Carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segments and Corporate group (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 647,757	$ 647,757
Goodwil, Acquired During Period			0	0
Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments			0	0
Other			0	0
Ending Balance	461,246	647,757	461,246	647,757
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Written Off Related To Business Unit To Be Disposed	186,511	0	186,511	0
Banco Popular De Puerto Rico [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			245,679	245,679
Goodwil, Acquired During Period			0	0
Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments			0	0
Goodwill Written Off Related To Business Unit To Be Disposed			0
Other			0	0
Ending Balance	245,679	245,679	245,679	245,679
Banco Popular North America [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			402,078	402,078
Goodwil, Acquired During Period			0	0
Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments			0	0
Goodwill Written Off Related To Business Unit To Be Disposed			(186,511)
Other			0	0
Ending Balance	$ 215,567	$ 402,078	$ 215,567	$ 402,078