United Community Banks (UCB) 10-K27 Feb 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC
Entity Central Index Key	857855
Trading Symbol	ucbi
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float		$970,205,714
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Voting Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			50,214,981
Non-Voting Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			10,080,787

Consolidated_Statement_of_Inco

Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest revenue:
Loans, including fees	$196,279	$200,893	$217,378
Investment securities:
Taxable	47,755	40,331	43,657
Tax exempt	738	827	956
Deposits in banks and short-term investments	3,660	3,789	3,986
Total interest revenue	248,432	245,840	265,977
Deposits:
NOW	1,651	1,759	2,049
Money market	3,060	2,210	2,518
Savings	81	133	150
Time	7,133	10,464	19,097
Total deposit interest expense	11,925	14,566	23,814
Short-term borrowings	2,160	2,071	2,987
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	912	68	907
Long-term debt	10,554	10,977	10,201
Total interest expense	25,551	27,682	37,909
Net interest revenue	222,881	218,158	228,068
Provision for credit losses	8,500	65,500	62,500
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses	214,381	152,658	165,568
Fee revenue:
Service charges and fees	33,073	31,997	31,670
Mortgage loan and other related fees	7,520	9,925	10,483
Brokerage fees	4,807	4,465	3,082
Securities gains, net	4,871	186	7,078
Losses on prepayment of borrowings	-4,446		-6,681
Other	9,729	10,025	10,480
Total fee revenue	55,554	56,598	56,112
Total revenue	269,935	209,256	221,680
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits	100,941	96,233	96,026
Occupancy	13,513	13,930	14,304
Communications and equipment	12,523	13,233	12,940
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges	4,792	9,219	10,097
Professional fees	7,907	9,617	8,792
Postage, printing and supplies	3,542	3,283	3,899
Advertising and public relations	3,461	3,718	3,855
Amortization of intangibles	1,348	2,031	2,917
Foreclosed property	634	7,869	13,993
Other	14,204	15,171	19,951
Total operating expenses	162,865	174,304	186,774
Income before income taxes	107,070	34,952	34,906
Income tax expense (benefit)	39,450	-238,188	1,050
Net income	67,620	273,140	33,856
Preferred stock dividends	439	12,078	12,148
Net income available to common shareholders	$67,181	$261,062	$21,708
Income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.11	$4.44	$0.38
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.11	$4.44	$0.38
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	60,588	58,787	57,857
Diluted (in shares)	60,590	58,845	57,857

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income, Before-tax Amount	$107,070	$34,952	$34,906
Net income, Tax (Expense) Benefit	-39,450	238,188	-1,050
Net income, Net of Tax Amount	67,620	273,140	33,856
Unrealized (losses) gains on available for sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, Before-tax Amount	12,550	-22,421	748
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, Tax (Expense) Benefit	-4,676	8,475	-273
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, Net of Tax Amount	7,874	-13,946	475
Reclassification of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, Before-tax Amount		8,306
Reclassification of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, Tax (Expense) Benefit		-3,119
Reclassification of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, Net of Tax Amount		5,187
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, Before-tax Amount	-4,871	-186	-7,078
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, Tax (Expense) Benefit	1,902	72	2,753
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, Net of Tax Amount	-2,969	-114	-4,325
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and release of valuation allowance, Before-tax Amount
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and release of valuation allowance, Tax (Expense) Benefit		-2,963	-2,480
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and release of valuation allowance, Net of Tax Amount		-2,963	-2,480
Net unrealized gains (losses), Before-tax Amount	7,679	-14,301	-6,330
Net unrealized gains (losses), Tax (Expense) Benefit	-2,774	2,465
Net unrealized gains (losses), Net of Tax Amount	4,905	-11,836	-6,330
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Before-tax Amount	1,656	-731	-1,988
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Tax (Expense) Benefit	-622	282	773
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Net of Tax Amount	1,034	-449	-1,215
Reclassification of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, Before Tax Amount		-8,306
Reclassification of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, Tax (Expense) Benefit		3,119
Reclassification of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, Net of Tax Amount		-5,187
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from the amortization of gains included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity and release of valuation allowance, Before-tax Amount
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from the amortization of gains included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity and release of valuation allowance, Tax (Expense) Benefit		1,293	-773
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from the amortization of gains included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity and release of valuation allowance, Net of Tax Amount		1,293	-773
Net unrealized gains (losses), Before-tax Amount	1,656	-9,037	-1,988
Net unrealized gains (losses), Tax (Expense) Benefit	-622	4,694
Net unrealized gains (losses), Net of Tax Amount	1,034	-4,343	-1,988
Amounts reclassified into net income on cash flow hedges, Before-tax Amount	2,010	-904	-3,712
Amounts reclassified into net income on cash flow hedges, Tax (Expense) Benefit	-782	352	1,444
Amounts reclassified into net income on cash flow hedges, Net of Tax Amount	1,228	-552	-2,268
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Before-tax Amount	-8,437	10,084	-8,739
unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Tax (Expense) Benefit	3,282	-3,923	3,400
unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Net of Tax Amount	-5,155	6,161	-5,339
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses and amortization of gains included in net income on cash flow hedges and release of valuation allowance, Before-tax Amount
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses and amortization of gains included in net income on cash flow hedges and release of valuation allowance, Tax (Expense) Benefit		13,698	-4,844
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses and amortization of gains included in net income on cash flow hedges and release of valuation allowance, Net of Tax Amount		13,698	-4,844
Net unrealized gains (losses), Before-tax Amount	-6,427	9,180	-12,451
Net unrealized gains (losses), Tax (Expense) Benefit	2,500	10,127
Net unrealized gains (losses), Net of Tax Amount	-3,927	19,307	-12,451
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit pension plan, Before-tax Amount	-1,933	561	-177
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit pension plan, Tax (Expense) Benefit	752	-218	69
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit pension plan, Net of Tax Amount	-1,181	343	-108
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan, Before-tax Amount	365	532	615
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan, Tax (Expense) Benefit	-142	-207	-240
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan, Net of Tax Amount	223	325	375
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses and amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses and release of valuation allowance, Before-tax Amount
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses and amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses and release of valuation allowance, Tax (Expense) Benefit			171
Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses and amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses and release of valuation allowance, Net of Tax Amount			171
Net defined benefit pension plan activity, Before-tax Amount	-1,568	1,093	438
Net defined benefit pension plan activity, Tax (Expense) Benefit	610	-425
Net defined benefit pension plan activity, Net of Tax Amount	-958	668	438
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Before-tax Amount	1,340	-13,065	-20,331
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Expense) Benefit	-286	16,861
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Net of Tax Amount	1,054	3,796	-20,331
Comprehensive income (loss), Before-tax Amount	108,410	21,887	14,575
Comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Expense) Benefit	-39,736	255,049	-1,050
Comprehensive income (loss), Net of Tax Amount	$68,674	$276,936	$13,525

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$77,180	$71,230
Interest-bearing deposits in banks	89,074	119,669
Short-term investments	26,401	37,999
Cash and cash equivalents	192,655	228,898
Securities available-for-sale	1,782,734	1,832,217
Securities held-to-maturity (fair value $425,233 and $485,585)	415,267	479,742
Mortgage loans held for sale	13,737	10,319
Loans, net of unearned income	4,672,119	4,329,266
Less allowance for loan losses	-71,619	-76,762
Loans, net	4,600,500	4,252,504
Assets covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC	3,315	22,882
Premises and equipment, net	159,390	163,589
Bank owned life insurance	81,294	80,670
Accrued interest receivable	20,103	19,598
Net deferred tax asset	215,503	258,518
Derivative financial instruments	20,599	23,833
Other assets	61,889	52,649
Total assets	7,566,986	7,425,419
Deposits:
Demand	1,574,317	1,388,512
NOW	1,504,887	1,427,939
Money market	1,273,283	1,227,575
Savings	292,308	251,125
Time:
Less than $100,000	748,478	892,961
Greater than $100,000	508,228	588,689
Brokered	425,011	424,704
Total deposits	6,326,512	6,201,505
Repurchase agreements	6,000	53,241
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	270,125	120,125
Long-term debt	129,865	129,865
Derivative financial instruments	31,997	46,232
Unsettled securities purchases	5,425	29,562
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	57,485	49,174
Total liabilities	6,827,409	6,629,704
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	50,178	46,243
Common stock issuable; 357,983 and 241,832 shares	5,168	3,930
Capital surplus	1,080,508	1,078,676
Accumulated deficit	-387,568	-448,091
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-18,790	-19,844
Total shareholders' equity	739,577	795,715
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	7,566,986	7,425,419
Series B Preferred Stock
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock		105,000
Total shareholders' equity		105,000
Series D Preferred Stock
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock		16,613
Total shareholders' equity		16,613
Non-Voting Common Stock
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	10,081	13,188
Total shareholders' equity	$10,081	$13,188

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Securities held to maturity	$425,233	$485,585
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	50,178,605	46,243,345
Common stock, shares outstanding	50,178,605	46,243,345
Common stock issuable, shares	357,983	241,832
Series B Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1,000	$1,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	105,000	180,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	105,000
Series D Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1,000	$1,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	16,613	16,613
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	16,613
Non-Voting Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	26,000,000	26,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	10,080,787	13,188,206
Common stock, shares outstanding	10,080,787	13,188,206

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Series A Preferred Stock	Series B Preferred Stock	Series D Preferred Stock	Non-Voting Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock Issuable	Capital Surplus	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Series A Preferred Stock	Series B Preferred Stock	Series D Preferred Stock	Non-Voting Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock Issuable	Capital Surplus	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Total
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$217	$177,092	$16,613	$15,914	$41,647	$3,233	$1,054,940	($730,861)	($3,309)	$575,486
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income/loss								33,856		33,856
Other comprehensive loss									-20,331	-20,331
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans (28,070 common shares in 2014, 62,978 common shares in 2013 and 109,905 common shares in 2012)					110		790			900
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (3,107,419 shares in 2014, 2,128,588 shares in 2013 and 597,415 shares in 2012)				-597	597
Amortization of stock option and restricted stock							1,976			1,976
Vesting of restricted stock awards (146,548 common shares issued, 115,609 common shares deferred in 2014, 55,328 common shares issued, 115,664 common shares deferred in 2013 and 64,839 common shares issued, 36,673 common shares deferred in 2012)					65	155	-220
Deferred compensation plan, net						201				201
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (13,223 common shares in 2014, 21,455 common shares in 2013 and 4,611 common shares in 2012)					5	-470	465
Preferred stock dividends:
Series A								-12		-12
Series B, including accretion		1,465						-10,465		-9,000
Series D								-1,671		-1,671
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	217	178,557	16,613	15,317	42,424	3,119	1,057,951	-709,153	-23,640	581,405
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income/loss								273,140		273,140
Other comprehensive loss									3,796	3,796
Redemption of Series A preferred stock (21,700 shares)	-217									-217
Redemption of Series B preferred stock (75,000 shares)		-75,000								-75,000
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans (28,070 common shares in 2014, 62,978 common shares in 2013 and 109,905 common shares in 2012)					63		733			796
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (3,107,419 shares in 2014, 2,128,588 shares in 2013 and 597,415 shares in 2012)				-2,129	2,129
Warrant exercise (1,551,126 shares)					1,551		17,838			19,389
Amortization of stock option and restricted stock							3,045			3,045
Vesting of restricted stock awards (146,548 common shares issued, 115,609 common shares deferred in 2014, 55,328 common shares issued, 115,664 common shares deferred in 2013 and 64,839 common shares issued, 36,673 common shares deferred in 2012)					55	1,693	-1,929			-181
Deferred compensation plan, net						177				177
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (13,223 common shares in 2014, 21,455 common shares in 2013 and 4,611 common shares in 2012)					21	-1,059	1,038
Preferred stock dividends:
Series A								-12		-12
Series B, including accretion		1,443						-10,401		-8,958
Series D								-1,665		-1,665
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013		105,000	16,613	13,188	46,243	3,930	1,078,676	-448,091	-19,844	795,715
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income/loss								67,620		67,620
Other comprehensive loss									1,054	1,054
Redemption of Series B preferred stock (75,000 shares)		-105,000								-105,000
Redemption of Series D preferred stock (16,613 shares)			-16,613							-16,613
Common stock issued at market (640,000 shares)					640		11,566			12,206
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans (28,070 common shares in 2014, 62,978 common shares in 2013 and 109,905 common shares in 2012)					28		441			469
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (3,107,419 shares in 2014, 2,128,588 shares in 2013 and 597,415 shares in 2012)				-3,107	3,107
Warrant repurchase at fair value							-12,000			-12,000
Amortization of stock option and restricted stock							4,304			4,304
Vesting of restricted stock awards (146,548 common shares issued, 115,609 common shares deferred in 2014, 55,328 common shares issued, 115,664 common shares deferred in 2013 and 64,839 common shares issued, 36,673 common shares deferred in 2012)					147	1,274	-2,736			-1,315
Deferred compensation plan, net						234				234
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (13,223 common shares in 2014, 21,455 common shares in 2013 and 4,611 common shares in 2012)					13	-270	257
Common stock dividends ($.11 per share)								-6,658		-6,658
Preferred stock dividends:
Series B, including accretion								-159		-159
Series D								-280		-280
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014				$10,081	$50,178	$5,168	$1,080,508	($387,568)	($18,790)	$739,577

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan1

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common stock issued to dividend reinvestment plan and employee benefit plans	28,070	62,978	109,905
Common stock issued at market, shares issued	640,000
Conversion of stocks, shares	3,107,419	2,128,588	597,415
Common stock dividends (in dollars per share)	$0.11
Warrant exercise, shares		1,551,126
Vesting of restricted stock, shares issued	146,548	55,328	64,839
Vesting of restricted stock, shares deferred	115,609	115,664	36,673
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan	13,223	21,455	4,611
Series A Preferred Stock
Retirement of preferred stock, shares		21,700
Series B Preferred Stock
Retirement of preferred stock, shares	105,000	75,000
Series D Preferred Stock
Retirement of preferred stock, shares	16,613

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income	$67,620	$273,140	$33,856
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	19,952	26,388	32,562
Provision for credit losses	8,500	65,500	62,500
Stock based compensation	4,304	3,045	1,976
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	38,226	-241,655
Securities gains, net	-4,871	-186	-7,078
Losses on prepayment of borrowings	4,446		6,681
Net (gains) losses on sales and write downs of other real estate owned	-704	4,706	8,875
Change in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in other assets and accrued interest receivable	-16,774	-293	43,738
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities	-15,385	42,505	4,908
(Increase) decrease in mortgage loans held for sale	-3,418	18,502	-4,940
Net cash provided by operating activities	101,896	191,652	183,078
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
Proceeds from maturities and calls	64,791	63,985	82,801
Purchases	-173	-8,481
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Proceeds from sales	419,201	39,731	469,167
Proceeds from maturities and calls	224,302	477,060	629,896
Purchases	-603,384	-818,256	-1,166,653
Net increase in loans	-326,452	-358,858	-159,814
Proceeds from loan sales	4,561	91,913
Net cash paid for acquisition	-31,261
Proceeds collected from FDIC under loss sharing agreements	2,662	5,882	14,292
Purchases of premises and equipment	-5,054	-8,143	-4,117
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment	3,137	3,946	1,059
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned	10,175	28,430	31,356
Net cash used in investing activities	-237,495	-482,791	-102,013
Financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	125,007	249,365	-145,843
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	-51,687	667	-54,483
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances	1,230,000	770,000	1,789,000
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances	-1,080,000	-690,000	-1,791,701
Repayment of long-term debt		-35,000	-30,500
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		40,000	35,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans	469	796	894
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	12,206
Proceeds from warrant exercise		19,389
Repurchase of outstanding warrant at fair value	-12,000
Retirement of preferred stock	-121,613	-75,217
Cash dividends on common stock	-1,810
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock		-15	-12
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock	-802	-9,440	-9,000
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock	-412	-1,657	-1,687
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	99,358	268,888	-208,332
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-36,241	-22,251	-127,267
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	228,898	251,149	378,416
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	192,657	228,898	251,149
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	25,669	26,139	42,107
Income taxes paid (refunds received)	$3,046	$2,362	($26,164)

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

	The accounting principles followed by United Community Banks, Inc. (“United”) and its subsidiaries and the methods of applying these principles conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with general practices within the banking industry. The following is a description of the significant policies.

	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	At December 31, 2014, United was a bank holding company subject to the regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) whose principal business was conducted by its wholly-owned commercial bank subsidiary, United Community Bank (the “Bank”). United is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United, the Bank and other wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

	The Bank is a Georgia state chartered commercial bank that serves markets throughout north Georgia, coastal Georgia, the Atlanta, Georgia MSA, the Gainesville, Georgia MSA, western North Carolina, the Greenville, South Carolina MSA and east and central Tennessee and provides a full range of banking services. The Bank is insured and subject to the regulation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and is also subject to the regulation of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.

	Use of Estimates
	In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the balance sheet and revenue and expenses for the years then ended. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change are the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, the valuation of goodwill and separately identifiable intangible assets associated with mergers and acquisitions, and the valuation of deferred tax assets.

	Operating Segments
	Operating segments are components of a business about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. Public companies are required to report certain financial information about operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. United’s community banking operations are divided among geographic regions and local community banks within those regions, those regions and banks have similar economic characteristics and are therefore aggregated into one operating segment for purposes of segment reporting.

	Additionally United assessed other operating units to determine if they should be classified and reported as segments. They include Mortgage, Advisory Services and Specialized Lending. Each was assessed for separate reporting on both a qualitative and a quantitative basis in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280 Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”). Qualitatively, these business units are currently operating in the same geographic footprint as the community banks and face many of the same customers as the community banks. While the chief operating decision maker does have some separate financial information for these entities, for much of 2014 they were viewed more as a product line extension of the community banks. However, management will continue to evaluate these business units for separate reporting as facts and circumstances change. On a quantitative basis, ASC 280 provides a threshold of 10% of Revenue, Net Income or Assets where a breach of any of these thresholds would trigger segment reporting. Under this requirement none of the entities reached the threshold.

	Based on this analysis, United concluded that it has only one operating and reportable segment.

	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents include amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks, federal funds sold, commercial paper, reverse repurchase agreements and short-term investments and are carried at cost. Federal funds are generally sold for one-day periods, interest-bearing deposits in banks are available on demand and commercial paper investments and reverse repurchase agreements mature within a period of less than 90 days. A portion of the cash on hand and on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta was required to meet regulatory reserve requirements.

	Investment Securities
	United classifies its securities in one of three categories: trading, held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. United does not hold any trading securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities for which United has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All other securities are classified as available-for-sale.

	Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are reported in other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Unrealized holding gains or losses associated with transfers of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity are included in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. These unrealized holding gains or losses are amortized into income over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment to the yield in a manner consistent with the amortization or accretion of the original purchase premium or discount on the associated security.

	Management evaluates investment securities for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. A decline in the fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings for a decline in value deemed to be credit related. The decline in value attributed to non credit related factors is recognized in other comprehensive income and a new cost basis for the security is established. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity are included in net income and derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of the securities sold.

	Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock is included in other assets at its original cost basis, as cost approximates fair value as there is no ready market for such investments.

	Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
	Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. The amount by which cost exceeds fair value is accounted for as a valuation allowance. Changes in the valuation allowance are included in the determination of net income for the period in which the change occurs. No valuation allowances were required at December 31, 2014 or 2013 since those loans have fair values that exceeded the recorded cost basis.

	Loans
	With the exception of purchased loans that are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, loans are stated at principal amount outstanding, net of any unearned revenue and net of any deferred loan fees and costs. Interest on loans is primarily calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.

	The accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well collateralized and in the process of collection, or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectible in the normal course of business. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against interest revenue on loans. Interest payments are applied to reduce the principal balance on nonaccrual loans. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance and future payments are reasonably assured. Nonaccrual loans include smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

	A loan is considered impaired when, based on current events and circumstances, it is probable that all amounts due, according to the contractual terms of the loan, will not be collected. Individually impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, at the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest revenue on impaired loans is discontinued when the loans meet the criteria for nonaccrual status. 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 considered impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and 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.

	Concentration of Credit Risk: Most of United’s business activity is with customers located within the markets where it has banking operations. Therefore, United’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy within its markets. More than 80% of United’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate and is therefore susceptible to changes in real estate valuations.

	Certain Purchased Loans: United from time to time purchases loans, primarily through business combination transactions. Some of those purchased loans show evidence of credit deterioration since origination. Purchased loans are recorded at their estimated fair value at date of purchase. After acquisition, further losses evidenced by decreases in expected cash flows are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

	Purchased loans are accounted for individually or aggregated into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as the type of loan, payment status, or collateral type. United estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan or pool and the expected cash flows in excess of the amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s or pool’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

	Over the life of the loan or pool, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a loss is recorded. If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest revenue.

	Allowance for Credit Losses
	The allowance for credit losses includes the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded commitments included in other liabilities). Increases to the allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded commitments are established through a provision for credit losses charged to income. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when available information confirms that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount, which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans as of the date of the balance sheet. The allowance for unfunded commitments represents expected losses on unfunded commitments and is reported in the consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities.

	The allowance for loan losses is composed of general reserves and specific reserves. General reserves are determined by applying loss percentages to the individual loan categories that are based on actual historical loss experience. United uses an eight-quarter weighted average annualized historical loss rate for each major loan category, weighted toward the most recent quarters’ losses and multiplied by the estimated loss emergence period for each loan type. Additionally, the general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, the findings of internal and external credit reviews and results from external bank regulatory examinations are considered in this evaluation. The need for specific reserves is evaluated on nonaccrual loan relationships greater than $500,000, accruing relationships rated substandard that are greater than $2 million and all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). The specific reserves are determined on a loan-by-loan basis based on management’s evaluation of United’s exposure for each credit, given the current payment status of the loan and the value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the calculation of general reserves.

	The allocation of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical data, subjective judgment and estimates and, therefore, is not necessarily indicative of the specific amounts or loan categories in which charge-offs may ultimately occur.

	For purposes of determining general reserves, United segments the loan portfolio into broad categories with similar risk elements. Those categories and their specific risks are described below.

	Owner occupied commercial real estate – Loans in this category are susceptible to declined in occupancy rates, business failure and general economic conditions are common risks for this segment of the loan portfolio.

	Income producing commercial real estate – Common risks for this loan category are declines in general economic conditions, declines in real estate value and lack of suitable alternative use for the property.

	Commercial & industrial – Risks to this loan category include industry concentrations and the inability to monitor the condition of the collateral which often consists of inventory, accounts receivable and other non real estate assets. Equipment and inventory obsolescence can also pose a risk. Declines in general economic conditions and other events can cause cash flows to fall to levels insufficient to service debt.

Commercial construction – Risks common to commercial construction loans are cost overruns, changes in market demand for property, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values.

Residential mortgage – Residential mortgage loans are susceptible to weakening general economic conditions and increases in unemployment rates and declining real estate values.

Home equity lines of credit – Risks common to home equity lines of credit are general economic conditions and declining real estate values which reduce or eliminate the borrower’s home equity.

Residential construction – Residential construction loans are susceptible to the same risks as commercial construction loans. Changes in market demand for property leads to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values, and higher interest rates.

Consumer installment – Risks common to consumer installment loans include regulatory risks, unemployment and changes in local economic conditions as well as the inability to monitor collateral consisting of personal property.

Indirect auto - Risks common to indirect auto loans include unemployment and changes in local economic conditions as well as the inability to monitor collateral.

Management outsources a significant portion of its loan review to ensure objectivity in the loan review process and to challenge and corroborate the loan grading system. The loan review function provides additional analysis used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. To supplement the outsourced loan review, management also has an internal loan review department that is independent of the lending function.

Management believes the allowance for loan losses is appropriate at December 31, 2014. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review United’s allowance for loan losses.

Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Costs incurred for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The range of estimated useful lives for buildings and improvements is 15 to 40 years, for land improvements, 10 to 35 years, and for furniture and equipment, 3 to 10 years.

Foreclosed Properties
Foreclosed property is initially recorded at fair value, less cost to sell. If the fair value, less cost to sell at the time of foreclosure is less than the loan balance, the deficiency is recorded as a loan charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. If the fair value, less cost to sell, of the foreclosed property decreases during the holding period, a valuation allowance is established with a charge to operating expenses. When the foreclosed property is sold, a gain or loss is recognized on the sale for the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the property. Financed sales of foreclosed property are accounted for in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification Topic 360, Subtopic 20, Real Estate Sales (“ASC 360-20”).

Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from United, the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and United does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before maturity.

Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Servicing Rights
United records a separate servicing asset for the SBA loans where the servicing is retained. This asset represents the right or obligation to service the SBA loans and receive a fee in compensation. Typically that fee is 1% of the loan balance being serviced. Servicing assets are initially recorded at their fair value as a component of the sale proceeds. The fair value of the servicing assets is based on an analysis of discounted cash flows that incorporates estimates of (1) market servicing costs (typically 40 basis points), (2) market-based prepayment rates, and (3) market profit margins.

United has elected to subsequently measure the servicing assets at fair value. There is no aggregation of the loans into pools for the valuation of the servicing asset, but the servicing asset value is measured at a loan level.

The rate of prepayment of loans serviced is the most significant estimate involved in the measurement process. Estimates of prepayment rates are based on market participant’s expectations of future prepayment rates, reflecting the company’s historical rate of loan repayments if consistent with market participant assumptions, industry trends, and other considerations. Actual prepayment rates differ from those projected by management due to changes in a variety of economic factors, including prevailing interest rates and the availability of alternative financing sources to borrowers. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more quickly than projected, the carrying value of servicing assets might have to be written down through a charge to earnings in the current period. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more slowly than had been projected, the carrying value of servicing assets could increase, and servicing income would exceed previously projected amounts. Accordingly, the servicing assets actually realized, could differ from the amounts initially recorded.

Bank Owned Life Insurance
United has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and members of management. 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 adjusted for other changes or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments
Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income taxes during the period that includes the enactment date.

In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of United’s assets and liabilities results in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable earnings and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Management weighs both the positive and negative evidence, giving more weight to evidence that can be objectively verified.

The income tax benefit or expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

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 percent likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.

United recognizes interest and / or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives
Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest rate on the loan is locked. United enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. United’s forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans are based on United’s “best efforts” and therefore United is not penalized if a loan is not delivered to the investor if the loan did not get originated. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives generally offset each other and are included in “mortgage loan and other related fees” in the consolidated statement of operations.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
United’s interest rate risk management strategy incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize fluctuations in net income that are caused by interest rate volatility. United’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest margin is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements in interest rates. United views this strategy as a prudent management of interest rate risk, such that net income is not exposed to undue risk presented by changes in interest rates.

In carrying out this part of its interest rate risk management strategy, United uses interest rate derivative contracts. The primary type of derivative contract used by United to manage interest rate risk is interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed- and variable-rate interest payments between two parties, based on a common notional principal amount and maturity date.

United classifies its derivative financial instruments as either (1) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value of a recorded asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) derivatives not designated as accounting hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in current period earnings. United has master netting agreements with the derivatives dealers with which it does business, but reflects gross assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

United uses the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness. United documents, both at inception and over the life of the hedge, at least quarterly, its analysis of actual and expected hedge effectiveness. This analysis includes techniques such as regression analysis and hypothetical derivatives to demonstrate that the hedge has been, and is expected to be, highly effective in offsetting corresponding changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. For a qualifying fair value hedge, changes in the value of derivatives that have been highly effective as hedges are recognized in current period earnings along with the corresponding changes in the fair value of the designated hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. For a qualifying cash flow hedge, the portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives that have been highly effective are recognized in other comprehensive income until the related cash flows from the hedged item are recognized in earnings.

For fair value hedges and cash flow hedges, ineffectiveness is recognized in the same income statement line as interest accruals on the hedged item to the extent that changes in the value of the derivative instruments do not perfectly offset changes in the value of the hedged items. If the hedge ceases to be highly effective, United discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes the changes in fair value in current period earnings. If a derivative that qualifies as a fair value or cash flow hedge is terminated or the designation removed, the realized or then unrealized gain or loss is recognized into income over the life of the hedged item (fair value hedge) or over the time when the hedged item was forecasted to impact earnings (cash flow hedge). Immediate recognition in earnings is required upon sale or extinguishment of the hedged item (fair value hedge) or if it is probable that the hedged cash flows will not occur (cash flow hedge).

By using derivative instruments, United is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the fair value gain in a derivative. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this situation generally indicates that the counterparty is obligated to pay United, and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for United. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, United is obligated to pay the counterparty and, therefore, has no repayment risk. United minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by United. United also requires the counterparties to pledge securities as collateral to cover the net exposure.

United’s derivative activities are monitored by its Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) as part of that committee’s oversight of United’s asset/liability and treasury functions. ALCO is responsible for implementing various hedging strategies that are developed through its analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources. The resulting hedging strategies are then incorporated into the overall interest-rate risk management process.

United recognizes the fair value of derivatives as assets or liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting for the changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative instrument at inception. The change in fair value of instruments used as fair value hedges is accounted for in the net income of the period simultaneous with accounting for the fair value change of the item being hedged. The change in fair value of the effective portion of cash flow hedges is accounted for in other comprehensive income rather than net income. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as a hedge are accounted for in the net income of the period of the change.

Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share is net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Additionally, shares issuable to participants in United’s deferred compensation plan are considered to be participating securities for purposes of calculating basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential shares of common stock issuable under stock options, warrants and securities convertible into common stock.

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 are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Dividend Restrictions
Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit dividends paid by the Bank to United or by United to shareholders. Due to its accumulated deficit, the Bank is currently required to obtain approval of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance before declaring any dividends to United.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions as more fully disclosed in Note 23. 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.

Stock-Based Compensation
United uses the fair value method of recognizing expense for stock-based compensation based on the fair value of option and restricted stock awards at the date of grant.

Reclassifications
Certain 2013 and 2012 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. During the fourth quarter of 2013, United reclassified hedge ineffectiveness gains and losses from other fee revenue to net interest revenue. The impact of the reclassification has been reflected in all periods and was not material to any period.

Accounting_Standards_Updates

Accounting Standards Updates	12 Months Ended
Accounting Standards Updates	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Standards Updates [Abstract]
Accounting Standards Updates	(2) Accounting Standards Updates

	In January 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU “) No. 2014-1, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. This ASU is expected to enable more entities to qualify for the proportional amortization method to account for affordable housing project investments than the number of entities that currently qualify for the effective yield method. The guidance is effective for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. United has investments in affordable housing projects and is currently evaluating the impact to its disclosures. It is not expected to have a material impact in United’s financial position or results of operations.

	In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. This ASU clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure has occurred and when a creditor should derecognize the associated loan receivable and recognize the real estate property. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. United does not expect the impact of this guidance to be material to United’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU provides guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and will be applied retrospectively either to each prior reporting period or with a cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application. United is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

	In June 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings and Disclosures. This ASU changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting. For repurchase financing arrangements, the amendments require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting. The ASU also requires new disclosures for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions and repurchase-to-maturity transactions. The Update is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. United is currently evaluating the guidance’s impact on its financial position, results of operation and disclosures.

	In June 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This ASU requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. The standard is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on United’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-14, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, Classification of Certain Government Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. This ASU addresses diversity in practice related to how creditors classify government-guaranteed mortgage loans, including Federal Housing Administration or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guaranteed loans upon foreclosure. The amendments in this ASU require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: 1) The loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure, 2) At the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim, and 3) At the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on United’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. This ASU eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from GAAP. As a result, an entity will no longer be required to segregate extraordinary items from the results of ordinary operations, to separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations or to disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. However, the standard will still retain the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. The standard will be effective for the United’s fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2015 and subsequent interim periods. The adoption of ASU 2015-015 is not expected to have a material effect on the United’s consolidated financial statements.

Mergers_and_Acquisitions

Mergers and Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Mergers and Acquisitions	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Mergers and Acquisitions	(3) Mergers and Acquisitions

	On June 26, 2014, United completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Business Carolina, Inc., a specialty Small Business Administration (“SBA”) / United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) lender headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. On the closing date, United paid $31.3 million in cash for loans having a fair value on the purchase date of $24.8 million, accrued interest of $83,000, servicing rights with a fair value on the purchase date of $2.13 million, premises and equipment with a fair value on the purchase date of $2.60 million and goodwill in the amount of $1.51 million representing the premium paid over the fair value of the separately identifiable assets and liabilities acquired. The gross contractual amount of loans receivable was $28.0 million as of the acquisition date. United has not identified any material separately identifiable intangible assets resulting from the acquisition.

	The loans and servicing assets that were acquired in this transaction were valued by a third party vendor that specializes in the valuations of these SBA related assets. These assets are very illiquid and United does not have the same level of visibility into the inputs that the valuation vendor has. Therefore, United considers those inputs to be level 3 in the ASC 820 hierarchy. For the loans, the valuations were derived by estimating the expected cash flows using a combination of prepayment speed and default estimates. The cash flows are then discounted using the rates implied by observed transactions in the market place. The valuation approach to the servicing asset is discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

Cash_Flows

Cash Flows	12 Months Ended
Cash Flows	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flow [Abstract]
Cash Flows	(4) Cash Flows

	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, non-accrual loans having a value of $9.09 million, $22.5 million and $34.0 million, respectively, were transferred to foreclosed property. Also, during 2014, 2013 and 2012, United financed the sale of foreclosed properties with loans totaling $2.50 million, $3.49 million and $9.40 million, respectively.

	United accounts for securities transactions on the trade date. At December 31, 2014, United had purchased $5.43 million in securities that had not settled. At December 31, 2013, United had sold $4.60 million in securities and purchased $29.6 million in securities that had not settled.

Balance_Sheet_Offsetting

Balance Sheet Offsetting	12 Months Ended
Balance Sheet Offsetting	Dec. 31, 2014
Offsetting [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Offsetting	(5) Balance Sheet Offsetting

	United enters into reverse repurchase agreements in order to invest short-term funds. In addition, United enters into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements and offsetting securities lending transactions with the same counterparty in transactions commonly referred to as collateral swaps that are subject to master netting agreements under which the balances are netted in the balance sheet in accordance with ASC 210-20, Offsetting.

	The following table presents a summary of amounts outstanding under reverse repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions and derivative financial instruments including those entered into in connection with the same counterparty under master netting agreements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands).

							Gross
			Gross				Amounts						Gross Amounts not Offset
		Amounts of				Offset on the								in the Balance Sheet
		Recognized					Balance			Net Asset			Financial				Collateral
	31-Dec-14		Assets				Sheet			Balance			Instruments				Received				Net Amount

	Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements		$	395,000			$	(375,000	)		$	20,000		$	—			$	(20,302	)		$	—
	Derivatives			20,599				—				20,599			(869	)			(3,716	)			16,014
	Total		$	415,599			$	(375,000	)		$	40,599		$	(869	)		$	(24,018	)		$	16,014
	Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements			1.16	%

							Gross
			Gross				Amounts						Gross Amounts not Offset
		Amounts of				Offset on the					Net			in the Balance Sheet
		Recognized					Balance			Liability			Financial				Collateral
		Liabilities					Sheet			Balance			Instruments				Pledged				Net Amount
	Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements		$	375,000			$	(375,000	)		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—
	Derivatives			31,997								31,997			(869	)			(32,792	)			—
	Total		$	406,997			$	(375,000	)		$	31,997		$	(869	)		$	(32,792	)		$	—
	Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements			0.29	%

							Gross
			Gross				Amounts						Gross Amounts not Offset
		Amounts of				Offset on the								in the Balance Sheet
		Recognized					Balance			Net Asset			Financial				Collateral
	31-Dec-13		Assets				Sheet			Balance			Instruments				Received				Net Amount
	Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements		$	385,000			$	(350,000	)		$	35,000		$	—			$	(38,982	)		$	—
	Derivatives			23,833				—				23,833			(4,378	)			(2,912	)			16,543
	Total		$	408,833			$	(350,000	)		$	58,833		$	(4,378	)		$	(41,894	)		$	16,543
	Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements			1.09	%

							Gross
			Gross				Amounts						Gross Amounts not Offset
		Amounts of				Offset on the					Net			in the Balance Sheet
		Recognized					Balance			Liability			Financial				Collateral
			Liabilities				Sheet			Balance			Instruments				Pledged				Net Amount
	Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements		$	350,000			$	(350,000	)		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—
	Derivatives			46,232								46,232			(4,378	)			(38,145	)			3,709
	Total		$	396,232			$	(350,000	)		$	46,232		$	(4,378	)		$	(38,145	)		$	3,709
	Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements			0.27	%

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
Investment Securities	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Securities [Abstract]
Investment Securities	(6) Investment Securities
	In 2013, securities available-for-sale with a fair value of $301 million were transferred to held-to-maturity. The securities were transferred at their fair value on the date of transfer. The unrealized loss of $8.31 million on the transferred securities is being amortized into interest revenue as an adjustment to the yield on those securities over the remaining life of the transferred securities.

	At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, securities with a carrying value of $1.51 billion and $1.53 billion, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, derivatives and other secured borrowings.

	The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are listed below (in thousands):

						Gross			Gross
			Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	As of December 31, 2014		Cost			Gains			Losses			Value
	State and political subdivisions		$	48,157		$	3,504		$	—		$	51,661
	Mortgage-backed securities ⁽¹⁾			367,110			7,716			1,254			373,572
	Total		$	415,267		$	11,220		$	1,254		$	425,233
	As of December 31, 2013
	State and political subdivisions		$	51,733		$	2,718		$	42		$	54,409
	Mortgage-backed securities ⁽¹⁾			428,009			6,690			3,523			431,176
	Total		$	479,742		$	9,408		$	3,565		$	485,585

	(1) All are residential type mortgage-backed securities
	The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are listed below (in thousands):

						Gross			Gross
			Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	As of December 31, 2014		Cost			Gains			Losses			Value
	U.S. Treasuries		$	105,540		$	235		$	66		$	105,709
	U.S. Government agencies			36,474			—			175			36,299
	State and political subdivisions			19,748			504			19			20,233
	Mortgage-backed securities ⁽¹⁾			988,012			16,273			7,465			996,820
	Corporate bonds			165,018			1,686			1,076			165,628
	Asset-backed securities			455,626			2,257			1,955			455,928
	Other			2,117			—			—			2,117
	Total		$	1,772,535		$	20,955		$	10,756		$	1,782,734
	As of December 31, 2013
	State and political subdivisions		$	22,558		$	823		$	139		$	23,242
	Mortgage-backed securities ⁽¹⁾			1,145,800			13,296			13,749			1,145,347
	Corporate bonds			255,316			1,304			6,324			250,296
	Asset-backed securities			409,086			2,535			988			410,633
	Other			2,699			—			—			2,699
	Total		$	1,835,459		$	17,958		$	21,200		$	1,832,217
	(1) All are residential type mortgage-backed securities


	The following summarizes securities held-to-maturity in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

			Less than 12 Months						12 Months or More						Total
						Unrealized						Unrealized						Unrealized
	As of December 31, 2014		Fair Value			Loss			Fair Value			Loss			Fair Value			Loss
	Mortgage-backed securities			126,514			917			17,053			337			143,567			1,254
	Total unrealized loss position		$	126,514		$	917		$	17,053		$	337		$	143,567		$	1,254
	As of December 31, 2013
	State and political subdivisions		$	1,595		$	42		$	—		$	—		$	1,595		$	42
	Mortgage-backed securities			259,870			3,523			—			—			259,870			3,523
	Total unrealized loss position		$	261,465		$	3,565		$	—		$	—		$	261,465		$	3,565

	The following summarizes securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

			Less than 12 Months						12 Months or More						Total
						Unrealized						Unrealized						Unrealized
	As of December 31, 2014		Fair Value			Loss			Fair Value			Loss			Fair Value			Loss
	U.S. Treasuries		$	34,180		$	66		$	—		$	—		$	34,180		$	66
	U.S. Government agencies			36,299			175			—			—			36,299			175
	State and political subdivisions			2,481			19			—			—			2,481			19
	Mortgage-backed securities			88,741			446			251,977			7,019			340,718			7,465
	Corporate bonds			37,891			371			20,275			705			58,166			1,076
Asset-backed securities			221,359			1,592			40,952			363			262,311			1,955
Total unrealized loss position		$	420,951		$	2,669		$	313,204		$	8,087		$	734,155		$	10,756
As of December 31, 2013
State and political subdivisions		$	4,539		$	139		$	—		$	—		$	4,539		$	139
Mortgage-backed securities			334,996			6,480			175,865			7,269			510,861			13,749
Corporate bonds			137,318			4,494			54,130			1,830			191,448			6,324
Asset-backed securities			164,933			722			22,370			266			187,303			988
Total unrealized loss position		$	641,786		$	11,835		$	252,365		$	9,365		$	894,151		$	21,200

At December 31, 2014, there were 113 available-for-sale securities and 21 held-to-maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position. Management does not intend to sell nor believes it will be required to sell securities in an unrealized loss position prior to the recovery of its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, among other factors. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analyst’s reports. No impairment charges were recognized during 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Realized gains and losses are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of the securities sold.

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, are presented in the following table (in thousands):

		Available-for-Sale						Held-to-Maturity
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value			Amortized Cost			Fair Value

US Treasuries:
1 to 5 years		$	105,540		$	105,709		$	—		$	—
			105,540			105,709			—			—
US Government agencies:
5 to 10 years			36,474			36,299			—			—
			36,474			36,299			—			—
State and political subdivisions:
Within 1 year			6,369			6,405			1,000			1,013
1 to 5 years			10,430			10,771			18,582			19,812
5 to 10 years			2,101			2,165			19,573			21,033
More than 10 years			848			892			9,002			9,803
			19,748			20,233			48,157			51,661
Corporate bonds:
Within 1 year			9,980			9,815			—			—
1 to 5 years			38,262			37,891			—			—
5 to 10 years			115,776			117,172			—			—
More than 10 years			1,000			750			—			—
			165,018			165,628			—			—
Asset-backed securities:
Within 1 year			9,590			9,505			—			—
1 to 5 years			256,986			257,886			—			—
5 to 10 years			58,581			58,966			—			—
More than 10 years			130,469			129,571			—			—
			455,626			455,928			—			—
Other:
Within 1 year			62			62			—			—
More than 10 years			2,055			2,055			—			—
			2,117			2,117			—			—
Total securities other than mortgage-backed securities:
Within 1 year			26,001			25,787			1,000			1,013
1 to 5 years			411,218			412,257			18,582			19,812
5 to 10 years			212,932			214,602			19,573			21,033
More than 10 years			134,372			133,268			9,002			9,803
Mortgage-backed securities			988,012			996,820			367,110			373,572
		$	1,772,535		$	1,782,734		$	415,267		$	425,233

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers and borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

The following summarizes securities sales activities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

		2014			2013			2012
Proceeds from sales		$	419,201		$	39,731		$	469,167
Gross gains on sales		$	6,003		$	264		$	7,364
Gross losses on sales			(1,132	)		(78	)		(286	)
Net gains on sales of securities		$	4,871		$	186		$	7,078
Income tax expense attributable to sales		$	1,902		$	72		$	2,753

At year-end 2014 and 2013, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses	12 Months Ended
Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses	(7) Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

	Major classifications of loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

			2014				2013
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,163,480			$	1,133,543
	Income producing commercial real estate			598,537				623,167
	Commercial & industrial			710,256				471,961
	Commercial construction			196,030				148,903
	Total commercial			2,668,303				2,377,574
	Residential mortgage			865,789				875,077
	Home equity lines of credit			465,872				440,887
	Residential construction			298,627				328,579
	Consumer installment			104,899				111,045
	Indirect auto			268,629				196,104
	Total loans			4,672,119				4,329,266
	Less allowance for loan losses			(71,619	)			(76,762	)
	Loans, net		$	4,600,500			$	4,252,504

	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, $1.05 million and $977,000, respectively, in overdrawn deposit accounts were reclassified as commercial and industrial loans. No specific allowance for loan losses was deemed necessary for these accounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, loans with a carrying value of $2.35 billion and $1.77 billion were pledged as collateral to secure FHLB advances and other contingent funding sources.

	The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio as of year-end. In 2013, United established an allowance for unfunded commitments separate from the allowance for loan losses due to significant growth in unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. Combined, the allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded commitments are referred to as the allowance for credit losses.

	The following table presents the balance and activity in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):


														Allocation
			Beginning				Charge-							of								Ending
	Year Ended December 31, 2014		Balance				Offs				Recoveries			Unallocated				Provision				Balance
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	17,164			$	(3,136	)		$	3,056		$	1,278			$	(2,321	)		$	16,041
	Income producing commercial real estate			7,174				(1,611	)			725			688				3,320				10,296
	Commercial & industrial			6,527				(2,145	)			1,698			318				(3,143	)			3,255
	Commercial construction			3,669				(235	)			6			388				919				4,747
	Residential mortgage			15,446				(7,502	)			1,110			1,452				9,805				20,311
	Home equity lines of credit			5,528				(2,314	)			287			391				682				4,574
	Residential construction			12,532				(3,176	)			627			1,728				(1,108	)			10,603
	Consumer installment			1,353				(2,008	)			1,226			—				160				731
	Indirect auto			1,126				(540	)			54			—				421				1,061
	Unallocated			6,243				—				—			(6,243	)			—				—
	Total allowance for loan losses			76,762				(22,667	)			8,789			—				8,735				71,619
	Allowance for unfunded commitments			2,165				—				—			—				(235	)			1,930
	Total allowance for credit losses		$	78,927			$	(22,667	)		$	8,789		$	—			$	8,500			$	73,549

														Allocation
			Beginning				Charge-							of								Ending
	Year Ended December 31, 2013		Balance				Offs				Recoveries			Unallocated				Provision				Balance
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	17,265			$	(24,965	)		$	1,305		$	—			$	23,559			$	17,164
	Income producing commercial real estate			10,582				(11,505	)			640			—				7,457				7,174
	Commercial & industrial			5,537				(18,914	)			1,888			—				18,016				6,527
	Commercial construction			8,389				(6,483	)			69			—				1,694				3,669
	Residential mortgage			19,117				(8,840	)			611			—				4,558				15,446
	Home equity lines of credit			7,525				(3,437	)			104			—				1,336				5,528
	Residential construction			26,662				(23,049	)			173			—				8,746				12,532
	Consumer installment			2,527				(2,184	)			1,114			—				(104	)			1,353
	Indirect auto			220				(277	)			40			—				1,143				1,126
	Unallocated			9,313				—				—			—				(3,070	)			6,243
	Total allowance for loan losses			107,137				(99,654	)			5,944			—				63,335				76,762
	Allowance for unfunded commitments			—				—				—			—				2,165				2,165
	Total allowance for credit losses		$	107,137			$	(99,654	)		$	5,944		$	—			$	65,500			$	78,927

														Allocation
			Beginning				Charge-							of								Ending
Year Ended December 31, 2012		Balance				Offs				Recoveries			Unallocated				Provision				Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	19,310			$	(10,280	)		$	557		$	—			$	7,678			$	17,265
Income producing commercial real estate			12,334				(12,782	)			135			—				10,895				10,582
Commercial & industrial			5,681				(2,424	)			1,104			—				1,176				5,537
Commercial construction			6,097				(5,411	)			111			—				7,592				8,389
Residential mortgage			21,386				(12,885	)			675			—				9,941				19,117
Home equity lines of credit			7,690				(4,377	)			124			—				4,088				7,525
Residential construction			30,379				(24,260	)			1,272			—				19,271				26,662
Consumer installment			2,124				(2,198	)			824			—				1,777				2,527
Indirect auto			—				(16	)			—			—				236				220
Unallocated			9,467				—				—			—				(154	)			9,313
Total allowance for loan losses			114,468				(74,633	)			4,802			—				62,500				107,137
Allowance for unfunded commitments			—				—				—			—				—				—
Total allowance for credit losses		$	114,468			$	(74,633	)		$	4,802		$	—			$	62,500			$	107,137

The following table presents the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and the balance of the allowance for loan losses assigned to each segment based on the method of evaluating the loans for impairment as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

		Allowance for Loan Losses
		December 31, 2014											December 31, 2013
		Individually				Collectively							Individually				Collectively
		evaluated for				evaluated for				Ending			evaluated for				evaluated for				Ending
		impairment				impairment				Balance			impairment				impairment				Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	2,737			$	13,304			$	16,041		$	1,023			$	16,141			$	17,164
Income producing commercial real estate			1,917				8,379				10,296			990				6,184				7,174
Commercial & industrial			15				3,240				3,255			66				6,461				6,527
Commercial construction			729				4,018				4,747			112				3,557				3,669
Residential mortgage			3,227				17,084				20,311			2,914				12,532				15,446
Home equity lines of credit			47				4,527				4,574			5				5,523				5,528
Residential construction			1,192				9,411				10,603			688				11,844				12,532
Consumer installment			18				713				731			224				1,129				1,353
Indirect auto			—				1,061				1,061			—				1,126				1,126
Unallocated			—				—				—			—				6,243				6,243
Total allowance for loan losses			9,882				61,737				71,619			6,022				70,740				76,762
Allowance for unfunded commitments			—				1,930				1,930			—				2,165				2,165
Total allowance for credit losses		$	9,882			$	63,667			$	73,549		$	6,022			$	72,905			$	78,927

		Loans Outstanding
		31-Dec-14											31-Dec-13
		Individually				Collectively							Individually				Collectively
		evaluated for				evaluated for				Ending			evaluated for				evaluated for				Ending
		impairment				impairment				Balance			impairment				impairment				Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	34,654			$	1,128,826			$	1,163,480		$	32,969			$	1,100,574			$	1,133,543
Income producing commercial real estate			24,484				574,053				598,537			27,239				595,928				623,167
Commercial & industrial			3,977				706,279				710,256			4,217				467,744				471,961
Commercial construction			12,321				183,709				196,030			13,715				135,188				148,903
Residential mortgage			18,775				847,014				865,789			20,167				854,910				875,077
Home equity lines of credit			478				465,394				465,872			505				440,382				440,887
Residential construction			11,604				287,023				298,627			14,808				313,771				328,579
Consumer installment			179				104,720				104,899			999				110,046				111,045
Indirect auto			—				268,629				268,629			—				196,104				196,104
Total loans		$	106,472			$	4,565,647			$	4,672,119		$	114,619			$	4,214,647			$	4,329,266

Management considers all loans that are on nonaccrual with a balance of $500,000 or greater and all TDRs to be impaired. In addition, management reviews all accruing substandard loans greater than $2 million to determine if the loan is impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current events and circumstances, it is probable that all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. All TDRs are considered impaired regardless of accrual status. Impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. For TDRs less than $500,000, impairment is estimated based on the average impairment of TDRs greater than $500,000 by loan category. For loan types that do not have TDRs greater than $500,000, the average impairment for all TDR loans is used to quantify the amount of required specific reserve. A specific reserve is established for impaired loans for the amount of calculated impairment. Interest payments received on impaired nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction of the outstanding principal balance. For impaired loans not on nonaccrual status, interest is accrued according to the terms of the loan agreement. Loans are evaluated for impairment quarterly and specific reserves are established in the allowance for loan losses for any measured impairment.

Each quarter, United’s management prepares an analysis of the allowance for credit losses to determine the appropriate balance that measures and quantifies the amount of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance is comprised of specific reserves on individually impaired loans, which are determined as described above, and general reserves which are determined based on historical loss experience as adjusted for current trends and economic conditions multiplied by a loss emergence period factor. Management uses eight quarters of historical loss experience weighted toward the most recent four quarters to determine the loss factors to be used in the reserve calculation for loans evaluated in the aggregate. Eight quarters has been determined to be an appropriate time period as it is recent enough to be relevant to current conditions and covers a length of time sufficient to minimize distortions caused by nonrecurring and unusual activity that might otherwise influence a shorter time period. In previous years, the weighted average was calculated by multiplying each quarter’s annualized historical net charge-off rate by 1 through 8, with 8 representing the most recent quarter and 1 representing the oldest quarter. Management adopted this method of weighting quarterly loss rates to capture the rapidly deteriorating credit conditions in its loss factors during the financial crisis. Now that credit conditions have begun to stabilize, management concluded in the first quarter of 2014 that it was appropriate to apply a more level weighting moving forward to capture the full range and impacts of credit losses experienced during the most recent economic and credit cycle. For the four most recent quarters, management applied a weighting factor of 1.75. For the four oldest quarters, management applied a weighting of 1.00 for each quarterly loss factor. Management believes the current weightings are more appropriate to measure the probable losses incurred within the loan portfolio.

Also, beginning in the first quarter of 2014, management updated its measurement of the loss emergence period in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses. The rapidly deteriorating credit conditions during the peak of the credit cycle shortened the length of time between management’s estimation of the incurrence of a loss and its recognition as a charge-off. In most cases, the loss emergence period was within a twelve month period which made the use of annualized loss factors appropriate for measuring the amount of incurred yet unconfirmed credit losses within the loan portfolio. As United has moved out beyond the peak of the financial crisis, management has observed that the loss emergence period has extended. Management calculates the loss emergence period for each pool of loans based on the average length of time between the date a loan first exceeds 30 days past due and the date the loan is charged off.

The updates to the weightings to the eight quarters of loss history and the update to our estimation of the loss emergence period did not have a material effect on the total allowance for loan losses or the provision for loan losses for 2014. These updates resulted in the full allocation of the previously unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses.

On junior lien home equity loans, management has limited ability to monitor the delinquency status of the first lien unless the first lien is also held by United. As a result, management applies the weighted average historical loss factor for this category and appropriately adjusts it to reflect the increased risk of loss from these credits.

Management carefully reviews the resulting loss factors for each category of the loan portfolio and evaluates whether qualitative adjustments are necessary to take into consideration recent credit trends such as increases or decreases in past due, nonaccrual, criticized and classified loans, and other macro environmental factors such as changes in unemployment rates, lease vacancy rates and trends in property values and absorption rates.

Management believes that its method of determining the balance of the allowance for credit losses provides a reasonable and reliable basis for measuring and reporting losses that are incurred in the loan portfolio as of the reporting date.

When a loan officer determines that a loan is uncollectible, he or she is responsible for recommending that the loan be charged off. Full or partial charge-offs may also be recommended by the Collections Department, the Special Assets Department and the Foreclosure/OREO Department. Nonaccrual real estate loans that are collateral dependent are generally charged down to 80% of the appraised value of the underlying collateral at the time they are placed on nonaccrual status.

A committee consisting of the Chief Credit Officer, Senior Risk Officer and the Senior Credit Officers meets monthly to review charge-offs that have occurred during the previous month.

Generally, closed-end retail loans (installment and residential mortgage loans) past due 90 cumulative days are written down to their collateral value less estimated selling costs unless the loan is well secured and in process of collection (within the next 90 days). Open-end (revolving) retail loans which are past due 90 cumulative days from their contractual due date are generally charged off.

In 2013, management executed a plan to accelerate the disposition of classified assets including performing classified loans, nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties. The purpose of the accelerated classified asset disposition plan was to resolve legacy credit problems remaining from the recent financial crisis and to accelerate the improvement of United’s credit measures toward pre-crisis levels. The classified asset sales included individual note and foreclosed property sales and a large bulk sale of classified assets to a single investor. The bulk sale included performing and nonperforming classified loans and foreclosed properties. The assets were divided into four separate pools that were bid for separately by potential buyers. A single purchaser was the high bidder for each of the four pools.

The table below shows the allocation among impaired loans, loans that were not considered impaired and foreclosed properties, including United’s recorded investment in those assets, the sales proceeds and the resulting net charge-offs of assets sold in the bulk sale transaction (in thousands).

		Recorded				Net Sales				Net
		Investment				Proceeds				Charge-Off
Loans considered impaired		$	96,829			$	56,298			$	(40,531	)
Loans not considered impaired			25,687				15,227				(10,460	)
Foreclosed properties			8,398				5,933				(2,465	)
Total assets sold		$	130,914			$	77,458			$	(53,456	)

The loans considered impaired in the table above were assigned specific reserves of $6.86 million in the most recent analysis of the allowance for loan losses prior to the sale. Because the assets were sold at liquidation prices in a bulk transaction with no recourse, the sales price was generally lower than the appraised value of the foreclosed properties and loan collateral. Although the classified asset sales increased charge-offs during the second quarter of 2013, they accomplished management’s goal of moving classified asset levels toward the pre-crisis range.

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank grants loans to executive officers, and directors of the holding company and the Bank, including their immediate families and companies with which they are associated. Management believes that such loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers. The following is a summary of such loans outstanding and the activity in these loans for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

Balances at December 31, 2013		$	2,898
New loans and advances			400
Repayments			(94	)
Balances at December 31, 2014		$	3,204

The average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans while they were considered impaired is presented below for the last three years (in thousands):

		2014											2013											2012
						Interest											Interest									Interest
						Revenue				Cash Basis							Revenue				Cash Basis					Revenue		Cash Basis
						Recognized				Interest							Recognized				Interest					Recognized		Interest
		Average				During				Revenue			Average				During				Revenue			Average		During		Revenue
		Balance				Impairment				Received			Balance				Impairment				Received			Balance		Impairment		Received
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	32,748			$	1,647			$	1,712		$	31,935			$	1,923			$	2,044		$	56,374	$	2,602	$	2,773
Income producing commercial real estate			25,920				1,270				1,311			27,789				1,630				1,763			58,182		2,392		2,497
Commercial & industrial			4,290				175				231			4,609				401				865			45,233		1,051		2,523
Commercial construction			12,156				455				458			13,946				633				720			45,489		875		1,268
Total commercial			75,114				3,547				3,712			78,279				4,587				5,392			205,278		6,920		9,061
Residential mortgage			20,132				873				869			20,906				1,091				1,066			22,923		1,032		1,158
Home equity lines of credit			518				21				22			507				23				22			1,003		26		32
Residential construction			13,058				576				575			14,558				993				1,023			46,410		1,527		2,054
Consumer installment			305				19				22			383				21				21			564		26		27
Indirect auto			—				—				—			—				—				—			—		—		—
Total		$	109,127			$	5,036			$	5,200		$	114,633			$	6,715			$	7,524		$	276,178	$	9,531	$	12,332

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

		31-Dec-14											31-Dec-13
										Allowance											Allowance
		Unpaid								for Loan			Unpaid								for Loan
		Principal				Recorded				Losses			Principal				Recorded				Losses
		Balance				Investment				Allocated			Balance				Investment				Allocated

With no related allowance recorded:
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	12,025			$	11,325			$	—		$	17,717			$	14,458			$	—
Income producing commercial real estate			8,311				8,311				—			12,644				9,747				—
Commercial & industrial			1,679				1,042				—			2,252				2,252				—
Commercial construction			—				—				—			974				974				—
Total commercial			22,015				20,678				—			33,587				27,431				—
Residential mortgage			2,569				1,472				—			4,496				3,634				—
Home equity lines of credit			—				—				—			—				—				—
Residential construction			4,338				3,338				—			9,462				7,807				—
Consumer installment			—				—				—			—				—				—
Indirect auto			—				—				—			—				—				—
Total with no related allowance recorded			28,922				25,488				—			47,545				38,872				—
With an allowance recorded:
Owner occupied commercial real estate			24,728				23,329				2,737			18,595				18,513				1,023
Income producing commercial real estate			16,352				16,173				1,917			17,490				17,490				990
Commercial & industrial			2,936				2,935				15			2,248				1,965				66
Commercial construction			12,401				12,321				729			12,821				12,741				112
Total commercial			56,417				54,758				5,398			51,154				50,709				2,191
Residential mortgage			17,732				17,303				3,227			17,119				16,533				2,914
Home equity lines of credit			478				478				47			505				505				5
Residential construction			8,962				8,266				1,192			8,469				7,001				688
Consumer installment			179				179				18			999				999				224
Indirect auto			—				—				—			—				—				—
Total with an allowance recorded			83,768				80,984				9,882			78,246				75,747				6,022
Total		$	112,690			$	106,472			$	9,882		$	125,791			$	114,619			$	6,022

There were no loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $17.9 million and $26.8 million, respectively. Nonaccrual loans include both homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually evaluated impaired loans. United’s policy is to place loans on nonaccrual status, when, in the opinion of management, the principal and interest on a loan is not likely to be repaid in accordance with the loan terms or when the loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is classified on nonaccrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current interest revenue. Principal and interest payments received on a nonaccrual loan are applied to reduce outstanding principal.

The following table presents the recorded investment (unpaid principal less amounts charged-off) in nonaccrual loans by loan class as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

		2014				2013
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	4,133			$	5,822
Income producing commercial real estate			717				2,518
Commercial & industrial			1,571				427
Commercial construction			83				361
Total commercial			6,504				9,128
Residential mortgage			8,196				11,730
Home equity lines of credit			695				1,448
Residential construction			2,006				4,264
Consumer installment			134				249
Indirect auto			346				—
Total		$	17,881			$	26,819

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 by class of loans (in thousands):

		Loans Past Due															Loans Not
As of December 31, 2014		30 - 59 Days				60 - 89 Days				> 90 Days			Total				Past Due				Total

Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,444			$	1,929			$	1,141		$	4,514			$	1,158,966			$	1,163,480
Income producing commercial real estate			2,322				1,172				—			3,494				595,043				598,537
Commercial & industrial			302				40				1,425			1,767				708,489				710,256
Commercial construction			—				—				66			66				195,964				196,030
Total commercial			4,068				3,141				2,632			9,841				2,658,462				2,668,303
Residential mortgage			5,234				2,931				3,278			11,443				854,346				865,789
Home equity lines of credit			961				303				167			1,431				464,441				465,872
Residential construction			1,172				268				1,395			2,835				295,792				298,627
Consumer installment			607				136				33			776				104,123				104,899
Indirect auto			200				146				141			487				268,142				268,629
Total loans		$	12,242			$	6,925			$	7,646		$	26,813			$	4,645,306			$	4,672,119

As of December 31, 2013

Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,845			$	705			$	2,017		$	4,567			$	1,128,976			$	1,133,543
Income producing commercial real estate			3,879				2,092				530			6,501				616,666				623,167
Commercial & industrial			2,349				223				88			2,660				469,301				471,961
Commercial construction			94				190				235			519				148,384				148,903
Total commercial			8,167				3,210				2,870			14,247				2,363,327				2,377,574
Residential mortgage			9,011				2,832				4,140			15,983				859,094				875,077
Home equity lines of credit			2,056				430				941			3,427				437,460				440,887
Residential construction			1,335				588				1,375			3,298				325,281				328,579
Consumer installment			1,058				358				24			1,440				109,605				111,045
Indirect auto			185				65				42			292				195,812				196,104
Total loans		$	21,812			$	7,483			$	9,392		$	38,687			$	4,290,579			$	4,329,266

The modification of the terms of TDRs included one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan or an extension of the amortization period that would not otherwise be considered in the current market for new debt with similar risk characteristics; a permanent reduction of the principal amount; a restructuring of the borrower’s debt into an A/B note structure where the A note would fall within the borrower’s ability to pay and the remainder would be included in the B note, or a mandated bankruptcy restructuring.

Loans modified under the terms of a TDR during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are presented in the table below. In addition, the following table presents loans modified under the terms of a TDR that became 90 days or more delinquent during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, that were initially restructured within one year prior to becoming delinquent (dollars in thousands):

													Troubled Debt
													Restructurings That Have
						Pre-				Post-			Subsequently Defaulted
						Modification				Modification			Within the Previous Twelve
						Outstanding				Outstanding			Months
Troubled Debt Restructurings for the Year		Number of				Recorded				Recorded			Number of				Recorded
ended December 31, 2014		Contracts				Investment				Investment			Contracts				Investment
Owner occupied commercial real estate			12			$	4,793			$	4,793			1			$	104
Income producing commercial real estate			3				1,459				1,459			—				—
Commercial & industrial			9				1,185				1,185			2				54
Commercial construction			6				829				829			—				—
Total commercial			30				8,266				8,266			3				158
Residential mortgage			39				3,622				3,445			9				892
Home equity lines of credit			1				36				36			—				—
Residential construction			4				1,262				1,262			—				—
Consumer installment			5				226				226			—				—
Indirect auto			—				—				—			—				—
Total loans			79			$	13,412			$	13,235			12			$	1,050

Year ended December 31, 2013

Owner occupied commercial real estate			12			$	6,326			$	5,227			3			$	670
Income producing commercial real estate			8				6,157				6,157			—				—
Commercial & industrial			14				1,464				1,208			1				35
Commercial construction			1				416				416			2				1,454
Total commercial			35				14,363				13,008			6				2,159
Residential mortgage			49				7,098				6,573			3				641
Home equity lines of credit			—				—				—			—				—
Residential construction			15				2,160				2,015			3				531
Consumer installment			11				80				80			5				29
Indirect auto			—				—				—			—				—
Total loans			110			$	23,701			$	21,676			17			$	3,360

Year ended December 31, 2012

Owner occupied commercial real estate			31			$	17,387			$	15,865			6			$	2,341
Income producing commercial real estate			23				17,063				17,063			1				946
Commercial & industrial			22				3,619				3,616			3				71
Commercial construction			20				34,014				33,934			3				4,224
Total commercial			96				72,083				70,478			13				7,582
Residential mortgage			64				14,404				13,575			10				650
Home equity lines of credit			3				728				728			—				—
Residential construction			49				19,909				17,400			16				5,728
Consumer installment			25				334				328			4				39
Indirect auto			—				—				—			—				—
Total loans			237			$	107,458			$	102,509			43			$	13,999

The following table presents additional information on TDRs including the number of loan contracts restructured and the pre- and post-modification recorded investment (dollars in thousands):

		December 31, 2014											31-Dec-13
						Pre-				Post-							Pre-				Post-
						Modification				Modification							Modification				Modification
						Outstanding				Outstanding							Outstanding				Outstanding
		Number of				Recorded				Recorded			Number of				Recorded				Recorded
		Contracts				Investment				Investment			Contracts				Investment				Investment
Owner occupied commercial real estate			54			$	27,695			$	26,296			45			$	24,064			$	22,399
Income producing commercial real estate			31				18,094				17,915			32				20,900				18,268
Commercial & industrial			32				2,848				2,847			36				3,527				3,245
Commercial construction			14				11,360				11,280			13				13,122				13,042
Total commercial			131				59,997				58,338			126				61,613				56,954
Residential mortgage			154				18,630				17,836			133				20,117				18,852
Home equity lines of credit			2				478				478			3				505				505
Residential construction			48				8,962				8,265			57				12,459				10,452
Consumer installment			17				179				179			26				203				203
Indirect auto			—				—				—			—				—				—
Total loans			352			$	88,246			$	85,096			345			$	94,897			$	86,966

Collateral dependent TDRs that subsequently default or are placed on nonaccrual are charged down to the fair value of the collateral consistent with United’s policy for nonaccrual loans. Impairment on TDRs that are not collateral dependent continues to be measured based on discounted cash flows regardless of whether the loan has subsequently defaulted.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, United has allocated $9.72 million and $5.64 million, respectively, of specific reserves to customers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs. United committed to lend additional amounts totaling up to $51,000 and $6,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as TDRs.

Risk Ratings
United categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, current industry and economic trends, among other factors. United analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a continuous basis. United uses the following definitions for its risk ratings:

Watch. Loans in this category are presently protected from apparent loss; however weaknesses exist that could cause future impairment, including the deterioration of financial ratios, past due status and questionable management capabilities. These loans require more than the ordinary amount of supervision. Collateral values generally afford adequate coverage, but may not be immediately marketable.

Substandard. These loans are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged. Specific and well-defined weaknesses exist that may include poor liquidity and deterioration of financial ratios. The loan may be past due and related deposit accounts experiencing overdrafts. There is the distinct possibility that United will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected. If possible, immediate corrective action is taken.

Doubtful. Specific weaknesses characterized as Substandard that are severe enough to make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. There is no reliable secondary source of full repayment.

Loss. Loans categorized as Loss have the same characteristics as Doubtful however probability of loss is certain. Loans classified as Loss are charged-off.

Consumer Purpose Loans. Beginning in the first quarter of 2014, United began to apply a pass / fail grading system to all consumer purpose loans. Under the pass / fail grading system, consumer purpose loans meeting the criteria of substandard are classified as “fail” and all other loans are classified as “pass”. For reporting purposes, consumer purpose loans classified as “fail” are reported in the performing substandard or nonaccrual columns and all other consumer purpose loans are reported in the “pass” column. The first quarter grading change resulted in decreases in loans categorized as “watch” for the consumer installment, residential mortgage and home equity lines of credit loan classifications. Loan balances reported in the “watch” column for residential mortgage are generally commercial purpose loans secured by the borrower’s residence.
Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows (in thousands):

										Substandard							Doubtful /
As of December 31, 2014		Pass				Watch				Performing			Nonaccrual				Loss				Total
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,094,057			$	18,889			$	46,401		$	4,133			$	—			$	1,163,480
Income producing commercial real estate			560,559				16,701				20,560			717				—				598,537
Commercial & industrial			696,805				4,017				7,863			1,571				—				710,256
Commercial construction			190,070				2,311				3,566			83				—				196,030
Total commercial			2,541,491				41,918				78,390			6,504				—				2,668,303
Residential mortgage			814,168				11,594				31,831			8,196				—				865,789
Home equity lines of credit			459,881				—				5,296			695				—				465,872
Residential construction			280,166				5,535				10,920			2,006				—				298,627
Consumer installment			103,383				—				1,382			134				—				104,899
Indirect auto			267,709				—				574			346				—				268,629
Total loans		$	4,466,798			$	59,047			$	128,393		$	17,881			$	—			$	4,672,119

As of December 31, 2013
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,054,924			$	29,714			$	43,083		$	5,822			$	—			$	1,133,543
Income producing commercial real estate			575,597				10,410				34,642			2,518				—				623,167
Commercial & industrial			456,563				5,382				9,589			427				—				471,961
Commercial construction			120,852				10,932				16,758			361				—				148,903
Total commercial			2,207,936				56,438				104,072			9,128				—				2,377,574
Residential mortgage			793,381				25,944				44,022			11,730				—				875,077
Home equity lines of credit			426,052				5,420				7,967			1,448				—				440,887
Residential construction			298,685				11,526				14,104			4,264				—				328,579
Consumer installment			107,029				1,229				2,538			249				—				111,045
Indirect auto			196,104				—				—			—				—				196,104
Total loans		$	4,029,187			$	100,557			$	172,703		$	26,819			$	—			$	4,329,266

Foreclosed_Property

Foreclosed Property	12 Months Ended
Foreclosed Property	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Real Estate [Abstract]
Foreclosed Property	(8) Foreclosed Property

	Major classifications of foreclosed properties at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

		2014			2013
	Commercial real estate	$	639		$	1,287
	Commercial construction		15			—
	Total commercial		654			1,287
	Residential mortgage		1,259			3,380
	Residential construction		473			736
	Total foreclosed property		2,386			5,403
	Less valuation allowance		(660	)		(1,182	)
	Foreclosed property, net	$	1,726		$	4,221
	Balance as a percentage of original loan unpaid principal		54.1	%		44.5	%

	Activity in the valuation allowance for foreclosed property is presented in the following table (in thousands):

		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,182		$	6,954		$	18,982
	Additions charged to expense		691			3,065			6,951
	Charge-offs upon disposition		(1,213	)		(8,837	)		(18,979	)
	Balance at end of year	$	660		$	1,182		$	6,954

	Expenses related to foreclosed assets include (in thousands):

		2014			2013			2012
	Net (gain) loss on sales	$	(1,395	)	$	1,641		$	1,924
	Provision for unrealized losses		691			3,065			6,951
	Operating expenses, net of rental income		1,338			3,163			5,118
	Total foreclosed property expense	$	634		$	7,869		$	13,993

Premises_and_Equipment

Premises and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Premises and Equipment	Dec. 31, 2014
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises and Equipment	(9) Premises and Equipment

	Premises and equipment at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows, (in thousands):

		2014			2013
	Land and land improvements	$	79,525		$	80,845
	Buildings and improvements		113,105			114,048
	Furniture and equipment		59,827			63,015
	Construction in progress		1,861			510
			254,318			258,418
	Less accumulated depreciation		(94,928	)		(94,829	)
	Premises and equipment, net	$	159,390		$	163,589

	Depreciation expense was $8.66 million, $9.40 million and $9.26 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	United leases certain branch properties and equipment under operating leases. Rent expense was $2.14 million, $2.34 million and $2.30 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. United does not have any capital leases. Rent commitments under operating leases, before considering renewal options that generally are present, were as follows (in thousands):

	2015	$	1,741
	2016		1,376
	2017		1,331
	2018		1,009
	2019		897
	Thereafter		4,523
	Total	$	10,877

SBA_Servicing_Rights

SBA Servicing Rights	12 Months Ended
SBA Servicing Rights	Dec. 31, 2014
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
SBA Servicing Rights	(10) SBA Servicing Rights
	United accounts for SBA servicing rights at fair value and is included in other assets. Changes in the balances of servicing assets and servicing liabilities subsequently measured using the fair value measurement method for the year ended December 31, 2014, are recorded as follows (in thousands):

	ASC 860 Servicing Asset Rollforward
	Fair value as of January 1, 2014	$	—

	Additions:

	Acquired servicing rights		2,133

	Originated servicing rights capitalized upon sale of loans		832

	Subtractions:

	Disposals		(152	)

	Changes in fair value:

	Due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model		(262	)

	Fair value as of December 31, 2014	$	2,551

	A summary of the key characteristics, inputs, and economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s SBA Servicing Asset as of December 31, 2014, and the sensitivity of the fair values to immediate adverse changes in those assumptions are shown in the table below (in thousands):

	Sensitivity of the SBA Servicing Asset
	As of December 31, 2014
	Fair value of retained Servicing Assets	$	2,551
	Prepayment rate assumption		6.7	%
	10% adverse change	$	(62	)
	20% adverse change	$	(122	)
	Discount rate		12	%
	100 bps adverse change	$	(85	)
	200bps adverse change	$	(164	)
	Weighted-average life (months)		6.5
	Weighted-average gross margin		2	%

	The above sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the amounts indicate, changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

Deposits

Deposits	12 Months Ended
Deposits	Dec. 31, 2014
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits	(11) Deposits

	At December 31, 2014, the contractual maturities of time deposits, including brokered time deposits, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Maturing In:

	2015	$	1,001,274
	2016		179,246
	2017		38,505
	2018		25,331
	2019		13,596
	thereafter		271,587
		$	1,529,539

	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, United held $273 million in certificates of deposit obtained through the efforts of third party brokers. The daily average balance of these brokered deposits totaled $294 million and $219 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The brokered certificates of deposit at December 31, 2014 had maturities ranging from 20 to 21 years and are callable by United. Most of the brokered certificates of deposit have been swapped in fair value hedging relationships to 90 day LIBOR minus a spread that currently exceeds LIBOR, thereby resulting in a negative yield. United also has certain market-linked brokered deposits that are considered hybrid instruments that contain embedded derivatives that have been bifurcated from the host contract leaving host instruments paying a rate of 90 day LIBOR minus a spread that also result in a negative yield.

Federal_Home_Loan_Bank_Advance

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks [Abstract]
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	(12) Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

	At December 31, 2014, United had advances totaling $270 million from the FHLB all of which were fixed rate advances. At December 31, 2013, United had advances totaling $120 million from the FHLB all of which were fixed rate advances. With the exception of $125,000 that matures in 2016, the advances outstanding at December 31, 2014 had maturities of no more than 61 days with interest rates up to 0.24%. At December 31, 2014, the weighted average interest rate on FHLB advances was .22%, compared to .19% as of December 31, 2013. The FHLB advances are collateralized by owner occupied and income producing commercial real estate and residential mortgage loans, investment securities and FHLB stock.

	At December 31, 2014, the maturities and current rates of outstanding advances were as follows (in thousands):

		Amount
	Maturing In:	Maturing		Current Rate Range
	2015	$	270,000		0.18% - 0.24%
	2016		125
		$	270,125

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	(13) Long-term Debt
	Long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
								Stated		Earliest
						Issue		Maturity		Call
		2014		2013		Date		Date		Date		Interest Rate

	2013 senior debentures	$	40,000	$	40,000		2013		2018		2015		6	%
	2012 senior debentures		35,000		35,000		2012		2017		2017		9
	Total senior debentures		75,000		75,000

	United Community Capital Trust		21,650		21,650		1998		2028		2008		8.125
	United Community Statutory Trust I		5,155		5,155		2000		2030		2010		10.6
	United Community Capital Trust II		10,309		10,309		2000		2030		2010		11.295
	Southern Bancorp Capital Trust I		4,382		4,382		2004		2034		2009	Prime + 1.00
	United Community Statutory Trust II		12,131		12,131		2008		2038		2013		9
	United Community Statutory Trust III		1,238		1,238		2008		2038		2013	Prime + 3.00
	Total trust preferred securities		54,865		54,865

	Total long-term debt	$	129,865	$	129,865

	Interest is paid semiannually for all senior debentures, subordinated debentures and trust preferred securities.

	Senior Debentures
	The 2013 senior debentures are redeemable on or after August 13, 2015, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest, and will mature on August 13, 2018 if not redeemed prior to that date. The 2012 senior debentures are not redeemable prior to maturity and will mature on October 15, 2017.

	Trust Preferred Securities
	Trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital under risk based capital guidelines subject to certain limitations. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity, or upon earlier redemption at a premium as provided in the indentures.

	The trust preferred securities issued under United Community Statutory Trust II and United Community Statutory Trust III were issued with attached warrants that allowed the holder to redeem the trust preferred securities in exchange for common stock at the exercise price of $100 per share. The warrants expired unexercised on October 31, 2013.

	In the first quarter of 2015, United sent redemption notices with respect to the trust preferred securities issued under United Community Statutory Trust I and United Community Capital Trust II. Such trust preferred securities will be redeemed in March 2015. The redemption prices for United Community Statutory Trust I and United Community Capital Trust II expressed as a percentage of their respective par values, are 103.18% and 103.389%, respectively.

Reclassifications_Out_of_Accum

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(14) Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

	The following presents the details regarding amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands).

		Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated
		Other Comprehensive Income
	Details about Accumulated Other	For the Years Ended December 31,									Affected Line Item in the Statement
	Comprehensive Income Components	2014			2013			2012			Where Net Income is Presented

	Realized gains on available-for-sale securities:
		$	4,871		$	186		$	7,078		Securities gains, net
			(1,902	)		(72	)		(2,753	)	Tax expense
		$	2,969		$	114		$	4,325		Net of tax
	Amortization of gains included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity:
		$	1,656		$	731		$	1,988		Investment securities interest revenue
			(622	)		(282	)		(773	)	Tax expense
		$	1,034		$	449		$	1,215		Net of tax
	Amounts included in net income on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges:
	Effective portion of interest rate contracts	$	—		$	852		$	3,475		Loan interest revenue
	Ineffective portion of interest rate contracts		—			52			237		Loan interest revenue
	Effective portion of interest rate contracts		(764	)		—			—		Time deposit interest expense
	Effective portion of interest rate contracts		(223	)		—			—		Money market deposit interest expense
	Amortization of losses on de-designated positions		(79	)		—			—		Deposits in banks and short-term investments interest revenue
	Amortization of losses on de-designated positions		(198	)		—			—		Money market deposit interest expense
	Amortization of losses on de-designated positions		(234	)							Federal Home Loan Bank advances interest expense
	Amortization of losses on de-designated positions		(512	)		—			—		Time deposit interest expense
			(2,010	)		904			3,712		Total before tax
			782			(352	)		(1,444	)	Tax (expense) or benefit
		$	(1,228	)	$	552		$	2,268		Net of tax

	Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan
	Prior service cost	$	(365	)	$	(365	)	$	(365	)	Salaries and employee benefits expense
	Actuarial losses		—			(167	)		(250	)	Salaries and employee benefits expense
			(365	)		(532	)		(615	)	Total before tax
			142			207			240		Tax benefit
		$	(223	)	$	(325	)	$	(375	)	Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	2,552		$	790		$	7,433		Net of tax
	Amounts shown above in parentheses reduce earnings

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(15) Earnings Per Share

	United is required to report on the face of the consolidated statement of income, earnings per common share with and without the dilutive effects of potential common stock issuances from instruments such as options, convertible securities and warrants. Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period while the effects of potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period are included in diluted earnings per common share.

	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, United accrued dividends on preferred stock, including accretion of discounts, as shown in the following table (in thousands):

		2014		2013		2012
	Series A - 6% fixed	$	—	$	12	$	12
	Series B - 5% fixed until December 6, 2013, 9% thereafter		159		10,401		10,465
	Series D - LIBOR plus 9.6875%, resets quarterly		280		1,665		1,671
	Total preferred stock dividends	$	439	$	12,078	$	12,148

	Series B preferred stock was issued at a discount. Dividend amounts shown include discount accretion for each period.

	The preferred stock dividends were subtracted from net income in order to arrive at net income available to common shareholders. There were no dilutive securities outstanding at December 31, 2012.

	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):
		2014		2013		2012
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	67,181	$	261,062	$	21,708
	Income per common share:
	Basic		1.11		4.44		0.38
	Diluted		1.11		4.44		0.38
	Weighted average common shares:
	Basic		60,588		58,787		57,857
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		2		1		—
	Warrants		—		57		—
	Diluted		60,590		58,845		57,857

	At December 31, 2014, United had the following potentially dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding: a warrant to purchase 219,909 shares of common stock at $61.40 per share; 313,555 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to employees with a weighted average exercise price of $93.40; and 829,201 shares of common stock issuable upon completion of vesting of restricted stock awards.

	At December 31, 2013, United had the following potentially dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding: a warrant to purchase 219,909 shares of common stock at $61.40 per share; 371,449 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to employees with a weighted average exercise price of $98.54; 1,073,259 shares of common stock issuable upon completion of vesting of restricted stock awards; and warrants to purchase shares of common stock equivalent junior preferred stock at a price equivalent to $21.25 per share that would be convertible into 1,411,765 shares of common stock, which were granted to Fletcher International Ltd. (“Fletcher”) in connection with a 2010 asset purchase and sale agreement.

	At December 31, 2012, United had the following potentially dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding: a warrant to purchase 219,909 shares of common stock at $61.40 per share; warrants that are attached to trust preferred securities to purchase 129,670 shares of common stock at $100 per share; 482,528 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to employees with a weighted average exercise price of $97.73; 485,584 shares of common stock issuable upon completion of vesting of restricted stock awards; warrants to purchase shares of common stock equivalent junior preferred stock at a price equivalent to $21.25 per share that would be convertible into 1,411,765 shares of common stock, which were granted to Fletcher in connection with a 2010 asset purchase and sale agreement; and warrants to purchase 1,551,126 shares of common stock at $12.50 per share.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(16) Income Taxes

	Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

			2014				2013				2012
	Current		$	1,224			$	3,467			$	1,050
	Deferred			37,524				23,785				9,446
	Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance			702				(265,440	)			(9,446	)

	Total income tax expense (benefit)		$	39,450			$	(238,188	)		$	1,050

	The differences between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

			2014				2013				2012
	Pretax income at statutory rates		$	37,475			$	12,234			$	12,217
	Add (deduct):
	State taxes, net of federal benefit			3,365				895				577
	Bank owned life insurance earnings			(209	)			(704	)			(444	)
	Adjustment to reserve for uncertain tax positions			(200	)			(426	)			(577	)
	Tax-exempt interest revenue			(757	)			(714	)			(816	)
	Nondeductible interest expense			12				10				18
	Equity compensation			—				676				255
	Tax credits			(250	)			(438	)			(460	)
	Change in state statutory tax rate			—				1,003				—
	Change in valuation allowance affecting other comprehensive income			—				12,174				—
	(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance			702				(265,440	)			(9,446	)
	Other			(688	)			2,542				(274	)

	Total income tax expense (benefit)		$	39,450			$	(238,188	)		$	1,050

	The following summarizes the sources and expected tax consequences of future taxable deductions (revenue) which comprise the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2014 and 2013, which is included in other assets (in thousands):

			2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowances for loan losses		$	27,563			$	29,672
	Net operating loss carry forwards			184,015				219,863
	Deferred compensation			7,188				6,299
	Reserve for losses on foreclosed properties			254				678
	Nonqualified share based compensation			3,993				3,710
	Accrued expenses			2,107				2,663
	Investment in low income housing tax credit partnerships			1,856				1,335
	Unamortized pension actuarial losses and prior service cost			1,862				1,252
	Acquired intangible assets			593				326
	Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale			—				2,056
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges			1,977				—
	Other			1,477				3,985
	Total deferred tax assets			232,885				271,839

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale			1,340				—
	Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges			—				523
	Premises and equipment			2,452				2,812
	Loan origination costs			4,342				4,234
	Gain from acquisition of Southern Community Bank			306				816
	Prepaid expenses			626				836
	Uncertain tax positions			4,195				—
	Total deferred tax liabilities			13,261				9,221
	Less valuation allowance			4,121				4,100
	Net deferred tax asset		$	215,503			$	258,518

	The valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $4.12 million and $4.10 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Management assesses the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all the positive and negative evidence. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes, requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.

	In the second quarter of 2013, United reversed $272 million of its valuation on its net deferred tax asset. United established a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset in 2010 due to the realization of significant losses and uncertainty about United’s future earnings forecasts.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, based on the assessment of all the positive and negative evidence, management concluded that it is more likely than not that nearly all of the net deferred tax asset will be realized based upon future taxable income. The remaining valuation allowance of $4.12 million is related to specific state income tax credits that have short carryforward periods and are expected to expire unused.

United expects to realize $216 million in net deferred tax assets well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At December 31, 2014, $36 million of existing deferred tax assets were not related to net operating losses or credits, and therefore, have no expiration date. At December 31, 2014, United had state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $26.5 million that begin to expire in 2024, and approximately $64.8 million that begin to expire in 2029, and $526 million that begin to expire in 2028, if not previously utilized. United has $427 million in federal net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2030, if not previously utilized. United has $2.80 million of federal general business tax credits that begin to expire in 2028, if not previously utilized as well as $5.1 million in federal alternative minimum tax credits which have no expiration date.

The valuation allowance could fluctuate in future periods based on the assessment of the positive and negative evidence. Management’s conclusion at December 31, 2014 that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of $216 million will be realized is based on management’s estimate of future taxable income. Management’s estimate of future taxable income is based on internal forecasts which consider historical performance, various internal estimates and assumptions, as well as certain external data all of which management believes to be reasonable although inherently subject to significant judgment. If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, even if caused by adverse macro-economic conditions, the valuation allowance may need to be increased for some or all the deferred tax asset. Such an increase to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on United’s financial condition and results of operations.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit related to uncertain tax positions is as follows (in thousands):

		2014				2013				2012
Balance at beginning of year		$	4,503			$	5,069			$	5,985
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years			—				—				130
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year			374				352				500
Decreases resulting from a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations			(682	)			(918	)			(957	)
Decreases based on settlements with taxing authorities			—				—				(589	)
Balance at end of year		$	4,195			$	4,503			$	5,069

Approximately $3.4 million of this amount would increase income from continuing operations, and thus affect United’s effective tax rate, if ultimately recognized into income.

It is United’s policy to recognize interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits in their respective federal or state income taxes accounts. In 2013 and 2012, United reversed $59,000 and $120,000, respectively, in previously recorded penalties and interest as a result of statute expiration on affected returns, settlement with a state taxing authority and a change in estimate relating to prior year tax positions. No previously recorded penalties and interest were reversed in 2014. No amounts were accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2014 or 2013.

United and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, as well as file various returns in the states where its banking offices are located. United’s federal and state income tax returns are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2011.

Pension_and_Employee_Benefit_P

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans	(17) Pension and Employee Benefit Plans

	United offers a defined contribution 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) that covers substantially all employees meeting certain minimum service requirements. The Plan allows employees to make pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) Plan and United matches these employee contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation, subject to Plan and regulatory limits. Employees begin to receive matching contributions after completing one year of service and benefits vest after three years of service. United’s Plan is administered in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Through March 31, 2012, United matched employee 401(k) Plan contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of eligible compensation. Effective April 1, 2012, the matching contribution was reduced in half to 50% of employee contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation. Compensation expense from continuing operations related to the 401(k) Plan totaled $1.20 million, $1.24 million and $1.66 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 401(k) Plan allows employees to choose to invest among a number of investment options, including United’s common stock. Effective January 1, 2015, United’s common stock was no longer offered as an investment option for new contributions. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the 401(k) Plan purchased 17,373, 48,996 and 86,350 common shares, respectively, directly from United at the average of the high and low stock price on the date of purchase.

	United sponsors a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for its executive officers, certain other key employees and members of United’s Board of Directors and its community banks’ advisory boards of directors. The deferred compensation plan provides for the pre-tax deferral of compensation, fees and other specified benefits. The deferred compensation plan also permits each employee participant to elect to defer a portion of his or her base salary, bonus or vested restricted stock units and permits each director participant to elect to defer all or a portion of his or her director’s fees. Further, the deferred compensation plan allows for additional contributions by an employee, with matching contributions by United, for amounts that exceed the allowable amounts under the 401(k) Plan. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, United recognized $24,000, $24,000 and $24,000, respectively, in matching contributions for this provision of the deferred compensation plan. The Board of Directors may also elect to make a discretionary contribution to any or all participants. The Board of Directors elected to make a discretionary contribution of 25,000 shares of United’s common stock in 2013 to the deferred compensation plan. No discretionary contributions were made in 2014 or 2012.

	United also has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Modified Retirement Plan”) that covers certain executive officers and other key employees. The Modified Retirement Plan provides a fixed annual retirement benefit to plan participants. Expenses incurred for these post-retirement benefits were approximately $1.46 million, $1.60 million, and $1.87 million, for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. United made contributions to the plan in the form of benefit payments to participant retirees of $304,000, $272,000 in 2014, and 2013, respectively.

	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension benefit obligations at year end and net periodic pension cost are shown in the table below:

		2014			2013
	Discount rate for disclosures		4	%		4.5	%
	Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost		4.5	%		4	%
	Rate of compensation increase		N/A		NA
	Measurement date	12/31/14			12/31/13

	Information about changes in obligations and plan assets of the Modified Retirement Plan follows (in thousands):

		2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation:
	Accumulated benefit obligation - beginning of year	$	13,320		$	13,155
	Service cost		341			465
	Interest cost		579			533
	Actuarial (gains) losses		1,933			(561	)
	Benefits paid		(304	)		(272	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation - end of year		15,869			13,320

	Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (in thousands):

		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	341		$	465		$	597
	Interest cost		579			533			537
	Amortization of prior service cost		365			365			365
	Amortization of net losses		—			167			250
	Net periodic benefit cost		1,285			1,530			1,749

	The estimated net loss and prior service costs for the Modified Retirement Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $271,000 and $365,000, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected (in thousands) for years 2015 – 2019 and the following five years are $321,000, $769,000, $795,000, $997,000, $988,000 and $5.08 million respectively

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	(18) Derivatives and Hedging Activities

	Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

	United is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. United principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. United manages interest rate risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its investment securities portfolio and wholesale funding and through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, United enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. United’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of United’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to United’s loans, investment securities, wholesale borrowings and deposits.

	In conjunction with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance, management made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements on a gross basis.

	The table below presents the fair value of United’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815

										Fair Value
								Balance Sheet		December 31,				December 31,
	Interest Rate Products							Location		2014				2013
	Cash flow hedge of money market deposits							Other assets		$	—			$	4,782
	Fair value hedge of corporate bonds							Other assets			—				3,939
										$	—			$	8,721
	Cash flow hedge of short-term debt							Other liabilities		$	—			$	3,368
	Cash flow hedge of money market deposits							Other liabilities			350			$	—
	Fair value hedge of brokered CD’s							Other liabilities			5,817				19,970
	Fair value hedge of corporate bonds							Other liabilities			—				2,308
										$	6,167			$	25,646

	Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815

					Fair Value
			Balance Sheet		December 31,				December 31,
	Interest Rate Products		Location		2014				2013
	Customer swap positions		Other assets		$	3,433			$	898
	Dealer offsets to customer swap positions		Other assets			128				1,347
	Bifurcated embedded derivatives		Other assets			12,262				12,867
	Offsetting positions for de-designated cash flow hedges		Other assets			4,776				—
					$	20,599			$	15,112
	Customer swap positions		Other liabilities		$	129			$	1,347
	Dealer offsets to customer swap positions		Other liabilities			3,456				915
	Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives		Other liabilities			17,467				18,324
	De-designated cash flow hedge		Other liabilities			4,778				—
					$	25,830			$	20,586

	Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

	Derivative contracts that are not accounted for as hedging instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging and are described as “customer derivatives” are between United and certain commercial loan customers with offsetting positions to dealers under a back-to-back swap program. United also has three interest rate swap contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments but are economic hedges of market linked brokered certificates of deposit. The market linked brokered certificates of deposit contain embedded derivatives that are bifurcated from the host instruments and marked to market through earnings. The offsetting dealer swaps are economic hedges of the bifurcated embedded derivatives.

	Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

	United’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to net interest revenue and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, United primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. At December 31, 2014, United’s interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the payment of fixed-rate amounts to a counterparty in exchange for United receiving variable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. United’s one current cash flow hedge is for the purpose of converting variable rate deposits to a fixed rate to protect the company in a rising rate environment. The swap has a notional amount of $175 million and is forward starting and does not begin interest settlements until 2015. At December 31, 2013, United had three swap contracts outstanding with a notional amount of $200 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of future issuances of three-month brokered deposits or other LIBOR based floating rate wholesale borrowings and three swap contracts outstanding with a total notional amount of $375 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of indexed money market accounts.

	The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense when the swaps become effective in 2014, as interest payments are made on United’s LIBOR based, variable-rate wholesale borrowings and indexed deposit accounts. United’s forward starting active cash flow hedges of floating rate liabilities will begin to become effective over the next twelve months. United recognized $107,000 in hedge ineffectiveness gains on active cash flow hedges in 2014 in money market interest expense. United recognized $70,000 in hedge ineffectiveness losses on active cash flow hedges in 2013 in deposit interest expense. No such hedge ineffectiveness gains or losses were recognized on active cash flow hedges in 2012 or 2011. United expects that $3.34 million will be reclassified as an increase to deposit interest expense over the next twelve months related to these cash flow hedges.

	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, United accelerated the reclassification of $52,000 and $237,000, respectively, in gains from terminated positions as a result of the forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur. These amounts were recognized in loan interest revenue as hedge ineffectiveness.

	Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

	United is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed rate obligations due to changes in interest rates. United uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value on these instruments attributable to changes in interest rates. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of brokered deposits involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for United making variable rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of fixed rate investments involve the receipt of variable-rate payments from a counterparty in exchange for United making fixed rate payments over the life of the instrument without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. At December 31, 2014, United had 16 interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $197 million that were designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk and were pay-variable / receive-fixed swaps hedging the changes in the fair value of fixed rate brokered time deposits resulting from changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2013, United had 24 interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $285 million that were designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk. Eight of the interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2013 with an aggregate notional amount of $86 million were receive-variable / pay-fixed swaps that were used for the purpose of hedging changes in the fair value of corporate bonds resulting from changes in interest rates. The other 16 were pay-variable / receive-fixed swaps hedging the changes in the fair value of fixed rate brokered time deposits resulting from changes in interest rates.

	For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. United includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in the same income statement line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the related derivatives. During the year ended December 31, 2014, United recognized a net loss of $1.28 million related to ineffectiveness in the fair value hedging relationships. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, United recognized net gains of $1.07 million and $870,000 respectively, related to ineffectiveness of the fair value hedging relationships. Offsetting the 2012 gain was the write off of $449,000 in prepaid broker fees on brokered deposits. The prepaid broker fees were related to the brokered deposits (hedged item) that were called and resulted in a portion of the ineffectiveness gain. United also recognized a net reduction of interest expense of $4.61 million, $4.67 million and $2.42 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to United’s fair value hedges of brokered time deposits, which includes net settlements on the derivatives. United recognized a $1.33 million reduction of interest revenue on securities during 2013 related to United’s fair value hedges of corporate bonds.

	Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement

	The tables below present the effect of United’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

	Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships (in thousands):

		Location of Gain
		(Loss) Recognized		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in												Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
		in Income		Income on Derivative												Income on Hedged Item
		on Derivative		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013				2012
Fair value hedges of brokered CD’s		Interest expense		$	13,400			$	(16,433	)		$	540			$	(14,357	)		$	16,981			$	330
Fair value hedges of corporate bonds		Interest revenue			(2,487	)			6,285				—				2,163				(5,765	)			—
				$	10,913			$	(10,148	)		$	540			$	(12,194	)		$	11,216			$	330

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (in thousands):

		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in											Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
		Other Comprehensive Income on											Comprehensive Income into Income													Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
		Derivative (Effective Portion)											(Effective Portion)													(Ineffective Portion)
		2014				2013				2012			Location		2014				2013				2012			Location	2014			2013		2012
													Interest revenue		$	(79	)		$	904			$	3,712
													Interest expense			(1,931	)			—				—
Interest rate swaps		$	(8,437	)		$	10,084			$	(8,739	)			$	(2,010	)		$	904			$	3,712		Interest expense	$	(107	)	$	70	$	—


In certain cases, the estate of deceased brokered certificate of deposit holders may put the certificate of deposit back to the issuing bank at par upon the death of the holder. When these death puts occur, a gain or loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the par amount of the deposits put back. The change in the fair value of brokered time deposits that are being hedged in fair value hedging relationships reported in the table above include gains and losses from death puts and such gains and losses are included in the amount of reported ineffectiveness gains or losses.

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

United manages its credit exposure on derivatives transactions by entering into a bilateral credit support agreement with each counterparty. The credit support agreements require collateralization of exposures beyond specified minimum threshold amounts. The details of these agreements, including the minimum thresholds, vary by counterparty. As of December 31, 2014, collateral totaling $32.8 million was pledged toward derivatives in a liability position.

United’s agreements with each of its derivative counterparties contain a provision where if either party defaults on any of its indebtedness, then it could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. The agreements with derivatives counterparties also include provisions that if not met, could result in United being declared in default. United has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if United fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution or is subject to a prompt corrective action directive, the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and United would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.

Change in Valuation Methodology

As of January 1, 2013, United changed its valuation methodology for over-the-counter derivatives to discount cash flows based on Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) rates. Fully collateralized trades are discounted using OIS with no additional economic adjustments to arrive at fair value. Uncollateralized or partially collateralized trades are also discounted at OIS, but include appropriate economic adjustments for funding costs (i.e. LIBOR-OIS basis adjustment to approximate uncollateralized cost of funds) and credit risk. United changed its methodology to better align its inputs, assumptions and pricing methodologies with those used in its principal market by most dealers and major market participants. The changes in valuation methodology are applied prospectively as a change in accounting estimate and are not material to United’s financial position or results of operations.

Regulatory_Matters

Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
Regulatory Matters	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
Regulatory Matters	(19) Regulatory Matters

	Capital Requirements

	United and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary action by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, as revised by the Basel III Capital Rules effective as of January 1, 2015, United and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

	Quantitative measures (as defined) established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require United and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total capital and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets.

	As of December 31, 2014, the Bank was categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action in effect at such time. To be categorized as well-capitalized at December 31, 2014, the Bank must have exceeded the well-capitalized guideline ratios in effect at such time, as set forth in the table below and have met certain other requirements. Management believes that the Bank exceeded all well-capitalized requirements at December 31, 2014, and there have been no conditions or events since year-end that would change the status of well-capitalized. The regulatory designation of “well-capitalized” under prompt corrective action regulations is not applicable to United (a bank holding company). However, Regulation Y defines “well-capitalized” for a bank holding company for the purpose of determining eligibility for a streamlined review process for acquisition proposals. For such purposes, “well-capitalized” at December 31, 2014, required that United maintain a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% and a minimum Total risk-based capital ratio of 10%.

	Regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2014 and 2013, along with the minimum amounts required for capital adequacy purposes and to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions in effect at such times are presented below for United and the Bank (dollars in thousands):

	Regulatory Matters

		Regulatory						United Community Banks, Inc.
		Guidelines						(consolidated)						United Community Bank
					Well
		Minimum			Capitalized			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Risk-based ratios:
	Tier 1 capital		4	%		6	%		12.05	%		12.74	%		12.84	%		13.55	%
	Total capital		8			10			13.3			13.99			14.09			14.8
	Leverage ratio		3						8.69			9.08			9.25			9.61
	Tier 1 capital							$	642,663		$	649,162		$	683,332		$	686,687
	Total capital								709,408			713,063			749,927			750,216
	Risk-weighted assets								5,332,822			5,097,091			5,320,615			5,066,948
	Average total assets								7,396,450			7,150,360			7,385,048			7,142,050

	Effective January 1, 2015, the Basel III Capital Rules revised the framework for prompt corrective action by (i) introducing a CET1 ratio requirement at each level (other than critically undercapitalized), with the required CET1 ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category (other than critically undercapitalized), with the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for well-capitalized status being 8.0% (as compared to the current 6.0%); and (iii) eliminating the current provision that provides that a bank with a composite supervisory rating of 1 may have a 3% leverage ratio and still be adequately capitalized.

	Management believes that, as of December 31, 2014, United and the Bank would meet all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if such requirements were currently in effect.

	Cash, Dividend, Loan and Other Restrictions

	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Bank did not have a required reserve balance at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid by the Bank to United. In addition, dividends paid to United require pre-approval of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and the FDIC while the Bank has an accumulated deficit (negative retained earnings). During 2014, the Bank received regulatory approval to pay cash dividends to United of $129 million.

	The Federal Reserve Act requires that extensions of credit by the Bank to certain affiliates, including United, be secured by specific collateral, that the extension of credit to any one affiliate be limited to 10% of capital and surplus (as defined), and that extensions of credit to all such affiliates be limited to 20% of capital and surplus.

	United and the Bank are parties to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of their customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.

	The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit written is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. United uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it uses for underwriting on-balance sheet instruments. In most cases, collateral or other security is required to support financial instruments with credit risk.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(20) Commitments and Contingencies

	The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the contract amount of off-balance sheet instruments (in thousands):

		2014		2013
	Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
	Commitments to extend credit	$	878,160	$	747,170
	Letters of credit		19,861		19,846
	Minimum Lease Payments		10,877		6,310

	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 many of the commitments may expire without being drawn on, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. United evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies, but may include unimproved and improved real estate, certificates of deposit, personal property or other acceptable collateral.

	Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by United and could result in the commitment being drawn on when the underlying transaction is consummated between the customer and the third party or upon the non-performance of the customer. Those guarantees are primarily issued to local businesses and government agencies. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. In most cases, the Bank holds real estate, certificates of deposit, and other acceptable collateral as security supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The extent of collateral held for those commitments varies.

	United maintains an allowance for unfunded loan commitments which is included in the balance of other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The allowance for unfunded loan commitments is determined as part of the quarterly analysis of the allowance for credit losses and is based on probable incurred losses in United’s unfunded loan commitments that are expected to result in funded loans.

	United, in the normal course of business, is subject to various pending and threatened lawsuits in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, or the range of any possible loss, management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the ultimate aggregate liability, if any, arising from these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on United’s financial position or results of operations.

Preferred_Stock

Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
Preferred Stock	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred Stock	(21) Preferred Stock

	United may issue preferred stock in one or more series, up to a maximum of 10,000,000 shares. Each series shall include the number of shares issued, preferences, special rights and limitations as determined by the Board of Directors.

	On December 31, 2013, United redeemed 21,700 shares of its Series A Non-Cumulative Preferred. On December 27, 2013, United redeemed 75,000 shares of the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B and redeemed the remaining 105,000 shares on January 10, 2014. On March 3, 2014, United redeemed 16,613 shares of the Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D. There are no preferred shares outstanding at December 31, 2014.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	(22) Shareholders’ Equity

	In 2007, the shareholders approved the Amended and Restated 2000 Key Employee Stock Option Plan (“2000 Plan”). Under the original terms of the 2000 Plan, awards of 500,000 options, restricted stock awards, stock awards, performance share awards or stock appreciation rights could be granted for shares of United’s common stock. In 2012, shareholders approved an amendment to increase the number of shares available for grant. Options granted under the 2000 Plan can have an exercise price no less than the fair market value at the date of grant. The general terms of the 2000 Plan include a vesting period (usually four years) with an exercisable period not to exceed ten years. Certain option and restricted stock grants provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control of United or certain other conditions are met (as defined in the plan document). As of December 31, 2014, 460,000 additional awards could be granted under the 2000 Plan. Through December 31, 2014, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, base salary stock grants and performance share awards had been granted under the 2000 Plan.

	Restricted stock and options outstanding and activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:

			Restricted Stock								Options
							Weighted								Weighted				Weighted
							Average								Average				Average				Aggregate
							Grant Date								Exercise				Remaining				Intrinsic
			Shares				Fair Value				Shares				Price				Term (Yrs.)				Value (000’s)
	31-Dec-11			414,644			$	12.19				583,647			$	94.48
	Granted			200,612				8.73				—				—
	Exercised			(114,673	)			14.77				—				—
	Cancelled			(14,999	)			10.25				(101,119	)			78.98
	31-Dec-12			485,584				10.72				482,528				97.73
	Granted			876,583				14.74				5,000				15.09
	Exercised			(195,366	)			13.16				—				—
	Cancelled			(93,125	)			8.78				(136,756	)			94.37
	31-Dec-13			1,073,676				13.73				350,772				97.87
	Granted			97,016				17.33				10,000				16.71
	Exercised			(336,691	)			12.23				—				—
	Cancelled			(4,800	)			13.78				(47,217	)			110.33
	31-Dec-14			829,201				14.76				313,555				93.4				2.78			$	120
	Vested / Exercisable
	at December 31, 2014			7,580				9.9				297,305				97.66				2.44				63

	During 2013 and 2012, 9,344 shares and 20,489 shares of common stock, respectively, having a grant date fair value of $108,000, and $172,000, respectively, were granted to certain executive officers over the course of the year as part of their base compensation with no restrictions or vesting requirement. Those shares are included in the table above as granted and exercised within the same year. The grant date fair value was included in compensation expense during 2013 and 2012. No such grants were made in 2014.

	The following is a summary of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:

	Options Outstanding																Options Exercisable
									Weighted				Average								Weighted
	Shares				Range				Average Price				Remaining Life				Shares				Average Price
		26,823			$	10.00 - 30.00			$	14.96				8.02				10,573			$	14.15
		44,777				30.01 - 50.00				31.67				4.15				44,777				31.67
		72,318				50.01 - 70.00				66.31				3.13				72,318				66.31
		2,075				70.01 - 90.00				77.53				3.25				2,075				77.53
		28,950				90.01 - 110.00				107.28				0.32				28,950				107.28
		17,228				110.01 - 130.00				111.38				0.49				17,228				111.38
		115,981				130.01 - 150.00				143.69				1.8				115,981				143.69
		5,403				150.01 - 170.00				152.1				2.21				5,403				152.1
		313,555				10.00 - 170.00				93.4				2.78				297,305				97.66

	The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2014 and 2013 was $9.49 and $5.10 respectively. No options were granted in 2012. The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The decrease in United’s stock price through 2010 has rendered most of its outstanding options severely out of the money and potentially worthless to the grantee. Therefore historical exercise patterns do not provide a reasonable basis for determining the expected life of new option grants. United therefore uses the formula provided by the SEC in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to determine the expected life of the options.

	The weighted average assumptions used to determine the fair value of options are presented in the table below:

			2014				2013			2012
	Expected volatility			66	%			30	%	NA
	Expected dividend yield			1	%			0	%	NA
	Expected life (in years)			6.25				6.25		NA
	Risk free rate			2.1	%			2	%	NA

	Compensation expense relating to options of $15,000 and $256,000, respectively, was included in earnings for 2014 and 2012. For 2013, United recognized a credit to compensation expense of $51,000 due to forfeitures of unvested options which exceeded option expense for that year. A deferred income tax benefit related to stock option expense of $6,000 and $99,000 was included in the determination of income tax expense in 2014 and 2012, respectively. For 2013, United reversed previously recognized deferred taxes of $20,000 related to the forfeited options. The amount of compensation expense for all periods was determined based on the fair value of options at the time of grant, multiplied by the number of options granted that were expected to vest, which was then amortized over the vesting period. The forfeiture rate for options is estimated to be approximately 3% per year. There were no options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

	Compensation expense for restricted stock is based on the fair value of restricted stock awards at the time of grant, which is equal to the value of United’s common stock on the date of grant. The value of restricted stock grants that are expected to vest is amortized into expense over the vesting period. Compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for restricted stock in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $4.29 million, $2.85 million and $1.66 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock at December 31, 2014 was approximately $15.7 million.

	As of December 31, 2014, there was $9.56 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and restricted stock granted under the 2000 Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.89 years. The aggregate grant date fair value of options and restricted stock that vested during 2014 was $3.98 million.

	United sponsors a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (“DRIP”) that allows participants who already own United’s common stock to purchase additional shares directly from the Company. The DRIP also allows participants to automatically reinvest their quarterly dividends in additional shares of common stock without a commission. The DRIP had previously been suspended but was re-activated in 2014 when United restored its quarterly dividend. In 2014, 191 shares were issued under the DRIP. No shares were issued under the DRIP in 2013 or 2012.

	United’s 401(k) Plan regularly purchases shares of United’s common stock directly from United. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, United’s 401(k) Plan purchased 17,373 shares, 48,996 shares and 86,350 shares, respectively, directly from United at the average of the high and low stock prices on the transaction dates. Effective January 1, 2015, the 401(k) Plan discontinued offering shares of United’s common stock as an investment option. In addition, United has an Employee Stock Purchase Program (“ESPP”) that allows eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at a 5% discount, with no commission charges. During 2014, 2013 and 2012 United issued 10,506 shares, 13,982 shares and 23,555 shares, respectively through the ESPP. Effective January 1, 2015, the discount was increased to 10% on purchases made through the ESPP.

United offers its common stock as an investment option in its deferred compensation plan. The common stock component is accounted for as an equity instrument and is reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as common stock issuable. The deferred compensation plan does not allow for diversification once an election is made to invest in United stock and settlement must be accomplished in shares at the time the deferral period is completed. United also allows restricted stock grantees to defer all or a portion of their restricted stock in the deferred compensation plan upon vesting. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, United had 357,984 and 241,832 shares, respectively, of its common stock that was issuable under the deferred compensation plan.

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	12 Months Ended
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	(23) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

	Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820 (“ASC 820”) Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). United has processes in place to review the significant valuation inputs and to reassess how the instruments are classified in the valuation framework.

	Fair Value Hierarchy

		Level 1 Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that United has the ability to access.

		Level 2 Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

		Level 3 Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. United’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

	The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.

	Securities Available-for-Sale

	Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and asset-backed securities and are valued based on observable inputs that include: quoted market prices for similar assets, quoted market prices that are not in an active market, or other inputs that are observable in the market and can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets. Securities classified as Level 3 are valued based on estimates obtained from broker-dealers and are not directly observable.

	Deferred Compensation Plan Assets and Liabilities

	Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet are assets related to employee deferred compensation plans. The assets associated with these plans are invested in mutual funds and classified as Level 1. Deferred compensation liabilities, also classified as Level 1, are carried at the fair value of the obligation to the employee, which mirrors the fair value of the invested assets and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

	Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

	Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for mortgage loans with similar characteristics.

	Loans

	United does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, a creditor may measure impairment based on a loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if repayment of the loan is dependent upon the sale of the underlying collateral. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. In accordance with ASC 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, United records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, United records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

	Foreclosed Assets

	Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value, less cost to sell, upon transfer of the loans to foreclosed assets. Subsequently, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, United records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, United records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 3.

	Derivative Financial Instruments

	United uses interest rate swaps and interest rate floors to manage its interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is typically determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves.

	The fair values of interest rate options are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates fell below the strike rate of the floors. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the floor are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, United incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, United has considered the effect of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

	Although management has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2014, management had assessed the significance of the effect of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. Additionally, in the review of the structured derivative inputs, it was determined that the broker quotes, used as a key valuation input, were not observable consistent with a level 2 disclosure. This resulted in the Bank transferring them to a level 3 in the ASC 820 leveling disclosures as of December 31, 2014.

	SBA Servicing Rights

	As United expanded its SBA lending and subsequent loan sales activities, a servicing asset has been recognized (per ASC 860). This asset is recorded at fair value on recognition, and management has elected to carry this asset at fair value for subsequent reporting. Given the nature of the asset, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and management discloses this asset as level 3.

	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

	The table below presents United’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (in thousands):

	31-Dec-14		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury securities			$	105,709			$	—			$	—			$	105,709
	U.S. Agencies				—				36,299				—				36,299
	State and political subdivisions				—				20,233				—				20,233
	Mortgage-backed securities				—				996,820				—				996,820
	Corporate bonds				—				164,878				750				165,628
	Asset-backed securities				—				455,928				—				455,928
	Other				—				2,117				—				2,117
	Deferred compensation plan assets				3,864				—				—				3,864
	SBA servicing rights				—				—				2,551				2,551
	Derivative financial instruments				—				8,337				12,262				20,599
	Total assets			$	109,573			$	1,684,612			$	15,563				1,809,748
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liability			$	3,864			$	—			$	—			$	3,864
Derivative financial instruments				—				13,018				18,979				31,997
Total liabilities			$	3,864			$	13,018			$	18,979			$	35,861

31-Dec-13		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Assets:
Securities available for sale
State and political subdivisions			$	—			$	23,242			$	—			$	23,242
Mortgage-backed securities				—				1,145,347				—				1,145,347
Corporate bonds				—				249,946				350				250,296
Asset-backed securities				—				410,633				—				410,633
Other				—				2,699				—				2,699
Deferred compensation plan assets				3,496				—				—				3,496
Derivative financial instruments				—				23,833				—				23,833
Total assets			$	3,496			$	1,855,700			$	350			$	1,859,546
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liability			$	3,496			$	—			$	—			$	3,496
Derivative financial instruments				—				46,232				—				46,232
Total liabilities			$	3,496			$	46,232			$	—			$	49,728


The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs that are classified as level 3 values (in thousands):

		2014																2013		2012
		Derivative Asset				Derivative Liability				SBA				Securities Available-for-				Securities		Securities
										servicing				Sale				Available-for-		Available-for-
										rights								Sale		Sale
Balance at beginning of period		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	350			$	350	$	350
Purchases			—				—				2,133				—				—		—
Additions			—				—				832				—				—		—
Sales and settlements			—				—				(152	)			—				—		—
Other comprehensive income			—				—				—				400				—		—
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments			—				—				(262	)			—				—		—
Transfers between valuation levels, net			12,262				18,979				—				—				—		—
Balance at end of period		$	12,262			$	18,979			$	2,551			$	750			$	350	$	350

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
Level 3 Assets		2014				2013			Valuation		Unobservable Inputs		Weighted
Level 3 Assets		Fair Value				Fair Value			Technique		Unobservable Inputs		Average

SBA Servicing Rights		$	2,551			$	—		Discounted cash flow		Discount rate			12	%
SBA Servicing Rights		$	2,551			$	—		Discounted cash flow		Prepayment Rate			6.7	%

Corporate Bonds			750				350		Indicative bid		Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, and recently executed financing transactions related to the company			N/	A
Corporate Bonds			750				350		provided by a broker					N/	A

Derivatives assets			12,262				—		Dealer Priced		Dealer Priced			N/	A

Derivative liabilities			18,979				—		Dealer Priced		Dealer Priced			N/	A

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

United may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or fair value that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period. The table below presents United’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (in thousands):

31-Dec-14		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Assets
Loans		$	—			$	—			$	83,541			$	83,541
Foreclosed properties											1,555				1,555
Total		$	—			$	—			$	85,096			$	85,096

31-Dec-13
Assets
Loans		$	—			$	—			$	82,798			$	82,798
Foreclosed properties											3,747				3,747
Total		$	—			$	—			$	86,545			$	86,545

Loans that are reported above as being measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are generally impaired loans that have either been partially charged off or have specific reserves assigned to them. Nonaccrual impaired loans that are collateral dependent are generally written down to 80% of appraised value which considers the estimated costs to sell. Specific reserves are established for impaired loans based on appraised value of collateral or discounted cash flows. Foreclosed properties that are included above as measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are those properties that resulted from a loan that had been charged down or have been written down subsequent to foreclosure. Foreclosed properties are generally recorded at the lower of 80% of appraised value or 90% of the asking price which considers the estimated cost to sell.

Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

For financial instruments that have quoted market prices, those quotes are used to determine fair value. Financial instruments that have no defined maturity, have a remaining maturity of 180 days or less, or reprice frequently to a market rate, are assumed to have a fair value that approximates reported book value, after taking into consideration any applicable credit risk. If no market quotes are available, financial instruments are valued by discounting the expected cash flows using an estimated current market interest rate for the financial instrument. For off-balance sheet derivative instruments, fair value is estimated as the amount that United would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date, taking into account the current unrealized gains or losses on open contracts.

United’s cash and cash equivalents and repurchase agreements have short maturities and therefore the carrying value approximates fair value. The fair value of securities available-for-sale equals the balance sheet value. Due to the short-term settlement of accrued interest receivable and payable, the carrying amount closely approximates fair value.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect the premium or discount on any particular financial instrument that could result from the sale of United’s entire holdings. Because no ready market exists for a significant portion of United’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the mortgage banking operation, brokerage network, deferred income taxes, premises and equipment and goodwill. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

Off-balance sheet instruments (commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit) are generally short-term and at variable rates. Therefore, both the carrying amount and the estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial.





The carrying amount and fair values for other financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in United’s balance sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

		Carrying								Fair Value Level
31-Dec-14		Amount				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Assets:
Securities held to maturity		$	415,267			$	—			$	425,233			$	—			$	425,233
Loans, net			4,600,500				—				—				4,549,027				4,710,559
Mortgage loans held for sale			13,737				—				14,139				—				14,139

Liabilities:
Deposits			6,326,513				—				6,328,264				—				6,328,264
Federal Home Loan Bank advances			270,125				—				270,125				—				270,125
Long-term debt			129,865				—				—				132,814				132,814

31-Dec-13
Assets:
Securities held to maturity			479,742				—				485,585				—				485,585
Loans, net			4,252,504				—				—				4,165,591				4,165,591
Mortgage loans held for sale			10,319				—				10,529				—				10,529

Liabilities:
Deposits			6,201,505				—				6,204,815				—				6,204,815
Federal Home Loan Bank advances			120,125				—				120,125				—				120,125
Long-term debt			129,865				—				—				130,262				130,262

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	-24	Subsequent Events

	On January 27, 2015, United announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire MoneyTree Corporation (“MoneyTree“) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, First National Bank (“FNB”). MoneyTree and FNB are headquartered in Lenoir City, Tennessee and FNB currently operates 10 branches in east Tennessee. At December 31, 2014, FNB had $425 million in assets, $354 million in deposits and $253 million in loans. The resulting combination will enhance both United’s position in key growth markets in east Tennessee and its ability to offer expanded banking products to FNB’s customer base.

	Under the terms of the merger agreement, MoneyTree shareholders will receive merger consideration consisting of 80 percent common stock of United and 20 percent cash in the aggregate, with a fixed exchange ratio that is valued at approximately $52 million based on United’s January 27, 2015 closing price of $17.65 per share. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval of MoneyTree’s shareholders. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.

Condensed_Financial_Statements

Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Only)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Only) [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Only)
	-25	Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Only)

	Statement of Income
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

	(in thousands)

			2014				2013				2012

	Dividends from bank and other subsidiaries		$	132,000			$	50,000			$	—
	Shared service fees from subsidiaries			8,057				6,764				6,714
	Other			424				1,217				1,169
	Total income			140,481				57,981				7,883

	Interest expense			11,550				10,977				10,201
	Other expense			9,868				8,658				8,717
	Total expenses			21,418				19,635				18,918
	Income tax benefit			2,357				24,862				398
	Income (loss) before equity in undistributed loss of subsidiaries			121,420				63,208				(10,637	)
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries			(53,800	)			209,932				44,493
	Net income		$	67,620			$	273,140			$	33,856

	Balance Sheet
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013

	(in thousands)

	Assets

			2014				2013

	Cash		$	31,967			$	36,338
	Investment in subsidiaries			816,919				869,665
	Other assets			32,295				34,972
	Total assets		$	881,181			$	940,975

	Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

	Long-term debt		$	129,865			$	129,865
	Other liabilities			11,739				15,395
	Total liabilities			141,604				145,260
	Shareholders’ equity			739,577				795,715
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	881,181			$	940,975

	Statement of Cash Flows
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

	(in thousands)

			2014				2013				2012
	Operating activities:
	Net income		$	67,620			$	273,140			$	33,856
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in
	operating activities:
	Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries			53,800				(209,932	)			(44,493	)
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion			22				82				142
	Stock-based compensation			4,304				3,045				1,976
	Change in assets and liabilities:
	Other assets			2,529				(29,168	)			21,722
	Other liabilities			(9,177	)			5,682				(20,483	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			119,098				42,849				(7,280	)

	Investing activities:
Purchases and disposal of premises and equipment			(44	)			—				—
Sales and paydowns of securities available for sale			537				586				—
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities			493				586				—

Financing activities:
Repayment of subordinated notes			—				(35,000	)			(30,500	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes			—				40,000				35,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans			469				796				894
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs			12,206				—				—
Proceeds from exercise of warrant			—				19,389				—
Repurchase of outstanding warrant			(12,000	)			—				—
Retirement of preferred stock			(121,613	)			(75,217	)			—
Cash dividends on common stock			(1,810	)			—				—
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock			—				(15	)			(12	)
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock			(802	)			(9,440	)			(9,000	)
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock			(412	)			(1,657	)			(1,687	)

Net cash used in financing activities			(123,962	)			(61,144	)			(5,305	)

Net change in cash			(4,371	)			(17,709	)			(12,585	)

Cash at beginning of year			36,338				54,047				66,632

Cash at end of year		$	31,967			$	36,338			$	54,047

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	At December 31, 2014, United was a bank holding company subject to the regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) whose principal business was conducted by its wholly-owned commercial bank subsidiary, United Community Bank (the “Bank”). United is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United, the Bank and other wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

	The Bank is a Georgia state chartered commercial bank that serves markets throughout north Georgia, coastal Georgia, the Atlanta, Georgia MSA, the Gainesville, Georgia MSA, western North Carolina, the Greenville, South Carolina MSA and east and central Tennessee and provides a full range of banking services. The Bank is insured and subject to the regulation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and is also subject to the regulation of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates	In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the balance sheet and revenue and expenses for the years then ended. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change are the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, the valuation of goodwill and separately identifiable intangible assets associated with mergers and acquisitions, and the valuation of deferred tax assets.
Operating Segments	Operating Segments
	Operating segments are components of a business about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. Public companies are required to report certain financial information about operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. United’s community banking operations are divided among geographic regions and local community banks within those regions, those regions and banks have similar economic characteristics and are therefore aggregated into one operating segment for purposes of segment reporting.

	Additionally United assessed other operating units to determine if they should be classified and reported as segments. They include Mortgage, Advisory Services and Specialized Lending. Each was assessed for separate reporting on both a qualitative and a quantitative basis in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280 Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”). Qualitatively, these business units are currently operating in the same geographic footprint as the community banks and face many of the same customers as the community banks. While the chief operating decision maker does have some separate financial information for these entities, for much of 2014 they were viewed more as a product line extension of the community banks. However, management will continue to evaluate these business units for separate reporting as facts and circumstances change. On a quantitative basis, ASC 280 provides a threshold of 10% of Revenue, Net Income or Assets where a breach of any of these thresholds would trigger segment reporting. Under this requirement none of the entities reached the threshold.

	Based on this analysis, United concluded that it has only one operating and reportable segment.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash equivalents include amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks, federal funds sold, commercial paper, reverse repurchase agreements and short-term investments and are carried at cost. Federal funds are generally sold for one-day periods, interest-bearing deposits in banks are available on demand and commercial paper investments and reverse repurchase agreements mature within a period of less than 90 days. A portion of the cash on hand and on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta was required to meet regulatory reserve requirements.
Investment Securities	Investment Securities
	United classifies its securities in one of three categories: trading, held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. United does not hold any trading securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities for which United has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All other securities are classified as available-for-sale.

	Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are reported in other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Unrealized holding gains or losses associated with transfers of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity are included in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. These unrealized holding gains or losses are amortized into income over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment to the yield in a manner consistent with the amortization or accretion of the original purchase premium or discount on the associated security.

	Management evaluates investment securities for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. A decline in the fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings for a decline in value deemed to be credit related. The decline in value attributed to non credit related factors is recognized in other comprehensive income and a new cost basis for the security is established. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity are included in net income and derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of the securities sold.

	Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock is included in other assets at its original cost basis, as cost approximates fair value as there is no ready market for such investments.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. The amount by which cost exceeds fair value is accounted for as a valuation allowance. Changes in the valuation allowance are included in the determination of net income for the period in which the change occurs. No valuation allowances were required at December 31, 2014 or 2013 since those loans have fair values that exceeded the recorded cost basis.
Loans	Loans
	With the exception of purchased loans that are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, loans are stated at principal amount outstanding, net of any unearned revenue and net of any deferred loan fees and costs. Interest on loans is primarily calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.

	The accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well collateralized and in the process of collection, or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectible in the normal course of business. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against interest revenue on loans. Interest payments are applied to reduce the principal balance on nonaccrual loans. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance and future payments are reasonably assured. Nonaccrual loans include smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

	A loan is considered impaired when, based on current events and circumstances, it is probable that all amounts due, according to the contractual terms of the loan, will not be collected. Individually impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, at the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest revenue on impaired loans is discontinued when the loans meet the criteria for nonaccrual status. 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 considered impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and 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.

	Concentration of Credit Risk: Most of United’s business activity is with customers located within the markets where it has banking operations. Therefore, United’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy within its markets. More than 80% of United’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate and is therefore susceptible to changes in real estate valuations.

	Certain Purchased Loans: United from time to time purchases loans, primarily through business combination transactions. Some of those purchased loans show evidence of credit deterioration since origination. Purchased loans are recorded at their estimated fair value at date of purchase. After acquisition, further losses evidenced by decreases in expected cash flows are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

	Purchased loans are accounted for individually or aggregated into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as the type of loan, payment status, or collateral type. United estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan or pool and the expected cash flows in excess of the amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s or pool’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

	Over the life of the loan or pool, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a loss is recorded. If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest revenue.
Allowance for Credit Losses	Allowance for Credit Losses
	The allowance for credit losses includes the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded commitments included in other liabilities). Increases to the allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded commitments are established through a provision for credit losses charged to income. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when available information confirms that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount, which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans as of the date of the balance sheet. The allowance for unfunded commitments represents expected losses on unfunded commitments and is reported in the consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities.

	The allowance for loan losses is composed of general reserves and specific reserves. General reserves are determined by applying loss percentages to the individual loan categories that are based on actual historical loss experience. United uses an eight-quarter weighted average annualized historical loss rate for each major loan category, weighted toward the most recent quarters’ losses and multiplied by the estimated loss emergence period for each loan type. Additionally, the general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, the findings of internal and external credit reviews and results from external bank regulatory examinations are considered in this evaluation. The need for specific reserves is evaluated on nonaccrual loan relationships greater than $500,000, accruing relationships rated substandard that are greater than $2 million and all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). The specific reserves are determined on a loan-by-loan basis based on management’s evaluation of United’s exposure for each credit, given the current payment status of the loan and the value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the calculation of general reserves.

	The allocation of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical data, subjective judgment and estimates and, therefore, is not necessarily indicative of the specific amounts or loan categories in which charge-offs may ultimately occur.

	For purposes of determining general reserves, United segments the loan portfolio into broad categories with similar risk elements. Those categories and their specific risks are described below.

	Owner occupied commercial real estate – Loans in this category are susceptible to declined in occupancy rates, business failure and general economic conditions are common risks for this segment of the loan portfolio.

	Income producing commercial real estate – Common risks for this loan category are declines in general economic conditions, declines in real estate value and lack of suitable alternative use for the property.

	Commercial & industrial – Risks to this loan category include industry concentrations and the inability to monitor the condition of the collateral which often consists of inventory, accounts receivable and other non real estate assets. Equipment and inventory obsolescence can also pose a risk. Declines in general economic conditions and other events can cause cash flows to fall to levels insufficient to service debt.

	Commercial construction – Risks common to commercial construction loans are cost overruns, changes in market demand for property, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values.

	Residential mortgage – Residential mortgage loans are susceptible to weakening general economic conditions and increases in unemployment rates and declining real estate values.

	Home equity lines of credit – Risks common to home equity lines of credit are general economic conditions and declining real estate values which reduce or eliminate the borrower’s home equity.

	Residential construction – Residential construction loans are susceptible to the same risks as commercial construction loans. Changes in market demand for property leads to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values, and higher interest rates.

	Consumer installment – Risks common to consumer installment loans include regulatory risks, unemployment and changes in local economic conditions as well as the inability to monitor collateral consisting of personal property.

	Indirect auto - Risks common to indirect auto loans include unemployment and changes in local economic conditions as well as the inability to monitor collateral.

	Management outsources a significant portion of its loan review to ensure objectivity in the loan review process and to challenge and corroborate the loan grading system. The loan review function provides additional analysis used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. To supplement the outsourced loan review, management also has an internal loan review department that is independent of the lending function.

	Management believes the allowance for loan losses is appropriate at December 31, 2014. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review United’s allowance for loan losses.
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment
Premises and Equipment	Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Costs incurred for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The range of estimated useful lives for buildings and improvements is 15 to 40 years, for land improvements, 10 to 35 years, and for furniture and equipment, 3 to 10 years.
Foreclosed Properties	Foreclosed Properties
Foreclosed Properties	Foreclosed property is initially recorded at fair value, less cost to sell. If the fair value, less cost to sell at the time of foreclosure is less than the loan balance, the deficiency is recorded as a loan charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. If the fair value, less cost to sell, of the foreclosed property decreases during the holding period, a valuation allowance is established with a charge to operating expenses. When the foreclosed property is sold, a gain or loss is recognized on the sale for the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the property. Financed sales of foreclosed property are accounted for in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification Topic 360, Subtopic 20, Real Estate Sales (“ASC 360-20”).
Transfers of Financial Assets	Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of Financial Assets	Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from United, the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and United does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before maturity.
Small Business Administration ("SBA") Servicing Rights	Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Servicing Rights
	United records a separate servicing asset for the SBA loans where the servicing is retained. This asset represents the right or obligation to service the SBA loans and receive a fee in compensation. Typically that fee is 1% of the loan balance being serviced. Servicing assets are initially recorded at their fair value as a component of the sale proceeds. The fair value of the servicing assets is based on an analysis of discounted cash flows that incorporates estimates of (1) market servicing costs (typically 40 basis points), (2) market-based prepayment rates, and (3) market profit margins.

	United has elected to subsequently measure the servicing assets at fair value. There is no aggregation of the loans into pools for the valuation of the servicing asset, but the servicing asset value is measured at a loan level.




	The rate of prepayment of loans serviced is the most significant estimate involved in the measurement process. Estimates of prepayment rates are based on market participant’s expectations of future prepayment rates, reflecting the company’s historical rate of loan repayments if consistent with market participant assumptions, industry trends, and other considerations. Actual prepayment rates differ from those projected by management due to changes in a variety of economic factors, including prevailing interest rates and the availability of alternative financing sources to borrowers. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more quickly than projected, the carrying value of servicing assets might have to be written down through a charge to earnings in the current period. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more slowly than had been projected, the carrying value of servicing assets could increase, and servicing income would exceed previously projected amounts. Accordingly, the servicing assets actually realized, could differ from the amounts initially recorded.
Bank Owned Life Insurance	Bank Owned Life Insurance
Bank Owned Life Insurance	United has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and members of management. 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 adjusted for other changes or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments	Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments	Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income taxes during the period that includes the enactment date.

	In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of United’s assets and liabilities results in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable earnings and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Management weighs both the positive and negative evidence, giving more weight to evidence that can be objectively verified.

	The income tax benefit or expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

	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 percent likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.

	United recognizes interest and / or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Mortgage Banking Derivatives	Mortgage Banking Derivatives
Mortgage Banking Derivatives	Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest rate on the loan is locked. United enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. United’s forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans are based on United’s “best efforts” and therefore United is not penalized if a loan is not delivered to the investor if the loan did not get originated. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives generally offset each other and are included in “mortgage loan and other related fees” in the consolidated statement of operations.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	United’s interest rate risk management strategy incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize fluctuations in net income that are caused by interest rate volatility. United’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest margin is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements in interest rates. United views this strategy as a prudent management of interest rate risk, such that net income is not exposed to undue risk presented by changes in interest rates.

	In carrying out this part of its interest rate risk management strategy, United uses interest rate derivative contracts. The primary type of derivative contract used by United to manage interest rate risk is interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed- and variable-rate interest payments between two parties, based on a common notional principal amount and maturity date.

	United classifies its derivative financial instruments as either (1) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value of a recorded asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) derivatives not designated as accounting hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in current period earnings. United has master netting agreements with the derivatives dealers with which it does business, but reflects gross assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

	United uses the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness. United documents, both at inception and over the life of the hedge, at least quarterly, its analysis of actual and expected hedge effectiveness. This analysis includes techniques such as regression analysis and hypothetical derivatives to demonstrate that the hedge has been, and is expected to be, highly effective in offsetting corresponding changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. For a qualifying fair value hedge, changes in the value of derivatives that have been highly effective as hedges are recognized in current period earnings along with the corresponding changes in the fair value of the designated hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. For a qualifying cash flow hedge, the portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives that have been highly effective are recognized in other comprehensive income until the related cash flows from the hedged item are recognized in earnings.

	For fair value hedges and cash flow hedges, ineffectiveness is recognized in the same income statement line as interest accruals on the hedged item to the extent that changes in the value of the derivative instruments do not perfectly offset changes in the value of the hedged items. If the hedge ceases to be highly effective, United discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes the changes in fair value in current period earnings. If a derivative that qualifies as a fair value or cash flow hedge is terminated or the designation removed, the realized or then unrealized gain or loss is recognized into income over the life of the hedged item (fair value hedge) or over the time when the hedged item was forecasted to impact earnings (cash flow hedge). Immediate recognition in earnings is required upon sale or extinguishment of the hedged item (fair value hedge) or if it is probable that the hedged cash flows will not occur (cash flow hedge).

	By using derivative instruments, United is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the fair value gain in a derivative. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this situation generally indicates that the counterparty is obligated to pay United, and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for United. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, United is obligated to pay the counterparty and, therefore, has no repayment risk. United minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by United. United also requires the counterparties to pledge securities as collateral to cover the net exposure.

	United’s derivative activities are monitored by its Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) as part of that committee’s oversight of United’s asset/liability and treasury functions. ALCO is responsible for implementing various hedging strategies that are developed through its analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources. The resulting hedging strategies are then incorporated into the overall interest-rate risk management process.

	United recognizes the fair value of derivatives as assets or liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting for the changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative instrument at inception. The change in fair value of instruments used as fair value hedges is accounted for in the net income of the period simultaneous with accounting for the fair value change of the item being hedged. The change in fair value of the effective portion of cash flow hedges is accounted for in other comprehensive income rather than net income. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as a hedge are accounted for in the net income of the period of the change.
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings Per Common Share	Basic earnings per common share is net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Additionally, shares issuable to participants in United’s deferred compensation plan are considered to be participating securities for purposes of calculating basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential shares of common stock issuable under stock options, warrants and securities convertible into common stock.
Loss Contingencies	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 are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.
Dividend Restrictions	Dividend Restrictions
Dividend Restrictions	Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit dividends paid by the Bank to United or by United to shareholders. Due to its accumulated deficit, the Bank is currently required to obtain approval of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance before declaring any dividends to United.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions as more fully disclosed in Note 23. 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.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation	United uses the fair value method of recognizing expense for stock-based compensation based on the fair value of option and restricted stock awards at the date of grant.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
Reclassifications	Certain 2013 and 2012 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. During the fourth quarter of 2013, United reclassified hedge ineffectiveness gains and losses from other fee revenue to net interest revenue. The impact of the reclassification has been reflected in all periods and was not material to any period.

Balance_Sheet_Offsetting_Table

Balance Sheet Offsetting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Balance Sheet Offsetting (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Offsetting [Abstract]
Schedule of summary of amounts outstanding under reverse repurchase agreements							Gross
			Gross				Amounts						Gross Amounts not Offset
		Amounts of				Offset on the								in the Balance Sheet
		Recognized					Balance			Net Asset			Financial				Collateral
	31-Dec-14		Assets				Sheet			Balance			Instruments				Received				Net Amount

	Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements		$	395,000			$	(375,000	)		$	20,000		$	—			$	(20,302	)		$	—
	Derivatives			20,599				—				20,599			(869	)			(3,716	)			16,014
	Total		$	415,599			$	(375,000	)		$	40,599		$	(869	)		$	(24,018	)		$	16,014
	Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements			1.16	%

							Gross
			Gross				Amounts						Gross Amounts not Offset
		Amounts of				Offset on the					Net			in the Balance Sheet
		Recognized					Balance			Liability			Financial				Collateral
		Liabilities					Sheet			Balance			Instruments				Pledged				Net Amount
	Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements		$	375,000			$	(375,000	)		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—
	Derivatives			31,997								31,997			(869	)			(32,792	)			—
	Total		$	406,997			$	(375,000	)		$	31,997		$	(869	)		$	(32,792	)		$	—
	Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements			0.29	%

							Gross
			Gross				Amounts						Gross Amounts not Offset
		Amounts of				Offset on the								in the Balance Sheet
		Recognized					Balance			Net Asset			Financial				Collateral
	31-Dec-13		Assets				Sheet			Balance			Instruments				Received				Net Amount
	Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements		$	385,000			$	(350,000	)		$	35,000		$	—			$	(38,982	)		$	—
	Derivatives			23,833				—				23,833			(4,378	)			(2,912	)			16,543
	Total		$	408,833			$	(350,000	)		$	58,833		$	(4,378	)		$	(41,894	)		$	16,543
	Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements			1.09	%

							Gross
			Gross				Amounts						Gross Amounts not Offset
		Amounts of				Offset on the					Net			in the Balance Sheet
		Recognized					Balance			Liability			Financial				Collateral
			Liabilities				Sheet			Balance			Instruments				Pledged				Net Amount
	Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements		$	350,000			$	(350,000	)		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—
	Derivatives			46,232								46,232			(4,378	)			(38,145	)			3,709
	Total		$	396,232			$	(350,000	)		$	46,232		$	(4,378	)		$	(38,145	)		$	3,709
	Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements			0.27	%

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Investment Securities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities held-to-maturity					Gross			Gross
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	As of December 31, 2014	Cost			Gains			Losses			Value
	State and political subdivisions	$	48,157		$	3,504		$	—		$	51,661
	Mortgage-backed securities ⁽¹⁾		367,110			7,716			1,254			373,572
	Total	$	415,267		$	11,220		$	1,254		$	425,233
	As of December 31, 2013
	State and political subdivisions	$	51,733		$	2,718		$	42		$	54,409
	Mortgage-backed securities ⁽¹⁾		428,009			6,690			3,523			431,176
	Total	$	479,742		$	9,408		$	3,565		$	485,585

	(1) All are residential type mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale					Gross			Gross
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	As of December 31, 2014	Cost			Gains			Losses			Value
	U.S. Treasuries	$	105,540		$	235		$	66		$	105,709
	U.S. Government agencies		36,474			—			175			36,299
	State and political subdivisions		19,748			504			19			20,233
	Mortgage-backed securities ⁽¹⁾		988,012			16,273			7,465			996,820
	Corporate bonds		165,018			1,686			1,076			165,628
	Asset-backed securities		455,626			2,257			1,955			455,928
	Other		2,117			—			—			2,117
	Total	$	1,772,535		$	20,955		$	10,756		$	1,782,734
	As of December 31, 2013
	State and political subdivisions	$	22,558		$	823		$	139		$	23,242
	Mortgage-backed securities ⁽¹⁾		1,145,800			13,296			13,749			1,145,347
	Corporate bonds		255,316			1,304			6,324			250,296
	Asset-backed securities		409,086			2,535			988			410,633
	Other		2,699			—			—			2,699
	Total	$	1,835,459		$	17,958		$	21,200		$	1,832,217
	(1) *All are residential type mortgage-backed securities*
Schedule of summary of held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or More					Total
					Unrealized						Unrealized				Unrealized
	As of December 31, 2014	Fair Value			Loss			Fair Value			Loss		Fair Value		Loss
	Mortgage-backed securities		126,514			917			17,053			337		143,567		1,254
	Total unrealized loss position	$	126,514		$	917		$	17,053		$	337	$	143,567	$	1,254
	As of December 31, 2013
	State and political subdivisions	$	1,595		$	42		$	—		$	—	$	1,595	$	42
	Mortgage-backed securities		259,870			3,523			—			—		259,870		3,523
	Total unrealized loss position	$	261,465		$	3,565		$	—		$	—	$	261,465	$	3,565
Schedule of summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or More					Total
					Unrealized						Unrealized				Unrealized
	As of December 31, 2014	Fair Value			Loss			Fair Value			Loss		Fair Value		Loss
	U.S. Treasuries	$	34,180		$	66		$	—		$	—	$	34,180	$	66
	U.S. Government agencies		36,299			175			—			—		36,299		175
	State and political subdivisions		2,481			19			—			—		2,481		19
	Mortgage-backed securities		88,741			446			251,977			7,019		340,718		7,465
	Corporate bonds		37,891			371			20,275			705		58,166		1,076
	Asset-backed securities		221,359			1,592			40,952			363		262,311		1,955
	Total unrealized loss position	$	420,951		$	2,669		$	313,204		$	8,087	$	734,155	$	10,756
	As of December 31, 2013
	State and political subdivisions	$	4,539		$	139		$	—		$	—	$	4,539	$	139
	Mortgage-backed securities		334,996			6,480			175,865			7,269		510,861		13,749
	Corporate bonds		137,318			4,494			54,130			1,830		191,448		6,324
	Asset-backed securities		164,933			722			22,370			266		187,303		988
	Total unrealized loss position	$	641,786		$	11,835		$	252,365		$	9,365	$	894,151	$	21,200
Schedule of amortized cost and fair value of available for sale and held to maturity securities by contractual maturity		Available-for-Sale						Held-to-Maturity
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value			Amortized Cost			Fair Value

	US Treasuries:
	1 to 5 years	$	105,540		$	105,709		$	—		$	—
			105,540			105,709			—			—
	US Government agencies:
	5 to 10 years		36,474			36,299			—			—
			36,474			36,299			—			—
	State and political subdivisions:
	Within 1 year		6,369			6,405			1,000			1,013
	1 to 5 years		10,430			10,771			18,582			19,812
	5 to 10 years		2,101			2,165			19,573			21,033
	More than 10 years		848			892			9,002			9,803
			19,748			20,233			48,157			51,661
	Corporate bonds:
	Within 1 year		9,980			9,815			—			—
	1 to 5 years		38,262			37,891			—			—
	5 to 10 years		115,776			117,172			—			—
	More than 10 years		1,000			750			—			—
			165,018			165,628			—			—
	Asset-backed securities:
	Within 1 year		9,590			9,505			—			—
	1 to 5 years		256,986			257,886			—			—
	5 to 10 years		58,581			58,966			—			—
	More than 10 years		130,469			129,571			—			—
			455,626			455,928			—			—
	Other:
	Within 1 year		62			62			—			—
	More than 10 years		2,055			2,055			—			—
			2,117			2,117			—			—
	Total securities other than mortgage-backed securities:
	Within 1 year		26,001			25,787			1,000			1,013
	1 to 5 years		411,218			412,257			18,582			19,812
	5 to 10 years		212,932			214,602			19,573			21,033
	More than 10 years		134,372			133,268			9,002			9,803
	Mortgage-backed securities		988,012			996,820			367,110			373,572
		$	1,772,535		$	1,782,734		$	415,267		$	425,233
Schedule of summary of securities sales activities		2014			2013			2012
	Proceeds from sales	$	419,201		$	39,731		$	469,167
	Gross gains on sales	$	6,003		$	264		$	7,364
	Gross losses on sales		(1,132	)		(78	)		(286	)
	Net gains on sales of securities	$	4,871		$	186		$	7,078
	Income tax expense attributable to sales	$	1,902		$	72		$	2,753

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit1

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of major classifications of loans			2014				2013
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,163,480			$	1,133,543
	Income producing commercial real estate			598,537				623,167
	Commercial & industrial			710,256				471,961
	Commercial construction			196,030				148,903
	Total commercial			2,668,303				2,377,574
	Residential mortgage			865,789				875,077
	Home equity lines of credit			465,872				440,887
	Residential construction			298,627				328,579
	Consumer installment			104,899				111,045
	Indirect auto			268,629				196,104
	Total loans			4,672,119				4,329,266
	Less allowance for loan losses			(71,619	)			(76,762	)
	Loans, net		$	4,600,500			$	4,252,504
Schedule of balance and activity in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment															Allocation
			Beginning				Charge-								of								Ending
	Year Ended December 31, 2014		Balance				Offs				Recoveries				Unallocated				Provision				Balance
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	17,164			$	(3,136	)		$	3,056			$	1,278			$	(2,321	)		$	16,041
	Income producing commercial real estate			7,174				(1,611	)			725				688				3,320				10,296
	Commercial & industrial			6,527				(2,145	)			1,698				318				(3,143	)			3,255
	Commercial construction			3,669				(235	)			6				388				919				4,747
	Residential mortgage			15,446				(7,502	)			1,110				1,452				9,805				20,311
	Home equity lines of credit			5,528				(2,314	)			287				391				682				4,574
	Residential construction			12,532				(3,176	)			627				1,728				(1,108	)			10,603
	Consumer installment			1,353				(2,008	)			1,226				—				160				731
	Indirect auto			1,126				(540	)			54				—				421				1,061
	Unallocated			6,243				—				—				(6,243	)			—				—
	Total allowance for loan losses			76,762				(22,667	)			8,789				—				8,735				71,619
	Allowance for unfunded commitments			2,165				—				—				—				(235	)			1,930
	Total allowance for credit losses		$	78,927			$	(22,667	)		$	8,789			$	—			$	8,500			$	73,549

															Allocation
			Beginning				Charge-								of								Ending
	Year Ended December 31, 2013		Balance				Offs				Recoveries				Unallocated				Provision				Balance
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	17,265			$	(24,965	)		$	1,305			$	—			$	23,559			$	17,164
	Income producing commercial real estate			10,582				(11,505	)			640				—				7,457				7,174
	Commercial & industrial			5,537				(18,914	)			1,888				—				18,016				6,527
	Commercial construction			8,389				(6,483	)			69				—				1,694				3,669
	Residential mortgage			19,117				(8,840	)			611				—				4,558				15,446
	Home equity lines of credit			7,525				(3,437	)			104				—				1,336				5,528
	Residential construction			26,662				(23,049	)			173				—				8,746				12,532
	Consumer installment			2,527				(2,184	)			1,114				—				(104	)			1,353
	Indirect auto			220				(277	)			40				—				1,143				1,126
	Unallocated			9,313				—				—				—				(3,070	)			6,243
	Total allowance for loan losses			107,137				(99,654	)			5,944				—				63,335				76,762
	Allowance for unfunded commitments			—				—				—				—				2,165				2,165
	Total allowance for credit losses		$	107,137			$	(99,654	)		$	5,944			$	—			$	65,500			$	78,927

															Allocation
			Beginning				Charge-								of								Ending
	Year Ended December 31, 2012		Balance				Offs				Recoveries				Unallocated				Provision				Balance
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	19,310			$	(10,280	)		$	557			$	—			$	7,678			$	17,265
	Income producing commercial real estate			12,334				(12,782	)			135				—				10,895				10,582
	Commercial & industrial			5,681				(2,424	)			1,104				—				1,176				5,537
	Commercial construction			6,097				(5,411	)			111				—				7,592				8,389
	Residential mortgage			21,386				(12,885	)			675				—				9,941				19,117
	Home equity lines of credit			7,690				(4,377	)			124				—				4,088				7,525
	Residential construction			30,379				(24,260	)			1,272				—				19,271				26,662
	Consumer installment			2,124				(2,198	)			824				—				1,777				2,527
	Indirect auto			—				(16	)			—				—				236				220
	Unallocated			9,467				—				—				—				(154	)			9,313
	Total allowance for loan losses			114,468				(74,633	)			4,802				—				62,500				107,137
	Allowance for unfunded commitments			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total allowance for credit losses		$	114,468			$	(74,633	)		$	4,802			$	—			$	62,500			$	107,137




			Allowance for Loan Losses
			December 31, 2014												December 31, 2013
			Individually				Collectively								Individually				Collectively
			evaluated for				evaluated for				Ending				evaluated for				evaluated for				Ending
			impairment				impairment				Balance				impairment				impairment				Balance
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	2,737			$	13,304			$	16,041			$	1,023			$	16,141			$	17,164
	Income producing commercial real estate			1,917				8,379				10,296				990				6,184				7,174
	Commercial & industrial			15				3,240				3,255				66				6,461				6,527
	Commercial construction			729				4,018				4,747				112				3,557				3,669
	Residential mortgage			3,227				17,084				20,311				2,914				12,532				15,446
Home equity lines of credit			47				4,527				4,574				5				5,523				5,528
Residential construction			1,192				9,411				10,603				688				11,844				12,532
Consumer installment			18				713				731				224				1,129				1,353
Indirect auto			—				1,061				1,061				—				1,126				1,126
Unallocated			—				—				—				—				6,243				6,243
Total allowance for loan losses			9,882				61,737				71,619				6,022				70,740				76,762
Allowance for unfunded commitments			—				1,930				1,930				—				2,165				2,165
Total allowance for credit losses		$	9,882			$	63,667			$	73,549			$	6,022			$	72,905			$	78,927

		Loans Outstanding
		31-Dec-14												31-Dec-13
		Individually				Collectively								Individually				Collectively
		evaluated for				evaluated for				Ending				evaluated for				evaluated for				Ending
		impairment				impairment				Balance				impairment				impairment				Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	34,654			$	1,128,826			$	1,163,480			$	32,969			$	1,100,574			$	1,133,543
Income producing commercial real estate			24,484				574,053				598,537				27,239				595,928				623,167
Commercial & industrial			3,977				706,279				710,256				4,217				467,744				471,961
Commercial construction			12,321				183,709				196,030				13,715				135,188				148,903
Residential mortgage			18,775				847,014				865,789				20,167				854,910				875,077
Home equity lines of credit			478				465,394				465,872				505				440,382				440,887
Residential construction			11,604				287,023				298,627				14,808				313,771				328,579
Consumer installment			179				104,720				104,899				999				110,046				111,045
Indirect auto			—				268,629				268,629				—				196,104				196,104
Total loans		$	106,472			$	4,565,647			$	4,672,119			$	114,619			$	4,214,647			$	4,329,266
Schedule of United's recorded investment in assets			Recorded				Net Sales				Net
			Investment				Proceeds				Charge-Off
	Loans considered impaired		$	96,829			$	56,298			$	(40,531	)
	Loans not considered impaired			25,687				15,227				(10,460	)
	Foreclosed properties			8,398				5,933				(2,465	)
	Total assets sold		$	130,914			$	77,458			$	(53,456	)
Schedule of summary of loans outstanding	Balances at December 31, 2013		$	2,898
	New loans and advances			400
	Repayments			(94	)
	Balances at December 31, 2014		$	3,204
Schedule of average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans			2014												2013										2012
							Interest												Interest								Interest
							Revenue				Cash Basis								Revenue				Cash Basis				Revenue		Cash Basis
							Recognized				Interest								Recognized				Interest				Recognized		Interest
			Average				During				Revenue				Average				During				Revenue		Average		During		Revenue
			Balance				Impairment				Received				Balance				Impairment				Received		Balance		Impairment		Received
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	32,748			$	1,647			$	1,712			$	31,935			$	1,923			$	2,044	$	56,374	$	2,602	$	2,773
	Income producing commercial real estate			25,920				1,270				1,311				27,789				1,630				1,763		58,182		2,392		2,497
	Commercial & industrial			4,290				175				231				4,609				401				865		45,233		1,051		2,523
	Commercial construction			12,156				455				458				13,946				633				720		45,489		875		1,268
	Total commercial			75,114				3,547				3,712				78,279				4,587				5,392		205,278		6,920		9,061
	Residential mortgage			20,132				873				869				20,906				1,091				1,066		22,923		1,032		1,158
	Home equity lines of credit			518				21				22				507				23				22		1,003		26		32
	Residential construction			13,058				576				575				14,558				993				1,023		46,410		1,527		2,054
	Consumer installment			305				19				22				383				21				21		564		26		27
	Indirect auto			—				—				—				—				—				—		—		—		—
	Total		$	109,127			$	5,036			$	5,200			$	114,633			$	6,715			$	7,524	$	276,178	$	9,531	$	12,332
Schedule of loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans			31-Dec-14												31-Dec-13
											Allowance												Allowance
			Unpaid								for Loan				Unpaid								for Loan
			Principal				Recorded				Losses				Principal				Recorded				Losses
			Balance				Investment				Allocated				Balance				Investment				Allocated

	With no related allowance recorded:
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	12,025			$	11,325			$	—			$	17,717			$	14,458			$	—
	Income producing commercial real estate			8,311				8,311				—				12,644				9,747				—
	Commercial & industrial			1,679				1,042				—				2,252				2,252				—
	Commercial construction			—				—				—				974				974				—
	Total commercial			22,015				20,678				—				33,587				27,431				—
	Residential mortgage			2,569				1,472				—				4,496				3,634				—
	Home equity lines of credit			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Residential construction			4,338				3,338				—				9,462				7,807				—
	Consumer installment			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Indirect auto			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total with no related allowance recorded			28,922				25,488				—				47,545				38,872				—
	With an allowance recorded:
	Owner occupied commercial real estate			24,728				23,329				2,737				18,595				18,513				1,023
	Income producing commercial real estate			16,352				16,173				1,917				17,490				17,490				990
	Commercial & industrial			2,936				2,935				15				2,248				1,965				66
	Commercial construction			12,401				12,321				729				12,821				12,741				112
	Total commercial			56,417				54,758				5,398				51,154				50,709				2,191
	Residential mortgage			17,732				17,303				3,227				17,119				16,533				2,914
	Home equity lines of credit			478				478				47				505				505				5
	Residential construction			8,962				8,266				1,192				8,469				7,001				688
	Consumer installment			179				179				18				999				999				224
	Indirect auto			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total with an allowance recorded			83,768				80,984				9,882				78,246				75,747				6,022
	Total		$	112,690			$	106,472			$	9,882			$	125,791			$	114,619			$	6,022
Schedule of recorded investment in nonaccrual loans			2014				2013
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	4,133			$	5,822
	Income producing commercial real estate			717				2,518
	Commercial & industrial			1,571				427
	Commercial construction			83				361
	Total commercial			6,504				9,128
	Residential mortgage			8,196				11,730
	Home equity lines of credit			695				1,448
	Residential construction			2,006				4,264
	Consumer installment			134				249
	Indirect auto			346				—
	Total		$	17,881			$	26,819
Schedule of aging of the recorded investment in past due loans			Loans Past Due																Loans Not
	As of December 31, 2014		30 - 59 Days				60 - 89 Days				> 90 Days				Total				Past Due				Total

	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,444			$	1,929			$	1,141			$	4,514			$	1,158,966			$	1,163,480
	Income producing commercial real estate			2,322				1,172				—				3,494				595,043				598,537
	Commercial & industrial			302				40				1,425				1,767				708,489				710,256
	Commercial construction			—				—				66				66				195,964				196,030
	Total commercial			4,068				3,141				2,632				9,841				2,658,462				2,668,303
	Residential mortgage			5,234				2,931				3,278				11,443				854,346				865,789
	Home equity lines of credit			961				303				167				1,431				464,441				465,872
	Residential construction			1,172				268				1,395				2,835				295,792				298,627
	Consumer installment			607				136				33				776				104,123				104,899
	Indirect auto			200				146				141				487				268,142				268,629
	Total loans		$	12,242			$	6,925			$	7,646			$	26,813			$	4,645,306			$	4,672,119

	As of December 31, 2013

	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,845			$	705			$	2,017			$	4,567			$	1,128,976			$	1,133,543
	Income producing commercial real estate			3,879				2,092				530				6,501				616,666				623,167
	Commercial & industrial			2,349				223				88				2,660				469,301				471,961
	Commercial construction			94				190				235				519				148,384				148,903
	Total commercial			8,167				3,210				2,870				14,247				2,363,327				2,377,574
	Residential mortgage			9,011				2,832				4,140				15,983				859,094				875,077
	Home equity lines of credit			2,056				430				941				3,427				437,460				440,887
	Residential construction			1,335				588				1,375				3,298				325,281				328,579
	Consumer installment			1,058				358				24				1,440				109,605				111,045
	Indirect auto			185				65				42				292				195,812				196,104
	Total loans		$	21,812			$	7,483			$	9,392			$	38,687			$	4,290,579			$	4,329,266
Schedule of loans modified under the terms of TDR
															Troubled Debt
															Restructurings That Have
							Pre-				Post-				Subsequently Defaulted
							Modification				Modification				Within the Previous Twelve
							Outstanding				Outstanding				Months
	Troubled Debt Restructurings for the Year		Number of				Recorded				Recorded				Number of				Recorded
	ended December 31, 2014		Contracts				Investment				Investment				Contracts				Investment
	Owner occupied commercial real estate			12			$	4,793			$	4,793				1			$	104
	Income producing commercial real estate			3				1,459				1,459				—				—
	Commercial & industrial			9				1,185				1,185				2				54
	Commercial construction			6				829				829				—				—
	Total commercial			30				8,266				8,266				3				158
	Residential mortgage			39				3,622				3,445				9				892
	Home equity lines of credit			1				36				36				—				—
	Residential construction			4				1,262				1,262				—				—
	Consumer installment			5				226				226				—				—
	Indirect auto			—				—				—				—				—
	Total loans			79			$	13,412			$	13,235				12			$	1,050

	Year ended December 31, 2013

	Owner occupied commercial real estate			12			$	6,326			$	5,227				3			$	670
	Income producing commercial real estate			8				6,157				6,157				—				—
	Commercial & industrial			14				1,464				1,208				1				35
	Commercial construction			1				416				416				2				1,454
	Total commercial			35				14,363				13,008				6				2,159
	Residential mortgage			49				7,098				6,573				3				641
	Home equity lines of credit			—				—				—				—				—
	Residential construction			15				2,160				2,015				3				531
	Consumer installment			11				80				80				5				29
	Indirect auto			—				—				—				—				—
	Total loans			110			$	23,701			$	21,676				17			$	3,360

	Year ended December 31, 2012

	Owner occupied commercial real estate			31			$	17,387			$	15,865				6			$	2,341
	Income producing commercial real estate			23				17,063				17,063				1				946
	Commercial & industrial			22				3,619				3,616				3				71
	Commercial construction			20				34,014				33,934				3				4,224
	Total commercial			96				72,083				70,478				13				7,582
	Residential mortgage			64				14,404				13,575				10				650
	Home equity lines of credit			3				728				728				—				—
	Residential construction			49				19,909				17,400				16				5,728
	Consumer installment			25				334				328				4				39
	Indirect auto			—				—				—				—				—
	Total loans			237			$	107,458			$	102,509				43			$	13,999

Schedule of additional information on troubled debt restructurings			December 31, 2014												31-Dec-13
							Pre-				Post-								Pre-				Post-
							Modification				Modification								Modification				Modification
							Outstanding				Outstanding								Outstanding				Outstanding
			Number of				Recorded				Recorded				Number of				Recorded				Recorded
			Contracts				Investment				Investment				Contracts				Investment				Investment
	Owner occupied commercial real estate			54			$	27,695			$	26,296				45			$	24,064			$	22,399
	Income producing commercial real estate			31				18,094				17,915				32				20,900				18,268
	Commercial & industrial			32				2,848				2,847				36				3,527				3,245
	Commercial construction			14				11,360				11,280				13				13,122				13,042
	Total commercial			131				59,997				58,338				126				61,613				56,954
	Residential mortgage			154				18,630				17,836				133				20,117				18,852
	Home equity lines of credit			2				478				478				3				505				505
	Residential construction			48				8,962				8,265				57				12,459				10,452
	Consumer installment			17				179				179				26				203				203
	Indirect auto			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total loans			352			$	88,246			$	85,096				345			$	94,897			$	86,966
Schedule of risk category of loans by class of loans											Substandard								Doubtful /
	As of December 31, 2014		Pass				Watch				Performing				Nonaccrual				Loss				Total
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,094,057			$	18,889			$	46,401			$	4,133			$	—			$	1,163,480
	Income producing commercial real estate			560,559				16,701				20,560				717				—				598,537
	Commercial & industrial			696,805				4,017				7,863				1,571				—				710,256
	Commercial construction			190,070				2,311				3,566				83				—				196,030
	Total commercial			2,541,491				41,918				78,390				6,504				—				2,668,303
	Residential mortgage			814,168				11,594				31,831				8,196				—				865,789
	Home equity lines of credit			459,881				—				5,296				695				—				465,872
	Residential construction			280,166				5,535				10,920				2,006				—				298,627
	Consumer installment			103,383				—				1,382				134				—				104,899
	Indirect auto			267,709				—				574				346				—				268,629
	Total loans		$	4,466,798			$	59,047			$	128,393			$	17,881			$	—			$	4,672,119

	As of December 31, 2013
	Owner occupied commercial real estate		$	1,054,924			$	29,714			$	43,083			$	5,822			$	—			$	1,133,543
	Income producing commercial real estate			575,597				10,410				34,642				2,518				—				623,167
	Commercial & industrial			456,563				5,382				9,589				427				—				471,961
	Commercial construction			120,852				10,932				16,758				361				—				148,903
	Total commercial			2,207,936				56,438				104,072				9,128				—				2,377,574
	Residential mortgage			793,381				25,944				44,022				11,730				—				875,077
	Home equity lines of credit			426,052				5,420				7,967				1,448				—				440,887
	Residential construction			298,685				11,526				14,104				4,264				—				328,579
	Consumer installment			107,029				1,229				2,538				249				—				111,045
	Indirect auto			196,104				—				—				—				—				196,104
	Total loans		$	4,029,187			$	100,557			$	172,703			$	26,819			$	—			$	4,329,266

Foreclosed_Property_Tables

Foreclosed Property (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Foreclosed Property (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of classifications of foreclosed properties		2014			2013
	Commercial real estate	$	639		$	1,287
	Commercial construction		15			—
	Total commercial		654			1,287
	Residential mortgage		1,259			3,380
	Residential construction		473			736
	Total foreclosed property		2,386			5,403
	Less valuation allowance		(660	)		(1,182	)
	Foreclosed property, net	$	1,726		$	4,221
	Balance as a percentage of original loan unpaid principal		54.1	%		44.5	%
Schedule of activity in the valuation allowance for foreclosed property		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,182		$	6,954		$	18,982
	Additions charged to expense		691			3,065			6,951
	Charge-offs upon disposition		(1,213	)		(8,837	)		(18,979	)
	Balance at end of year	$	660		$	1,182		$	6,954
Schedule of expenses related to foreclosed assets		2014			2013			2012
	Net (gain) loss on sales	$	(1,395	)	$	1,641		$	1,924
	Provision for unrealized losses		691			3,065			6,951
	Operating expenses, net of rental income		1,338			3,163			5,118
	Total foreclosed property expense	$	634		$	7,869		$	13,993

Premises_and_Equipment_Tables

Premises and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Premises and Equipment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of premises and equipments		2014			2013
	Land and land improvements	$	79,525		$	80,845
	Buildings and improvements		113,105			114,048
	Furniture and equipment		59,827			63,015
	Construction in progress		1,861			510
			254,318			258,418
	Less accumulated depreciation		(94,928	)		(94,829	)
	Premises and equipment, net	$	159,390		$	163,589
Schedule of rent commitments under operating leases
	2015	$	1,741
	2016		1,376
	2017		1,331
	2018		1,009
	2019		897
	Thereafter		4,523
	Total	$	10,877

SBA_Servicing_Rights_Tables

SBA Servicing Rights (Tables)	12 Months Ended
SBA Servicing Rights (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the balances of servicing assets and servicing liabilities subsequently measured using the fair value measurement method	ASC 860 Servicing Asset Rollforward
	Fair value as of January 1, 2014	$	—

	Additions:

	Acquired servicing rights		2,133

	Originated servicing rights capitalized upon sale of loans		832

	Subtractions:

	Disposals		(152	)

	Changes in fair value:

	Due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model		(262	)

	Fair value as of December 31, 2014	$	2,551
Schedule of key characteristics, inputs, and economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of SBA Servicing Asset	Sensitivity of the SBA Servicing Asset
	As of December 31, 2014
	Fair value of retained Servicing Assets	$	2,551
	Prepayment rate assumption		6.7	%
	10% adverse change	$	(62	)
	20% adverse change	$	(122	)
	Discount rate		12	%
	100 bps adverse change	$	(85	)
	200bps adverse change	$	(164	)
	Weighted-average life (months)		6.5
	Weighted-average gross margin		2	%

Deposits_Tables

Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Deposits (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Deposits [Abstract]
Schedule of summary of contractual maturities of time deposits	Maturing In:

	2015	$	1,001,274
	2016		179,246
	2017		38,505
	2018		25,331
	2019		13,596
	thereafter		271,587
		$	1,529,539

Federal_Home_Loan_Bank_Advance1

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks [Abstract]
Schedule of maturities and current rates of outstanding advances		Amount
	Maturing In:	Maturing		Current Rate Range
	2015	$	270,000		0.18% - 0.24%
	2016		125
		$	270,125

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt								Stated		Earliest
						Issue		Maturity		Call
		2014		2013		Date		Date		Date		Interest Rate

	2013 senior debentures	$	40,000	$	40,000		2013		2018		2015		6	%
	2012 senior debentures		35,000		35,000		2012		2017		2017		9
	Total senior debentures		75,000		75,000

	United Community Capital Trust		21,650		21,650		1998		2028		2008		8.125
	United Community Statutory Trust I		5,155		5,155		2000		2030		2010		10.6
	United Community Capital Trust II		10,309		10,309		2000		2030		2010		11.295
	Southern Bancorp Capital Trust I		4,382		4,382		2004		2034		2009	Prime + 1.00
	United Community Statutory Trust II		12,131		12,131		2008		2038		2013		9
	United Community Statutory Trust III		1,238		1,238		2008		2038		2013	Prime + 3.00
	Total trust preferred securities		54,865		54,865

	Total long-term debt	$	129,865	$	129,865

Reclassifications_Out_of_Accum1

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of details regarding amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income		Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated
		Other Comprehensive Income
	Details about Accumulated Other	For the Years Ended December 31,									Affected Line Item in the Statement
	Comprehensive Income Components	2014			2013			2012			Where Net Income is Presented

	Realized gains on available-for-sale securities:
		$	4,871		$	186		$	7,078		Securities gains, net
			(1,902	)		(72	)		(2,753	)	Tax expense
		$	2,969		$	114		$	4,325		Net of tax
	Amortization of gains included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity:
		$	1,656		$	731		$	1,988		Investment securities interest revenue
			(622	)		(282	)		(773	)	Tax expense
		$	1,034		$	449		$	1,215		Net of tax
	Amounts included in net income on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges:
	Effective portion of interest rate contracts	$	—		$	852		$	3,475		Loan interest revenue
	Ineffective portion of interest rate contracts		—			52			237		Loan interest revenue
	Effective portion of interest rate contracts		(764	)		—			—		Time deposit interest expense
	Effective portion of interest rate contracts		(223	)		—			—		Money market deposit interest expense
	Amortization of losses on de-designated positions		(79	)		—			—		Deposits in banks and short-term investments interest revenue
	Amortization of losses on de-designated positions		(198	)		—			—		Money market deposit interest expense
	Amortization of losses on de-designated positions		(234	)							Federal Home Loan Bank advances interest expense
	Amortization of losses on de-designated positions		(512	)		—			—		Time deposit interest expense
			(2,010	)		904			3,712		Total before tax
			782			(352	)		(1,444	)	Tax (expense) or benefit
		$	(1,228	)	$	552		$	2,268		Net of tax

	Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan
	Prior service cost	$	(365	)	$	(365	)	$	(365	)	Salaries and employee benefits expense
	Actuarial losses		—			(167	)		(250	)	Salaries and employee benefits expense
			(365	)		(532	)		(615	)	Total before tax
			142			207			240		Tax benefit
		$	(223	)	$	(325	)	$	(375	)	Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	2,552		$	790		$	7,433		Net of tax
	Amounts shown above in parentheses reduce earnings

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of accrued dividends on preferred stock, including accretion of discounts		2014		2013		2012
	Series A - 6% fixed	$	—	$	12	$	12
	Series B - 5% fixed until December 6, 2013, 9% thereafter		159		10,401		10,465
	Series D - LIBOR plus 9.6875%, resets quarterly		280		1,665		1,671
	Total preferred stock dividends	$	439	$	12,078	$	12,148
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted loss per share		2014		2013		2012
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	67,181	$	261,062	$	21,708
	Income per common share:
	Basic		1.11		4.44		0.38
	Diluted		1.11		4.44		0.38
	Weighted average common shares:
	Basic		60,588		58,787		57,857
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		2		1		—
	Warrants		—		57		—
	Diluted		60,590		58,845		57,857

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of income tax expense (benefit)		2014			2013			2012
	Current	$	1,224		$	3,467		$	1,050
	Deferred		37,524			23,785			9,446
	Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance		702			(265,440	)		(9,446	)

	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	39,450		$	(238,188	)	$	1,050
Schedule of differences between the provision for income taxes and statutory federal income tax rate		2014			2013			2012
	Pretax income at statutory rates	$	37,475		$	12,234		$	12,217
	Add (deduct):
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		3,365			895			577
	Bank owned life insurance earnings		(209	)		(704	)		(444	)
	Adjustment to reserve for uncertain tax positions		(200	)		(426	)		(577	)
	Tax-exempt interest revenue		(757	)		(714	)		(816	)
	Nondeductible interest expense		12			10			18
	Equity compensation		—			676			255
	Tax credits		(250	)		(438	)		(460	)
	Change in state statutory tax rate		—			1,003			—
	Change in valuation allowance affecting other comprehensive income		—			12,174			—
	(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance		702			(265,440	)		(9,446	)
	Other		(688	)		2,542			(274	)

	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	39,450		$	(238,188	)	$	1,050
Schedule of summarizes the sources and expected tax consequences of future taxable deductions (revenue)		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowances for loan losses	$	27,563		$	29,672
	Net operating loss carry forwards		184,015			219,863
	Deferred compensation		7,188			6,299
	Reserve for losses on foreclosed properties		254			678
	Nonqualified share based compensation		3,993			3,710
	Accrued expenses		2,107			2,663
	Investment in low income housing tax credit partnerships		1,856			1,335
	Unamortized pension actuarial losses and prior service cost		1,862			1,252
	Acquired intangible assets		593			326
	Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale		—			2,056
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges		1,977			—
	Other		1,477			3,985
	Total deferred tax assets		232,885			271,839

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale		1,340			—
	Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges		—			523
	Premises and equipment		2,452			2,812
	Loan origination costs		4,342			4,234
	Gain from acquisition of Southern Community Bank		306			816
	Prepaid expenses		626			836
	Uncertain tax positions		4,195			—
	Total deferred tax liabilities		13,261			9,221
	Less valuation allowance		4,121			4,100
	Net deferred tax asset	$	215,503		$	258,518
Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	4,503		$	5,069		$	5,985
	Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		—			—			130
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		374			352			500
	Decreases resulting from a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations		(682	)		(918	)		(957	)
	Decreases based on settlements with taxing authorities		—			—			(589	)
	Balance at end of year	$	4,195		$	4,503		$	5,069

Pension_and_Employee_Benefit_P1

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension benefit obligations		2014			2013
	Discount rate for disclosures		4	%		4.5	%
	Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost		4.5	%		4	%
	Rate of compensation increase		N/A		NA
	Measurement date	12/31/14			12/31/13
Schedule of changes in obligations and plan assets of the Modified Retirement Plan		2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation:
	Accumulated benefit obligation - beginning of year	$	13,320		$	13,155
	Service cost		341			465
	Interest cost		579			533
	Actuarial (gains) losses		1,933			(561	)
	Benefits paid		(304	)		(272	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation - end of year		15,869			13,320
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	341		$	465		$	597
	Interest cost		579			533			537
	Amortization of prior service cost		365			365			365
	Amortization of net losses		—			167			250
	Net periodic benefit cost		1,285			1,530			1,749

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi1

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheet	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815

									Fair Value
							Balance Sheet		December 31,				December 31,
	Interest Rate Products						Location		2014				2013
	Cash flow hedge of money market deposits						Other assets		$	—			$	4,782
	Fair value hedge of corporate bonds						Other assets			—				3,939
									$	—			$	8,721
	Cash flow hedge of short-term debt						Other liabilities		$	—			$	3,368
	Cash flow hedge of money market deposits						Other liabilities			350			$	—
	Fair value hedge of brokered CD’s						Other liabilities			5,817				19,970
	Fair value hedge of corporate bonds						Other liabilities			—				2,308
									$	6,167			$	25,646

	Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815

				Fair Value
		Balance Sheet		December 31,				December 31,
	Interest Rate Products	Location		2014				2013
	Customer swap positions	Other assets		$	3,433			$	898
	Dealer offsets to customer swap positions	Other assets			128				1,347
	Bifurcated embedded derivatives	Other assets			12,262				12,867
	Offsetting positions for de-designated cash flow hedges	Other assets			4,776				—
				$	20,599			$	15,112
	Customer swap positions	Other liabilities		$	129			$	1,347
	Dealer offsets to customer swap positions	Other liabilities			3,456				915
	Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives	Other liabilities			17,467				18,324
	De-designated cash flow hedge	Other liabilities			4,778				—
				$	25,830			$	20,586
Schedule of effect of United's derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of income	Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships (in thousands):

		Location of Gain
		(Loss) Recognized		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in												Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
		in Income		Income on Derivative												Income on Hedged Item
		on Derivative		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013				2012
	Fair value hedges of brokered CD’s	Interest expense		$	13,400			$	(16,433	)		$	540			$	(14,357	)		$	16,981			$	330
	Fair value hedges of corporate bonds	Interest revenue			(2,487	)			6,285				—				2,163				(5,765	)			—
				$	10,913			$	(10,148	)		$	540			$	(12,194	)		$	11,216			$	330

Schedule of effect of cash flow hedging derivative financial instruments on other comprehensive income	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (in thousands):

		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in											Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
		Other Comprehensive Income on											Comprehensive Income into Income													Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
		Derivative (Effective Portion)											(Effective Portion)													(Ineffective Portion)
		2014				2013				2012			Location		2014				2013				2012			Location	2014			2013		2012
													Interest revenue		$	(79	)		$	904			$	3,712
													Interest expense			(1,931	)			—				—
	Interest rate swaps	$	(8,437	)		$	10,084			$	(8,739	)			$	(2,010	)		$	904			$	3,712		Interest expense	$	(107	)	$	70	$	—

Regulatory_Matters_Tables

Regulatory Matters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Regulatory Matters (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
Schedule of minimum amounts required for capital adequacy purposes		Regulatory						United Community Banks, Inc.
		Guidelines						(consolidated)						United Community Bank
					Well
		Minimum			Capitalized			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Risk-based ratios:
	Tier 1 capital		4	%		6	%		12.05	%		12.74	%		12.84	%		13.55	%
	Total capital		8			10			13.3			13.99			14.09			14.8
	Leverage ratio		3						8.69			9.08			9.25			9.61
	Tier 1 capital							$	642,663		$	649,162		$	683,332		$	686,687
	Total capital								709,408			713,063			749,927			750,216
	Risk-weighted assets								5,332,822			5,097,091			5,320,615			5,066,948
	Average total assets								7,396,450			7,150,360			7,385,048			7,142,050

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of the contract amount of off-balance sheet instruments		2014		2013
	Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
	Commitments to extend credit	$	878,160	$	747,170
	Letters of credit		19,861		19,846
	Minimum Lease Payments		10,877		6,310

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of restricted stock and options outstanding and activity			Restricted Stock								Options
							Weighted								Weighted				Weighted
							Average								Average				Average				Aggregate
							Grant Date								Exercise				Remaining				Intrinsic
			Shares				Fair Value				Shares				Price				Term (Yrs.)				Value (000’s)
	31-Dec-11			414,644			$	12.19				583,647			$	94.48
	Granted			200,612				8.73				—				—
	Exercised			(114,673	)			14.77				—				—
	Cancelled			(14,999	)			10.25				(101,119	)			78.98
	31-Dec-12			485,584				10.72				482,528				97.73
	Granted			876,583				14.74				5,000				15.09
	Exercised			(195,366	)			13.16				—				—
	Cancelled			(93,125	)			8.78				(136,756	)			94.37
	31-Dec-13			1,073,676				13.73				350,772				97.87
	Granted			97,016				17.33				10,000				16.71
	Exercised			(336,691	)			12.23				—				—
	Cancelled			(4,800	)			13.78				(47,217	)			110.33
	31-Dec-14			829,201				14.76				313,555				93.4				2.78			$	120
	Vested / Exercisable
	at December 31, 2014			7,580				9.9				297,305				97.66				2.44				63

Schedule of summary of stock options outstanding	Options Outstanding																Options Exercisable
									Weighted				Average								Weighted
	Shares				Range				Average Price				Remaining Life				Shares				Average Price
		26,823			$	10.00 - 30.00			$	14.96				8.02				10,573			$	14.15
		44,777				30.01 - 50.00				31.67				4.15				44,777				31.67
		72,318				50.01 - 70.00				66.31				3.13				72,318				66.31
		2,075				70.01 - 90.00				77.53				3.25				2,075				77.53
		28,950				90.01 - 110.00				107.28				0.32				28,950				107.28
		17,228				110.01 - 130.00				111.38				0.49				17,228				111.38
		115,981				130.01 - 150.00				143.69				1.8				115,981				143.69
		5,403				150.01 - 170.00				152.1				2.21				5,403				152.1
		313,555				10.00 - 170.00				93.4				2.78				297,305				97.66
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine the fair value of options			2014				2013			2012
	Expected volatility			66	%			30	%	NA
	Expected dividend yield			1	%			0	%	NA
	Expected life (in years)			6.25				6.25		NA
	Risk free rate			2.1	%			2	%	NA

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure1

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	31-Dec-14	Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	105,709		$	—			$	—			$	105,709
	U.S. Agencies			—			36,299				—				36,299
	State and political subdivisions			—			20,233				—				20,233
	Mortgage-backed securities			—			996,820				—				996,820
	Corporate bonds			—			164,878				750				165,628
	Asset-backed securities			—			455,928				—				455,928
	Other			—			2,117				—				2,117
	Deferred compensation plan assets			3,864			—				—				3,864
	SBA servicing rights			—			—				2,551				2,551
	Derivative financial instruments			—			8,337				12,262				20,599
	Total assets		$	109,573		$	1,684,612			$	15,563				1,809,748
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation plan liability		$	3,864		$	—			$	—			$	3,864
	Derivative financial instruments			—			13,018				18,979				31,997
	Total liabilities		$	3,864		$	13,018			$	18,979			$	35,861

	31-Dec-13	Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale
	State and political subdivisions		$	—		$	23,242			$	—			$	23,242
	Mortgage-backed securities			—			1,145,347				—				1,145,347
	Corporate bonds			—			249,946				350				250,296
	Asset-backed securities			—			410,633				—				410,633
	Other			—			2,699				—				2,699
	Deferred compensation plan assets			3,496			—				—				3,496
	Derivative financial instruments			—			23,833				—				23,833
	Total assets		$	3,496		$	1,855,700			$	350			$	1,859,546
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation plan liability		$	3,496		$	—			$	—			$	3,496
	Derivative financial instruments			—			46,232				—				46,232
	Total liabilities		$	3,496		$	46,232			$	—			$	49,728
Schedule of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs		2014														2013		2012
		Derivative Asset			Derivative Liability				SBA				Securities Available-for-			Securities		Securities
									servicing				Sale			Available-for-		Available-for-
									rights							Sale		Sale
	Balance at beginning of period	$	—		$	—			$	—			$	350		$	350	$	350
	Purchases		—			—				2,133				—			—		—
	Additions		—			—				832				—			—		—
	Sales and settlements		—			—				(152	)			—			—		—
	Other comprehensive income		—			—				—				400			—		—
	Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments		—			—				(262	)			—			—		—
	Transfers between valuation levels, net		12,262			18,979				—				—			—		—
	Balance at end of period	$	12,262		$	18,979			$	2,551			$	750		$	350	$	350
Schedule of quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for fair value on a recurring basis	Level 3 Assets	2014			2013			Valuation		Unobservable Inputs		Weighted
	Level 3 Assets	Fair Value			Fair Value			Technique		Unobservable Inputs		Average

	SBA Servicing Rights	$	2,551		$	—		Discounted cash flow		Discount rate			12	%
	SBA Servicing Rights	$	2,551		$	—		Discounted cash flow		Prepayment Rate			6.7	%

	Corporate Bonds		750			350		Indicative bid		Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, and recently executed financing transactions related to the company			N/	A
	Corporate Bonds		750			350		provided by a broker					N/	A

	Derivatives assets		12,262			—		Dealer Priced		Dealer Priced			N/	A

	Derivative liabilities		18,979			—		Dealer Priced		Dealer Priced			N/	A
Schedule of presentation of United's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	31-Dec-14	Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total
	Assets
	Loans	$	—		$	—			$	83,541			$	83,541
	Foreclosed properties									1,555				1,555
	Total	$	—		$	—			$	85,096			$	85,096

	31-Dec-13
	Assets
	Loans	$	—		$	—			$	82,798			$	82,798
	Foreclosed properties									3,747				3,747
	Total	$	—		$	—			$	86,545			$	86,545
Schedule of summary of carrying amount and fair values for other financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis		Carrying							Fair Value Level
	31-Dec-14	Amount			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Assets:
	Securities held to maturity	$	415,267		$	—			$	425,233			$	—		$	425,233
	Loans, net		4,600,500			—				—				4,549,027			4,710,559
	Mortgage loans held for sale		13,737			—				14,139				—			14,139

	Liabilities:
	Deposits		6,326,513			—				6,328,264				—			6,328,264
	Federal Home Loan Bank advances		270,125			—				270,125				—			270,125
	Long-term debt		129,865			—				—				132,814			132,814

	31-Dec-13
	Assets:
	Securities held to maturity		479,742			—				485,585				—			485,585
	Loans, net		4,252,504			—				—				4,165,591			4,165,591
	Mortgage loans held for sale		10,319			—				10,529				—			10,529

	Liabilities:
	Deposits		6,201,505			—				6,204,815				—			6,204,815
	Federal Home Loan Bank advances		120,125			—				120,125				—			120,125
	Long-term debt		129,865			—				—				130,262			130,262

Condensed_Financial_Statements1

Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks Inc. (Parent Only) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Only) [Abstract]
Schedule of statement of operations	Statement of Income
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

	(in thousands)

		2014			2013			2012

	Dividends from bank and other subsidiaries	$	132,000		$	50,000		$	—
	Shared service fees from subsidiaries		8,057			6,764			6,714
	Other		424			1,217			1,169
	Total income		140,481			57,981			7,883

	Interest expense		11,550			10,977			10,201
	Other expense		9,868			8,658			8,717
	Total expenses		21,418			19,635			18,918
	Income tax benefit		2,357			24,862			398
	Income (loss) before equity in undistributed loss of subsidiaries		121,420			63,208			(10,637	)
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		(53,800	)		209,932			44,493
	Net income	$	67,620		$	273,140		$	33,856
Schedule of balance sheet	Balance Sheet
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013

	(in thousands)

	Assets

		2014			2013

	Cash	$	31,967		$	36,338
	Investment in subsidiaries		816,919			869,665
	Other assets		32,295			34,972
	Total assets	$	881,181		$	940,975

	Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

	Long-term debt	$	129,865		$	129,865
	Other liabilities		11,739			15,395
	Total liabilities		141,604			145,260
	Shareholders’ equity		739,577			795,715
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	881,181		$	940,975
Schedule of statement of cash flows
	Statement of Cash Flows
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

	(in thousands)

		2014			2013			2012
	Operating activities:
	Net income	$	67,620		$	273,140		$	33,856
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in
	operating activities:
	Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries		53,800			(209,932	)		(44,493	)
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		22			82			142
	Stock-based compensation		4,304			3,045			1,976
	Change in assets and liabilities:
	Other assets		2,529			(29,168	)		21,722
	Other liabilities		(9,177	)		5,682			(20,483	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		119,098			42,849			(7,280	)

	Investing activities:
	Purchases and disposal of premises and equipment		(44	)		—			—
	Sales and paydowns of securities available for sale		537			586			—
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		493			586			—

	Financing activities:
	Repayment of subordinated notes		—			(35,000	)		(30,500	)
	Proceeds from issuance of senior notes		—			40,000			35,000
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans		469			796			894
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs		12,206			—			—
	Proceeds from exercise of warrant		—			19,389			—
	Repurchase of outstanding warrant		(12,000	)		—			—
	Retirement of preferred stock		(121,613	)		(75,217	)		—
	Cash dividends on common stock		(1,810	)		—			—
	Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock		—			(15	)		(12	)
	Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock		(802	)		(9,440	)		(9,000	)
	Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock		(412	)		(1,657	)		(1,687	)

	Net cash used in financing activities		(123,962	)		(61,144	)		(5,305	)

	Net change in cash		(4,371	)		(17,709	)		(12,585	)

	Cash at beginning of year		36,338			54,047			66,632

	Cash at end of year	$	31,967		$	36,338		$	54,047

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segment	1
Threshold limit of revenue	10.00%
Minimum nonaccrual loan relationships	$500,000
Minimum accruing relationships rated substandard	$2,000,000
Depreciation method used	Straight-line method
Percentage of servicing fee	1.00%
Credit Concentration Risk
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, description	More than 80%
Buildings and improvements
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	15 to 40 years
Land improvements
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 to 35 years
Furniture and equipment
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 to 10 years

Mergers_and_Acquisitions_Detai

Mergers and Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
Mergers and Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 26, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	$31,261,000
Business Carolina, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid		31,300,000
Loan fair value		24,800,000
Accrued interest		83,000
Servicing rights fair value		2,130,000
Premises and equipment		2,600,000
Goodwill		1,510,000
Gross contractual amount of loans receivable		$28,000,000

Cash_Flows_Details_Textual

Cash Flows (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Cash Flows (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flow [Abstract]
Non-accrual loans transferred to foreclosed property	$9,090,000	$22,500,000	$34,000,000
Sale of foreclosed assets	2,500,000	3,490,000	9,400,000
Unsettled securities purchases	5,425,000	29,562,000
Unsettled securities sold	$4,600,000

Balance_Sheet_Offsetting_Detai

Balance Sheet Offsetting (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Offsetting [Abstract]
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, gross amounts of recognized assets	$395,000	$385,000
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, gross amounts offset on balance sheet assets	-375,000	-350,000
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, net assets balance	20,000	35,000
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, gross amounts not off set in balance sheet assets of financial instruments
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, gross amounts not off set in balance sheet assets of collateral received	-20,302	-38,982
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, net assets
Derivative, gross amounts of recognized assets	20,599	23,833
Derivative, gross amounts offset on balance sheet
Net deferred tax asset	20,599	23,833
Derivative, gross amounts not off set in balance sheet assets of financial instruments	-869	-4,378
Derivative, gross amounts not off set in balance sheet assets of collateral received	-3,716	-2,912
Derivative asset, net amount	16,014	16,543
Offsetting assets, gross amounts of recognized assets	415,599	408,833
Offsetting assets, gross amounts offset on balance sheet	-375,000	-350,000
Offsetting assets, net asset balance	40,599	58,833
Offsetting assets, gross amounts not offset in balance sheet of financial instruments	-869	-4,378
Offsetting assets, gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet of collateral received	-24,018	-41,894
Offsetting assets, net amount	16,014	16,543
Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements assets	1.16%	1.09%
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, gross amounts of recognized liabilities	375,000	350,000
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, gross amounts offset on balance sheet liabilities	-375,000	-350,000
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, net liabilities balance
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, gross amounts not off set in balance sheet liabilities of financial instruments
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, gross amounts not off set in balance sheet liabilities of collateral pledged
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, net liabilities
Derivative liability, gross amounts of recognized liabilities	31,997	46,232
Derivative liability, gross amounts offset on balance sheet liabilities
Derivative liability, net liabilities balance	31,997	46,232
Derivative liability, gross amounts not off set in balance sheet liabilities of financial instruments	-869	-4,378
Derivative liability, gross amounts not off set in balance sheet liabilities of collateral pledged	-32,792	-38,145
Derivative liabilities, net amount		3,709
Offsetting liabilities, gross amounts of recognized liabilities	406,997	396,232
Offsetting liabilities, gross amounts offset on balance sheet	-375,000	-350,000
Offsetting liabilities, net liabilities balance	31,997	46,232
Offsetting liabilities gross, amounts not offset in balance sheet of financial instruments	-869	-4,378
Offsetting liabilities, gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet of collateral pledged	-32,792	-38,145
Offsetting liabilities, net amount		$3,709
Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements liabilities	0.29%	0.27%

Investment_Securities_Details

Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	$415,267		$479,742
Gross Unrealized Gains	11,220		9,408
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,254		3,565
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value	425,233		485,585
State and political subdivisions
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	48,157		51,733
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,504		2,718
Gross Unrealized Losses			42
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value	51,661		54,409
Mortgage-backed securities
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	367,110	[1]	428,009	[1]
Gross Unrealized Gains	7,716	[1]	6,690	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,254	[1]	3,523	[1]
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value	$373,572	[1]	$431,176	[1]

[1]	All are residential type mortgage-backed securities

Investment_Securities_Details_

Investment Securities (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost	$1,772,535		$1,835,459
Gross Unrealized Gains	20,955		17,958
Gross Unrealized Losses	10,756		21,200
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	1,782,734		1,832,217
U.S. Treasuries
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost	105,540
Gross Unrealized Gains	235
Gross Unrealized Losses	66
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	105,709
U.S. Government agencies
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost	36,474
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses	175
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	36,299
State and political subdivisions
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost	19,748		22,558
Gross Unrealized Gains	504		823
Gross Unrealized Losses	19		139
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	20,233		23,242
Mortgage-backed securities
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost	988,012	[1]	1,145,800	[1]
Gross Unrealized Gains	16,273	[1]	13,296	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	7,465	[1]	13,749	[1]
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	996,820	[1]	1,145,347	[1]
Corporate bonds
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost	165,018		255,316
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,686		1,304
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,076		6,324
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	165,628		250,296
Asset-backed securities
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost	455,626		409,086
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,257		2,535
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,955		988
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	455,928		410,633
Other
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Amortized Cost	2,117		2,699
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	$2,117		$2,699

[1]	All are residential type mortgage-backed securities

Investment_Securities_Details_1

Investment Securities (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$126,514	$261,465
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	917	3,565
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	17,053
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	337
Fair Value, Total	143,567	261,465
Unrealized Loss, Total	1,254	3,565
State and political subdivisions
Summary of held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months		1,595
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months		42
Fair Value, 12 Months or More
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More
Fair Value, Total		1,595
Unrealized Loss, Total		42
Mortgage-backed securities
Summary of held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	126,514	259,870
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	917	3,523
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	17,053
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	337
Fair Value, Total	143,567	259,870
Unrealized Loss, Total	$1,254	$3,523

Investment_Securities_Details_2

Investment Securities (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$420,951	$641,786
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	2,669	11,835
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	313,204	252,365
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	8,087	9,365
Fair Value, Total	734,155	894,151
Unrealized Loss, Total	10,756	21,200
U.S. Treasuries
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	34,180
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	66
Fair Value, 12 Months or More
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More
Fair Value, Total	34,180
Unrealized Loss, Total	66
U.S. Government agencies
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	36,299
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	175
Fair Value, 12 Months or More
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More
Fair Value, Total	36,299
Unrealized Loss, Total	175
State and political subdivisions
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	2,481	4,539
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	19	139
Fair Value, 12 Months or More
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More
Fair Value, Total	2,481	4,539
Unrealized Loss, Total	19	139
Mortgage-backed securities
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	88,741	334,996
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	446	6,480
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	251,977	175,865
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	7,019	7,269
Fair Value, Total	340,718	510,861
Unrealized Loss, Total	7,465	13,749
Corporate bonds
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	37,891	137,318
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	371	4,494
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	20,275	54,130
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	705	1,830
Fair Value, Total	58,166	191,448
Unrealized Loss, Total	1,076	6,324
Asset-backed securities
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	221,359	164,933
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	1,592	722
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	40,952	22,370
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	363	266
Fair Value, Total	262,311	187,303
Unrealized Loss, Total	$1,955	$988

Investment_Securities_Details_3

Investment Securities (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	$1,772,535		$1,835,459
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	1,782,734		1,832,217
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	415,267		479,742
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value	425,233		485,585
U.S. Treasuries
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	105,540
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	105,709
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	105,540
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	105,709
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value
U.S. Government agencies
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	36,474
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	36,299
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	36,474
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	36,299
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value
State and political subdivisions
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	6,369
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Within 1 year	6,405
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	10,430
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	10,771
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	2,101
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	2,165
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	848
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	892
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	19,748		22,558
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	20,233		23,242
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	1,000
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Within 1 year	1,013
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	18,582
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	19,812
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	19,573
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	21,033
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	9,002
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, More than 10 years	9,803
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	48,157		51,733
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value	51,661		54,409
Corporate bonds
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	9,980
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Within 1 year	9,815
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	38,262
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	37,891
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	115,776
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	117,172
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	1,000
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	750
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	165,018		255,316
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	165,628		250,296
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Within 1 year
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, More than 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value
Asset-backed securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	9,590
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Within 1 year	9,505
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	256,986
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	257,886
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	58,581
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	58,966
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	130,469
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	129,571
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	455,626		409,086
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	455,928		410,633
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Within 1 year
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, More than 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value
Other
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	62
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Within 1 year	62
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	2,055
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	2,055
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	2,117		2,699
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	2,117		2,699
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Within 1 year
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, More than 10 years
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value
Total securities other than mortgage-backed securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	26,001
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Within 1 year	25,787
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	411,218
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	412,257
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	212,932
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	214,602
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	134,372
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	133,268
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	1,000
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Within 1 year	1,013
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	18,582
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	19,812
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	19,573
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	21,033
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	9,002
Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, More than 10 years	9,803
Mortgage-backed securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	988,012	[1]	1,145,800	[1]
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value	996,820	[1]	1,145,347	[1]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	367,110	[1]	428,009	[1]
Held-To-Maturity, Fair value	$373,572	[1]	$431,176	[1]

[1]	All are residential type mortgage-backed securities

Investment_Securities_Details_4

Investment Securities (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investment Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales	$419,201	$39,731	$469,167
Gross gains on sales	6,003	264	7,364
Gross losses on sales	-1,132	-78	-286
Net gains on sales of securities	4,871	186	7,078
Income tax expense attributable to sales	$1,902	$72	$2,753

Investment_Securities_Details_5

Investment Securities (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment Securities (Details Textual) (USD $)	Security	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, fair value		$301,000,000
Unrealized loss on transferred securities		8,310,000
Carrying value of secure public deposits, FHLB advances and other secured borrowings	$1,510,000,000	$1,530,000,000
Number of available for sale securities in unrealized loss position	113
Number of held-to-maturity securities in unrealized loss position	21
U.S. Government agencies
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of shareholders equity	10.00%	10.00%

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit2

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Classifications of loans
Total loans	$4,672,119	$4,329,266
Less allowance for loan losses	-71,619	-76,762
Loans, net	4,600,500	4,252,504
Loans Receivable
Classifications of loans
Total loans	4,672,119	4,329,266
Less allowance for loan losses	-71,619	-76,762
Loans, net	4,600,500	4,252,504
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate
Classifications of loans
Total loans	1,163,480	1,133,543
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate
Classifications of loans
Total loans	598,537	623,167
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial
Classifications of loans
Total loans	710,256	471,961
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction
Classifications of loans
Total loans	196,030	148,903
Loans Receivable \| Commercial
Classifications of loans
Total loans	2,668,303	2,377,574
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage
Classifications of loans
Total loans	865,789	875,077
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit
Classifications of loans
Total loans	465,872	440,887
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction
Classifications of loans
Total loans	298,627	328,579
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment
Classifications of loans
Total loans	104,899	111,045
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto
Classifications of loans
Total loans	$268,629	$196,104

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit3

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$78,927	$107,137	$114,468
Charge-Offs	-22,667	-99,654	-74,633
Recoveries	8,789	5,944	4,802
Allocation of Unallocated
Provision	8,500	65,500	62,500
Ending Balance	73,549	78,927	107,137
Loans Receivable
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	76,762	107,137	114,468
Charge-Offs	-22,667	-99,654	-74,633
Recoveries	8,789	5,944	4,802
Allocation of Unallocated
Provision	8,735	63,335	62,500
Ending Balance	71,619	76,762	107,137
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	17,164	17,265	19,310
Charge-Offs	-3,136	-24,965	-10,280
Recoveries	3,056	1,305	557
Allocation of Unallocated	1,278
Provision	-2,321	23,559	7,678
Ending Balance	16,041	17,164	17,265
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	7,174	10,582	12,334
Charge-Offs	-1,611	-11,505	-12,782
Recoveries	725	640	135
Allocation of Unallocated	688
Provision	3,320	7,457	10,895
Ending Balance	10,296	7,174	10,582
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	6,527	5,537	5,681
Charge-Offs	-2,145	-18,914	-2,424
Recoveries	1,698	1,888	1,104
Allocation of Unallocated	318
Provision	-3,143	18,016	1,176
Ending Balance	3,255	6,527	5,537
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,669	8,389	6,097
Charge-Offs	-235	-6,483	-5,411
Recoveries	6	69	111
Allocation of Unallocated	388
Provision	919	1,694	7,592
Ending Balance	4,747	3,669	8,389
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	15,446	19,117	21,386
Charge-Offs	-7,502	-8,840	-12,885
Recoveries	1,110	611	675
Allocation of Unallocated	1,452
Provision	9,805	4,558	9,941
Ending Balance	20,311	15,446	19,117
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,528	7,525	7,690
Charge-Offs	-2,314	-3,437	-4,377
Recoveries	287	104	124
Allocation of Unallocated	391
Provision	682	1,336	4,088
Ending Balance	4,574	5,528	7,525
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	12,532	26,662	30,379
Charge-Offs	-3,176	-23,049	-24,260
Recoveries	627	173	1,272
Allocation of Unallocated	1,728
Provision	-1,108	8,746	19,271
Ending Balance	10,603	12,532	26,662
Loans Receivable \| Consumer Installment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,353	2,527	2,124
Charge-Offs	-2,008	-2,184	-2,198
Recoveries	1,226	1,114	824
Allocation of Unallocated
Provision	160	-104	1,777
Ending Balance	731	1,353	2,527
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,126	220
Charge-Offs	-540	-277	-16
Recoveries	54	40
Allocation of Unallocated
Provision	421	1,143	236
Ending Balance	1,061	1,126	220
Loans Receivable \| Unallocated
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	6,243	9,313	9,467
Charge-Offs
Recoveries
Allocation of Unallocated	-6,243
Provision		-3,070	-154
Ending Balance		6,243	9,313
Loans Receivable \| Allowance for unfunded commitments
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,165
Charge-Offs
Recoveries
Allocation of Unallocated
Provision	-235	2,165
Ending Balance	$1,930	$2,165

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit4

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	$9,882	$6,022
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	63,667	72,905
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	73,549	78,927	107,137	114,468
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	4,672,119	4,329,266
Loans Receivable
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	9,882	6,022
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	61,737	70,740
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	71,619	76,762	107,137	114,468
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	106,472	114,619
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	4,565,647	4,214,647
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	4,672,119	4,329,266
Loans Receivable \| Allowance for unfunded commitments
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,930	2,165
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	1,930	2,165
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	2,737	1,023
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	13,304	16,141
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	16,041	17,164	17,265	19,310
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	34,654	32,969
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,128,826	1,100,574
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	1,163,480	1,133,543
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	1,917	990
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	8,379	6,184
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	10,296	7,174	10,582	12,334
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	24,484	27,239
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	574,053	595,928
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	598,537	623,167
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	15	66
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	3,240	6,461
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	3,255	6,527	5,537	5,681
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	3,977	4,217
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	706,279	467,744
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	710,256	471,961
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	729	112
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	4,018	3,557
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	4,747	3,669	8,389	6,097
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	12,321	13,715
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	183,709	135,188
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	196,030	148,903
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	3,227	2,914
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	17,084	12,532
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	20,311	15,446	19,117	21,386
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	18,775	20,167
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	847,014	854,910
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	865,789	875,077
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	47	5
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	4,527	5,523
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	4,574	5,528	7,525	7,690
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	478	505
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	465,394	440,382
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	465,872	440,887
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	1,192	688
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	9,411	11,844
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	10,603	12,532	26,662	30,379
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	11,604	14,808
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	287,023	313,771
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	298,627	328,579
Loans Receivable \| Consumer Installment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment	18	224
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	713	1,129
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	731	1,353	2,527	2,124
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment	179	999
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	104,720	110,046
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	104,899	111,045
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,061	1,126
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance	1,061	1,126	220
Loans Outstanding, Individually evaluated for impairment
Loans Outstanding, Collectively evaluated for impairment	268,629	196,104
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	268,629	196,104
Loans Receivable \| Unallocated
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Individually evaluated for impairment
Allowance for Loan Losses,Collectively evaluated for impairment		6,243
Allowance for Loan Losses, Ending balance		$6,243	$9,313	$9,467

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit5

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$130,914
Net Sales Proceeds	77,458
Net Charge-Off	-53,456
Loans considered impaired
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	96,829
Net Sales Proceeds	56,298
Net Charge-Off	-40,531
Loans not considered impaired
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	25,687
Net Sales Proceeds	15,227
Net Charge-Off	-10,460
Foreclosed properties
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	8,398
Net Sales Proceeds	5,933
Net Charge-Off	($2,465)

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit6

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 4) (Loans Receivable, Executive Officers and Directors, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans Receivable \| Executive Officers and Directors
Summary of loans outstanding to executive officers and directors of the holding company
Balances at December 31, 2013	$2,898
New loans and advances	400
Repayments	-94
Balances at December 31, 2014	$3,204

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit7

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 5) (Loans Receivable, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	$109,127	$114,633	$276,178
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	5,036	6,715	9,531
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	5,200	7,524	12,332
Owner occupied commercial real estate
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	32,748	31,935	56,374
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	1,647	1,923	2,602
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	1,712	2,044	2,773
Income producing commercial real estate
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	25,920	27,789	58,182
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	1,270	1,630	2,392
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	1,311	1,763	2,497
Commercial & industrial
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	4,290	4,609	45,233
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	175	401	1,051
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	231	865	2,523
Commercial construction
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	12,156	13,946	45,489
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	455	633	875
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	458	720	1,268
Commercial
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	75,114	78,279	205,278
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	3,547	4,587	6,920
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	3,712	5,392	9,061
Residential mortgage
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	20,132	20,906	22,923
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	873	1,091	1,032
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	869	1,066	1,158
Home equity lines of credit
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	518	507	1,003
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	21	23	26
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	22	22	32
Residential construction
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	13,058	14,558	46,410
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	576	993	1,527
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	575	1,023	2,054
Consumer installment
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance	305	383	564
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment	19	21	26
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received	22	21	27
Indirect auto
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average Balance
Interest Revenue Recognized During Impairment
Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit8

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 6) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Recorded Investment	$130,914
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	9,882	6,022
Loans Receivable
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	28,922	47,545
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	25,488	38,872
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	83,768	78,246
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	80,984	75,747
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	9,882	6,022
Unpaid Principal Balance	112,690	125,791
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	9,882	6,022
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	12,025	17,717
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	11,325	14,458
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	24,728	18,595
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	23,329	18,513
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	2,737	1,023
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	2,737	1,023
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	8,311	12,644
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	8,311	9,747
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	16,352	17,490
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	16,173	17,490
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	1,917	990
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	1,917	990
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	1,679	2,252
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	1,042	2,252
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	2,936	2,248
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	2,935	1,965
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	15	66
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	15	66
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded		974
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded		974
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	12,401	12,821
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	12,321	12,741
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	729	112
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	729	112
Loans Receivable \| Commercial
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	22,015	33,587
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	20,678	27,431
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	56,417	51,154
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	54,758	50,709
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	5,398	2,191
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	2,569	4,496
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	1,472	3,634
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	17,732	17,119
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	17,303	16,533
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	3,227	2,914
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	3,227	2,914
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	478	505
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	478	505
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	47	5
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	47	5
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	4,338	9,462
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	3,338	7,807
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	8,962	8,469
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	8,266	7,001
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	1,192	688
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	1,192	688
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	179	999
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	179	999
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded	18	224
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated	18	224
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded
Allowance for loan losses, With an allowance recorded
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Credit9

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 7) (Loans Receivable, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	$17,881	$26,819
Owner occupied commercial real estate
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	4,133	5,822
Income producing commercial real estate
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	717	2,518
Commercial & industrial
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	1,571	427
Commercial construction
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	83	361
Commercial
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	6,504	9,128
Residential mortgage
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	8,196	11,730
Home equity lines of credit
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	695	1,448
Residential construction
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	2,006	4,264
Consumer installment
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	134	249
Indirect auto
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	$346

Recovered_Sheet1

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 8) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	$4,672,119	$4,329,266
Loans Receivable
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	12,242	21,812
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	6,925	7,483
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	7,646	9,392
Loans, Total Past Due	26,813	38,687
Loans Not Past Due	4,645,306	4,290,579
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	4,672,119	4,329,266
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	1,444	1,845
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	1,929	705
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,141	2,017
Loans, Total Past Due	4,514	4,567
Loans Not Past Due	1,158,966	1,128,976
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	1,163,480	1,133,543
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	2,322	3,879
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	1,172	2,092
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due		530
Loans, Total Past Due	3,494	6,501
Loans Not Past Due	595,043	616,666
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	598,537	623,167
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	302	2,349
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	40	223
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,425	88
Loans, Total Past Due	1,767	2,660
Loans Not Past Due	708,489	469,301
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	710,256	471,961
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days		94
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days		190
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	66	235
Loans, Total Past Due	66	519
Loans Not Past Due	195,964	148,384
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	196,030	148,903
Loans Receivable \| Commercial
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	4,068	8,167
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	3,141	3,210
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	2,632	2,870
Loans, Total Past Due	9,841	14,247
Loans Not Past Due	2,658,462	2,363,327
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	2,668,303	2,377,574
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	5,234	9,011
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	2,931	2,832
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	3,278	4,140
Loans, Total Past Due	11,443	15,983
Loans Not Past Due	854,346	859,094
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	865,789	875,077
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	961	2,056
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	303	430
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	167	941
Loans, Total Past Due	1,431	3,427
Loans Not Past Due	464,441	437,460
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	465,872	440,887
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	1,172	1,335
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	268	588
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,395	1,375
Loans, Total Past Due	2,835	3,298
Loans Not Past Due	295,792	325,281
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	298,627	328,579
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	607	1,058
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	136	358
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	33	24
Loans, Total Past Due	776	1,440
Loans Not Past Due	104,123	109,605
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	104,899	111,045
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	200	185
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	146	65
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	141	42
Loans, Total Past Due	487	292
Loans Not Past Due	268,142	195,812
Loans Outstanding, Ending Balance	$268,629	$196,104

Recovered_Sheet2

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 9) (Loans Receivable, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Contract	Contract	Contract
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	79	110	237
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$13,412	$23,701	$107,458
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	13,235	21,676	102,509
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts	12	17	43
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment	1,050	3,360	13,999
Owner occupied commercial real estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	12	12	31
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	4,793	6,326	17,387
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	4,793	5,227	15,865
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts	1	3	6
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment	104	670	2,341
Income producing commercial real estate
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	3	8	23
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	1,459	6,157	17,063
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	1,459	6,157	17,063
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts			1
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment			946
Commercial & industrial
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	9	14	22
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	1,185	1,464	3,619
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	1,185	1,208	3,616
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts	2	1	3
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment	54	35	71
Commercial construction
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	6	1	20
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	829	416	34,014
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	829	416	33,934
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts		2	3
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment		1,454	4,224
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	30	35	96
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	8,266	14,363	72,083
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	8,266	13,008	70,478
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts	3	6	13
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment	158	2,159	7,582
Residential mortgage
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	39	49	64
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	3,622	7,098	14,404
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	3,445	6,573	13,575
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts	9	3	10
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment	892	641	650
Home equity lines of credit
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	1		3
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	36		728
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	36		728
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment
Residential construction
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	4	15	49
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	1,262	2,160	19,909
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	1,262	2,015	17,400
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts		3	16
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment		531	5,728
Consumer installment
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts	5	11	25
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	226	80	334
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts	226	80	328
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts		5	4
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment		29	39
Indirect auto
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Contracts
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Number of Contracts
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Have Subsequently Defaulted, Recorded Investment

Recovered_Sheet3

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 10) (Loans Receivable, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Contract	Contract
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	352	345
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$88,246	$94,897
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	85,096	86,966
Owner occupied commercial real estate
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	54	45
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	27,695	24,064
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	26,296	22,399
Income producing commercial real estate
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	31	32
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	18,094	20,900
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	17,915	18,268
Commercial & industrial
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	32	36
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	2,848	3,527
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	2,847	3,245
Commercial construction
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	14	13
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	11,360	13,122
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	11,280	13,042
Commercial
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	131	126
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	59,997	61,613
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	58,338	56,954
Residential mortgage
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	154	133
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	18,630	20,117
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	17,836	18,852
Home equity lines of credit
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	2	3
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	478	505
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	478	505
Residential construction
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	48	57
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	8,962	12,459
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	8,265	10,452
Consumer installment
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts	17	26
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	179	203
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	179	203
Indirect auto
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment

Recovered_Sheet4

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details 11) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	$4,672,119	$4,329,266
Loans Receivable
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	4,672,119	4,329,266
Loans Receivable \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	4,466,798	4,029,187
Loans Receivable \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	59,047	100,557
Loans Receivable \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	128,393	172,703
Loans Receivable \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	17,881	26,819
Loans Receivable \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,163,480	1,133,543
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,094,057	1,054,924
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	18,889	29,714
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	46,401	43,083
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	4,133	5,822
Loans Receivable \| Owner occupied commercial real estate \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	598,537	623,167
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	560,559	575,597
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	16,701	10,410
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	20,560	34,642
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	717	2,518
Loans Receivable \| Income producing commercial real estate \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	710,256	471,961
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	696,805	456,563
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	4,017	5,382
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	7,863	9,589
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,571	427
Loans Receivable \| Commercial & industrial \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	196,030	148,903
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	190,070	120,852
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	2,311	10,932
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	3,566	16,758
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	83	361
Loans Receivable \| Commercial construction \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Commercial
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	2,668,303	2,377,574
Loans Receivable \| Commercial \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	2,541,491	2,207,936
Loans Receivable \| Commercial \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	41,918	56,438
Loans Receivable \| Commercial \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	78,390	104,072
Loans Receivable \| Commercial \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	6,504	9,128
Loans Receivable \| Commercial \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	865,789	875,077
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	814,168	793,381
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	11,594	25,944
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	31,831	44,022
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	8,196	11,730
Loans Receivable \| Residential mortgage \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	465,872	440,887
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	459,881	426,052
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans		5,420
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	5,296	7,967
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	695	1,448
Loans Receivable \| Home equity lines of credit \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	298,627	328,579
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	280,166	298,685
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	5,535	11,526
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	10,920	14,104
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	2,006	4,264
Loans Receivable \| Residential construction \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	104,899	111,045
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	103,383	107,029
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans		1,229
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,382	2,538
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	134	249
Loans Receivable \| Consumer installment \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	268,629	196,104
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto \| Pass
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	267,709	196,104
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto \| Watch
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto \| Performing Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	574
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto \| Nonaccrual Substandard
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	346
Loans Receivable \| Indirect auto \| Doubtful / Loss
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans

Recovered_Sheet5

Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details Textual) (Loans Receivable, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Criteria amount for evaluation of impairment	$500,000
Accruing substandard relationship	2,000,000
Nonaccrual Loans	17,881,000	26,819,000
Specific reserves	9,720,000	5,640,000
Loans outstanding classified as troubled debt restructurings	51,000	6,000
Percentage of appraised value of underlying collateral in nonaccrual status	80.00%
Commercial & industrial
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Nonaccrual Loans	1,571,000	427,000
Overdrawn deposit accounts	1,050,000	977,000
Loans considered impaired
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses assigned specific reserves prior to the sale	6,860,000
FHLB
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Pledged as collateral to secure FHLB advances	$2,350,000,000	$1,770,000,000

Foreclosed_Property_Details

Foreclosed Property (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	$2,386	$5,403
Less valuation allowance	-660	-1,182
Foreclosed property, net	1,726	4,221
Balance as a percentage of original loan unpaid principal	54.10%	44.50%
Commercial real estate
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	639	1,287
Commercial construction
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	15
Commercial
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	654	1,287
Residential mortgage
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	1,259	3,380
Residential construction
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	$473	$736

Foreclosed_Property_Details_1

Foreclosed Property (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Activity in the valuation allowance for foreclosed property
Balance at end of year	$660	$1,182
Foreclosed Property
Activity in the valuation allowance for foreclosed property
Balance at beginning of year	1,182	6,954	18,982
Additions charged to expense	691	3,065	6,951
Charge-offs upon disposition	-1,213	-8,837	-18,979
Balance at end of year	$660	$1,182	$6,954

Foreclosed_Property_Details_2

Foreclosed Property (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Expenses related to foreclosed assets
Net (gain) loss on sales	($1,395)	$1,641	$1,924
Provision for unrealized losses	691	3,065	6,951
Operating expenses, net of rental income	1,338	3,163	5,118
Total foreclosed property expense	$634	$7,869	$13,993

Premises_and_Equipment_Details

Premises and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments, gross	$254,318	$258,418
Less accumulated depreciation	-94,928	-94,829
Premises and equipment, net	159,390	163,589
Land and land improvements
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments, gross	79,525	80,845
Buildings and improvements
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments, gross	113,105	114,048
Furniture and equipment
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments, gross	59,827	63,015
Construction in progress
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments, gross	$1,861	$510

Premises_and_Equipment_Details1

Premises and Equipment (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Rent commitments under operating leases
2015	$1,741
2016	1,376
2017	1,331
2018	1,009
2019	897
Thereafter	4,523
Total	$10,877

Premises_and_Equipment_Details2

Premises and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Premises and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$8.66	$9.40	$9.26
Rent expense	$2.14	$2.34	$2.30

SBA_Servicing_Rights_Details

SBA Servicing Rights (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
ASC 860 Servicing Asset Rollforward
Fair value as of January 1, 2014
Additions:
Acquired servicing rights	2,133
Originated servicing rights capitalized upon sale of loans	832
Subtractions:
Disposals	-152
Changes in fair value:
Due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model	-262
Fair value as of December 31, 2014	$2,551

SBA_Servicing_Rights_Details_1

SBA Servicing Rights (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of retained Servicing Assets	$2,551
Prepayment rate assumption	6.70%
10% adverse change	-62
20% adverse change	-122
Discount rate	12.00%
Weighted-average life (months)	6 years 6 months
Weighted-average gross margin	2.00%
100 bps adverse change
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Adverse change	-85
200bps adverse change
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Adverse change	($164)

Deposits_Details

Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Maturing In:
2015	$1,001,274
2016	179,246
2017	38,505
2018	25,331
2019	13,596
thereafter	271,587
Total	$1,529,539

Deposits_Details_Textual

Deposits (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Certificates of deposit	$273	$273
Daily average balance of brokered deposits	$294	$219
Description of fair value hedging instrument	Most of the brokered certificates of deposit have been swapped in fair value hedging relationships to 90 day LIBOR minus a spread that currently exceeds LIBOR, thereby resulting in a negative yield.
Minimum \| Brokered certificates of deposit
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Maturities of time deposits	20 years
Maximum \| Brokered certificates of deposit
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Maturities of time deposits	21 years

Federal_Home_Loan_Bank_Advance2

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Maturing In:
2015	$270,000
2016	125	120,000
Total	$270,125	$120,125
FHLB Current rate range 0.18% - 0.24%
Maturing In:
Current Rate Range, Minimum	0.18%
Current Rate Range, Maximum	0.24%

Federal_Home_Loan_Bank_Advance3

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Textual) [Abstract]
Fixed rate advances	270,000,000
Outstanding amount to be matured	125,000	$120,000,000
Interest payment rates	0.24%
Weighted average interest rate advances	0.22%	0.19%
Maximum
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal home loan bank advances maturities period	61 days

Longterm_Debt_Details

Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$129,865	$129,865
2013 senior debentures
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	40,000	40,000
Issue Date	2013
Stated maturity date	2018
Earliest call date	2015
Interest rate	6.00%
2012 senior debentures
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	35,000	35,000
Issue Date	2012
Stated maturity date	2017
Earliest call date	2017
Interest rate	9.00%
Total senior debentures
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	75,000	75,000
United Community Capital Trust
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	21,650	21,650
Issue Date	1998
Stated maturity date	2028
Earliest call date	2008
Interest rate	8.13%
United Community Statutory Trust I
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	5,155	5,155
Issue Date	2000
Stated maturity date	2030
Earliest call date	2010
Interest rate	10.60%
United Community Capital Trust II
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	10,309	10,309
Issue Date	2000
Stated maturity date	2030
Earliest call date	2010
Interest rate	11.30%
Southern Bancorp Capital Trust I
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	4,382	4,382
Issue Date	2004
Stated maturity date	2034
Earliest call date	2009
Prime + Interest rate	1.00%
United Community Statutory Trust II
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	12,131	12,131
Issue Date	2008
Stated maturity date	2038
Earliest call date	2013
Interest rate	9.00%
United Community Statutory Trust III
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	1,238	1,238
Issue Date	2008
Stated maturity date	2038
Earliest call date	2013
Prime + Interest rate	3.00%
Total trust preferred securities
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$54,865	$54,865

Longterm_Debt_Details_Textual

Long-term Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
2013 senior debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemed	100.00%
Senior debentures maturity date	13-Aug-18
2012 senior debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior debentures maturity date	15-Aug-17
Total trust preferred securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Common stock, exercise price		$100
United Community Statutory Trust I
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemed	103.18%
United Community Capital Trust II
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemed	103.39%

Reclassifications_Out_of_Accum2

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (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]
Securities gains, net	$4,871	$186	$7,078
Loan interest revenue	196,279	200,893	217,378
Loan interest revenue	9,729	10,025	10,480
Time deposit interest expense	7,133	10,464	19,097
Money market deposit interest expense	3,060	2,210	2,518
Tax (expense) or benefit	39,450	-238,188	1,050
Net of tax	67,181	261,062	21,708
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net of tax	2,552	790	7,433
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Realized gains on available-for-sale securities
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Securities gains, net	4,871	186	7,078
Tax (expense) or benefit	-1,902	-72	-2,753
Net of tax	2,969	114	4,325
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Amortization of gains included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment securities interest revenue	1,656	731	1,988
Tax (expense) or benefit	-622	-282	-773
Net of tax	1,034	449	1,215
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Gains included in net income on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Loan interest revenue		852	3,475
Loan interest revenue		52	237
Time deposit interest expense	-764
Money market deposit interest expense	-223
Deposits in banks and short-term investments interest revenue	-79
Money market deposit interest expense	198
Federal Home Loan Bank advances interest expense	-234
Time deposit interest expense	-512
Total before tax	-2,010	904	3,712
Tax (expense) or benefit	782	-352	-1,444
Net of tax	-1,228	552	2,268
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	-365	-532	-615
Tax (expense) or benefit	142	207	240
Net of tax	-223	-325	-375
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan \| Salaries and employee benefits expense
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Prior service cost	-365	-365	-365
Actuarial losses		($167)	($250)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Total preferred stock dividends	$439	$12,078	$12,148
Series A - 6% fixed
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Total preferred stock dividends		12	12
Series B - 5% fixed until December 6, 2013, 9% thereafter
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Total preferred stock dividends	159	10,401	10,465
Series D - LIBOR plus 9.6875%, resets quarterly
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Total preferred stock dividends	$280	$1,665	$1,671

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_1

Earnings Per Share (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Computation of basic and diluted loss per share
Net income available to common shareholders	$67,181	$261,062	$21,708
Income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.11	$4.44	$0.38
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.11	$4.44	$0.38
Weighted average common shares:
Basic (in shares)	60,588	58,787	57,857
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options (in shares)	2	1
Warrants (in shares)		57
Diluted (in shares)	60,590	58,845	57,857

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_Tex

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of common stock called by warrants (in shares)	219,909	219,909	219,909
Exercise of price warrants	$61.40	$61.40	$61.40
Warrants at 12.50 per share
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of common stock called by warrants (in shares)			1,551,126
Exercise of price warrants			$12.50
Fletcher International Ltd
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of common stock called by warrants (in shares)		1,411,765	1,411,765
Exercise of price warrants		$21.25	$21.25
Trust preferred securities
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of common stock called by warrants (in shares)			129,670
Exercise of price warrants			$100
Employees
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issuable upon exercise of grants	313,555	371,449	482,528
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted to employees	$93.40	$98.54	$97.73	$94.48
Common stock issuable upon completion of vesting of restricted stock awards				583,647
Restricted Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock issuable upon completion of vesting of restricted stock awards	829,201	1,073,259	485,584

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income tax expense (benefit)
Current	$1,224	$3,467	$1,050
Deferred	37,524	23,785	9,446
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	702	-265,440	-9,446
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$39,450	($238,188)	$1,050

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Differences between the provision for income taxes and statutory federal income tax rate
Pretax loss at statutory rates	$37,475	$12,234	$12,217
Add (deduct):
State taxes, net of federal benefit	3,365	895	577
Bank owned life insurance earnings	-209	-704	-444
Adjustment to reserve for uncertain tax positions	-200	-426	-577
Tax-exempt interest revenue	-757	-714	-816
Nondeductible interest expense	12	10	18
Equity compensation		676	255
Tax credits	-250	-438	-460
Change in state statutory tax rate		1,003
Change in valuation allowance affecting other comprehensive inc.		12,174
(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance	702	-265,440	-9,446
Other	-688	2,542	-274
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$39,450	($238,188)	$1,050

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Allowances for loan losses	$27,563	$29,672
Net operating loss carryforwards	184,015	219,863
Deferred compensation	7,188	6,299
Reserve for losses on foreclosed properties	254	678
Nonqualified share based compensation	3,993	3,710
Accrued expenses	2,107	2,663
Investment in low income housing tax credit partnerships	1,856	1,335
Unamortized pension actuarial losses and prior service cost	1,862	1,252
Acquired intangible assets	593	326
Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale		2,056
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	1,977
Other	1,477	3,985
Total deferred tax assets	232,885	271,839
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale	1,340
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges		523
Premises and equipment	2,452	2,812
Loan origination costs	4,342	4,234
Gain from acquisition of Southern Community Bank	306	816
Prepaid expenses	626	836
Uncertain tax positions	4,195
Total deferred tax liabilities	13,261	9,221
Less valuation allowance	4,121	4,100
Net deferred tax asset	$215,503	$258,518

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit
Balance at beginning of year	$5,069	$5,985
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years			130
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	374	352	500
Decreases resulting from a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations	-682	-918	-957
Decreases based on settlements with taxing authorities			-589
Balance at end of year	$4,503	$5,069	$5,985

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%
Valuation allowance	$4,121,000	$4,100,000
Reversal of the valuation allowance			272,000,000
Valuation allowance related to specific state income tax credits	4,120,000
Net deferred tax asset realized based upon future taxable income	216,000,000
Deferred tax assets not related to net operating losses or credits	36,000,000
Federal alternative minimum tax credits	5,100,000
Increase income from continuing operations	3,400,000
Interest and penalties		59,000		120,000
Begin to expire in 2024
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforwards	26,500,000
Begin to expire in 2028
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforwards	526,000,000
Federal general business tax credits	2,800,000
Begin to expire in 2029
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforwards	64,800,000
Begin to expire in 2030
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$427,000,000

Pension_and_Employee_Benefit_P2

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension benefit obligations at year end and net periodic pension cost
Discount rate for disclosures	4.00%	4.50%
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost	4.50%	4.00%
Rate of compensation increase
Measurement date	12/31/14	12/31/13

Pension_and_Employee_Benefit_P3

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated benefit obligation:
Accumulated benefit obligation - beginning of year	$13,320	$13,155
Service cost	341	465	597
Interest cost	579	533	537
Actuarial (gains) losses	1,933	-561
Benefits paid	-304	-272
Accumulated benefit obligation - end of year	$15,869	$13,320	$13,155

Pension_and_Employee_Benefit_P4

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income
Service cost	$341	$465	$597
Interest cost	579	533	537
Amortization of prior service cost	365	365	365
Amortization of net losses		167	250
Net periodic benefit cost	$1,285	$1,530	$1,749

Pension_and_Employee_Benefit_P5

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee matching contributions	5.00%
Duration of service period to receive matching contribution	1 year
Vesting period of benefits	3 years
Employee eligible compensation contributions	5.00%
Maximum matching contributions	50.00%
Compensation expense	$1,200,000	$1,240,000	$1,660,000
Plan purchased by employee	17,373	48,996	86,350
Recognized deferred compensation from continuing operation	24,000	24,000	24,000
Discretionary contribution shares by director		25,000
Expenses incurred for post-retirement benefits	1,460,000	1,600,000	1,870,000
Employer contribution	304,000	272,000
Estimated net loss and prior service costs	271,000
Amortization of estimated net loss and prior service cost from accumulated other comprehensive income	365,000	365,000	365,000
2015	321,000
2016	769,000
2017	795,000
2018	997,000
2019	988,000
Following five years	$5,080,000

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument hedges assets fair value		$8,721
Derivative instrument hedges liabilities fair value	6,167	25,646
Other assets \| Cash flow hedging \| Money market deposits
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument hedges assets fair value		4,782
Other assets \| Fair value hedging \| Corporate Bonds
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument hedges assets fair value		3,939
Other liabilities \| Cash flow hedging \| Money market deposits
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument hedges liabilities fair value	350
Other liabilities \| Cash flow hedging \| Short-Term Debt
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument hedges liabilities fair value		3,368
Other liabilities \| Fair value hedging \| Brokered CD's
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument hedges liabilities fair value	5,817	19,970
Other liabilities \| Fair value hedging \| Corporate Bonds
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument hedges liabilities fair value		$2,308

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, assets at fair value	$20,599	$15,112
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liabilities at fair value	25,830	20,586
Other assets \| Customer swap positions
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, assets at fair value	3,433	898
Other assets \| Dealer offsets to customer swap positions
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, assets at fair value	128	1,347
Other assets \| Bifurcated embedded derivatives
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, assets at fair value	12,262	12,867
Other assets \| Offsetting positions for de-designated cash flow hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, assets at fair value	4,776
Other liabilities \| Customer swap positions
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liabilities at fair value	129	1,347
Other liabilities \| Dealer offsets to customer swap positions
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liabilities at fair value	3,456	915
Other liabilities \| Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liabilities at fair value	17,467	18,324
Other liabilities \| De-designated cash flow hedge
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liabilities at fair value	$4,778

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 2) (Fair value hedging, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effect of fair value hedging derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	$10,913	($10,148)	$540
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item	-12,194	11,216	330
Interest expense \| Brokered CD's
Effect of fair value hedging derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	13,400	-16,433	540
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item	-14,357	16,981	330
Interest revenue \| Corporate Bonds
Effect of fair value hedging derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	-2,487	6,285
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item	$2,163	($5,765)

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 3) (Cash flow hedging, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)	($2,010)	$904	$3,712
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-8,437	10,084	-8,739
Interest revenue
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)	-79	904	3,712
Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)	-1,931
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	($107)	$70

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi6

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Dec. 31, 2014	Contract	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivatives becoming effective later in 2015	$175,000,000
Credit risk
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Collateral pledged toward derivatives in a liability position	32,800,000
Cash flow hedging \| Interest rate risk
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of derivative contracts outstanding		3
Recognized net gain (loss) related to ineffectiveness of the fair value hedging relationships	107,000	-70,000
Reclassification of gains recognized in loan interest revenue as hedge ineffectiveness		52,000	237,000
Increase to deposit interest expense	3,340,000
Aggregate notional amount designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk		375,000,000
Total notional amount designated as cash flow hedges		200,000,000
Fair value hedging \| Corporate Bonds
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Reduction of interest revenue on derivative securities		1,330,000
Fair value hedging \| Interest rate risk
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of derivative contracts outstanding	16	24
Derivative instruments outstanding		8
Recognized net gain (loss) related to ineffectiveness of the fair value hedging relationships	-1,280,000	1,070,000	870,000
Write off of prepaid broker fees on brokered deposits	449,000
Remaining number of derivative held		16
Aggregate notional amount designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk	197,000,000	285,000,000
Aggregate notional amount designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk on outstanding swap		86,000,000
Interest expense \| Fair value hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net reduction of interest expense	$4,610,000	$4,670,000	$2,420,000

Regulatory_Matters_Details

Regulatory Matters (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Risk-based ratios:
Tier 1 capital, Minimum	4.00%
Tier 1 capital, Well Capitalized	6.00%
Tier 1 capital	12.05%	12.74%
Total capital, Minimum	8.00%
Total capital, Well Capitalized	10.00%
Total capital	13.30%	13.99%
Leverage ratio, Minimum	3.00%
Leverage ratio	8.69%	9.08%
Tier 1 capital	$642,663	$649,162
Total capital	709,408	713,063
Risk-weighted assets	5,332,822	5,097,091
Average total assets	7,396,450	7,150,360
United Community Bank
Risk-based ratios:
Tier 1 capital	12.84%	13.55%
Total capital	14.09%	14.80%
Leverage ratio	9.25%	9.61%
Tier 1 capital	683,332	686,687
Total capital	749,927	750,216
Risk-weighted assets	5,320,615	5,066,948
Average total assets	$7,385,048	$7,142,050

Regulatory_Matters_Details_Tex

Regulatory Matters (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
Minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio for well capitalized purpose	6.00%
Total risk-based capital ratio	10.00%
Minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio require to be maintained by the bank	3.00%
Minimum total risk based capital ratio to be maintained by the bank	8.00%
Maximum percentage of credit to affiliate under federal reserve act	10.00%
Maximum percentage of credit to all affiliates under federal reserve act	20.00%
Approved cash dividend	$129
Minimum common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio for well capitalized purpose	6.50%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments to extend credit
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments	$878,160	$747,170
Letters of credit
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments	19,861	19,846
Minimum Lease Payments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments	$10,877	$6,310

Preferred_Stock_Details_Textua

Preferred Stock (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
Preferred Stock (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 10, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Mar. 03, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000				10,000,000
Series A Non-Cumulative Preferred
Number of preferred shares redeemed	21,700
Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B
Number of preferred shares redeemed		105,000	75,000
Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D
Number of preferred shares redeemed				16,613

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock
Restricted Stock, Shares
Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	1,073,676	485,584	414,644
Shares, Granted	97,016	876,583	200,612
Shares, Exercised	-336,691	-195,366	-114,673
Shares, Cancelled	-4,800	-93,125	-14,999
Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	829,201	1,073,676	485,584
Share Exercisable	7,580
Restricted Stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$13.73	$10.72	$12.19
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$17.33	$14.74	$8.73
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Exercised	$12.23	$13.16	$14.77
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Cancelled	$13.78	$8.78	$10.25
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$14.76	$13.73	$10.72
Weighted average grant date fair value, exercisable	$9.90
Stock Options
Stock Option, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Options, Outstanding Shares, Beginning Balance	350,772	482,528	583,647
Options, granted	10,000	5,000
Options, Exercised
Options, Cancelled	-47,217	-136,756	-101,119
Options, Outstanding Shares, Ending Balance	313,555	350,772	482,528
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$120
Options, Exercisable, Shares	297,305
Options, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$63
Stock Option, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$97.87	$97.73	$94.48
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$16.71	$15.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled	$110.33	$94.37	$78.98
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$93.40	$97.87	$97.73
Weighted Average Remaining Term	2 years 9 months 11 days
Options, Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$97.66
Options, Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	2 years 5 months 9 days

Shareholders_Equity_Details_1

Shareholders' Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	313,555
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$10
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$170
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$93.40
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	2 years 9 months 11 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares	297,305
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$97.66
Exercise Price Range $10.00 to 30.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	26,823
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$10
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$30
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$14.96
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	8 years 7 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares	10,573
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$14.15
Exercise Price Range $30.01 to 50.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	44,777
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$30.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$50
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$31.67
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	4 years 1 month 24 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares	44,777
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$31.67
Exercise Price Range $50.01 to 70.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	72,318
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$50.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$70
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$66.31
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	3 years 1 month 17 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares	72,318
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$66.31
Exercise Price Range $70.01 to 90.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	2,075
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$70.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$90
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$77.53
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	3 years 3 months
Options, Exercisable, Shares	2,075
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$77.53
Exercise Price Range $90.01 to 110.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	28,950
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$90.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$110
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$107.28
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	3 months 26 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares	28,950
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$107.28
Exercise Price Range $110.01 to 130.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	17,228
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$110.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$130
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$111.38
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	5 months 27 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares	17,228
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$111.38
Exercise Price Range $130.01 to 150.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	115,981
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$130.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$150
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$143.69
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	1 year 9 months 18 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares	115,981
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$143.69
Exercise Price Range $150.01 to 170.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares	5,403
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$150.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	$170
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$152.10
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	2 years 2 months 16 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares	5,403
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$152.10

Shareholders_Equity_Details_2

Shareholders' Equity (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Expected volatility	66.00%	30.00%
Expected dividend yield	1.00%	0.00%
Expected life (in years)	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months
Risk-free rate	2.10%	2.00%

Shareholders_Equity_Details_Te

Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$38,226,000	($241,655,000)
Compensation expense	1,200,000	1,240,000	1,660,000
Shareholders' Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Awards of options, restricted stock awards, stock awards, performance share	500,000
Additional awards granted under 2000 Plan	460,000
Vesting period under Plan	4 years
Maximum exercisable period	10 years
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$9.49	$5.10
Estimated option forfeiture rate	3.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options	9,560,000
Weighted average period over which compensation cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 10 months 21 days
Aggregate grant date fair value of options and restricted stock that vested during the period	3,980,000
Shares issued in connection with DRIP	191
Shares purchased by United's 401(k) retirement plan	17,373	48,996	86,350
Discount offered to employees under United has an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) to purchase shares of common stock	5.00%
Stock issued during period shares employee stock pension plan	10,506	13,982	23,555
Common stock issuable shares under deferred compensation plan	357,984	241,832
Subsequent Event
Shareholders' Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Increased percentage of discount on purchases made through ESPP				10.00%
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, exercised
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	6,000	-20,000	99,000
Options, granted	10,000	5,000
Compensation expense	15,000	256,000
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	4,290,000	2,850,000	1,660,000
Shareholders' Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock	15,700,000
Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award awards granted during period aggregate fair value		$108,000	$172,000
Options, granted		9,344	20,489

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure2

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) (Recurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Level 1
Assets:
Assets, fair value	$109,573	$3,496
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	3,864	3,496
Level 1 \| Deferred compensation plan liability
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	3,864	3,496
Level 1 \| Derivative financial instruments
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 1 \| U.S. Treasury securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value	105,709
Level 1 \| U.S. Agencies
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 \| State and political subdivisions
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 \| Mortgage-backed securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 \| Corporate bonds
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 \| Asset-backed securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 \| Other
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 \| Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets, fair value	3,864	3,496
Level 1 \| SBA servicing rights
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 \| Derivative financial instruments
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 2
Assets:
Assets, fair value	1,684,612	1,855,700
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	13,018	46,232
Level 2 \| Deferred compensation plan liability
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 2 \| Derivative financial instruments
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	13,018	46,232
Level 2 \| U.S. Treasury securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 2 \| U.S. Agencies
Assets:
Assets, fair value	36,299
Level 2 \| State and political subdivisions
Assets:
Assets, fair value	20,233	23,242
Level 2 \| Mortgage-backed securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value	996,820	1,145,347
Level 2 \| Corporate bonds
Assets:
Assets, fair value	164,878	249,946
Level 2 \| Asset-backed securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value	455,928	410,633
Level 2 \| Other
Assets:
Assets, fair value	2,117	2,699
Level 2 \| Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 2 \| SBA servicing rights
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 2 \| Derivative financial instruments
Assets:
Assets, fair value	8,337	23,833
Level 3
Assets:
Assets, fair value	15,563	350
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	18,979
Level 3 \| Deferred compensation plan liability
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 3 \| Derivative financial instruments
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	18,979
Level 3 \| U.S. Treasury securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 \| U.S. Agencies
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 \| State and political subdivisions
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 \| Mortgage-backed securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 \| Corporate bonds
Assets:
Assets, fair value	750	350
Level 3 \| Asset-backed securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 \| Other
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 \| Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 \| SBA servicing rights
Assets:
Assets, fair value	2,551
Level 3 \| Derivative financial instruments
Assets:
Assets, fair value	12,262
Total
Assets:
Assets, fair value	1,809,748	1,859,546
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	35,861	49,728
Total \| Deferred compensation plan liability
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	3,864	3,496
Total \| Derivative financial instruments
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	31,997	46,232
Total \| U.S. Treasury securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value	105,709
Total \| U.S. Agencies
Assets:
Assets, fair value	36,299
Total \| State and political subdivisions
Assets:
Assets, fair value	20,233	23,242
Total \| Mortgage-backed securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value	996,820	1,145,347
Total \| Corporate bonds
Assets:
Assets, fair value	165,628	250,296
Total \| Asset-backed securities
Assets:
Assets, fair value	455,928	410,633
Total \| Other
Assets:
Assets, fair value	2,117	2,699
Total \| Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets, fair value	3,864	3,496
Total \| SBA servicing rights
Assets:
Assets, fair value	2,551
Total \| Derivative financial instruments
Assets:
Assets, fair value	$20,599	$23,833

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure3

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details 1) (Recurring, Level 3, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Asset
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs
Balance at beginning of period
Purchases
Additions
Sales and settlements
Other comprehensive income
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments
Transfers between valuation levels, net	12,262
Balance at end of period	12,262
Derivative Liability
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs
Balance at beginning of period
Purchases
Additions
Sales and settlements
Other comprehensive income
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments
Transfers between valuation levels, net	18,979
Balance at end of period	18,979
SBA servicing rights
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs
Balance at beginning of period
Purchases	2,133
Additions	832
Sales and settlements	-152
Other comprehensive income
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments	-262
Transfers between valuation levels, net
Balance at end of period	2,551
Securities Available-for-Sale
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs
Balance at beginning of period	350	350	350
Purchases
Additions
Sales and settlements
Other comprehensive income	400
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments
Transfers between valuation levels, net
Balance at end of period	$750	$350	$350

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure4

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details 2) (Recurring, Level 3, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	$15,563	$350
Liabilities, fair value	18,979
Derivative Asset
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	12,262
ValuationTechnique	Dealer Priced
Unobservable Inputs	Dealer Priced
Derivative Liability
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value	18,979
ValuationTechnique	Dealer Priced
Unobservable Inputs	Dealer Priced
SBA servicing rights
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	2,551
ValuationTechnique	Discounted cash flow
Unobservable Inputs	Discount rate Prepayment Rate
SBA servicing rights \| Weighted Average
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	12.00%
Prepayment Rate	6.70%
Corporate bonds
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	$750	$350
ValuationTechnique	Indicative bid provided by a broker
Unobservable Inputs	Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, and recently executed financing transactions related to the company

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure5

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details 3) (Nonrecurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans
Foreclosed properties
Total assets
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans
Foreclosed properties
Total assets
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans	83,541	82,798
Foreclosed properties	1,555	3,747
Total assets	85,096	86,545
Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans	83,541	82,798
Foreclosed properties	1,555	3,747
Total assets	$85,096	$86,545

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure6

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:
Securities held to maturity	$425,233	$485,585
Loans	4,600,500	4,252,504
Level 1
Assets:
Securities held to maturity
Loans
Mortgage loans held for sale
Liabilities:
Deposits
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Long-term debt
Level 2
Assets:
Securities held to maturity	425,233	485,585
Loans
Mortgage loans held for sale	14,139	10,529
Liabilities:
Deposits	6,328,264	6,204,815
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	270,125	120,125
Long-term debt
Level 3
Assets:
Securities held to maturity
Loans	4,549,027	4,165,591
Mortgage loans held for sale
Liabilities:
Deposits
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
Long-term debt	132,814	130,262
Total
Assets:
Securities held to maturity	425,233	485,585
Loans	4,710,559	4,165,591
Mortgage loans held for sale	14,139	10,529
Liabilities:
Deposits	6,328,264	6,204,815
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	270,125	120,125
Long-term debt	132,814	130,262
Carrying Amount
Assets:
Securities held to maturity	415,267	479,742
Loans	4,600,500	4,252,504
Mortgage loans held for sale	13,737	10,319
Liabilities:
Deposits	6,326,513	6,201,505
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	270,125	120,125
Long-term debt	$129,865	$129,865

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure7

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Percentage of written down in appraisal value of nonaccrual impaired loans	80.00%
Percentage of written down in appraisal value of foreclosed properties	80.00%
Percentage of written down in asking price of foreclosed properties	90.00%
Maximum remaining maturity of financial instruments having no defined maturity	180 days

Subsequent_Events_Details_Text

Subsequent Events (Details Textuals) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Details Textuals) (USD $)	Jan. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Assets		$7,566,986,000	$7,425,419,000
Deposits		6,326,512,000	6,201,505,000
Loans		4,600,500,000	4,252,504,000
FNB
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Assets		425,000,000
Deposits		354,000,000
Loans		253,000,000
Subsequent Event \| FNB
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of branches operated in east Tennessee	10
Subsequent Event \| Definitive merger agreement \| MoneyTree
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of common stock in merger consideration	80.00%
Percentage of cash in merger consideration	20.00%
Merger consideration, value	$52,000,000
Closing price per share	$17.65

Condensed_Financial_Statements2

Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks Inc. (Parent Only) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Operations
Shared service fees from subsidiaries	$33,073	$31,997	$31,670
Other	9,729	10,025	10,480
Total income	269,935	209,256	221,680
Interest expense	25,551	27,682	37,909
Other expense	14,204	15,171	19,951
Total expenses	162,865	174,304	186,774
Income tax benefit (expense)	39,450	-238,188	1,050
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed loss of subsidiaries	107,070	34,952	34,906
Net income	67,620	273,140	33,856
Parent
Statement of Operations
Dividends from bank subsidiary	132,000	50,000
Shared service fees from subsidiaries	8,057	6,764	6,714
Other	424	1,217	1,169
Total income	140,481	57,981	7,883
Interest expense	11,550	10,977	10,201
Other expense	9,868	8,658	8,717
Total expenses	21,418	19,635	18,918
Income tax benefit (expense)	2,357	24,862	398
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed loss of subsidiaries	121,420	63,208	-10,637
Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	-53,800	209,932	44,493
Net income	$67,620	$273,140	$33,856

Condensed_Financial_Statements3

Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks Inc. (Parent Only) (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash	$192,655	$228,898
Other assets	61,889	52,649
Total assets	7,566,986	7,425,419
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Long-term debt	129,865	129,865
Total liabilities	6,827,409	6,629,704
Shareholders' equity	739,577	795,715	581,405	575,486
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	7,566,986	7,425,419
Parent
Assets
Cash	31,967	36,338
Investment in subsidiaries	816,919	869,665
Other assets	32,295	34,972
Total assets	881,181	940,975
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Long-term debt	129,865	129,865
Other liabilities	11,739	15,395
Total liabilities	141,604	145,260
Shareholders' equity	739,577	795,715
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$881,181	$940,975

Condensed_Financial_Statements4

Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks Inc. (Parent Only) (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income	$67,620	$273,140	$33,856
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	19,952	26,388	32,562
Change in assets and liabilities:
Net cash provided by (used) in operating activities	101,896	191,652	183,078
Investing activities:
Sales and paydowns of securities available for sale	419,201	39,731	469,167
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-237,495	-482,791	-102,013
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	12,206
Proceeds from exercise of warrant		19,389
Repurchase of outstanding warrant	-12,000
Cash dividends on common stock	-1,810
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock		-15	-12
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock	-802	-9,440	-9,000
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock	-412	-1,657	-1,687
Net cash used in financing activities	99,358	268,888	-208,332
Net change in cash	-36,241	-22,251	-127,267
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	228,898	251,149	378,416
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	192,657	228,898	251,149
Parent
Operating activities:
Net income	67,620	273,140	33,856
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries	53,800	-209,932	-44,493
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	22	82	142
Stock-based compensation	4,304	3,045	1,976
Change in assets and liabilities:
Other assets	2,529	-29,168	21,722
Other liabilities	-9,177	5,682	-20,483
Net cash provided by (used) in operating activities	119,098	42,849	-7,280
Investing activities:
Purchases and disposal of premises and equipment	-44
Sales and paydowns of securities available for sale	537	586
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	493	586
Financing activities:
Repayment of subordinated notes		-35,000	-30,500
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes		40,000	35,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans	469	796	894
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	12,206
Proceeds from exercise of warrant		19,389
Repurchase of outstanding warrant	-12,000
Retirement of preferred stock	-121,613	-75,217
Cash dividends on common stock	-1,810
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock		-15	-12
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock	-802	-9,440	-9,000
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock	-412	-1,657	-1,687
Net cash used in financing activities	-123,962	-61,144	-5,305
Net change in cash	-4,371	-17,709	-12,585
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	36,338	54,047	66,632
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$31,967	$36,338	$54,047