Organization, consolidation and basis of presentation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Loss Share Indemnification Asset [Line Items]
Reversal of accelerated FDIC Indemnification Asset, Accretion of Discount	$ 15,046	$ 0	$ 15,046	$ 0

Reverse of the impact of accelerated amortization expense recorded in prior periods. This amount will be recognized as expense over the remaining portion of the Loss Sharing Agreement.

No definition available.

Name:	bpop_ReversalOfAcceleratedFdicIndemnificationAssetAccretionOfDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	bpop_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration