Selected Balance Sheet information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 36,744,162		$ 35,749,333
Deposits	27,265,651		26,711,145
PUERTO RICO
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	26,584,140		25,714,758
Loans	18,006,842		18,107,764
Deposits	20,270,578		19,730,408
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	9,038,539		8,897,535
Loans	5,802,969		5,839,115
Deposits	6,055,811		6,007,159
Other Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,121,483		1,137,040
Loans	766,897		759,840
Deposits	$ 939,262	[1]	$ 973,578	[1]

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