
TDRs represent balances where the existing loan was modified involving a concession in rate, term or payment amount due to the distressed financial condition of the borrower. There were four restructured residential mortgages at December 31, 2014 with balances totaling $147 thousand. There were three restructured commercial loans at December 31, 2014 with a balance of $46 thousand. No loans were restructured in 2013. All of the TDRs at December 31, 2014 continue to pay as agreed according to the modified terms. At December 31, 2014, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring. We had no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were in nonaccrual status or to borrowers whose loans were 91 days past due and still accruing at December 31, 2014. Interest income on restructured loans during years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was insignificant.
Nonaccrual loans by class as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
(In thousands)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	88	$	20
Real estate - residential:
First mortgage		431		299
Second mortgage		79		106
Real estate - commercial:
Owner occupied		0		0
Non owner occupied		0		0
Installment		0		0
Total nonaccruing non-TDR loans	$	598	$	425
Nonaccruing TDR’s
Commercial, financial and agricultural		5		0
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		58		71
Real estate - commercial:
Owner occupied		0		164
Total nonaccrual loans including TDRs	$	661	$	660
Commercial Grading System
We use risk rating definitions for our commercial loan portfolios and certain residential loans which are generally consistent with regulatory and banking industry norms. Loans are assigned a credit quality grade which is based upon management’s on-going assessment of risk based upon an evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative aspects of each credit. This assessment is a dynamic process and risk ratings are adjusted as each borrower’s financial situation changes. This process is designed to provide timely recognition of a borrower’s financial condition and appropriately focus management resources.
Pass rated loans exhibit acceptable risk to the bank in terms of financial capacity to repay their loans as well as possessing acceptable fallback repayment sources, typically collateral and personal guarantees. Pass rated commercial loan relationships with a total exposure of $1 million or greater are subject to a formal annual review process; additionally, management reviews the risk rating at the time of any late payments, overdrafts or other sign of deterioration in the interim.
Loans rated Pass-Watch require more than usual attention and monitoring by the account officer, though not to the extent that a formal remediation plan is warranted. Borrowers can be rated Pass-Watch based upon a weakened capital structure, marginally adequate cash flow and/or collateral coverage or early-stage declining trends in operations or financial condition.
Loans rated Special Mention possess potential weakness that may expose the bank to some risk of loss in the future. These loans require more frequent monitoring and formal reporting to Management.
Substandard loans reflect well-defined weaknesses in the current repayment capacity, collateral or net worth of the borrower with the possibility of some loss to the bank if these weaknesses are not corrected. Action plans are required for these loans to address the inherent weakness in the credit and are formally reviewed.
Residential real estate and consumer loans
We do not use a grading system for our performing residential real estate and consumer loans. Credit quality for these loans is based on performance and payment status.
Below is a summary of loans by credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2014:
					Pass-		Special		Sub-
(In thousands)	Unrated		Pass		Watch		Mention		Standard		Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	352		143,813		21,563		3,942		7,927	$	177,597
Municipal		40		75,337		17,101		1,888		0		94,366
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		428,073		3,046		170		0		450		431,739
Second mortgage		37,790		0		0		0		0		37,790
Real estate – commercial:
Owner occupied		187		220,651		18,708		1,378		19,173		260,097
Non-owner occupied		189		130,218		20,773		0		1,170		152,350
Real estate – construction:
Residential		288		3,843		0		0		0		4,131
Commercial		170		17,588		40		0		1,929		19,727
Installment		4,504		0		0		0		0		4,504
All other loans		33		0		0		0		0		33
Total	$	471,626	$	594,496	$	78,355	$	7,208	$	30,649	$	1,182,334
Below is a summary of loans by credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2013:
					Pass-		Special		Sub-
(In thousands)	Unrated		Pass		Watch		Mention		Standard		Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	242	$	152,466	$	14,092	$	96	$	5,914	$	172,810
Municipal		28		65,474		26,548		1,957		0		94,007
Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		449,951		2,520		0		65		543		453,079
Second mortgage		36,599		0		0		0		28		36,627
Real estate – commercial:
Owner occupied		165		187,779		17,236		2,342		16,894		224,416
Non-owner occupied		171		134,222		9,841		270		2,399		146,903
Real estate – construction:
Residential		904		1,591		0		0		0		2,495
Commercial		738		28,127		481		0		0		29,346
Installment		5,655		0		0		0		0		5,655
All other loans		895		0		0		0		0		895
Total	$	495,348	$	572,179	$	68,198	$	4,730	$	25,778	$	1,166,233

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	NOTE 5: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	We record certain assets and liabilities at fair value.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Fair value measurements are also utilized to determine the initial value of certain assets and liabilities, to perform impairment assessments, and for disclosure purposes. We use quoted market prices and observable inputs to the maximum extent possible when measuring fair value.  In the absence of quoted market prices, various valuation techniques are utilized to measure fair value.  When possible, observable market data for identical or similar financial instruments are used in the valuation.  When market data is not available, fair value is determined using valuation models that incorporate Management’s estimates of the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	Our valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While Management believes our valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.  A more detailed 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.
	The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
		Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
		Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
		Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported by little or no market activity).
	A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and Agency securities, liquid mortgage products, active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We do not adjust the quoted price for such instruments.
	The types of instruments valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, less liquid mortgage products, less liquid Agency securities, less liquid listed equities, state, municipal and provincial obligations, and certain physical commodities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions; valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, Management’s best estimate will be used. Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Subsequent to inception, Management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.
	Financial instruments on a recurring basis
	The table below presents the balance of financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	25,093	$	0	$	25,093	$	0
	Agency MBSs		95,407		0		95,407		0
	Agency CMBSs		21,704		0		21,704		0
	Agency CMOs		60,882		0		60,882		0
	ABSs		387		0		387		0
	Interest rate swap agreements		618		0		618		0
	Total assets	$	204,091	$	0	$	204,091	$	0
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swap agreements		1,096		0		1,096		0
	Total liabilities	$	1,096	$	0	$	1,096	$	0
	The table below presents the balance of financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	100	$	0	$	100	$	0
	Agency MBSs		99,271		0		99,271		0
	Agency CMBSs		17,638		0		17,638		0
	Agency CMOs		97,209		0		97,209		0
	CLOs		37,907		0		37,907		0
	ABSs		388		0		388		0
	Interest rate swap agreements		803		0		803		0
	Total assets	$	253,316	$	0	$	253,316	$	0
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swap agreements		1,529		0		1,529		0
	Total liabilities	$	1,529	$	0	$	1,529	$	0
	Investment securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The prices for these instruments are obtained through an independent pricing service or dealer market participant with whom we have historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include 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 conditions, among other things. More information regarding our investment securities can be found in Note 3 to these consolidated financial statements.
	The interest rate swaps are reported at their fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs from third parties. The fair value of our interest rate swaps are determined using prices obtained from a third party advisor.  The fair value measurement of the interest rate swap is determined by netting the discounted future fixed cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts.  The variable cash receipts are based on the expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves.
	There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the year ended December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.  There were no Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Financial instruments on a non-recurring basis
	Certain financial assets are also measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, however they were not material at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. These financial assets include impaired loans and OREO.
	The fair value of Merchants’ financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 are summarized in the table below:
		Carrying
	(In thousands)	Amount		Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	154,459	$	154,459	$	154,459	$	0	$	0
	Securities available for sale		203,473		203,473		0		203,473		0
	Securities held to maturity		138,421		139,171		0		139,171		0
	FHLB stock		4,378		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
	Loans, net of allowance for loan losses		1,170,501		1,172,517		0		0		1,172,517
	Interest rate swap agreement		618		618		0		618		0
	Accrued interest receivable		3,787		3,787		0		847		2,940
	Total	$	1,675,637	$	1,674,025	$	154,459	$	344,109	$	1,175,457
	Deposits	$	1,308,772	$	1,308,904	$	1,097,088	$	211,816	$	0
	Securities sold under agreement to repurchase		258,464		258,438		0		258,438		0
	Other long-term debt		2,320		2,277		0		2,277		0
	Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust		20,619		14,476		0		14,476		0
	Interest rate swap agreement		1,096		1,096		0		1,096		0
Accrued interest payable		165		165		19		146		0
Total	$	1,591,436	$	1,585,356	$	1,097,107	$	488,249	$	0
The fair value of Merchants’ financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 are summarized in the table below:
	Carrying
(In thousands)	Amount		Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents	$	115,471	$	115,471	$	115,471	$	0	$	0
Securities available for sale		252,513		252,513		0		252,513		0
Securities held to maturity		140,826		137,087		0		137,087		0
FHLB stock		7,496		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses		1,154,191		1,155,348		0		0		1,155,348
Interest rate swap agreement		803		803		0		803		0
Accrued interest receivable		3,982		3,982		0		958		3,024
Total	$	1,675,282	$	1,665,204	$	115,471	$	391,361	$	1,158,372
Deposits	$	1,323,576	$	1,324,634	$	1,018,470	$	306,162	$	0
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase		250,314		250,290		0		250,290		0
Other long-term debt		2,403		2,287		0		2,287		0
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust		20,619		14,189		0		14,189		0
Interest rate swap agreement		1,529		1,529		0		1,529		0
Accrued interest payable		214		214		15		199		0
Total	$	1,598,654	$	1,593,143	$	1,018,485	$	574,656	$	0
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable approximate fair value. It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.
The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.
Loans - The fair value for loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates and spreads currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality resulting in a Level 3 classification. Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value as described previously.  The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price.
Deposits - The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, which includes demand, savings, interest bearing checking and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand resulting in a Level 1 classification. The fair value of variable rate, fixed term certificates of deposit also approximates the carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of fixed rate and fixed term certificates of deposit is estimated using a discounted cash flow method which applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities resulting in a Level 2 classification.
Debt - The fair value of debt is estimated using current market rates for borrowings of similar remaining maturity resulting in a Level 2 classification.
Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit - The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of financial standby letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties. The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is approximately $47 thousand at December 31, 2014 and $47 thousand as of December 31, 2013, respectively.
Limitations ‑ Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments.  Because no market exists for a significant portion of the financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other such factors.
These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time our entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.  These estimates are subjective in nature and require considerable judgment to interpret market data. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could realize in a current market exchange, nor are they intended to represent the fair value of us as a whole.  The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.  The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to Management as of the respective balance sheet date.  Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
Other significant assets, such as premises and equipment, other assets, and liabilities not defined as financial instruments, are not included in the above disclosures.  Also, the fair value estimates for deposits do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market.

Premises_and_Equipment

Premises and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises and Equipment
	NOTE 6: PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
	The components of premises and equipment included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		Estimated Useful Lives (In years)
	Land	$	332	$	332	N/A
	Bank premises		6,789		6,782	39
	Leasehold improvements		9,936		9,276	5 – 20
	Furniture, equipment, and software		19,346		17,694	3 – 7
	Total gross fixed assets		36,403		34,084
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		20,911		18,512
	Total net fixed assets	$	15,492	$	15,572
	Depreciation and amortization expense related to premises and equipment amounted to $2.45 million, $2.18 million and $1.95 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	We occupy certain banking offices under non-cancellable operating lease agreements expiring at various dates over the next 20 years. The majority of leases have multiple options with escalation clauses for increases associated with the cost of living or other variable expenses over time. Rent expense on these properties totaled $1.32 million, $1.20 million and $1.08 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Minimum lease payments on these properties subsequent to December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Amount
	2015	$	1,554
	2016		1,385
	2017		1,210
	2018		953
	2019		908
	Thereafter		5,844
	Total	$	11,854
	We entered into a sale leaseback arrangement for our principal office in South Burlington, Vermont, in June 2008. The deferred gain on the sale leaseback transaction resulted in a $423 thousand offset to rent expense per year through 2017 and $212 thousand in 2018. The deferred gain included in other liabilities totaled $1,481 thousand and $1,904 thousand at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	We entered into a sale leaseback arrangement for one of our branch locations in Burlington, Vermont in December 2013. The deferred gain on the sale leaseback transaction will result in a $93 thousand offset to rent expense per year through 2023. The deferred gain included in other liabilities totaled $841 thousand and $934 thousand at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Time_Deposits

Time Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Time Deposits [Abstract]
Time Deposits	NOTE 7: TIME DEPOSITS
	Scheduled maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(In thousands)
	Mature in year ending December 31,
	2015		145,648
	2016		36,042
	2017		8,165
	2018		10,055
	2019		10,882
	Thereafter		892
	Total time deposits	$	211,684
	Time deposits greater than $250 thousand totaled $27.64 million and $44.05 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Securities_Sold_Under_Agreemen

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Short-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Short-Term Debt [Abstract]
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Short-Term Debt
	NOTE 8: SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE AND OTHER SHORT-TERM DEBT
	FHLBB short-term borrowings and securities sold under agreements to repurchase mature daily. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage-backed obligations. We maintain effective control over the securities underlying the agreements.
	As of December 31, 2014, we could borrow up to $65 million in overnight funds through unsecured borrowing lines established with correspondent banks. We have established both overnight and longer term lines of credit with the FHLBB. The borrowings are secured by residential mortgage loans. The total amount of loans pledged to the FHLBB for both short and long-term borrowing arrangements totaled $369.78 million and $276.94 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We have $246.92 million in additional short or long-term borrowing capacity with FHLBB. We also have the ability to borrow short-term or long-term through the use of repurchase agreements, collateralized by our investments, with certain approved counterparties.
	The following table provides certain information regarding other borrowed funds for the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	FHLB short-term borrowings
	Amount outstanding at year end	$	0		$	0		$	0
	Maximum amount outstanding during the year		18,900			72,500			97,000
	Average amount outstanding during the year		212			17,259			38,290
	Weighted average-rate during the year		0.31	%		0.30	%		0.28	%
	Weighted average rate at year-end		0	%		0	%		0	%
	Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
	Amount outstanding at year end	$	258,464		$	250,314		$	287,520
	Maximum amount outstanding during the year		292,692			284,297			303,420
	Average amount outstanding during the year		192,868			212,644			230,281
	Weighted average-rate during the year		0.18	%		0.41	%		0.73	%
	Weighted average rate at year-end		0.26	%		0.18	%		0.47	%

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	NOTE 9: LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Federal Home Loan Bank Notes, payable through March  2029, Rates ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%		2,320		2,403
		$	2,320	$	2,403
	There were no prepayment penalties incurred during 2014 or during 2013. During 2012, we prepaid $20 million in long-term debt and incurred prepayment penalties totaling $1.36 million.
	Contractual maturities and amortization of long-term debt subsequent to December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Amount
	2015	$	84
	2016		85
	2017		87
	2018		89
	2019		91
	2020 and after		1,884
	Total due	$	2,320

Trust_Preferred_Securities

Trust Preferred Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Trust Preferred Securities [Abstract]
Trust Preferred Securities	NOTE 10: TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
	On December 15, 2004, we closed our private placement of an aggregate of $20 million of trust preferred securities. The placement occurred through a newly formed Delaware statutory trust affiliate, MBVT Statutory Trust I (the “Trust”), as part of a pooled trust preferred program. The Trust was formed for the sole purpose of issuing capital securities which are non-voting. We own all of the common securities of the Trust. The proceeds from the sale of the capital securities were loaned to us under subordinated debentures issued to the Trust. The debentures are the only asset of the Trust and payments under the debentures are the sole revenue of the Trust. Our primary source of funds to pay interest on the debentures held by the Trust is current dividends from our principal subsidiary, Merchants Bank. Accordingly, our ability to service the debentures is dependent upon the continued ability of Merchants Bank to pay dividends to us.
	These hybrid securities currently qualify as regulatory capital, up to certain regulatory limits. At the same time they are considered debt for tax purposes, and as such, interest payments are fully deductible. The trust preferred securities total $20.62 million, and carried a fixed rate of interest through December 2009 at which time the rate became variable and adjusts quarterly at three month LIBOR plus 1.95%. We entered into an interest rate swap arrangement for $10 million of our trust preferred issuance which was effective beginning on December 15, 2009. The swap fixes the rate on $10 million at 5.23% and expires on December 15, 2016.  The impact on net interest income for 2014, 2013 and 2012 from the interest expense on the trust preferred securities was $752 thousand, $756 thousand and $1.18 million per year, respectively. The trust preferred securities mature on December 31, 2034, and are redeemable without penalty at our option, subject to prior approval by the FRB.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes
	NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES
	The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Current	$	3,707	$	733	$	4,721
	Deferred		-175		4,329		772
	Provision for income taxes	$	3,532	$	5,062	$	5,493
	Not included in the above table is the income tax impact associated with the unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale and the income tax impact associated with the funded status of the pension plan, which are recorded directly in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.
	The tax effects of temporary differences and tax credits that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for loan losses	$	4,773	$	4,427
	Postretirement benefit obligation		1,797		951
	Deferred compensation		1,427		1,369
	Installment sales		0		71
	Core deposit intangible		0		31
	Interest rate swap		165		251
	Qualified School Bond Tax Credits		919		919
	Affordable Housing/Other Tax Credits		1,170		1,244
	Other		189		284
	Net Operating Loss		0		288
	Investment in real estate limited partnerships, net		335		121
	Unrealized loss on securities available for sale		0		99
	Unrealized loss on securities held to maturity		1,475		1,726
	Total deferred tax assets	$	12,250	$	11,781
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Loan mark-to-market adjustment	$	-3,736	$	-3,756
	Deferred compensation		0		-3
	Installment sales		-30		0
	Unrealized gain on securities available for sale		-797		0
	Depreciation		-1,175		-1,442
	Accrued pension cost		-3,106		-2,963
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	-8,844	$	-8,164
	Net deferred tax asset	$	3,406	$	3,617
	In assessing the realizability of our total deferred tax assets, Management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of those assets will not be realized. Based upon Management’s consideration of historical and anticipated future pre-tax income, as well as the reversal period for the items giving rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities, a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was not considered necessary at December 31, 2014 and 2013. However, factors beyond management’s control, such as the general state of the economy, can affect future levels of taxable income and there can be no assurances that sufficient taxable income will be generated to fully realize the deferred tax assets in the future.
	The following is a reconciliation of the federal income tax provision, calculated at the statutory rate of 35%, to the recorded provision for income taxes:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Applicable statutory Federal income tax	$	5,402	$	6,972	$	7,241
	(Reduction) increase in taxes resulting from:
	Low Income Housing Projects		858		705		985
	Tax-exempt income		-729		-708		-719
	Tax credits		-1,936		-1,798		-2,164
	Bank owned life insurance		-107		0		0
	Other, net		44		-109		150
	Provision for income taxes	$	3,532	$	5,062	$	5,493
	We have not identified any of our tax positions that contain significant uncertainties. Housing tax credits are recognized using the flow through method. We are subject to federal and state income tax examinations for years after December 31, 2011.
	The State of Vermont assesses a franchise tax for banks in lieu of income tax. The franchise tax is assessed based on deposits. Vermont franchise taxes, net of state credits amounted to approximately $1.43 million, $1.44 million and $1.30 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is included as noninterest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	NOTE 12: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Pension Plan
	Prior to January 1995, we maintained a noncontributory defined benefit plan (the “Pension Plan”) covering all eligible employees. During 1995, the Pension Plan was curtailed. Accordingly, all accrued benefits were fully vested and no additional years of service or age will be accrued.
	We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a single employer defined benefit post retirement plan as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets and recognize changes in the funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the change occurred.
	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the Pension Plan’s benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the two year period ending December 31, 2014, and a statement of the funded status as of December 31 of both years:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Reconciliation of benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	9,611	$	10,801
	Service cost including expenses		44		53
	Interest cost		464		418
	Actuarial (gain) loss		2,013		-1,117
	Benefits paid and expected expenses		-576		-544
	Benefit obligation at year-end	$	11,556	$	9,611
	Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	15,446	$	14,412
	Actual return on plan assets		489		1,569
	Employer contributions		0		0
	Benefits paid and actual expenses		-585		-535
	Fair value of plan assets at year-end	$	15,350	$	15,446
	Funded status at year end	$	3,794	$	5,835
	We have no minimum required contribution for 2015.
	The accumulated benefit obligation is equal to the projected benefit obligation and was $11.56 million and $9.61 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for net actuarial losses totaled $5.2 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The following tables summarize the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in Pension Plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Interest cost	$	464	$	418	$	478
	Expected return on plan assets		-1,059		-988		-600
	Service costs		44		53		48
	Net loss amortization		137		355		326
	Net periodic pension cost	$	-414	$	-162	$	252
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Net loss (gain)	$	2,606	$	-1,707	$	1,016
	Net loss amortization		-137		-355		-326
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income	$	2,469	$	-2,062	$	690
	Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and
	other comprehensive income	$	2,055	$	-2,224	$	942
	The estimated net actuarial loss for the Pension Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost for 2015 is $411 thousand.
	The following table summarizes the assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			2014		2013		2012
	Benefit obligations
	Discount rate		3.97	%	4.98	%	3.98	%
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Discount rate		4.98	%	3.98	%	5.24	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.00	%	7.00	%	7.00	%
	The discount rate reflects the rates at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. We look to rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments currently available and expected to be available during the period of maturity of the pension benefits. Consideration was given to the rates that would be used to settle plan obligations as of December 31, 2014 and to the rates of other indices at year-end. Our actuary constructed a hypothetical high quality bond portfolio with cash flows that match the expected monthly benefit payments under the pension plan and calculated a discount rate based upon that portfolio. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects long-term earnings expectations on existing plan assets and those contributions expected to be received during the current plan year. In estimating that rate, appropriate consideration was given to historical returns earned by plan assets in the fund and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment. Rates of return were adjusted to reflect current capital market assumptions and changes in investment allocations, if any.
	The Board of Directors has chosen our Trust division as the investment manager for the Pension Plan. The investment objectives of the Pension Plan are to provide both income and capital appreciation and to assist with current and future spending needs of the Pension Plan while at the same time minimizing the risks of investing. The investment target of the Pension Plan is to achieve a total annual rate of return in excess of the change in the Consumer Price Index for the aggregate investments of the Pension Plan evaluated over a period of five years. A certain amount of risk must be assumed to achieve the Pension Plan's investment target rate of return. The Pension Plan uses a balanced portfolio which has a 5-15 year time horizon and is considered moderate risk. The portfolio strategy followed by the Pension Plan has a baseline allocation of 60% stock and 40% fixed income securities, but the investment manager may allocate funds within certain specified ranges. The range for equities is 35% to 75% and for fixed income securities the range is 25% to 60%. The allocation among categories will vary from the baseline allocation when opportunities are identified to improve returns and/or reduce risk.
	The fair value of Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2014 by asset category are as follows:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	(In thousands)			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Description	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Cash	$	6	$	6	$	0	$	0
	Money Market Funds		690		690		0		0
	Equity Securities:				0
	Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds		3,770		3,770		0		0
	Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds		128		128		0		0
	Global Equity Mutual Funds		866		866		0		0
	International Equity Mutual Funds		2,898		2,898		0		0
	Absolute Return Funds		770		770		0		0
	Fixed Income:
	Taxable Bond Mutual Funds		6,222		6,222		0		0
	Total	$	15,350	$	15,350	$	0	$	0
	The fair value of Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2013 by asset category are as follows:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	(In thousands)			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Description	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Cash	$	31	$	31	$	0	$	0
Money Market Funds		434		434		0		0
Equity Securities:
Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds		3,630		3,630		0		0
Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds		140		140		0		0
Domestic Equities		256		256		0		0
Global Equity Mutual Funds		939		939		0		0
International Equity Mutual Funds		2,712		2,712		0		0
Absolute Return Funds		722		722		0		0
Fixed Income:
International Bond Mutual Funds		559		559		0		0
Taxable Bond Mutual Funds		6,023		6,023		0		0
Total	$	15,446	$	15,446	$	0	$	0
Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds: Funds in this category have a diversified, index and actively managed multi-manager approach to investing in domestic stocks. There are multiple fund managers that are included in the portfolio with multiple categories of industries being invested in by the managers in mid-size, to large-size publicly traded firms with a majority of funds invested in large companies.
Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds: Funds in this category have a diversified, active fund manager approach to investing in small company domestic stocks.
Global Equity Mutual Funds: Funds in this category are diversified, active global equity funds that have exposure to both large company domestic stocks as well as large company developed country international stocks.
International Equity Mutual Funds: Funds in this category have a diversified, index and actively managed multi-manager approach to investing in international developed country stocks and emerging market stocks.
Absolute Return Funds: Funds in this category are invested in a diversified portfolio of stocks, preferred stocks, convertible bonds, and bonds. The portfolio manager’s objective is to take advantage of inefficiencies in the stock and bond markets to capture a return on investment by using specialized trading strategies. The goal of these trading strategies is to provide investors with consistent, positive returns that are not necessarily correlated to the general equity markets.
International Bond Mutual Funds: Funds in this category have a diversified, actively managed approach to investing in international bonds, with an average credit rating for the majority of the portfolio being investment grade.
Taxable Bond Mutual Funds: Funds in this category have a diversified, actively managed multi-manager approach to investing in domestic and international bonds. A majority of funds are invested in domestic bonds with an average credit rating for the majority of the portfolio being investment grade.
The following table summarizes the estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid under the Pension Plan:
		Pension
(In thousands)		Benefits
2015	$	570
2016		591
2017		630
2018		672
2019		679
Years 2020 to 2024	$	3,559
The estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid under the Pension Plan are based on the same assumptions used to measure our benefit obligation at December 31, 2014. No future service estimates were included due to the frozen status of the Pension Plan.
401(k) Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Under the terms of our 401(k) Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“401(k)”) eligible employees are entitled to contribute up to 75% of their compensation, subject to IRS limitations, to the 401(k), and we contribute a percentage of the amounts contributed by the employees as authorized by Merchants’ Bank’s Board of Directors. We contributed approximately 48%, 46% and 47% of the amounts contributed by the employees in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Summary of Expense
A summary of expense relating to our various employee benefit plans for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Pension plan	$	-414	$	-162	$	252
401(k)		585		565		590
Total	$	171	$	403	$	842

StockBased_Compensation_Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
	NOTE 13: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	Merchants has established stock based compensation plans for directors and for certain employees. The Amended and Restated Merchants Bancshares, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) allows us to grant stock options and restricted stock grants to certain employees. The Plan allows for the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of stock. As of December 31, 2014, there were 450,094 shares that remain available for future grants under the Plan.  The Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries Amended and Restated 2008 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Trustees allows us to issue up to 150,000 shares of stock. As of December 31, 2014 there were 104,469 shares that remain available for future issuance under the Plan.
	The fair value of stock option and restricted stock awards, measured at the grant date are amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The total compensation cost related to stock option awards and restricted stock awards was $119 thousand, $187 thousand and $172 thousand for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Compensation cost related to stock option and restricted stock awards is included in salary expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. There is no remaining compensation expense relating to stock option grants. Remaining compensation expense related to current outstanding restricted stock awards is $199 thousand.
	Deferred Compensation Plans for Non-Employee Directors
	Merchants has established deferred compensation plans for non-employee Directors and Trustees. The total number of shares of common stock available under the plan is 150,000 shares. Under the terms of these plans participating directors can elect to have all, or a specified percentage, of their director’s fees for a given year paid in the form of cash or deferred in the form of restricted shares of Merchants’ common stock. These shares are held in a rabbi trust and are considered outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share. Directors who elect to have their compensation deferred are credited with a number of shares of Merchants’ common stock equal in value to the amount of fees deferred. The participating director may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of these shares prior to distribution. With respect to shares of common stock issued or otherwise transferred to a participating director, the participating director will have the right to receive dividends or other distributions thereon. Deferred director’s fees are recognized as an expense in the year incurred.
	Restricted Stock
	Restricted stock provides grantees with rights to shares of common stock upon completion of a service period. During the service period, all shares are considered outstanding and dividends are paid on the restricted stock. We made a grant of  7,120,  5,846 and 6,680 restricted shares in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The shares vest three years after the grant date. The grant date fair value of restricted stock granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $28.60, $28.96 per share and $26.33 per share, respectively. A summary of Merchants’ restricted stock awards is as follows:
			Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-Vested Shares at January 1, 2014		20,838	$	26.46
	Granted		7,120		28.6
	Vested		-9,569		25
	Forfeited		-4,424		28.09
	Non-Vested Shares at December 31, 2014		13,965	$	28.03
	The total fair value of shares vested during the year ending December 31, 2014 was $282 thousand. No shares vested prior to 2014.
	Stock Options
	Stock options were granted at 100% of fair market value and vest over three years.  The last option granted was in May 2010. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that requires Merchants to develop estimates for assumptions used in the model. The Black-Scholes valuation model uses the following assumptions: expected volatility, expected term of option, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Expected volatility estimates are developed based on historical volatility of our stock. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the grant date. The dividend yield represents the expected dividends on our stock.
	A summary of Merchants’ stock option plan as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and changes during the years then ended are as follows, with numbers of shares in thousands:
		2014			2013			2012
			Weighted			Weighted			Weighted
			Average			Average			Average
		Number	Exercise		Number	Exercise		Number	Exercise
		Of	Price		Of	Price		Of	Price
		Shares	Per Share		Shares	Per Share		Shares	Per Share
	Options outstanding, beginning of year	88		22.95	95	$	22.87	121	$	22.81
	Granted	0		0	0		0	0		0
	Exercised	6		22.07	8		22.07	18		22.81
	Forfeited	0		0	0		0	8		22.07
	Expired	0		0	0		0	0		0
	Options outstanding, end of year	82	$	23.00	88	$	22.95	95	$	22.87
	Options exercisable	82	$	23.00	88	$	22.95	51	$	23.57
	As of December 31, 2014, there were options outstanding within the following ranges: 72 thousand at an exercise price within the range of $22.07 to $22.93, and 10 thousand at $26.63.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $41 thousand, $52 thousand and $73 thousand for the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We generally use shares held in treasury for option exercises. Options exercisable at December 31, 2014 had an intrinsic value of $626 thousand and a weighted average remaining term of 5.03 years. The total cash received from employees, net of withholding taxes, as a result of employee stock option exercises was $0, $0  and $280 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The tax benefit realized as a result of the stock option exercises was approximately $14 thousand, $8 thousand and $20 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share
	NOTE 14: EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table presents reconciliations of the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
	(In thousands except per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Net income	$	12,125	$	15,131	$	15,194
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		6,326		6,303		6,259
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents		18		13		12
	Weighted average common and common equivalent
	shares outstanding		6,344		6,316		6,271
	Basic earnings per common share	$	1.92	$	2.40	$	2.43
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.91	$	2.40	$	2.42
	Basic earnings per common share were computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes the effect of assuming the exercise of certain outstanding stock options because the effect would be anti-dilutive. There were no anti-dilutive options outstanding for 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Parent_Company

Parent Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Parent Company [Abstract]
Parent Company	NOTE 15: PARENT COMPANY
	Merchants Bancshares, Inc.’s (the “Parent Company”) investments in its subsidiaries are recorded using the equity method of accounting. Summarized financial information relative to the Parent Company only balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and statements of income and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2014, are shown in the following table. The statement of changes in shareholders' equity for the Parent Company are not reported because they are identical to the consolidated financial statements.
	Balance Sheets as of December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Assets:
	Investment in subsidiaries*	$	144,533	$	137,810
	Cash*		2,197		2,797
	Other assets		323		461
	Total assets	$	147,053	$	141,068
	Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
	Other liabilities	$	613	$	838
	Long term debt		20,619		20,619
	Shareholders’ equity		125,821		119,611
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	147,053	$	141,068
	Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Dividends from Merchants Bank*	$	7,085	$	5,789	$	7,607
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries*		5,857		10,211		8,721
	Other expense, net		-1,276		-1,337		-1,743
	Benefit from income taxes		459		468		609
	Net income	$	12,125	$	15,131	$	15,194
	Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Cash flow from operating activities:
	Net income	$	12,125	$	15,131	$	15,194
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Net change in other assets		138		65		170
	Net change in other liabilities		-67		-121		-116
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries*		-5,857		-10,211		-8,721
	Net cash provided by operating activities		6,339		4,864		6,527
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Sale of treasury stock		0		15		18
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		0		0		280
	Tax benefit from exercises of stock options		14		8		20
	Cash dividends paid		-7,167		-6,432		-6,324
	Other, net		214		226		200
	Net cash used in financing activities		-6,939		-6,183		-5,806
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		-600		-1,319		721
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		2,797		4,116		3,395
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	2,197	$	2,797	$	4,116
	* Account balances are partially or fully eliminated in consolidation

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	NOTE 16: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
	Merchants is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments primarily include commitments to extend credit and financial guarantees. Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk that are not recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and financial guarantees written is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.
	The contractual amounts of these financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
	Commitments to originate loans	$	37,651	$	12,728
	Unused lines of credit		197,682		195,510
	Standby letters of credit		8,768		4,729
	Equity commitments to affordable housing limited partnerships		3,019		2,841
	Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since a portion of the commitment is expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent a future cash requirement. We evaluate each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained by us upon extension of credit is based on Management's credit evaluation of the counterparty, and an appropriate amount of real and/or personal property is typically obtained as collateral.
	Disclosures are required regarding liability-recognition for the fair value at issuance of certain guarantees. We do not issue any guarantees that would require liability-recognition or disclosure, other than our standby letters of credit. We have issued conditional commitments in the form of standby letters of credit to guarantee payment on behalf of a customer and guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally arise in connection with lending relationships. The credit risk involved in issuing these instruments is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Contingent obligations under standby letters of credit totaled approximately $8.77 million and $4.73 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and represent the maximum potential future payments we could be required to make. Typically, these instruments have terms of 12 months or less and expire unused; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer is evaluated individually for creditworthiness under the same underwriting standards used for commitments to extend credit and on-balance sheet instruments. Our policies governing loan collateral apply to standby letters of credit at the time of credit extension. Loan-to-value ratios are generally consistent with loan-to-value requirements for other commercial loans secured by similar types of collateral.
	We may enter into commitments to sell loans, which involve market and interest rate risk. There were no such commitments at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Balances at the Federal Reserve Bank
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, amounts at the Federal Reserve Bank included $22.89 million and $17.03 million, respectively, held to satisfy certain reserve requirements of the Federal Reserve Bank.
	Legal Proceedings
	We have been named as defendants in various legal proceedings arising from our normal business activities. Although the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to such proceedings cannot be determined, in the opinion of Management, based upon input from counsel on the anticipated outcome of such proceedings, any such liability will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	NOTE 17: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	(In thousands)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available-For-Sale		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Transferred From Available-For-Sale to Held-To-Maturity		Pension Plan		Interest Rate Swaps		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Beginning Balance	$	-162	$	-3,296	$	-1,790	$	-472	$	-5,720
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		1,713		0		-1,694		161		180
	Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		-8		8		0		0		0
	Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income		0		472		0		0		472
	Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income		-69		0		89		0		20
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		1,636		480		-1,605		161		672
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	1,474	$	-2,816	$	-3,395	$	-311	$	-5,048
	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax for the year ending December 31, 2013.
	(In thousands)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available-For-Sale		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Transferred From Available-For-Sale to Held-To-Maturity		Pension Plan		Interest Rate Swaps		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Beginning Balance	$	6,033	$	0	$	-3,130	$	-688	$	2,215
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		-9,844		0		1,110		216		-8,518
	Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		3,533		-3,533		0		0		0
	Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income		0		237		0		0		237
	Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income		116		0		230		0		346
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		-6,195		-3,296		1,340		216		-7,935
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	-162	$	-3,296	$	-1,790	$	-472	$	-5,720
	Details of the reclassification adjustments in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2014 are presented below:
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components    (In thousands)	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
	Unrealized gains (losses) securities
		$	-107	Net losses (gains) on investment securities
			-107	Total before tax
			38	Provision for income taxes
		$	-69	Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension plan
		$	137	Compensation and benefits
			137	Total before tax
			-48	Provision for income taxes
		$	89	Net of tax
	Total reclassification adjustments	$	20
	Details of the reclassification adjustments in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2013 are presented below:
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components           (In thousands)	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
	Unrealized gains (losses) securities
			166	Net impairment losses
		$	12	Net losses (gains) on investment securities
			178	Total before tax
			-62	Provision for income taxes
		$	116	Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension plan
			355	Compensation and benefits
			355	Total before tax
			-125	Provision for income taxes
		$	230	Net of tax
	Total reclassification adjustments	$	346

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement

Regulatory Capital Requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
Regulatory Capital Requirements
	NOTE 18: REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
	We are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. It is the policy of the FRB that banks and bank holding companies, respectively, should pay dividends only out of current earnings and only if, after paying such dividends, the bank or bank holding company would remain adequately capitalized. We are also subject to the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action that requires it to meet specific capital guidelines to be considered well capitalized. Our capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
	Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us to maintain minimum ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2014, that Merchants met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
	As of December 31, 2014, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized Merchants Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that Management believes have changed Merchants Bank’s category. To be considered well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Merchants Bank must maintain minimum Tier 1 Leverage, Tier 1 Risk-Based, and Total Risk-Based Capital ratios. Set forth in the table below are those ratios as well as those for Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
	The FRB has the authority to prohibit a bank holding company, such as us, from paying dividends if it deems such payment to be an unsafe or unsound practice. The FDIC has the authority to use its enforcement powers to prohibit a bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Federal law also prohibits the payment of dividends by a bank that will result in the bank failing to meet its applicable capital requirements on a pro forma basis.
										To Be Well-
										Capitalized Under
						For Capital				Prompt Corrective
		Actual				Adequacy Purposes				Action Provisions
	(In thousands)	Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent
	As of December 31, 2014
	Merchants Bancshares, Inc.:
	Tier 1 Leverage Capital	$	148,045	8.76	%	$	67,616	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital		148,045	15.70	%		37,724	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Total Risk-Based Capital		159,856	16.95	%		75,447	8.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Merchants Bank:
	Tier 1 Leverage Capital	$	145,823	8.60	%	$	64,816	4.00	%	$	87,770	5.00	%
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital		145,823	15.36	%		37,983	4.00	%		56,974	6.00	%
	Total Risk-Based Capital		157,704	16.61	%		75,965	8.00	%		94,957	10.00	%
	As of December 31, 2013
	Merchants Bancshares, Inc.:
	Tier 1 Leverage Capital	$	142,036	8.44	%	$	67,344	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital		142,036	14.87	%		38,216	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Total Risk-Based Capital		153,999	16.12	%		76,433	8.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Merchants Bank:
	Tier 1 Leverage Capital	$	139,144	8.24	%	$	67,530	4.00	%	$	84,413	5.00	%
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital		139,144	14.47	%		38,470	4.00	%		57,705	6.00	%
	Total Risk-Based Capital		151,176	15.72	%		76,940	8.00	%		96,175	10.00	%
	Capital amounts for Merchants Bancshares, Inc. include $20 million in trust preferred securities issued in December 2004. These hybrid securities qualify as regulatory capital up to certain regulatory limits.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments
	NOTE 19: DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $10 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge. The swap was used to convert a portion of the floating rate interest on our trust preferred issuance to a fixed rate of interest of 5.23% through December 15, 2016. Each quarter we assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationships by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instruments with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item. There was no ineffective portion recognized in earnings during 2014, 2013 or 2012. The fair value of $(479) thousand and $(726) thousand was reflected in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	We entered into interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $39.6 million with certain of our commercial customers.  In order to minimize our risk, these customer derivatives (pay floating/receive fixed swaps) have been offset with essentially matching interest rate swaps with our counterparty totaling $39.6 million (pay fixed/receive floating swaps). At December 31, 2014, the weighted average receive rate of these interest rate swaps was 1.85%, the weighted average pay rate was 3.63% and the weighted average maturity was 12 years.  The fair values of $618 thousand and $618 thousand were reflected in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, the weighted average receive rate of these interest rate swaps was 1.76%, the weighted average pay rate was 3.37% and the weighted average maturity was 13.8 years. The fair values of $803 thousand and $803 thousand were reflected in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013. Hedge accounting has not been applied for these derivatives.  Because the terms of the swaps with our customer and the other financial institution offset each other, with the only difference being counterparty credit risk, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts are not materially different and do not significantly impact our results of operations.
	We entered into interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $9.36 million at December 31, 2014, and $8.80 million at December 31, 2013, that were designated as fair value hedges of certain fixed rate loans with municipalities. At December 31, 2014, the weighted average receive rate of these interest rate swaps was 1.55%, the weighted average pay rate was 3.26% and the weighted average maturity was 17.6 years. At December 31, 2013, the weighted average receive rate of these interest rate swaps was 1.49, the weighted average pay rate was 3.11% and the weighted average maturity was 19.5 years. The amounts recognized in earnings and other assets for the ineffective portion of the interest swaps was immaterial.
	We assessed our counterparty risk at December 31, 2014 and determined any credit risk inherent in our derivative contracts was insignificant. Information about the fair value of derivative financial instruments can be found in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary Merchants Bank (the “Bank,” and collectively with the Company, “Merchants”, “we,” “us, or “our”). All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We offer a full range of deposit, loan, cash management, and trust services to meet the financial needs of individual consumers, businesses and municipalities at 32 full-service banking offices throughout the state of Vermont as of December 31, 2014.
Managementbs Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements	Management’s Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates include those used in determining the allowance for credit losses, income taxes, interest income recognition on loans and investments and analysis of other-than-temporary impairment of our investment securities portfolio. Operating results in the future may vary from the amounts derived from Management's estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal Funds sold and other short-term investments, with maturities at time of purchase of less than 90 days, in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
Investment Securities	Investment Securities
	We classify certain of our investments in debt securities as held to maturity, which are carried at amortized cost, if we have the positive intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Investments in debt securities that are not classified as held to maturity and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale securities or trading securities. Available for sale securities are investments not classified as trading or held to maturity. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value which is measured at each reporting date. The resulting unrealized gain or loss is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of the associated tax effects. Gains and losses on sales of investment securities are recognized through the statement of income using the specific identification method.
	Transfers from securities available for sale to securities held to maturity are recorded at the securities’ fair values on the date of the transfer. Any net unrealized gains or losses continue to be included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), on a net of tax basis. As long as the securities are carried in the held to maturity portfolio, such amounts are amortized (accreted) over the estimated remaining life of the transferred securities as an adjustment to yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of premiums and discounts.
	Interest and dividend income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, are recorded in earnings for all categories of investment securities. Discounts and premiums related to debt securities are amortized using the level-yield method which anticipates prepayments for amortizing securities.
	Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.  Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings.  For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.
Federal Home Loan Bank System	Federal Home Loan Bank System
	We are a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Member institutions are required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLBB in an amount at least equal to the sum of 0.35% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans and similar obligations at the beginning of each year. We were in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2014. FHLBB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
Bank Owned Life Insurance	Bank Owned Life Insurance
	We purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives where the Bank is the beneficiary. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value (“CSV”) adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Increases in the CSV of the policies, as well as death benefits received, net of any CSV, are recorded in noninterest income, and are not subject to income taxes.
Loans	Loans
	Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.
Allowance for Credit Losses	Allowance for Credit Losses
	The allowance for credit losses (“Allowance”) is comprised of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for undisbursed lines of credit, and is based on Management’s estimate of the amount required to reflect probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. Factors considered in evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance include previous loss experience, the size and composition of the portfolio, risk rating composition, current economic and real estate market conditions and their effect on the borrowers, the performance of individual loans in relation to contractual terms and estimated fair values of properties that secure impaired loans.
	The allowance consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) and classified as impaired.
	Commercial and commercial real estate loans are individually evaluated for impairment when a loan meets any of the specific criteria identified in our methodology. If a loan is impaired, the loan is either charged down, or a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
	Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties,  are considered TDRs. Concessions that result in a loan being considered a TDR usually consists of a reduction in interest rate to a below market rate, taking into account the credit quality of the note, or a deferment or reduction of payments, principal or interest, which alters the Bank’s position or significantly extends the note’s maturity date, such that the present value of cash flows to be received is less than those contractually established at the loan’s origination. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loans effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, we determine the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.
	Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
	The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.  The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by us over the most recent 5 years.  This actual loss experiences is supplemented with other factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment.  These factors include consideration of the following:  levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. Due to the added risks associated with loans which are graded as pass-watch, special mention, and substandard that are not classified as impaired, an additional analysis is performed to determine whether an allowance is needed that is not fully captured by the historical loss experience. While historical loss experience by loan segment and migration of loans into higher risk classifications are considered, the following factors are also considered in determining the level of needed allowance on such loans: the historical loss rates of loans specifically classified as pass-watch, special mention, or substandard; and the trends in the collateral on the loans included within these classifications. This analysis created an additional $1.23 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $1.55 million at December 31, 2013 in needed allowance for loan loss.
Troubled Debt Restructuring (bTDRb)	Commercial and commercial real estate loans are individually evaluated for impairment when a loan meets any of the specific criteria identified in our methodology. If a loan is impaired, the loan is either charged down, or a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
	Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties,  are considered TDRs. Concessions that result in a loan being considered a TDR usually consists of a reduction in interest rate to a below market rate, taking into account the credit quality of the note, or a deferment or reduction of payments, principal or interest, which alters the Bank’s position or significantly extends the note’s maturity date, such that the present value of cash flows to be received is less than those contractually established at the loan’s origination. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loans effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, we determine the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.
Income Recognition on Impaired and Nonaccrual Loans	Income Recognition on Impaired and Nonaccrual Loans
	Interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued and placed on non-accrual status at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Mortgage loans, and commercial loans are charged off to the extent principal or interest is deemed uncollectible. Consumer and credit card loans continue to accrue interest until they are charged off no later than 120 days past due unless the loan is well secured and is in the process of collection. Past-due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.
	All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Under the cash-basis method, interest income is recorded when the payment is received in cash. Loans may be returned to accrual status when there is a sustained period of repayment performance (generally a minimum of six months) by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms of the loans and all principal and interest amounts contractually due, including arrearages, are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time.
	While a loan is classified as nonaccrual and the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is uncertain, any payments received are generally applied to reduce the principal balance. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a nonaccrual loan had been partially charged-off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Interest collections in excess of that amount are recorded as a reduction of principal.
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment
	Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided using straight-line and accelerated methods at rates that depreciate the original cost of the premises and equipment over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the expected lease term in the case of leasehold improvements. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals of minor items are generally charged to expense as incurred. When premises and equipment are replaced, retired, or deemed no longer useful they are written down to estimated selling price less costs to sell by a charge to current earnings.
Investments in Real Estate Limited Partnerships	Investments in Real Estate Limited Partnerships
	We have investments in various real estate limited partnerships that acquire, develop, own and operate low and moderate-income housing. Our ownership interest in these limited partnerships ranges from 5.36% to 99.9% as of December 31, 2014. These investments are made directly in Low Income Housing Tax Credit, or LIHTC, partnerships formed by third parties. As a limited partner in these operating partnerships, we receive tax credits and tax deductions for losses incurred by the underlying properties.
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-01, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” The amendment permits an entity to amortize the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the amount of the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. This ASU was applied retrospectively and prior periods have been reclassified accordingly. The adoption of this ASU had had a net effect of $0 to net income in the years presented in these financial statements. Merchants has unfunded commitments of $3,019,280 at year-end related to qualified affordable housing project investments, which will be paid in 2015 and 2016. There were no impairment losses during the year resulting from the forfeiture or ineligibility of tax credits related to qualified affordable housing project investments.
Other Real Estate Owned	Other Real Estate Owned
	Collateral acquired through foreclosure is initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell, at the time of acquisition, establishing a new cost basis. Any cost in excess of the estimated fair value on the transfer date is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent decreases in the fair value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) are reflected as a write-down and charged to expense. Net operating income or expense related to foreclosed property is included in noninterest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Repurchase Agreements	Repurchase Agreements
	Repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured financing transactions since we maintain effective control over the transferred securities and the transfer meets the other criteria for such accounting. Obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. The securities underlying the agreements are delivered to a custodial account for the benefit of the repurchase agreement holders. The repurchase agreement holders, who may sell, loan or otherwise dispose of such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations, agree to resell to us the same securities at the maturities of the agreements.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Amended and Restated Merchants Bancshares, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan provides grants of up to 600,000 stock options or restricted stock awards to certain key employees. We recognize compensation expense for services received in a share-based payment transaction over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. The compensation cost is based on the grant-date fair value of the award (as determined by quoted market prices). Stock awards are granted at fair market value on the date of the grant and vest based on a three year service period.
	The fair value of an option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that requires us to develop estimates for assumptions used in the model. The Black-Scholes valuation model uses the following assumptions: expected volatility, expected term of option, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Expected volatility estimates are developed by us based on historical volatility of our stock. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the grant date.
Employee Benefit Costs	Employee Benefit Costs
	Prior to 1995, we maintained a non-contributory pension plan covering substantially all employees that met eligibility requirements. The plan was curtailed in 1995. The cost of this plan, based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits, is charged to current operating expenses. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a single employer defined benefit post retirement plan as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets and recognize changes in the funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the change occurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Low-income housing tax credits and historic rehabilitation credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense in the year in which they are earned. We recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in other noninterest expense in our consolidated statements of income. Penalties and/or interest were zero or immaterial for 2014, 2013 and 2012. Our policy is to reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur.  The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination.  For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed in a manner similar to that of basic earnings per share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares (such as stock options) were issued during the period, computed using the treasury stock method. Shares held in rabbi trusts related to deferred compensation plans are considered outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income.  Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.
Loss Contingencies	Loss Contingencies
	Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.  Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	At the inception of a derivative contract, we designate the derivative as one of three types based on our intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge.  These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation (“stand-alone derivative”).  For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  For both types of hedges, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as noninterest income.
	Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged.  Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.
	We formally document the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship.  This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions.  We also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items.
	When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income.  When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued, but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	Our operations are solely in the financial services industry and include providing to our customers traditional banking and other financial services. We operate primarily in the state of Vermont. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of our consolidated financial results. Therefore, we have a single operating segment for financial reporting purposes.
Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note.  Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items.  Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Reclassifications are made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements whenever necessary to conform to the current year’s presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or shareholders’ equity

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Securities [Abstract]
Summary Of Amortized Cost And Fair Values Of Securities Classified As Available For Sale And Held To Maturity	The amortized cost and fair values of the securities classified as available for sale and held to maturity as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
				Gross		Gross
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	(In thousands)	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Available for Sale:
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	25,048	$	57	$	12	$	25,093
	Residential Real Estate Mortgage-backed Securities ("Agency MBSs")		92,827		2,680		100		95,407
	Agency Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities ("Agency CMBSs")		22,056		20		372		21,704
	Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations ("Agency CMOs")		60,880		241		239		60,882
	Asset Backed Securities ("ABSs")		351		36		0		387
	Total Available for Sale	$	201,162	$	3,034	$	723	$	203,473
				Gross		Gross
		Amortized		Unrecognized		Unrecognized		Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Held to Maturity:
	U.S. Agency Obligations	$	22,072	$	597	$	0	$	22,669
	U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprises ("U.S. GSEs")		9,498		59		0		9,557
	Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") Obligations		4,720		100		0		4,820
	Agency CMOs		94,022		280		519		93,783
	Agency MBSs		8,109		233		0		8,342
	Total Held to Maturity	$	138,421	$	1,269	$	519	$	139,171
	The amortized cost and fair values of the securities classified as available for sale and held to maturity as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
				Gross		Gross
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	(In thousands)	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Available for Sale:
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	100	$	0	$	0	$	100
	Agency MBSs		97,882		2,876		1,487		99,271
	Agency CMBSs		18,398		0		760		17,638
	Agency CMOs		98,162		254		1,207		97,209
	Collateralized Loan Obligations ("CLOs")		37,834		73		0		37,907
	ABSs		357		31		0		388
	Total Available for Sale	$	252,733	$	3,234	$	3,454	$	252,513
				Gross		Gross
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	Held to Maturity:
	U.S. Agency Obligations (SBA's only)	$	23,580	$	0	$	458	$	23,122
	U.S. GSEs		9,442		0		512		8,930
	FHLB Obligations		4,684		0		191		4,493
	Agency CMOs		94,105		0		2,426		91,679
	Agency MBSs		9,015		25		177		8,863
	Total Held to Maturity	$	140,826	$	25	$	3,764	$	137,087
Summary Of Contractual Maturity Distribution Of Debt Securities Classified As Available For Sale And Held To Maturity	The contractual final maturity distribution of the debt securities classified as available for sale of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
				After One		After Five
		Within		But Within		But Within		After Ten
	(In thousands)	One Year		Five Years		Ten Years		Years		Total
	Available for Sale (at fair value):
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	0	$	25,093	$	0	$	0	$	25,093
	Agency MBSs		32		2,674		21,265		71,436		95,407
	Agency CMBSs		0		13,831		3,668		4,205		21,704
	Agency CMOs		0		0		2,301		58,581		60,882
	ABSs		0		0		0		387		387
	Total Available for Sale	$	32	$	41,598	$	27,234	$	134,609	$	203,473
	Available for Sale (at amortized cost):
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	0	$	25,048	$	0	$	0	$	25,048
	Agency MBSs		31		2,538		20,514		69,744		92,827
	Agency CMBSs		0		13,989		3,740		4,327		22,056
	Agency CMOs		0		0		2,292		58,588		60,880
	ABSs		0		0		0		351		351
	Total Available for Sale	$	31	$	41,575	$	26,546	$	133,010	$	201,162
	The contractual final maturity distribution of the debt securities classified as held to maturity of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
				After One		After Five
		Within		But Within		But Within		After Ten
	(In thousands)	One Year		Five Years		Ten Years		Years		Total
	Held to Maturity (at fair value):
	U.S. Agency Obligations	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	22,669	$	22,669
	U.S. GSEs		0		0		9,557		0		9,557
	FHLB Obligations		0		0		4,820		0		4,820
	Agency CMOs		0		0		0		93,783		93,783
	Agency MBSs		0		13		111		8,218		8,342
	Total Held to Maturity	$	0	$	13	$	14,488	$	124,670	$	139,171
	Held to Maturity (at amortized cost):
	U.S. Agency Obligations	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	22,072	$	22,072
	U.S. GSEs		0		0		9,498		0		9,498
	FHLB Obligations		0		0		4,720		0		4,720
	Agency CMOs		0		0		0		94,022		94,022
	Agency MBSs		0		13		98		7,998		8,109
	Total Held to Maturity	$	0	$	13	$	14,316	$	124,092	$	138,421
Summary of Proceeds, Gross Gains and Gross Losses on Available for Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Proceeds	$	56,889	$	53,215	$	129,936
	Gross gains		303		548		811
	Gross losses		-196		-560		-304
	Net gains (losses)	$	107	$	-12	$	507
Summary Of Gross Unrealized/Unrecognized Losses On Investment Securities Available For Sale	Gross unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss			Fair Value	Loss
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	5,080	$	12	$	0	$	0	$	5,080	$	12
	Agency MBSs		7,893		23	$	10,763		77		18,656		100
	Agency CMBSs		0		0		17,478		372		17,478		372
	Agency CMOs		11,384		49		10,962		190		22,346		239
	Total	$	24,357	$	84	$	39,203	$	639	$	63,560	$	723
	Gross unrecognized losses on investment securities held to maturity and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss			Fair Value	Loss
	Agency CMOs		14,338		108	411	43,911	519	411		58,249		519
	Agency MBSs		0		0	0	0	0	0		0		0
	Total	$	14,338	$	108	$	43,911	$	411	$	58,249	$	519
	Gross unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss
	Available for Sale
	Agency MBSs		46,547		1,487		0		0		46,547		1,487
	Agency CMBSs		12,778		578		4,860		182		17,638		760
	Agency CMOs		57,904		977		3,557		230		61,461		1,207
	Total		117,229		3,042		8,417		412		125,646		3,454
		Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss
	Held to Maturity
	U.S. Agency Obligations	$	13,722	$	307	$	9,400	$	151	$	23,122	$	458
	U.S. GSEs		8,930		512		0		0		8,930		512
	FHLB Obligations		4,493		191		0		0		4,493		191
	Agency CMOs		66,203		1,410		25,476		1,016		91,679		2,426
	Agency MBSs		8,569		177		0		0		8,569		177
	Total	$	101,917	$	2,597	$	34,876	$	1,167	$	136,793	$	3,764

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr1

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses [Abstract]
Composition Of The Loan Portfolio
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	177,597	$	172,810
	Municipal loans		94,366		94,007
	Real estate loans – residential		469,529		489,706
	Real estate loans – commercial		412,447		371,319
	Real estate loans – construction		23,858		31,841
	Installment loans		4,504		5,655
	All other loans		33		895
	Total loans	$	1,182,334	$	1,166,233
Loan Loss Experience And Activity In The Allowance For Credit Losses	The following table reflects our loan loss experience and activity in the allowance for credit losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Beginning balance	$	3,354		768		3,081		5,085		512		18		10	$	12,828
	Charge-offs		-34		0		-25		0		0		-2		-170		-231
	Recoveries		10		0		24		1		0		2		31		68
	Provision (credit)		1		-132		47		165		-97		-5		171		150
	Ending balance	$	3,331	$	636	$	3,127	$	5,251	$	415	$	13	$	42	$	12,815
	The following table reflects our loan loss experience and activity in the allowance for credit losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Beginning balance	$	3,447	$	522	$	3,421	$	4,660	$	234	$	17	$	11	$	12,312
	Charge-offs		-20		0		-289		-1		0		-9		-93		-412
	Recoveries		62		0		6		40		1		6		13		128
	Provision (credit)		-135		246		-57		386		277		4		79		800
	Ending balance	$	3,354	$	768	$	3,081	$	5,085	$	512	$	18	$	10	$	12,828
	The following table reflects our loan loss experience and activity in the allowance for credit losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Beginning balance	$	2,905	$	309	$	3,017	$	4,605	$	477	$	23	$	17	$	11,353
	Charge-offs		-9		0		-20		-32		0		0		0		-61
	Recoveries		30		0		14		1		25		0		0		70
	Provision (credit)		521		213		410		86		-268		-6		-6		950
	Ending balance	$	3,447	$	522	$	3,421	$	4,660	$	234	$	17	$	11	$	12,312
Allowance For Loan Losses And The Recorded Investment In Loans	The following presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based upon impairment method at December 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$	0		0		63		0		0		0		0	$	63
	Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment		3,331		636		3,064		5,251		415		13		42		12,752
	Totals	$	3,331	$	636	$	3,127	$	5,251	$	415	$	13	$	42	$	12,815
	Financing receivables:
	Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$	134		0		657		0		0		0		0	$	791
	Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment		177,463		94,366		468,872		412,447		23,858		4,504		33		1,181,543
	Totals	$	177,597	$	94,366	$	469,529	$	412,447	$	23,858	$	4,504	$	33	$	1,182,334
	Components:
	Allowance for loan losses	$	2,583		623		3,038		5,209		325		13		42	$	11,833
	Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit		748		13		89		42		90		0		0		982
	Total allowance for credit losses	$	3,331	$	636	$	3,127	$	5,251	$	415	$	13	$	42	$	12,815
	The following presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based upon impairment method at December 31, 2013:
	(In thousands)	Commercial, financial and agricultural		Municipal		Real estate- residential		Real estate- commercial		Real estate-construction		Installment		All other		Totals
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$	2	$	0	$	41	$	69	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	112
	Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment		3,352		768		3,040		5,016		512		18		10		12,716
	Totals	$	3,354	$	768	$	3,081	$	5,085	$	512	$	18	$	10	$	12,828
	Financing receivables:
	Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$	20	$	0	$	722	$	164	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	906
	Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment		172,790		94,007		488,984		371,155		31,841		5,655		895		1,165,327
	Totals	$	172,810	$	94,007	$	489,706	$	371,319	$	31,841	$	5,655	$	895	$	1,166,233
	Components:
	Allowance for loan losses	$	2,740	$	758	$	2,995	$	5,040	$	481	$	18	$	10	$	12,042
	Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit		614		10		86		45		31		0		0		786
	Total allowance for credit losses	$	3,354	$	768	$	3,081	$	5,085	$	512	$	18	$	10	$	12,828
Recorded Investment of Loans, Including Nonaccrual And Restructured Loans	The table below presents the recorded investment of loans, including nonperforming and restructured loans, segregated by class, with delinquency aging as of December 31, 2014:
		31-60 Days		61-90 Days		91 Days or More		Total Past						91 Days or more past due and
	(In thousands)	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Due		Current		Total		Accruing
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	49		0		0	$	49	$	177,548	$	177,597	$	0
	Municipal		0		0		0		0		94,366		94,366		0
	Real estate-residential:
	First mortgage		157		0		391		548		431,191		431,739		0
	Second mortgage		33		0		79		112		37,678		37,790		0
	Real estate-commercial:
	Owner occupied		0		22		0		22		260,075		260,097		0
	Non-owner occupied		202		0		0		202		152,148		152,350		0
	Real estate-construction:
	Residential		0		0		0		0		4,131		4,131		0
	Commercial		0		0		0		0		19,727		19,727		0
	Installment		0		0		0		0		4,504		4,504		0
	Other		0		0		0		0		33		33		0
	Total	$	441	$	22	$	470	$	933	$	1,181,401	$	1,182,334	$	0
	Of the total past due loans in the aging table above, $519 thousand are non-performing of which $0 are restructured loans and $0 were 91 days or more past due and accruing.  There were $414 thousand past due performing loans at December 31, 2014.
	The table below presents the recorded investment of loans, including nonaccrual and restructured loans, segregated by class, with delinquency aging as of December 31, 2013:
		31-60 Days		61-90 Days		91 Days or More		Total Past						91 Days or more past due and
	(In thousands)	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Due		Current		Total		Accruing
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	0	$	0	$	20	$	20	$	172,790	$	172,810	$	0
	Municipal		0		0		0		0		94,007		94,007		0
	Real estate-residential:
	First mortgage		4		294		341		639		452,440		453,079		0
	Second mortgage		0		4		181		185		36,442		36,627		75
	Real estate-commercial:
	Owner occupied		0		0		0		0		224,416		224,416		0
	Non-owner occupied		72		0		0		72		146,831		146,903		0
	Real estate-construction:
	Residential		0		0		0		0		2,495		2,495		0
	Commercial		0		0		0		0		29,346		29,346		0
	Installment		0		0		0		0		5,655		5,655		0
	Other		0		0		0		0		895		895		0
	Total	$	76	$	298	$	542	$	916	$	1,165,317	$	1,166,233	$	75
Impaired Loans By Class	Impaired loans by class at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment
	With no related allowance recorded
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	134	$	136	$	0	$	86
	Real estate – residential:
	First mortgage		147		257		0		256
	Second mortgage		79		79		0		136
	Real estate – commercial:
	Owner occupied		0		0		0		12
	Non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0
	Installment		0		0		0		0
	With related allowance recorded
	Commercial, financial and agricultural		0		0		0		12
	Real estate – residential:
	First mortgage		431		432		63		204
	Second mortgage		0		0		0		0
	Real estate – commercial:
	Owner occupied		0		0		0		119
	Installment		0		0		0		0
	Total
	Commercial, financial and agricultural		134		136		0		98
	Real estate – residential		657		768		63		596
	Real estate – commercial		0		0		0		131
	Installment		0		0		0		0
	Total	$	791	$	904	$	63	$	825
	Impaired loans by class at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment
	With no related allowance recorded
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	211
	Real estate – residential:
	First mortgage		410		629		0		541
	Second mortgage		181		218		0		145
	Real estate – commercial:
	Owner occupied		0		0		0		93
	Non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0
	Installment		0		0		0		1
	With related allowance recorded
	Commercial, financial and agricultural		20		21		2		343
	Real estate – residential:
	First mortgage		131		135		41		512
	Second mortgage		0		0		0		246
	Real estate – commercial:
	Owner occupied		164		175		69		170
	Installment		0		0		0		5
	Total
	Commercial, financial and agricultural		20		21		2		554
	Real estate – residential		722		982		41		1,444
	Real estate – commercial		164		175		69		263
	Installment		0		0		0		6
	Total	$	906	$	1,178	$	112	$	2,267
	Impaired loans by class at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment
	With no related allowance recorded
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	7	$	22	$	0	$	39
	Real estate – residential:
	First mortgage		853		1,010		0		807
	Second mortgage		16		17		0		247
	Real estate – commercial:
	Owner occupied		295		367		0		380
	Non-owner occupied		0		0		0		0
	Installment		0		0		0		1
	With related allowance recorded
	Commercial, financial and agricultural		226		228		149		37
	Real estate – residential:
First mortgage		748		766		173		662
Second mortgage		700		700		188		320
Real estate – commercial:
Non-owner occupied		177		179		59		136
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural		233		250		149		76
Real estate – residential		2,317		2,493		361		2,036
Real estate – commercial		472		546		59		516
Installment and other		0		0		0		1
Total	$	3,022	$	3,289	$	569	$	2,629
Nonperforming Loans
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Nonaccrual  loans	$	598	$	425
	Loans greater than 90 days and accruing		0		75
	Troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs")		193		406
	Total nonperforming loans	$	791	$	906
Nonaccrual Loans By Class
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	88	$	20
	Real estate - residential:
	First mortgage		431		299
	Second mortgage		79		106
	Real estate - commercial:
	Owner occupied		0		0
	Non owner occupied		0		0
	Installment		0		0
	Total nonaccruing non-TDR loans	$	598	$	425
	Nonaccruing TDR’s
	Commercial, financial and agricultural		5		0
	Real estate – residential:
	First mortgage		58		71
	Real estate - commercial:
	Owner occupied		0		164
	Total nonaccrual loans including TDRs	$	661	$	660
Summary Of Loans By Credit Quality Indicator	Below is a summary of loans by credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2014:
						Pass-		Special		Sub-
	(In thousands)	Unrated		Pass		Watch		Mention		Standard		Total
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	352		143,813		21,563		3,942		7,927	$	177,597
	Municipal		40		75,337		17,101		1,888		0		94,366
	Real estate – residential:
	First mortgage		428,073		3,046		170		0		450		431,739
	Second mortgage		37,790		0		0		0		0		37,790
	Real estate – commercial:
	Owner occupied		187		220,651		18,708		1,378		19,173		260,097
	Non-owner occupied		189		130,218		20,773		0		1,170		152,350
	Real estate – construction:
	Residential		288		3,843		0		0		0		4,131
	Commercial		170		17,588		40		0		1,929		19,727
	Installment		4,504		0		0		0		0		4,504
	All other loans		33		0		0		0		0		33
	Total	$	471,626	$	594,496	$	78,355	$	7,208	$	30,649	$	1,182,334
	Below is a summary of loans by credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2013:
						Pass-		Special		Sub-
	(In thousands)	Unrated		Pass		Watch		Mention		Standard		Total
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	242	$	152,466	$	14,092	$	96	$	5,914	$	172,810
	Municipal		28		65,474		26,548		1,957		0		94,007
	Real estate – residential:
	First mortgage		449,951		2,520		0		65		543		453,079
	Second mortgage		36,599		0		0		0		28		36,627
	Real estate – commercial:
	Owner occupied		165		187,779		17,236		2,342		16,894		224,416
	Non-owner occupied		171		134,222		9,841		270		2,399		146,903
	Real estate – construction:
	Residential		904		1,591		0		0		0		2,495
	Commercial		738		28,127		481		0		0		29,346
	Installment		5,655		0		0		0		0		5,655
	All other loans		895		0		0		0		0		895
	Total	$	495,348	$	572,179	$	68,198	$	4,730	$	25,778	$	1,166,233

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis	The table below presents the balance of financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	25,093	$	0	$	25,093	$	0
	Agency MBSs		95,407		0		95,407		0
	Agency CMBSs		21,704		0		21,704		0
	Agency CMOs		60,882		0		60,882		0
	ABSs		387		0		387		0
	Interest rate swap agreements		618		0		618		0
	Total assets	$	204,091	$	0	$	204,091	$	0
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swap agreements		1,096		0		1,096		0
	Total liabilities	$	1,096	$	0	$	1,096	$	0
	The table below presents the balance of financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets
	U.S. Treasury Obligations	$	100	$	0	$	100	$	0
	Agency MBSs		99,271		0		99,271		0
	Agency CMBSs		17,638		0		17,638		0
	Agency CMOs		97,209		0		97,209		0
	CLOs		37,907		0		37,907		0
	ABSs		388		0		388		0
	Interest rate swap agreements		803		0		803		0
	Total assets	$	253,316	$	0	$	253,316	$	0
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swap agreements		1,529		0		1,529		0
	Total liabilities	$	1,529	$	0	$	1,529	$	0
Fair Values Of Financial Instruments
		Carrying
	(In thousands)	Amount		Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	154,459	$	154,459	$	154,459	$	0	$	0
	Securities available for sale		203,473		203,473		0		203,473		0
	Securities held to maturity		138,421		139,171		0		139,171		0
	FHLB stock		4,378		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
	Loans, net of allowance for loan losses		1,170,501		1,172,517		0		0		1,172,517
	Interest rate swap agreement		618		618		0		618		0
	Accrued interest receivable		3,787		3,787		0		847		2,940
	Total	$	1,675,637	$	1,674,025	$	154,459	$	344,109	$	1,175,457
	Deposits	$	1,308,772	$	1,308,904	$	1,097,088	$	211,816	$	0
	Securities sold under agreement to repurchase		258,464		258,438		0		258,438		0
	Other long-term debt		2,320		2,277		0		2,277		0
	Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust		20,619		14,476		0		14,476		0
	Interest rate swap agreement		1,096		1,096		0		1,096		0
	Accrued interest payable		165		165		19		146		0
	Total	$	1,591,436	$	1,585,356	$	1,097,107	$	488,249	$	0
	The fair value of Merchants’ financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 are summarized in the table below:
		Carrying
	(In thousands)	Amount		Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	115,471	$	115,471	$	115,471	$	0	$	0
	Securities available for sale		252,513		252,513		0		252,513		0
	Securities held to maturity		140,826		137,087		0		137,087		0
	FHLB stock		7,496		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
	Loans, net of allowance for loan losses		1,154,191		1,155,348		0		0		1,155,348
	Interest rate swap agreement		803		803		0		803		0
	Accrued interest receivable		3,982		3,982		0		958		3,024
	Total	$	1,675,282	$	1,665,204	$	115,471	$	391,361	$	1,158,372
	Deposits	$	1,323,576	$	1,324,634	$	1,018,470	$	306,162	$	0
	Securities sold under agreement to repurchase		250,314		250,290		0		250,290		0
	Other long-term debt		2,403		2,287		0		2,287		0
	Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust		20,619		14,189		0		14,189		0
	Interest rate swap agreement		1,529		1,529		0		1,529		0
	Accrued interest payable		214		214		15		199		0
	Total	$	1,598,654	$	1,593,143	$	1,018,485	$	574,656	$	0

Premises_and_Equipment_Tables

Premises and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Premises and Equipment Included in the Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		Estimated Useful Lives (In years)
	Land	$	332	$	332	N/A
	Bank premises		6,789		6,782	39
	Leasehold improvements		9,936		9,276	5 – 20
	Furniture, equipment, and software		19,346		17,694	3 – 7
	Total gross fixed assets		36,403		34,084
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		20,911		18,512
	Total net fixed assets	$	15,492	$	15,572
Minimum Lease Payments
	(In thousands)	Amount
	2015	$	1,554
	2016		1,385
	2017		1,210
	2018		953
	2019		908
	Thereafter		5,844
	Total	$	11,854

Time_Deposits_Tables

Time Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Time Deposits [Abstract]
Scheduled Maturities of Time Deposits
	(In thousands)
	Mature in year ending December 31,
	2015		145,648
	2016		36,042
	2017		8,165
	2018		10,055
	2019		10,882
	Thereafter		892
	Total time deposits	$	211,684

Securities_Sold_Under_Agreemen1

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Short-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Short-Term Debt [Abstract]
Information Regarding Other Borrowed Funds
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	FHLB short-term borrowings
	Amount outstanding at year end	$	0		$	0		$	0
	Maximum amount outstanding during the year		18,900			72,500			97,000
	Average amount outstanding during the year		212			17,259			38,290
	Weighted average-rate during the year		0.31	%		0.30	%		0.28	%
	Weighted average rate at year-end		0	%		0	%		0	%
	Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
	Amount outstanding at year end	$	258,464		$	250,314		$	287,520
	Maximum amount outstanding during the year		292,692			284,297			303,420
	Average amount outstanding during the year		192,868			212,644			230,281
	Weighted average-rate during the year		0.18	%		0.41	%		0.73	%
	Weighted average rate at year-end		0.26	%		0.18	%		0.47	%

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Federal Home Loan Bank Notes, payable through March  2029, Rates ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%		2,320		2,403
		$	2,320	$	2,403
Contractual Maturities of Long-Term Debt
	(In thousands)		Amount
	2015	$	84
	2016		85
	2017		87
	2018		89
	2019		91
	2020 and after		1,884
	Total due	$	2,320

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Components of Provision for Income Taxes
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Current	$	3,707	$	733	$	4,721
	Deferred		-175		4,329		772
	Provision for income taxes	$	3,532	$	5,062	$	5,493
Tax Effects of Temporary Differences and Tax Credits that Give Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for loan losses	$	4,773	$	4,427
	Postretirement benefit obligation		1,797		951
	Deferred compensation		1,427		1,369
	Installment sales		0		71
	Core deposit intangible		0		31
	Interest rate swap		165		251
	Qualified School Bond Tax Credits		919		919
	Affordable Housing/Other Tax Credits		1,170		1,244
	Other		189		284
	Net Operating Loss		0		288
	Investment in real estate limited partnerships, net		335		121
	Unrealized loss on securities available for sale		0		99
	Unrealized loss on securities held to maturity		1,475		1,726
	Total deferred tax assets	$	12,250	$	11,781
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Loan mark-to-market adjustment	$	-3,736	$	-3,756
	Deferred compensation		0		-3
	Installment sales		-30		0
	Unrealized gain on securities available for sale		-797		0
	Depreciation		-1,175		-1,442
	Accrued pension cost		-3,106		-2,963
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	-8,844	$	-8,164
	Net deferred tax asset	$	3,406	$	3,617
Reconciliation of Federal Income Tax Provision
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Applicable statutory Federal income tax	$	5,402	$	6,972	$	7,241
	(Reduction) increase in taxes resulting from:
	Low Income Housing Projects		858		705		985
	Tax-exempt income		-729		-708		-719
	Tax credits		-1,936		-1,798		-2,164
	Bank owned life insurance		-107		0		0
	Other, net		44		-109		150
	Provision for income taxes	$	3,532	$	5,062	$	5,493

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Changes in Plan's Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Assets
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Reconciliation of benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	9,611	$	10,801
	Service cost including expenses		44		53
	Interest cost		464		418
	Actuarial (gain) loss		2,013		-1,117
	Benefits paid and expected expenses		-576		-544
	Benefit obligation at year-end	$	11,556	$	9,611
	Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	15,446	$	14,412
	Actual return on plan assets		489		1,569
	Employer contributions		0		0
	Benefits paid and actual expenses		-585		-535
	Fair value of plan assets at year-end	$	15,350	$	15,446
	Funded status at year end	$	3,794	$	5,835
Net Periodic Benefit Costs
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Interest cost	$	464	$	418	$	478
	Expected return on plan assets		-1,059		-988		-600
	Service costs		44		53		48
	Net loss amortization		137		355		326
	Net periodic pension cost	$	-414	$	-162	$	252
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Net loss (gain)	$	2,606	$	-1,707	$	1,016
	Net loss amortization		-137		-355		-326
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income	$	2,469	$	-2,062	$	690
	Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and
	other comprehensive income	$	2,055	$	-2,224	$	942
Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Costs
			2014		2013		2012
	Benefit obligations
	Discount rate		3.97	%	4.98	%	3.98	%
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Discount rate		4.98	%	3.98	%	5.24	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.00	%	7.00	%	7.00	%
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category
	The fair value of Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2014 by asset category are as follows:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	(In thousands)			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Description	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Cash	$	6	$	6	$	0	$	0
	Money Market Funds		690		690		0		0
	Equity Securities:				0
	Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds		3,770		3,770		0		0
	Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds		128		128		0		0
	Global Equity Mutual Funds		866		866		0		0
	International Equity Mutual Funds		2,898		2,898		0		0
	Absolute Return Funds		770		770		0		0
	Fixed Income:
	Taxable Bond Mutual Funds		6,222		6,222		0		0
	Total	$	15,350	$	15,350	$	0	$	0
	The fair value of Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2013 by asset category are as follows:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	(In thousands)			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Description	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Cash	$	31	$	31	$	0	$	0
	Money Market Funds		434		434		0		0
	Equity Securities:
	Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds		3,630		3,630		0		0
	Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds		140		140		0		0
	Domestic Equities		256		256		0		0
	Global Equity Mutual Funds		939		939		0		0
	International Equity Mutual Funds		2,712		2,712		0		0
	Absolute Return Funds		722		722		0		0
	Fixed Income:
	International Bond Mutual Funds		559		559		0		0
	Taxable Bond Mutual Funds		6,023		6,023		0		0
	Total	$	15,446	$	15,446	$	0	$	0
Estimated Future Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid Under the Plan
			Pension
	(In thousands)		Benefits
	2015	$	570
	2016		591
	2017		630
	2018		672
	2019		679
	Years 2020 to 2024	$	3,559
Summary of Expense Relating to Various Employee Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Pension plan	$	-414	$	-162	$	252
	401(k)		585		565		590
	Total	$	171	$	403	$	842

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Summary Of Restricted Stock Awards
			Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-Vested Shares at January 1, 2014		20,838	$	26.46
	Granted		7,120		28.6
	Vested		-9,569		25
	Forfeited		-4,424		28.09
	Non-Vested Shares at December 31, 2014		13,965	$	28.03
Summary of Stock Option Plan
		2014			2013			2012
			Weighted			Weighted			Weighted
			Average			Average			Average
		Number	Exercise		Number	Exercise		Number	Exercise
		Of	Price		Of	Price		Of	Price
		Shares	Per Share		Shares	Per Share		Shares	Per Share
	Options outstanding, beginning of year	88		22.95	95	$	22.87	121	$	22.81
	Granted	0		0	0		0	0		0
	Exercised	6		22.07	8		22.07	18		22.81
	Forfeited	0		0	0		0	8		22.07
	Expired	0		0	0		0	0		0
	Options outstanding, end of year	82	$	23.00	88	$	22.95	95	$	22.87
	Options exercisable	82	$	23.00	88	$	22.95	51	$	23.57

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliations Of Calculations Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
	(In thousands except per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Net income	$	12,125	$	15,131	$	15,194
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		6,326		6,303		6,259
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents		18		13		12
	Weighted average common and common equivalent
	shares outstanding		6,344		6,316		6,271
	Basic earnings per common share	$	1.92	$	2.40	$	2.43
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.91	$	2.40	$	2.42

Parent_Company_Tables

Parent Company (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Parent Company [Abstract]
Balance Sheets
	Balance Sheets as of December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Assets:
	Investment in subsidiaries*	$	144,533	$	137,810
	Cash*		2,197		2,797
	Other assets		323		461
	Total assets	$	147,053	$	141,068
	Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
	Other liabilities	$	613	$	838
	Long term debt		20,619		20,619
	Shareholders’ equity		125,821		119,611
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	147,053	$	141,068
Statements of Income
	Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Dividends from Merchants Bank*	$	7,085	$	5,789	$	7,607
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries*		5,857		10,211		8,721
	Other expense, net		-1,276		-1,337		-1,743
	Benefit from income taxes		459		468		609
	Net income	$	12,125	$	15,131	$	15,194
Statements of Cashflows
	Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Cash flow from operating activities:
	Net income	$	12,125	$	15,131	$	15,194
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Net change in other assets		138		65		170
	Net change in other liabilities		-67		-121		-116
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries*		-5,857		-10,211		-8,721
	Net cash provided by operating activities		6,339		4,864		6,527
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Sale of treasury stock		0		15		18
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		0		0		280
	Tax benefit from exercises of stock options		14		8		20
	Cash dividends paid		-7,167		-6,432		-6,324
	Other, net		214		226		200
	Net cash used in financing activities		-6,939		-6,183		-5,806
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		-600		-1,319		721
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		2,797		4,116		3,395
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	2,197	$	2,797	$	4,116
	* Account balances are partially or fully eliminated in consolidation

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Contractual Amounts of Financial Instruments
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
	Commitments to originate loans	$	37,651	$	12,728
	Unused lines of credit		197,682		195,510
	Standby letters of credit		8,768		4,729
	Equity commitments to affordable housing limited partnerships		3,019		2,841

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) By Component	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	(In thousands)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available-For-Sale		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Transferred From Available-For-Sale to Held-To-Maturity		Pension Plan		Interest Rate Swaps		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Beginning Balance	$	-162	$	-3,296	$	-1,790	$	-472	$	-5,720
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		1,713		0		-1,694		161		180
	Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		-8		8		0		0		0
	Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income		0		472		0		0		472
	Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income		-69		0		89		0		20
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		1,636		480		-1,605		161		672
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	1,474	$	-2,816	$	-3,395	$	-311	$	-5,048
	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax for the year ending December 31, 2013.
	(In thousands)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available-For-Sale		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Transferred From Available-For-Sale to Held-To-Maturity		Pension Plan		Interest Rate Swaps		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Beginning Balance	$	6,033	$	0	$	-3,130	$	-688	$	2,215
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		-9,844		0		1,110		216		-8,518
	Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		3,533		-3,533		0		0		0
	Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income		0		237		0		0		237
	Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income		116		0		230		0		346
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		-6,195		-3,296		1,340		216		-7,935
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	-162	$	-3,296	$	-1,790	$	-472	$	-5,720
Reclassification Adjustment Details	Details of the reclassification adjustments in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2014 are presented below:
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components    (In thousands)	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
	Unrealized gains (losses) securities
		$	-107	Net losses (gains) on investment securities
			-107	Total before tax
			38	Provision for income taxes
		$	-69	Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension plan
		$	137	Compensation and benefits
			137	Total before tax
			-48	Provision for income taxes
		$	89	Net of tax
	Total reclassification adjustments	$	20
	Details of the reclassification adjustments in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2013 are presented below:
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components           (In thousands)	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
	Unrealized gains (losses) securities
			166	Net impairment losses
		$	12	Net losses (gains) on investment securities
			178	Total before tax
			-62	Provision for income taxes
		$	116	Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension plan
			355	Compensation and benefits
			355	Total before tax
			-125	Provision for income taxes
		$	230	Net of tax
	Total reclassification adjustments	$	346

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement1

Regulatory Capital Requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
Schedule of Regulatory Capital Amounts and Ratios
										To Be Well-
										Capitalized Under
						For Capital				Prompt Corrective
		Actual				Adequacy Purposes				Action Provisions
	(In thousands)	Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent
	As of December 31, 2014
	Merchants Bancshares, Inc.:
	Tier 1 Leverage Capital	$	148,045	8.76	%	$	67,616	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital		148,045	15.70	%		37,724	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Total Risk-Based Capital		159,856	16.95	%		75,447	8.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Merchants Bank:
	Tier 1 Leverage Capital	$	145,823	8.60	%	$	64,816	4.00	%	$	87,770	5.00	%
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital		145,823	15.36	%		37,983	4.00	%		56,974	6.00	%
	Total Risk-Based Capital		157,704	16.61	%		75,965	8.00	%		94,957	10.00	%
	As of December 31, 2013
	Merchants Bancshares, Inc.:
	Tier 1 Leverage Capital	$	142,036	8.44	%	$	67,344	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital		142,036	14.87	%		38,216	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Total Risk-Based Capital		153,999	16.12	%		76,433	8.00	%		N/A	N/A
	Merchants Bank:
	Tier 1 Leverage Capital	$	139,144	8.24	%	$	67,530	4.00	%	$	84,413	5.00	%
	Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital		139,144	14.47	%		38,470	4.00	%		57,705	6.00	%
	Total Risk-Based Capital		151,176	15.72	%		76,940	8.00	%		96,175	10.00	%

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	item
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	32
Required percentage of aggregate principal amount of unpaid residential mortgage loans	0.35%
Additional allowance for loan losses	$1,230,000	$1,550,000
Percentage of loans originated in amounts of the appraised value of the property	80.00%
Mortgage title insurance requirement threshold for second mortgages	100,000
ASU adoption, net effect to net income	0
Unfunded commitments	$3,019,280
Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan	600,000
Service period	3 years
Regional Federal Home Loan Banks [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	12
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investments in real estate limited partnerships, percentage	5.36%
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investments in real estate limited partnerships, percentage	99.90%

Investment_Securities_Narrativ

Investment Securities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Carrying value of securities pledged	$317,220,000	$315,530,000		$315,530,000
Securities classified as trading	0	0		0
Impairment charge	0	166,000	0
Securities available for sale, at fair value	203,473,000	252,513,000		252,513,000
Securities held to maturity, fair value	139,171,000	137,087,000		137,087,000
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, amortized cost	12,626,000	152,887,000	0
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, unrealized holding gain	8,000	-3,533,000	0
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, remaining unamortized loss, net of tax	-1,705,000	6,311,000	336,000
Investment in FHLBB stock	4,378,000	7,496,000		7,496,000
Available for Sale, Fair Value	203,473,000	252,513,000		252,513,000
Transferred From Available-For-Sale to Held-To-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, amortized cost	12,630,000			152,890,000
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, fair value	12,640,000			147,450,000
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, unrealized holding gain	3,530,000
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, remaining unamortized loss	4,350,000
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, remaining unamortized loss, net of tax	2,820,000
CLOs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Impairment charge		166,000
Securities available for sale, at fair value		37,907,000		37,907,000
Available for Sale, Fair Value		37,907,000		37,907,000
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities [Member] | Transferred From Available-For-Sale to Held-To-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, unrealized holding gain	8,000	-3,533,000
Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity category, remaining unamortized loss, net of tax	($480,000)	$3,296,000

Investment_Securities_Summary_

Investment Securities (Summary Of Amortized Cost And Fair Values Of Securities Classified As Available For Sale And Held To Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	$201,162	$252,733
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	3,034	3,234
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	723	3,454
Available for Sale, Fair Value	203,473	252,513
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	138,421	140,826
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,269	25
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	519	3,764
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	139,171	137,087
U.S. Treasury Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	25,048	100
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	57	0
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	12	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value	25,093	100
U.S. Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	22,072	23,580
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	597	0
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	458
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	22,669	23,122
U.S. GSEs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	9,498	9,442
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	59	0
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	512
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	9,557	8,930
FHLB Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	4,720	4,684
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	100	0
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	191
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	4,820	4,493
Agency MBSs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	92,827	97,882
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,680	2,876
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	100	1,487
Available for Sale, Fair Value	95,407	99,271
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	8,109	9,015
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	233	25
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	177
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	8,342	8,863
Agency CMBSs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	22,056	18,398
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	20	0
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	372	760
Available for Sale, Fair Value	21,704	17,638
Agency CMOs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	60,880	98,162
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	241	254
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	239	1,207
Available for Sale, Fair Value	60,882	97,209
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	94,022	94,105
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	280	0
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	519	2,426
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	93,783	91,679
CLOs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost		37,834
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains		73
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Available for Sale, Fair Value		37,907
ABSs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	351	357
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	36	31
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value	$387	$388

Investment_Securities_Summary_1

Investment Securities (Summary Of Contractual Maturity Of Debt Securities Classified As Available For Sale And Held To Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Available for Sale (at fair value), Within One Year	$32
Available for Sale (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	41,598
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	27,234
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Ten Years	134,609
Total Available for Sale Securities, Fair Value	203,473
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), Within One Year	31
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	41,575
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	26,546
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	133,010
Total Available for sale Securities, Amortized Cost	201,162
Held to Maturity (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	13
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	14,488
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Ten Years	124,670
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	139,171	137,087
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	13
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	14,316
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	124,092
Total Held to Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	138,421	140,826
U.S. Treasury Obligations [Member]
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Available for Sale (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Available for Sale (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	25,093
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	0
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Ten Years	0
Total Available for Sale Securities, Fair Value	25,093
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	25,048
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	0
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	0
Total Available for sale Securities, Amortized Cost	25,048
U.S. Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Held to Maturity (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Ten Years	22,669
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	22,669	23,122
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	22,072
Total Held to Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	22,072	23,580
U.S. GSEs [Member]
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Held to Maturity (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	9,557
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Ten Years	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	9,557	8,930
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	9,498
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	0
Total Held to Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	9,498	9,442
FHLB Obligations [Member]
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Held to Maturity (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	4,820
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Ten Years	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	4,820	4,493
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	4,720
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	0
Total Held to Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	4,720	4,684
Agency MBSs [Member]
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Available for Sale (at fair value), Within One Year	32
Available for Sale (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	2,674
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	21,265
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Ten Years	71,436
Total Available for Sale Securities, Fair Value	95,407
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), Within One Year	31
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	2,538
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	20,514
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	69,744
Total Available for sale Securities, Amortized Cost	92,827
Held to Maturity (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	13
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	111
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Ten Years	8,218
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	8,342	8,863
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	13
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	98
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	7,998
Total Held to Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	8,109	9,015
Agency CMBSs [Member]
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Available for Sale (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Available for Sale (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	13,831
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	3,668
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Ten Years	4,205
Total Available for Sale Securities, Fair Value	21,704
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	13,989
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	3,740
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	4,327
Total Available for sale Securities, Amortized Cost	22,056
Agency CMOs [Member]
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Available for Sale (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Available for Sale (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	0
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	2,301
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Ten Years	58,581
Total Available for Sale Securities, Fair Value	60,882
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	0
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	2,292
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	58,588
Total Available for sale Securities, Amortized Cost	60,880
Held to Maturity (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	0
Held to Maturity (at fair value), After Ten Years	93,783
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	93,783	91,679
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	0
Held to Maturity (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	94,022
Total Held to Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	94,022	94,105
ABSs [Member]
Schedule Of Available-for-sale And Held-to-maturity Securities Line Items
Available for Sale (at fair value), Within One Year	0
Available for Sale (at fair value), After One But Within Five Years	0
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Five But Within Ten Years	0
Available for Sale (at fair value), After Ten Years	387
Total Available for Sale Securities, Fair Value	387
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), Within One Year	0
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After One But Within Five Years	0
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Five But Within Ten Years	0
Available for Sale (at amortized cost), After Ten Years	351
Total Available for sale Securities, Amortized Cost	$351

Investment_Securities_Summary_2

Investment Securities (Summary Of Proceeds, Gross Gains and Gross Losses On Available For Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments [Abstract]
Proceeds	$56,889	$53,215	$129,936
Gross gains	303	548	811
Gross losses	-196	-560	-304
Net gains (losses)	$107	($12)	$507

Investment_Securities_Summary_3

Investment Securities (Summary Of Gross Unrealized Or Unrecognized Losses On Investment Securities And Length Of Time) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	$24,357	$117,229
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Loss	84	3,042
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	39,203	8,417
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Loss	639	412
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total	63,560	125,646
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total	723	3,454
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	14,338	101,917
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Loss	108	2,597
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Fair Value	43,911	34,876
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Loss	411	1,167
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total	58,249	136,793
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total	519	3,764
U.S. Treasury Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	5,080
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Loss	12
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Loss	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total	5,080
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total	12
U.S. Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value		13,722
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Loss		307
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Fair Value		9,400
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Loss		151
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total		23,122
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total		458
U.S. GSEs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value		8,930
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Loss		512
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Fair Value		0
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Loss		0
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total		8,930
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total		512
FHLB Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value		4,493
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Loss		191
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Fair Value		0
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Loss		0
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total		4,493
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total		191
Agency MBSs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	7,893	46,547
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Loss	23	1,487
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	10,763	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Loss	77	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total	18,656	46,547
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total	100	1,487
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	8,569
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Loss	0	177
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Fair Value	0	0
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Loss	0	0
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total	0	8,569
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total	0	177
Agency CMBSs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	0	12,778
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Loss	0	578
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	17,478	4,860
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Loss	372	182
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total	17,478	17,638
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total	372	760
Agency CMOs [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Fair Value	11,384	57,904
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than 12 months, Loss	49	977
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Fair Value	10,962	3,557
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 months or more, Loss	190	230
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total	22,346	61,461
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total	239	1,207
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	14,338	66,203
Held to Maturity Securities, Less Than 12 Months, Loss	108	1,410
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Fair Value	43,911	25,476
Held to Maturity Securities, 12 Months or More, Loss	411	1,016
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total	58,249	91,679
Held to Maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses, Total	$519	$2,426

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr2

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		contract
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	$1,182,334,000	$1,166,233,000
Net deferred loan origination fees	734,000	618,000
Overdrawn deposit balances classified as loan balances	235,000	895,000
Past due loans	933,000	916,000
91 Days or More Past Due	470,000	542,000
Nonaccruing TDR's	63,000	235,000
Number of loans		0
Troubled debt restructured loans ("TDRs")	193,000	406,000
Commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers	0
Exposure threshold for loans subject to formal review	1,000,000
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	469,529,000	489,706,000
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	412,447,000	371,319,000
Residential And Commerical Loans Serviced For Others [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	13,530,000	13,830,000
Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Past due loans	414,000	0
Accruing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
91 Days or More Past Due	0	75,000
Non-Accrual [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Past due loans	519,000	542,000
Commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers	0
Restructured [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Past due loans	0	42,000
Restructured [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Number of loans	1
Troubled debt restructured loans ("TDRs")	55,000
Restructured [Member] | Residential Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Number of loans	4
Troubled debt restructured loans ("TDRs")	147,000
Restructured [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Number of loans	3
Troubled debt restructured loans ("TDRs")	$46,000

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr3

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Composition of Loan Portfolio) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	$1,182,334	$1,166,233
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	177,597	172,810
Municipal Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	94,366	94,007
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	469,529	489,706
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	412,447	371,319
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	23,858	31,841
Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	4,504	5,655
All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	$33	$895

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr4

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Loan Loss Experience And Activity In The Allowance For Credit Losses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$12,828	$12,312	$11,353
Charge-offs	-231	-412	-61
Recoveries	68	128	70
Provision (credit)	150	800	950
Ending balance	12,815	12,828	12,312
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	63	112
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	12,752	12,716
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	791	906
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	1,181,543	1,165,327
Loans	1,182,334	1,166,233
Allowance for loan losses	11,833	12,042
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	982	786
Total allowance for credit losses	12,815	12,828	12,312
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,354	3,447	2,905
Charge-offs	-34	-20	-9
Recoveries	10	62	30
Provision (credit)	1	-135	521
Ending balance	3,331	3,354	3,447
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	2
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	3,331	3,352
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	134	20
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	177,463	172,790
Loans	177,597	172,810
Allowance for loan losses	2,583	2,740
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	748	614
Total allowance for credit losses	3,331	3,354	3,447
Municipal Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning balance	768	522	309
Charge-offs	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0
Provision (credit)	-132	246	213
Ending balance	636	768	522
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	636	768
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	94,366	94,007
Loans	94,366	94,007
Allowance for loan losses	623	758
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	13	10
Total allowance for credit losses	636	768	522
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,081	3,421	3,017
Charge-offs	-25	-289	-20
Recoveries	24	6	14
Provision (credit)	47	-57	410
Ending balance	3,127	3,081	3,421
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	63	41
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	3,064	3,040
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	657	722
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	468,872	488,984
Loans	469,529	489,706
Allowance for loan losses	3,038	2,995
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	89	86
Total allowance for credit losses	3,127	3,081	3,421
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning balance	5,085	4,660	4,605
Charge-offs	0	-1	-32
Recoveries	1	40	1
Provision (credit)	165	386	86
Ending balance	5,251	5,085	4,660
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	69
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	5,251	5,016
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	164
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	412,447	371,155
Loans	412,447	371,319
Allowance for loan losses	5,209	5,040
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	42	45
Total allowance for credit losses	5,251	5,085	4,660
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning balance	512	234	477
Charge-offs	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	1	25
Provision (credit)	-97	277	-268
Ending balance	415	512	234
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	415	512
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	23,858	31,841
Loans	23,858	31,841
Allowance for loan losses	325	481
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	90	31
Total allowance for credit losses	415	512	234
Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning balance	18	17	23
Charge-offs	-2	-9	0
Recoveries	2	6	0
Provision (credit)	-5	4	-6
Ending balance	13	18	17
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	13	18
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	4,504	5,655
Loans	4,504	5,655
Allowance for loan losses	13	18
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	0	0
Total allowance for credit losses	13	18	17
All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning balance	10	11	17
Charge-offs	-170	-93	0
Recoveries	31	13	0
Provision (credit)	171	79	-6
Ending balance	42	10	11
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	42	10
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	33	895
Loans	33	895
Allowance for loan losses	42	10
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	0	0
Total allowance for credit losses	$42	$10	$11

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr5

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Allowance For Loan Losses And The Recorded Investment In Loans) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	$63	$112
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	12,752	12,716
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	791	906
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	1,181,543	1,165,327
Total	1,182,334	1,166,233
Allowance for loan losses	11,833	12,042
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	982	786
Total allowance for credit losses	12,815	12,828	12,312	11,353
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	2
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	3,331	3,352
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	134	20
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	177,463	172,790
Total	177,597	172,810
Allowance for loan losses	2,583	2,740
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	748	614
Total allowance for credit losses	3,331	3,354	3,447	2,905
Municipal Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	636	768
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	94,366	94,007
Total	94,366	94,007
Allowance for loan losses	623	758
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	13	10
Total allowance for credit losses	636	768	522	309
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	63	41
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	3,064	3,040
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	657	722
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	468,872	488,984
Total	469,529	489,706
Allowance for loan losses	3,038	2,995
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	89	86
Total allowance for credit losses	3,127	3,081	3,421	3,017
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	69
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	5,251	5,016
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	164
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	412,447	371,155
Total	412,447	371,319
Allowance for loan losses	5,209	5,040
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	42	45
Total allowance for credit losses	5,251	5,085	4,660	4,605
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	415	512
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	23,858	31,841
Total	23,858	31,841
Allowance for loan losses	325	481
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	90	31
Total allowance for credit losses	415	512	234	477
Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	13	18
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	4,504	5,655
Total	4,504	5,655
Allowance for loan losses	13	18
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	0	0
Total allowance for credit losses	13	18	17	23
All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	42	10
Financing receivables, Ending balance individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Financing receivables, Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	33	895
Total	33	895
Allowance for loan losses	42	10
Reserve for undisbursed lines of credit	0	0
Total allowance for credit losses	$42	$10	$11	$17

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr6

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Recorded Investment Of Loans, Including Nonaccrual And Restructured Loans, By Class) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	$441,000	$76,000
61-90 Days Past Due	22,000	298,000
91 Days or More Past Due	470,000	542,000
Total Past Due	933,000	916,000
Current	1,181,401,000	1,165,317,000
Total	1,182,334,000	1,166,233,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	75,000
Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	4,504,000	5,655,000
Total	4,504,000	5,655,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	0
All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	33,000	895,000
Total	33,000	895,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	0
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	49,000	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Days or More Past Due	0	20,000
Total Past Due	49,000	20,000
Current	177,548,000	172,790,000
Total	177,597,000	172,810,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	0
Municipal Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	94,366,000	94,007,000
Total	94,366,000	94,007,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total	469,529,000	489,706,000
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	157,000	4,000
61-90 Days Past Due	0	294,000
91 Days or More Past Due	391,000	341,000
Total Past Due	548,000	639,000
Current	431,191,000	452,440,000
Total	431,739,000	453,079,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	33,000	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	4,000
91 Days or More Past Due	79,000	181,000
Total Past Due	112,000	185,000
Current	37,678,000	36,442,000
Total	37,790,000	36,627,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	75,000
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total	412,447,000	371,319,000
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	22,000	0
91 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	22,000	0
Current	260,075,000	224,416,000
Total	260,097,000	224,416,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	202,000	72,000
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	202,000	72,000
Current	152,148,000	146,831,000
Total	152,350,000	146,903,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total	23,858,000	31,841,000
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	4,131,000	2,495,000
Total	4,131,000	2,495,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Days or More Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	19,727,000	29,346,000
Total	19,727,000	29,346,000
91 Days or more past due and Accruing	$0	$0

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr7

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Impaired Loans By Class) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$791	$906	$3,022
Unpaid Principal Balance	904	1,178	3,289
Related allowance	63	112	569
Average Recorded Investment	825	2,267	2,629
Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	6
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	134	20	233
Unpaid Principal Balance	136	21	250
Related allowance	0	2	149
Average Recorded Investment	98	554	76
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	657	722	2,317
Unpaid Principal Balance	768	982	2,493
Related allowance	63	41	361
Average Recorded Investment	596	1,444	2,036
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	164	472
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	175	546
Related allowance	0	69	59
Average Recorded Investment	131	263	516
Installment and Other [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment			0
Unpaid Principal Balance			0
Related allowance			0
Average Recorded Investment			1
With No Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0	0
Related allowance	0	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	1	1
With No Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	134	0	7
Unpaid Principal Balance	136	0	22
Related allowance	0	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	86	211	39
With No Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	147	410	853
Unpaid Principal Balance	257	629	1,010
Related allowance	0	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	256	541	807
With No Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	79	181	16
Unpaid Principal Balance	79	218	17
Related allowance	0	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	136	145	247
With No Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0	295
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0	367
Related allowance	0	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	12	93	380
With No Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0	0
Related allowance	0	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0	0
With Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	5
With Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	20	226
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	21	228
Related allowance	0	2	149
Average Recorded Investment	12	343	37
With Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	431	131	748
Unpaid Principal Balance	432	135	766
Related allowance	63	41	173
Average Recorded Investment	204	512	662
With Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0	700
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0	700
Related allowance	0	0	188
Average Recorded Investment	0	246	320
With Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	164
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	175
Related allowance	0	69
Average Recorded Investment	119	170
With Related Allowance Recorded [Member] | Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment			177
Unpaid Principal Balance			179
Related allowance			59
Average Recorded Investment			$136

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr8

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Nonperforming Loans) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses [Abstract]
Nonaccrual loans	$598	$425
Loans past due greater than 90 days and accruing	0	75
Troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs")	193	406
Total nonperforming loans	$791	$906

Loans_And_The_Allowance_For_Cr9

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Nonaccrual Loans By Class) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total nonaccrual loans	$661	$660
Nonaccrual non-TDR loans	598	425
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total nonaccrual loans	88	20
Nonaccruing TDR's	5	0
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total nonaccrual loans	431	299
Nonaccruing TDR's	58	71
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total nonaccrual loans	79	106
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total nonaccrual loans	0	0
Nonaccruing TDR's	0	164
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total nonaccrual loans	0	0
Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total nonaccrual loans	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet1

Loans And The Allowance For Credit Losses (Summary Of Loans By Credit Quality Indicator) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	$1,182,334	$1,166,233
Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	4,504	5,655
All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	33	895
Unrated [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	471,626	495,348
Unrated [Member] | Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	4,504	5,655
Unrated [Member] | All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	33	895
Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	594,496	572,179
Pass [Member] | Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Pass [Member] | All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Pass-Watch [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	78,355	68,198
Pass-Watch [Member] | Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Pass-Watch [Member] | All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	7,208	4,730
Special Mention [Member] | Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Special Mention [Member] | All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	30,649	25,778
Substandard [Member] | Installment Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Substandard [Member] | All Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	177,597	172,810
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member] | Unrated [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	352	242
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	143,813	152,466
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member] | Pass-Watch [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	21,563	14,092
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	3,942	96
Commercial, Financial And Agricultural [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	7,927	5,914
Municipal Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	94,366	94,007
Municipal Loans [Member] | Unrated [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	40	28
Municipal Loans [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	75,337	65,474
Municipal Loans [Member] | Pass-Watch [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	17,101	26,548
Municipal Loans [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	1,888	1,957
Municipal Loans [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	469,529	489,706
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	431,739	453,079
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	37,790	36,627
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Unrated [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	428,073	449,951
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Unrated [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	37,790	36,599
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Pass [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	3,046	2,520
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Pass [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Pass-Watch [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	170	0
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Pass-Watch [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Special Mention [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	65
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Special Mention [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Substandard [Member] | First Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	450	543
Real Estate Loans b Residential [Member] | Substandard [Member] | Second Mortgage [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	28
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	412,447	371,319
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	260,097	224,416
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	152,350	146,903
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Unrated [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	187	165
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Unrated [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	189	171
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Pass [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	220,651	187,779
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Pass [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	130,218	134,222
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Pass-Watch [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	18,708	17,236
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Pass-Watch [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	20,773	9,841
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Special Mention [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	1,378	2,342
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Special Mention [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	270
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Substandard [Member] | Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	19,173	16,894
Real Estate Loans b Commercial [Member] | Substandard [Member] | Non-Owner Occupied [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	1,170	2,399
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	23,858	31,841
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	4,131	2,495
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	19,727	29,346
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Unrated [Member] | Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	288	904
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Unrated [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	170	738
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Pass [Member] | Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	3,843	1,591
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Pass [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	17,588	28,127
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Pass-Watch [Member] | Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Pass-Watch [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	40	481
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Special Mention [Member] | Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Special Mention [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Substandard [Member] | Residential [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Real Estate Loans b Construction [Member] | Substandard [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans	$1,929	$0

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit	$47	$47

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$204,091	$253,316
Liabilities	1,096	1,529
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	204,091	253,316
Liabilities	1,096	1,529
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
U.S. Treasury Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	25,093	100
U.S. Treasury Obligations [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
U.S. Treasury Obligations [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	25,093	100
U.S. Treasury Obligations [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Agency MBSs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	95,407	99,271
Agency MBSs [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Agency MBSs [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	95,407	99,271
Agency MBSs [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Agency CMBSs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	21,704	17,638
Agency CMBSs [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Agency CMBSs [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	21,704	17,638
Agency CMBSs [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Agency CMOs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	60,882	97,209
Agency CMOs [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Agency CMOs [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	60,882	97,209
Agency CMOs [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
CLOs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		37,907
CLOs [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		0
CLOs [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		37,907
CLOs [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		0
ABSs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	387	388
ABSs [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
ABSs [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	387	388
ABSs [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	618	803
Liabilities	1,096	1,529
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	618	803
Liabilities	1,096	1,529
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$154,459	$115,471	$77,228	$37,812
Securities available for sale	203,473	252,513
Securities available for sale, at fair value	203,473	252,513
Securities held to maturity	138,421	140,826
Securities held to maturity, fair value	139,171	137,087
FHLB stock	4,378	7,496
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	1,170,501	1,154,191
Total assets	1,723,464	1,725,469
Deposits	1,308,772	1,323,576
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	258,464	250,314
Other long-term debt	2,320	2,403
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust	20,619	20,619
Total liabilities	1,597,643	1,605,858
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	154,459	115,471
Securities available for sale	203,473	252,513
Securities available for sale, at fair value	203,473	252,513
Securities held to maturity	138,421	140,826
FHLB stock	4,378	7,496
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	1,170,501	1,154,191
Interest rate swap agreement	618	803
Accrued interest receivable	3,787	3,982
Total assets	1,675,637	1,675,282
Deposits	1,308,772	1,323,576
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	258,464	250,314
Other long-term debt	2,320	2,403
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust	20,619	20,619
Interest rate swap agreement	1,096	1,529
Accrued interest payable	165	214
Total liabilities	1,591,436	1,598,654
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	154,459	115,471
Securities available for sale	203,473	252,513
Securities available for sale, at fair value	203,473	252,513
Securities held to maturity, fair value	139,171	137,087
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	1,172,517	1,155,348
Interest rate swap agreement	618	803
Accrued interest receivable	3,787	3,982
Total assets	1,674,025	1,665,204
Deposits	1,308,904	1,324,634
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	258,438	250,290
Other long-term debt	2,277	2,287
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust	14,476	14,189
Interest rate swap agreement	1,096	1,529
Accrued interest payable	165	214
Total liabilities	1,585,356	1,593,143
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	154,459	115,471
Securities available for sale	0	0
Securities available for sale, at fair value	0	0
Securities held to maturity, fair value	0	0
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	0	0
Interest rate swap agreement	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Total assets	154,459	115,471
Deposits	1,097,088	1,018,470
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	0	0
Other long-term debt	0	0
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust	0	0
Interest rate swap agreement	0	0
Accrued interest payable	19	15
Total liabilities	1,097,107	1,018,485
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Securities available for sale	203,473	252,513
Securities available for sale, at fair value	203,473	252,513
Securities held to maturity, fair value	139,171	137,087
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	0	0
Interest rate swap agreement	618	803
Accrued interest receivable	847	958
Total assets	344,109	391,361
Deposits	211,816	306,162
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	258,438	250,290
Other long-term debt	2,277	2,287
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust	14,476	14,189
Interest rate swap agreement	1,096	1,529
Accrued interest payable	146	199
Total liabilities	488,249	574,656
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Securities available for sale	0	0
Securities available for sale, at fair value	0	0
Securities held to maturity, fair value	0	0
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	1,172,517	1,155,348
Interest rate swap agreement	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	2,940	3,024
Total assets	1,175,457	1,158,372
Deposits	0	0
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	0	0
Other long-term debt	0	0
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust	0	0
Interest rate swap agreement	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Total liabilities	$0	$0

Premises_and_Equipment_Narrati

Premises and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2008
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense	$2,450,000	$2,180,000	$1,950,000
Rent expense	1,320,000	1,200,000	1,080,000
Principal Office in South Burlington, VT [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deferred gain included in other liabilities	1,481,000	1,904,000
Branch Location in Burlington, VT [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deferred gain included in other liabilities	841,000	934,000
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Lease agreements expiring	20 years
Per Year Through 2017 [Member] | Principal Office in South Burlington, VT [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deferred gains on sale leaseback transaction				423,000
2018 [Member] | Principal Office in South Burlington, VT [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deferred gains on sale leaseback transaction				212,000
Per Year Through 2023 [Member] | Branch Location in Burlington, VT [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deferred gains on sale leaseback transaction		$93,000

Premises_and_Equipment_Compone

Premises and Equipment (Components Included In The Accompanying Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross fixed assets	$36,403	$34,084
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	20,911	18,512
Total net fixed assets	15,492	15,572
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross fixed assets	332	332
Bank Premises [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross fixed assets	6,789	6,782
Estimated Useful Lives (In years)	39 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross fixed assets	9,936	9,276
Furniture, Equipment, and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross fixed assets	$19,346	$17,694
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives (In years)	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture, Equipment, and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives (In years)	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives (In years)	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture, Equipment, and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives (In years)	7 years

Premises_and_Equipment_Minimum

Premises and Equipment (Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
2015	$1,554
2016	1,385
2017	1,210
2018	953
2019	908
Thereafter	5,844
Total	$11,854

Time_Deposits_Details

Time Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Time Deposits [Abstract]
2015	$145,648,000
2016	36,042,000
2017	8,165,000
2018	10,055,000
2019	10,882,000
Thereafter	892,000
Total time deposits	211,684,000	305,106,000
Time deposits greater than $250 thousand	$27,640,000	$44,050,000

Securities_Sold_Under_Agreemen2

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Short-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Short-Term Debt [Abstract]
Borrowing capacity through unsecured borrowing lines	$65
Loans pledged to the FHLBB	369.78	276.94
Additional short or long-term borrowing capacity with FHLBB	$246.92

Securities_Sold_Under_Agreemen3

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Short-Term Debt (Information Regarding Other Borrowed Funds) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Amount outstanding at year end	$258,464	$250,314
FHLBB Short Term Borrowings [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Amount outstanding at year end	0	0	0
Maximum amount outstanding during the year	18,900	72,500	97,000
Average amount outstanding during the year	212	17,259	38,290
Weighted average-rate during the year	0.31%	0.30%	0.28%
Weighted average rate at year-end	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Securities Sold under Agreement to Repurchase - Short-Term [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Amount outstanding at year end	258,464	250,314	287,520
Maximum amount outstanding during the year	292,692	284,297	303,420
Average amount outstanding during the year	$192,868	$212,644	$230,281
Weighted average-rate during the year	0.18%	0.41%	0.73%
Weighted average rate at year-end	0.26%	0.18%	0.47%

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Prepaid long-term debt			$20,000,000
Prepayment penalties	$0	$0	$1,363,000

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_De

Long-Term Debt (Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$2,320	$2,403
FHLB Notes, Payable Through March 2029, Rates Ranging From 1.50% to 2.50% [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate range, minimum	1.50%
Interest rate range, maximum	2.50%
FHLB Notes	$2,320	$2,403

LongTerm_Debt_Contractual_Matu

Long-Term Debt (Contractual Maturities and Amortization of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
2015	$84
2016	85
2017	87
2018	89
2019	91
2020 and after	1,884
Total due	$2,320	$2,403

Trust_Preferred_Securities_Det

Trust Preferred Securities (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 15, 2004	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Private placement, trust preferred securities, aggregate amount	$20,000,000
Trust preferred securities		20,619,000	20,619,000
LIBOR plus percentage		1.95%
Interest expense on trust preferred securities		752,000	756,000	1,180,000
Trust Preferred Securities [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Maturity date		31-Dec-34
Fixed Interest Rate Subsequent 7 Years [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Amount of hedged item		$10,000,000
Fixed interest rate		5.23%
Fixed rate, expiration date		15-Dec-16

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Statutory rate	35.00%
State franchise taxes	$1,435	$1,439	$1,295
Vermont [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
State franchise taxes	$1,430	$1,440	$1,300

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes (Components of Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current	$3,707	$733	$4,721
Deferred	-175	4,329	772
Provision for income taxes	$3,532	$5,062	$5,493

Income_Taxes_Tax_Effects_of_Te

Income Taxes (Tax Effects of Temporary Differences and Tax Credits that Give Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets: Allowance for loan losses	$4,773	$4,427
Deferred tax assets: Post retirement benefit obligation	1,797	951
Deferred tax assets: Deferred compensation	1,427	1,369
Deferred tax assets: Installment sales	0	71
Deferred tax assets: Core deposit intangible	0	31
Deferred tax assets: Interest rate swap	165	251
Deferred tax assets: Qualified School Bond Tax Credits	919	919
Deferred tax assets: Affordable Housing/Other Tax Credits	1,170	1,244
Deferred tax assets: Other	189	284
Deferred Tax Assets: Net Operating Loss	0	288
Deferred tax assets: Investment in real estate limited partnerships, net	335	121
Deferred tax assets: Unrealized loss on securities available for sale	0	99
Deferred tax assets: Unrealized loss on securities held to maturity	1,475	1,726
Total deferred tax assets	12,250	11,781
Deferred tax liabilities: Loan mark-to-market adjustment	-3,736	-3,756
Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred compensation	0	-3
Deferred tax liabilities: Installment sales	-30	0
Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gain on securities available for sale	-797	0
Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation	-1,175	-1,442
Deferred tax liabilities: Accrued pension cost	-3,106	-2,963
Total deferred tax liabilities	-8,844	-8,164
Net deferred tax assets	$3,406	$3,617

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Federal Income Tax Provision) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Applicable statutory Federal income tax	$5,402	$6,972	$7,241
(Reduction) increase in taxes resulting from: Low Income Housing Projects	858	705	985
(Reduction) increase in taxes resulting from: Tax-exempt income	-729	-708	-719
(Reduction) increase in taxes resulting from: Tax credits	-1,936	-1,798	-2,164
(Reduction) increase in taxes resulting from: Bank owned life insurance	-107	0	0
(Reduction) increase in taxes resulting from: Other, net	44	-109	150
Provision for income taxes	$3,532	$5,062	$5,493

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$11,560,000	$9,610,000
Amounts recognized in AOCI for net actuarial losses	5,200,000	2,800,000
401K, maximum employee contribution, percentage of compensation	75.00%
401K, employer contribution, approximate percentage match	48.00%	46.00%	47.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Baseline allocation	60.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	35.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	75.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Baseline allocation	40.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	25.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	60.00%
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Portfolio investment time horizon	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Portfolio investment time horizon	15 years
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Estimated net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost				$411,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Reconci

Employee Benefit Plans (Reconciliation of Changes in Plan's Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$9,611	$10,801
Service cost including expenses	44	53	48
Interest cost	464	418	478
Actuarial (gain) loss	2,013	-1,117
Benefits paid and expected expenses	-576	-544
Benefit obligation at year-end	11,556	9,611	10,801
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	15,446	14,412
Actual return on plan assets	489	1,569
Employer contributions	0	0
Benefits paid and actual expenses	-585	-535
Fair value of plan assets at year-end	15,350	15,446	14,412
Funded status of plan at year end	$3,794	$5,835

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Net_Per

Employee Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Interest cost	$464	$418	$478
Expected return on plan assets	-1,059	-988	-600
Service costs	44	53	48
Net loss amortization	137	355	326
Net periodic pension cost	-414	-162	252
Net loss (gain)	2,606	-1,707	1,016
Net loss amortization	-137	-355	-326
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	2,469	-2,062	690
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost (income) and other comprehensive (income) loss	$2,055	($2,224)	$942

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Summary

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary of Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Benefit obligations, Discount rate	3.97%	4.98%	3.98%
Net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	4.98%	3.98%	5.24%
Net periodic benefit cost, Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Fair_Va

Employee Benefit Plans (Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$15,350	$15,446	$14,412
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	15,350	15,446
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	6	31
Cash [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	6	31
Cash [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Cash [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	690	434
Money Market Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	690	434
Money Market Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	3,770	3,630
Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	3,770	3,630
Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Large Cap Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds [Member}
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	128	140
Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds [Member} | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	128	140
Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds [Member} | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Small Cap Equity Mutual Funds [Member} | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Domestic Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		256
Domestic Equities [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		256
Domestic Equities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		0
Domestic Equities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		0
Global Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	866	939
Global Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	866	939
Global Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Global Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
International Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	2,898	2,712
International Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	2,898	2,712
International Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
International Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Absolute Return Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	770	722
Absolute Return Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	770	722
Absolute Return Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Absolute Return Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
International Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		559
International Bond Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		559
International Bond Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		0
International Bond Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		0
Taxable Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	6,222	6,023
Taxable Bond Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	6,222	6,023
Taxable Bond Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Taxable Bond Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$0	$0

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Summary1

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary of Estimated Future Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid Under the Plan) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
2015	$570
2016	591
2017	630
2018	672
2019	679
Years 2020 to 2024	$3,559

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Summary2

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary of Expense Relating to Various Employee Benefit Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employee benefit plans expense	$171	$403	$842
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employee benefit plans expense	-414	-162	252
401(k) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employee benefit plans expense	$585	$565	$590

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan	600,000
Compensation cost	$119	$187	$172
Service period	3 years
Grant date fair value of shares granted, amount per share	$28.60	$28.96	$26.33
Stock options granted at percentage of fair value	100.00%
Options granted	0	0	0
Intrinsic value of options exercised	41	52	73
Intrinsic value of options exercisable	626
Options exercisable, weighted average remaining term	5 years 11 days
Cash received from exercise of stock options	0	0	280
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and distribution of shares in deferred compensation arrangements	14	8	20
2008 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan	600,000
Shares available for future grants under the plan	450,094
2008 Compensation Plan For Non-Employee Directors And Trustees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan	150,000
Shares available for future grants under the plan	104,469
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	7,120	5,846	6,680
Service period	3 years
Fair value of shares vested during the year	282
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Service period	3 years
Current Outstanding Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost	199
Exercise Price Range $22.07 to $22.93 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price range, options outstanding	72,000
Options exercise price range, lower range limit	$22.07
Options exercise price range, upper range limit	$22.93
Exercise price range $26.63 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price range, options outstanding	10,000
Options exercise price	$26.63
Restricted Stock [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost	$119	$187	$172

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Summary Of Restricted Stock) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Non-Vested Shares at beginning of year, Shares	20,838
Granted, Shares	7,120
Vested, Shares	-9,569
Forfeited, Shares	-4,424
Non-Vested Shares at end of year, Shares	13,965	20,838
Non-Vested Shares at beginning of year, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$26.46
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$28.60	$28.96	$26.33
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$25
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$28.09
Non-Vested Shares at end of year, Weighted Average	$28.03	$26.46

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Stock Option Plan) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Number of shares, options outstanding, beginning of year	88	95	121
Number of shares, granted	0	0	0
Number of shares, exercised	6	8	18
Number of shares, forfeited	0	0	8
Number of shares, expired	0	0	0
Number of shares, options outstanding, end of year	82	88	95
Number of shares, options exercisable	82	88	51
Weighted average exercise price per share, options outstanding, beginning of year	$22.95	$22.87	$22.81
Weighted average exercise price per share, granted	$0	$0	$0
Weighted average exercise price per share, exercised	$22.07	$22.07	$22.81
Weighted average exercise price per share, forfeited	$0	$0	$22.07
Weighted average exercise price per share, expired	$0	$0	$0
Weighted average exercise price per share, options outstanding, end of year	$23	$22.95	$22.87
Weighted average exercise price per share, options exercisable	$23	$22.95	$23.57

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliations And Calculations Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$12,125	$15,131	$15,194
Weighted average common shares outstanding	6,326,000	6,303,000	6,259,000
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents	18,000	13,000	12,000
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	6,344,000	6,316,000	6,271,000
Basic earnings per common share	$1.92	$2.40	$2.43
Diluted earnings per common share	$1.91	$2.40	$2.42
Average stock options outstanding which were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share				0

Parent_Company_Balance_Sheets_

Parent Company (Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Other assets	$21,233	$24,769
Total assets	1,723,464	1,725,469
Other liabilities	7,468	8,946
Shareholders' equity	125,821	119,611	118,221	109,537
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,723,464	1,725,469
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investment in subsidiaries	144,533	137,810
Cash	2,197	2,797
Other assets	323	461
Total assets	147,053	141,068
Other liabilities	613	838
Long term debt	20,619	20,619
Shareholders' equity	125,821	119,611
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$147,053	$141,068

Parent_Company_Statements_of_I

Parent Company (Statements of Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Benefit from income taxes	($3,532)	($5,062)	($5,493)
NET INCOME	12,125	15,131	15,194
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from Merchants Bank	7,085	5,789	7,607
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	5,857	10,211	8,721
Other expense, net	-1,276	-1,337	-1,743
Benefit from income taxes	459	468	609
NET INCOME	$12,125	$15,131	$15,194

Parent_Company_Statements_of_C

Parent Company (Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$12,125	$15,131	$15,194
Net change in other assets	790	-1,635	-2,333
Net change in other liabilities	-861	634	-11,282
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,915	22,564	5,662
Sale of treasury stock	0	15	18
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	225	0	280
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and distribution of shares in deferred compensation arrangements	14	8	20
Cash dividends paid	-7,085	-6,432	-6,324
Net cash provided by financing activities	-13,665	9,038	92,321
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	38,988	38,243	39,416
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period	115,471	77,228	37,812
Cash and cash equivalents end of period	154,459	115,471	77,228
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	12,125	15,131	15,194
Net change in other assets	138	65	170
Net change in other liabilities	-67	-121	-116
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	-5,857	-10,211	-8,721
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,339	4,864	6,527
Sale of treasury stock	0	15	18
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	280
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and distribution of shares in deferred compensation arrangements	14	8	20
Cash dividends paid	-7,167	-6,432	-6,324
Other, net	214	226	200
Net cash provided by financing activities	-6,939	-6,183	-5,806
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-600	-1,319	721
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period	2,797	4,116	3,395
Cash and cash equivalents end of period	$2,197	$2,797	$4,116

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Expiration term of contingent obligations, months	12 months
Balances at the Federal Reserve Bank	$22,890,000	$17,030,000
Commitments to Originate Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk	37,651,000	12,728,000
Unused Lines of Credit [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk	197,682,000	195,510,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk	8,768,000	4,729,000
Equity Commitments to Affordable Housing Limited Partnerships [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk	$3,019,000	$2,841,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) By Component) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	($5,720,000)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Interest rate swaps	161,000	216,000	226,000
Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	8,000	-3,533,000	0
Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income	472,000	237,000	0
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income	-69,000	116,000	-329,000
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Unrealized (gains) losses on securities	1,705,000	-6,311,000	-336,000
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Pension and postretirement benefit plans	-1,605,000	1,340,000	-448,000
Balance	-5,048,000	-5,720,000
Transferred From Available-For-Sale to Held-To-Maturity [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	3,530,000
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Unrealized (gains) losses on securities	-2,820,000
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities [Member] | Available-For-Sale [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-162,000	6,033,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Unrealized (gains) losses on securities	1,713,000	-9,844,000
Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	-8,000	3,533,000
Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income	-69,000	116,000
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Unrealized (gains) losses on securities	1,636,000	-6,195,000
Balance	1,474,000	-162,000
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities [Member] | Transferred From Available-For-Sale to Held-To-Maturity [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-3,296,000	0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Unrealized (gains) losses on securities	0	0
Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	8,000	-3,533,000
Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income	472,000	237,000
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Unrealized (gains) losses on securities	480,000	-3,296,000
Balance	-2,816,000	-3,296,000
Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-1,790,000	-3,130,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Pension and postretirement benefit plans	-1,694,000	1,110,000
Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	0	0
Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income, Pension and postretirement benefit plans	89,000	230,000
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Pension and postretirement benefit plans	-1,605,000	1,340,000
Balance	-3,395,000	-1,790,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-472,000	-688,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Interest rate swaps	161,000	216,000
Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	0	0
Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income, Interest rate swaps	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Interest rate swaps	161,000	216,000
Balance	-311,000	-472,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-5,720,000	2,215,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	180,000	-8,518,000
Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	0	0
Accretion of unrealized losses of securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity recognized in other comprehensive income	472,000	237,000
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses reclassified into income, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	20,000	346,000
Net current periodic change, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	672,000	-7,935,000
Balance	($5,048,000)	($5,720,000)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassification Adjustment Details) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net impairment losses	$0	$166	$0
Net losses (gains) on investment securities	-107	12	-507
Provision for income taxes	3,532	5,062	5,493
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassification adjustments	20	346
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net impairment losses		166
Net losses (gains) on investment securities	-107	12
Total before tax	-107	178
Provision for income taxes	38	-62
Reclassification adjustments, Net of tax	-69	116
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Compensation and benefits	137	355
Total before tax	137	355
Provision for income taxes	-48	-125
Reclassification adjustments, Net of tax	$89	$230

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement2

Regulatory Capital Requirements (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 15, 2004	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Tier One Leverage Capital, Actual Amount		$148,045,000	$142,036,000
Tier One Leverage Capital, Actual Percent		8.76%	8.44%
Tier One Leverage Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount		67,616,000	67,344,000
Tier One Leverage Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Percent		4.00%	4.00%
Tier One Risk Based Capital, Actual Amount		148,045,000	142,036,000
Tier One Risk Based Capital, Actual Percent		15.70%	14.87%
Tier One Risk Based Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount		37,724,000	38,216,000
Tier One Risk Based Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Percent		4.00%	4.00%
Total Risk-Based Capital, Actual Amount		159,856,000	153,999,000
Total Risk-Based Capital, Actual Percent		16.95%	16.12%
Total Risk Based Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount		75,447,000	76,433,000
Total Risk Based Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Percent		8.00%	8.00%
Private placement, trust preferred securities, aggregate amount	20,000,000
Merchants Bank [Member]
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Tier One Leverage Capital, Actual Amount		145,823,000	139,144,000
Tier One Leverage Capital, Actual Percent		8.60%	8.24%
Tier One Leverage Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount		64,816,000	67,530,000
Tier One Leverage Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Percent		4.00%	4.00%
Tier One Leverage Capital To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount		87,770,000	84,413,000
Tier One Leverage Capital To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Percent		5.00%	5.00%
Tier One Risk Based Capital, Actual Amount		145,823,000	139,144,000
Tier One Risk Based Capital, Actual Percent		15.36%	14.47%
Tier One Risk Based Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount		37,983,000	38,470,000
Tier One Risk Based Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Percent		4.00%	4.00%
Tier One Risk Based Capital To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount		56,974,000	57,705,000
Tier One Risk Based Capital To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Percent		6.00%	6.00%
Total Risk-Based Capital, Actual Amount		157,704,000	151,176,000
Total Risk-Based Capital, Actual Percent		16.61%	15.72%
Total Risk Based Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount		75,965,000	76,940,000
Total Risk Based Capital For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Percent		8.00%	8.00%
Total Risk Based Capital To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount		$94,957,000	$96,175,000
Total Risk Based Capital To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Percent		10.00%	10.00%

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flow Hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	5.23%
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, notional amount	$10,000,000	$10,000,000
Ineffective portion recognized in earnings	0	0	0
Fair values of effective portion of hedges reflected in Other Comprehensive Income	-479,000	-726,000
Fair Value Hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, notional amount	9,360,000	8,800,000
Average receive rate	1.55%	1.49%
Average pay rate	3.26%	3.11%
Weighted average maturity	17 years 7 months 6 days	19 years 6 months
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, notional amount	39,600,000
Average receive rate	1.85%	1.76%
Average pay rate	3.63%	3.37%
Weighted average maturity	12 years	13 years 9 months 18 days
Interest rate derivative assets, fair value	618,000	803,000
Interest rate derivative liabilities, fair value	$618,000	$803,000