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Loans, Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary of Impairment Method Information Related to Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]    
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded (1) $ 124,928us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment $ 25,754us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 41,822us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment 152,623us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 166,750us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment 178,377us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 8,147,571us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment 6,513,981us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 96,474us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality 118,323us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
Total recorded investment 8,410,795us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount 6,810,681us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 134,791us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance 27,458us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 44,220us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance 170,302us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 179,011wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment 197,760wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 8,147,571wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment 6,513,981wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 137,797wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality 171,165wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
Total unpaid principal balance 8,464,379wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance 6,882,906wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 10,765us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance 5,280us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 10,765us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1 5,280us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 99,188us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment 94,448us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 263us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality 322us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
Total loans held for investment 110,216us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance 100,050us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
Owner occupied [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]    
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded (1) 28,024us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
1,092us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 16,869us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
36,810us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 44,893us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
37,902us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 1,671,812us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
1,500,740us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 17,912us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
23,220us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Total recorded investment 1,734,617us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
1,561,862us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 31,292us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
1,092us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 17,010us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
43,537us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 48,302wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
44,629wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 1,671,812wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
1,500,740wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 24,273wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
34,951wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Total unpaid principal balance 1,744,387wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
1,580,320wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 2,082us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
402us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 2,082us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
402us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 10,198us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
12,158us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 174us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Total loans held for investment 12,454us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
12,560us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember
Non-owner occupied [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]    
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded (1) 44,937us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
17,932us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 21,387us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
55,220us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 66,324us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
73,152us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 1,916,474us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
1,678,242us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 75,822us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
92,021us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Total recorded investment 2,058,620us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
1,843,415us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 45,853us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
19,273us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 21,550us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
58,322us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 67,403wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
77,595wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 1,916,474wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
1,678,242wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 108,935wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
130,279wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Total unpaid principal balance 2,092,812wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
1,886,116wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 2,537us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
2,121us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 2,537us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
2,121us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 13,734us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
17,061us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 58us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
322us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Total loans held for investment 16,329us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
19,504us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialRealEstateNonOwnerOccupiedMember
Commercial and industrial [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]    
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded (1) 11,399us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
1,907us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 2,350us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
14,985us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 13,749us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
16,892us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 3,313,550us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
2,219,500us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 330us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
348us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Total recorded investment 3,327,629us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
2,236,740us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 11,829us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
2,120us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 4,104us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
15,731us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 15,933wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
17,851wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 3,313,550wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
2,219,500wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 1,150wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
1,403wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Total unpaid principal balance 3,330,633wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
2,238,754wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 1,926us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
702us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 1,926us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
702us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 49,809us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
36,344us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 31us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Total loans held for investment 51,766us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
37,046us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialAndIndustrialMember
Residential real estate [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]    
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded (1) 19,300us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
4,580us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
21,796us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 19,300us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
26,376us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 277,162us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
321,683us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 2,410us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
2,253us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Total recorded investment 298,872us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
350,312us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 24,420us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
4,729us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
27,550us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 24,420wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
32,279wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 277,162wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
321,683wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 3,439wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
3,728wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Total unpaid principal balance 305,021wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
357,690wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 1,052us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
1,896us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 1,052us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
1,896us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 6,404us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
9,744us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Total loans held for investment 7,456us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
11,640us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember
Construction and land development [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]    
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded (1) 21,052us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
118us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 696us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
22,951us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 21,748us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
23,069us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 732,406us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
513,681us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
481us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Total recorded investment 754,154us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
537,231us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 21,169us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
118us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 885us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
24,137us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 22,054wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
24,255wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 732,406wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
513,681wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
804wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Total unpaid principal balance 754,460wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
538,740wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 3,112us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
85us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 3,112us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
85us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 15,446us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
14,434us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Total loans held for investment 18,558us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
14,519us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_ConstructionAndLandDevelopmentMember
Commercial leases [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]    
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded (1) 41us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
99us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 332us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
350us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 373us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
449us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 203,897us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
235,519us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Total recorded investment 204,270us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
235,968us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 41us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
99us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 483us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
502us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 524wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
601wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 203,897wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
235,519wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Total unpaid principal balance 204,421wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
236,120wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 39us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
70us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 39us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
70us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 2,761us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
2,541us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Total loans held for investment 2,800us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
2,611us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= wal_CommercialLeasesMember
Consumer [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]    
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded (1) 175us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
26us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 188us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
511us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 363us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
537us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 32,270us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
44,616us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Total recorded investment 32,633us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
45,153us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 187us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
27us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 188us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
523us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 375wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
550wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 32,270wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
44,616wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Total unpaid principal balance 32,645wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
45,166wal_FinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded 17us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
4us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded 0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
0wal_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment 17us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
4us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment 836us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
2,166us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAcquiredWithDeterioratedCreditQuality
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
Total loans held for investment $ 853us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember
$ 2,170us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember