Additional disclosures on cash flow information and non-cash activities - Additional information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Additional Disclosure On Cash Flow Information And Non Cash Activities [Line Items]
Net cash disbursed from disposal of discontinued business	$ (233,967)	$ 0

Cash paid resulting from the settlement of the sale of a business component.

No definition available.

Name:	bpop_DiscontinuedOperationSettlementFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedBusiness
Namespace Prefix:	bpop_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration