Remaining Unfunded Commitments to Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds by our Consolidated Managed Funds (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	$ 428,139
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	2,266
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	7,251
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	22,996
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	61,526
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	231,033
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	76,906
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	10,309
SVB Capital-NT Growth Partners, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	12,060
Other private equity fund
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	$ 3,792