Selected Balance Sheet information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 36,052,116		$ 36,507,535
Deposits	26,395,054		27,000,613
PUERTO RICO
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	25,912,067		26,582,248
Loans	17,948,824		18,484,977
Deposits	19,406,949		19,984,830
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	9,013,477		8,816,143
Loans	5,924,406		5,852,705
Deposits	6,036,980		6,049,168
Other Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,126,572		1,109,144
Loans	754,494		755,950
Deposits	$ 951,125	[1]	$ 966,615	[1]

[1] Represents deposits from BPPR operations located in the US and British Virgin Islands.