Loans - Changes in FDIC Loss-Share Receivable (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of the period	$ 13,848us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset	$ 32,757us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset
Discount accretion of the present value at the acquisition dates	43	11
Effect of additional cash flows on covered loans (prospective recognition)	(4,072)	(1,856)
Other reimbursable expenses	98vly_OtherReimbursableExpensesFromFdic	513vly_OtherReimbursableExpensesFromFdic
Reimbursements from the FDIC	(1,954)	(1,424)
Other	(355)	1,256
Balance, end of the period	$ 7,608us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset	$ 31,257us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset

- Definition

Carrying amount of receivable assets originating from the indemnification agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), in which the FDIC is to partially cover losses.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Increases to the indemnification asset due to accretion of the loan discount relating to loss sharing agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAccretionOfDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increases to the indemnification asset due to additional estimated losses assumed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), relating to loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAdditionalEstimatedLosses
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of decreases to the indemnification asset due to cash payments received relating to loss sharing agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount represents adjustments to the FDIC Loss share receivable such as estimated losses on the unused lines of credit assumed in the FDIC-assisted transactions, which have expired.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_OtherAdjustmentsToFdicLossShareReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reimbursable portion of expenses covered by the FDIC loss-sharing agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_OtherReimbursableExpensesFromFdic
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration