Subsequent events- Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013 Popular Capital Trust I I I [Member] Trust Preferred Securities Subject To Mandatory Redemption [Member]		Dec. 31, 2012 Popular Capital Trust I I I [Member] Trust Preferred Securities Subject To Mandatory Redemption [Member]
Subsequent Events [Line Items]
Subsequent Event Description	On October 18, 2013, the Corporation submitted a formal application to the Federal Reserve of New York to redeem the $935 million in trust preferred securities due under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (“TARP”), discussed in Note 17. While there can be no assurance that the Corporation will be approved to repay TARP, nor on the timing of this event, if the Corporation is approved and repays TARP in full, a non-cash charge to earnings would be recorded for the unamortized portion of the discount associated with this debt, which at September 30, 2013 had a balance of $411 million.
Debt Instrument Unamortized Discount	$ 411,129
Trust Preferred Securities		$ 935,000	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 935,000	[1],[2],[3],[4]

[1] Statutory business trust that is wholly-owned by the Corporation.

[2] These capital securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis by the Corporation to the extent set forth in the applicable guarantee agreement.

[3] The debentures are perpetual and may be redeemed by Popular at any time, subject to the consent of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

[4] Carrying value of junior subordinated debentures of $ 525 million at September 30, 2013 ($ 936 million aggregate liquidation amount, net of $ 411 million discount) and $ 499 million at December 31, 2012 ($ 936 million aggregate liquidation amount, net of $ 437 million discount).