Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012 Wealth Management		Dec. 31, 2011 Wealth Management		Sep. 30, 2012 Consumer Loans		Sep. 30, 2012 Commercial Loan		Sep. 30, 2012 Investment Management
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	102,481	[1]					27,371	[1]	53,040	[1]	22,070	[1]
Ending balance	$ 420,443	[1]	$ 20,517	[1]	$ 20,517	[1]	$ 126,370	[1]	$ 170,729	[1]	$ 102,827	[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.