Expenses Incurred Under Certain Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Plans	$ 48,344	$ 67,008	$ 38,794
Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan	24,556	17,745	16,966
Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan	3,460	3,861	1,723
Retention Program	2,076	2,430	222
Warrant Incentive Plan	2,523	2,473	829
SVBFG 401(k) Plan	9,947	8,164	6,058
SVBFG Employee Stock Ownership Plan	$ 10,324	$ 8,652	$ 8,019