Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012 Wealth Management [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Wealth Management [Member]		Mar. 31, 2012 Consumer Loans [Member]		Mar. 31, 2012 Commercial Lending [Member]		Mar. 31, 2012 Investment Management [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 317,962	[1]	$ 20,517	[1]	$ 20,517	[1]	$ 98,999	[1]	$ 117,689	[1]	$ 80,757	[1]
Goodwill from business combinations	102,472	[1]					27,369	[1]	53,059	[1]	22,044	[1]
Ending balance	$ 420,434	[1]	$ 20,517	[1]	$ 20,517	[1]	$ 126,368	[1]	$ 170,748	[1]	$ 102,801	[1]

[1] Valley's Wealth Management Division is comprised of trust, asset management, and insurance services. This reporting unit is included in the Consumer Lending segment for financial reporting purposes.