Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans Expenses Incurred Under Certain Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Plans	$ 70,164	$ 48,344	$ 67,008
Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan	22,941	24,556	17,745
Retention Program	2,577	2,076	2,430
Warrant Incentive Plan	5,818	2,523	2,473
SVBFG 401(k) Plan	11,277	9,947	8,164
SVBFG Employee Stock Ownership Plan	$ 7,429	$ 10,324	$ 8,652