Nature of operations and basis of presentation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Reversal of accelerated FDIC Indemnification Asset, Accretion of Discount	$ 12,492	$ 0	$ 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