XML 246 R234.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Carrying or notional amounts and estimated fair values for financial instruments (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2014
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Cash And Due From Banks $ 381,095us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks $ 423,211us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks $ 439,363us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks $ 535,282us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks  
Money market investments 1,822,386us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue 858,453us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue      
Trading account securities, at fair value 138,527us-gaap_TradingSecurities 339,743us-gaap_TradingSecurities      
Available For Sale Securities 5,315,159us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities 5,294,800us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 94,199us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue 120,688us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue      
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Servicing Asset At Fair Value Amount 148,694us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount 161,099us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount 154,430us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 25,362us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset 34,710us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset      
Deposits, by Type [Abstract]          
Time Deposits 7,474,445us-gaap_TimeDeposits 8,311,352us-gaap_TimeDeposits      
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Federal Funds Purchased 100,000us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchased 0us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchased      
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 1,171,657us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase 1,659,292us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase      
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Other Notes Payable 19,830us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable 23,496us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable      
Fixed Rate 6125 To 8327 Percent Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures Due 2027 To 2034 [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 439,800us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member		 439,800us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member		      
Fixed Rate 500 Percent Until December 2013 And 900 Percent Thereafter Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures With No Stated Maturity [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember		 531,540us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember		      
Fixed Rate 700 Percent Notes Due July 2019 [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Senior Long Term Notes 450,000us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate700PercentNotesDueJuly2019Member		 0us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate700PercentNotesDueJuly2019Member		     450,000us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate700PercentNotesDueJuly2019Member
Puerto Rico States And Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Available For Sale Securities 61,712us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		 66,377us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 92,597us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		 94,712us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		      
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations Issued By Private Enterprise [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Available For Sale Securities 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByPrivateEnterpriseMember		 513us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByPrivateEnterpriseMember		      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByPrivateEnterpriseMember		 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByPrivateEnterpriseMember		      
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations Issued By U S Government Sponsored Enterprises And U S Government [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Available For Sale Securities 1,910,030us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		 2,418,296us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 102us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		 122us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		      
Other Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Available For Sale Securities 11,306us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		 12,170us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 1,500us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		 25,854us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Cash And Due From Banks 381,095us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 423,211us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Money market investments 1,671,477us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 677,033us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Trading account securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 [1] 0us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 [1]      
Available For Sale Securities 323us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 [1] 412us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 [1]      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 0us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Federal Reserve Bank Stock 0us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Trust Preferred Securities 0bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Other Investments 0us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Total other investment securities 0bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Loans held-for-sale 0us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
FDIC loss share asset 0us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Servicing Asset At Fair Value Amount 0us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 0us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Deposits, by Type [Abstract]          
Demand Deposit Accounts 0us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Time Deposits 0us-gaap_TimeDeposits
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_TimeDeposits
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Deposits 0us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Assets sold under agreements to repurchase 0us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Other short-term borrowings 0us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 [2] 0us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 [2]      
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances Long Term 0us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Medium-term Notes 0us-gaap_MediumTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_MediumTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Other Notes Payable 0us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Notes payable 0us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Derivative Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Fair Value Off Balance Sheet [Abstract]          
Commitments to extend credit 0us-gaap_CommitmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_CommitmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Letters of credit Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Structured Finance [Member]          
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis
= us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember		 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis
= us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Rate 6125 To 8327 Percent Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures Due 2027 To 2034 [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Rate 500 Percent Until December 2013 And 900 Percent Thereafter Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures With No Stated Maturity [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Puerto Rico States And Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations Issued By U S Government Sponsored Enterprises And U S Government [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Other Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Cash And Due From Banks 0us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Money market investments 150,909us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 181,420us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Trading account securities, at fair value 129,360us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 [1] 326,509us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 [1]      
Available For Sale Securities 5,313,511us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 [1] 5,287,865us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 [1]      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 1,500us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 1,500us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 66,773us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 85,245us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Federal Reserve Bank Stock 80,025us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 80,385us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Trust Preferred Securities 12,197bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 13,197bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Other Investments 0us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Total other investment securities 158,995bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 178,827bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Loans held-for-sale 27,074us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 3,155us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
FDIC loss share asset 0us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Servicing Asset At Fair Value Amount 0us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 25,362us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 34,793us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Deposits, by Type [Abstract]          
Demand Deposit Accounts 17,333,090us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 18,399,793us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Time Deposits 7,512,683us-gaap_TimeDeposits
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 8,367,410us-gaap_TimeDeposits
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Deposits 24,845,773us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 26,767,203us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 1,269,398us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 1,025,628us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Assets sold under agreements to repurchase 1,269,398us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 1,720,050us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Other short-term borrowings 20,200us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 [2] 401,200us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 [2]      
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances Long Term 814,877us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 604,976us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Medium-term Notes 0us-gaap_MediumTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_MediumTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Other Notes Payable 0us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Notes payable 1,654,807us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 953,198us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Derivative Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure 23,032us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 32,378us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Fair Value Off Balance Sheet [Abstract]          
Commitments to extend credit 0us-gaap_CommitmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_CommitmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Letters of credit Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Structured Finance [Member]          
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis
= us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember		 694,422us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis
= us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Rate 6125 To 8327 Percent Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures Due 2027 To 2034 [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 379,400us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 348,222us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Rate 500 Percent Until December 2013 And 900 Percent Thereafter Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures With No Stated Maturity [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Puerto Rico States And Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations Issued By U S Government Sponsored Enterprises And U S Government [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Other Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 1,500us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		 1,500us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Cash And Due From Banks 0us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Money market investments 0us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Trading account securities, at fair value 9,167us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 [1] 13,151us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 [1]      
Available For Sale Securities 1,325us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 [1] 6,523us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 [1]      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 92,699us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 119,188us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 0us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Federal Reserve Bank Stock 0us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Trust Preferred Securities 1,000bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 1,000bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Other Investments 5,028us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 4,699us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Total other investment securities 6,028bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 5,699bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Loans held-for-sale 87,862us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 109,405us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
FDIC loss share asset 481,420us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 837,131us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Servicing Asset At Fair Value Amount 148,694us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 161,099us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 0us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Deposits, by Type [Abstract]          
Demand Deposit Accounts 0us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Time Deposits 0us-gaap_TimeDeposits
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_TimeDeposits
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Deposits 0us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Assets sold under agreements to repurchase 0us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Other short-term borrowings 1,000us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 [2] 0us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 [2]      
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances Long Term 0us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Medium-term Notes 0us-gaap_MediumTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 716us-gaap_MediumTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Other Notes Payable 19,830us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 23,496us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Notes payable 19,830us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 1,030,850us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Derivative Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability 133,634us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 128,299us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Fair Value Off Balance Sheet [Abstract]          
Commitments to extend credit 1,716us-gaap_CommitmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 2,571us-gaap_CommitmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Letters of credit Fair Value Disclosure 486us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 901us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Structured Finance [Member]          
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis
= us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember		 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis
= us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Rate 6125 To 8327 Percent Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures Due 2027 To 2034 [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Rate 500 Percent Until December 2013 And 900 Percent Thereafter Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures With No Stated Maturity [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 1,006,638us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Puerto Rico States And Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 92,597us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		 94,712us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations Issued By U S Government Sponsored Enterprises And U S Government [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 102us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		 122us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		      
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		 24,354us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		      
Non Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Loans held-in-portfolio, net 0us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_NonCoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_NonCoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Non Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Loans held-in-portfolio, net 0us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_NonCoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_NonCoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Non Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Loans held-in-portfolio, net 18,079,609us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_NonCoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 19,070,337us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_NonCoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Loans held-in-portfolio, net 0us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_CoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		 0us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_CoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member		      
Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Loans held-in-portfolio, net 0us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_CoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		 0us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_CoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member		      
Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Loans held-in-portfolio, net 2,947,909us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_CoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		 3,404,128us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_CoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Cash And Due From Banks 381,095us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 423,211us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Money market investments 1,822,386us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 858,453us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Trading account securities, at fair value 138,527us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 [1] 339,660us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 [1]      
Available For Sale Securities 5,315,159us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 [1] 5,294,800us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 [1]      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 103,170us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 140,496us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 66,773us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 85,245us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Federal Reserve Bank Stock 80,025us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 80,385us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Trust Preferred Securities 13,197bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 14,197bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Other Investments 1,911us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 1,925us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Total other investment securities 161,906bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 181,752bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Loans held-for-sale 106,104us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 110,426us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
FDIC loss share asset 542,454us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 948,608us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Servicing Asset At Fair Value Amount 148,694us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 161,099us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 25,362us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 34,793us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Deposits, by Type [Abstract]          
Demand Deposit Accounts 17,333,090us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 18,399,793us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Time Deposits 7,474,445us-gaap_TimeDeposits
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 8,311,352us-gaap_TimeDeposits
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Deposits 24,807,535us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 26,711,145us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 1,271,657us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 1,021,102us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Assets sold under agreements to repurchase 1,271,657us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 1,659,292us-gaap_FederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Other short-term borrowings 21,200us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 [2] 401,200us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 [2]      
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances Long Term 802,198us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 589,229us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Medium-term Notes 0us-gaap_MediumTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 689us-gaap_MediumTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Senior Long Term Notes 450,000us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		        
Other Notes Payable 19,830us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 23,496us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Notes payable 1,711,828us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 1,584,754us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Derivative Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure 23,032us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 32,378us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability 133,634us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 128,299us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Structured Finance [Member]          
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Abstract]          
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase 0us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
/ us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis
= us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember		 638,190us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
/ us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis
= us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Fixed Rate 6125 To 8327 Percent Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures Due 2027 To 2034 [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 439,800us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 439,800us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate6125To8327PercentJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesDue2027To2034Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Fixed Rate 500 Percent Until December 2013 And 900 Percent Thereafter Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures With No Stated Maturity [Member]          
Notes Payable [Abstract]          
Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed To Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 531,540us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebentureOwedToUnconsolidatedSubsidiaryTrust
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= bpop_FixedRate500PercentUntilDecember2013And900PercentThereafterJuniorSubordinatedDeferrableInterestDebenturesWithNoStatedMaturityMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Puerto Rico States And Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 101,573us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		 113,881us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_PuertoRicoStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsDebtSecuritiesMember		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations Issued By U S Government Sponsored Enterprises And U S Government [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 97us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		 115us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_CollateralizedMortgageObligationsIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesAndUSGovernmentMember		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Other Securities [Member]          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 1,500us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		 26,500us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= bpop_OtherSecuritiesMember		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Non Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Loans held-in-portfolio, net 18,884,732us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_NonCoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 21,073,403us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_NonCoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Loans held-in-portfolio, net 2,460,589us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_CoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		 2,882,335us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure
/ bpop_BankingAgenciesAxis
= bpop_CoveredUnderLossSharingAgreementsWithFDICMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure          
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]          
Cash And Due From Banks 381,095us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 423,211us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Money market investments 1,822,386us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 858,453us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Trading account securities, at fair value 138,527us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 [1] 339,660us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 [1]      
Available For Sale Securities 5,315,159us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 [1] 5,294,800us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 [1]      
Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value 94,199us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 120,688us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 66,773us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 85,245us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Federal Reserve Bank Stock 80,025us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 80,385us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Trust Preferred Securities 13,197bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 14,197bpop_TrustPreferredSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Other Investments 5,028us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 4,699us-gaap_OtherInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Total other investment securities 165,023bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 184,526bpop_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Loans held-for-sale 114,936us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 112,560us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
FDIC loss share asset 481,420us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 837,131us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Servicing Asset At Fair Value Amount 148,694us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 161,099us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 25,362us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		 34,793us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
= us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember		      
Deposits, by Type [Abstract]          
Demand Deposit Accounts 17,333,090us-gaap_DemandDepositAccounts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
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Notes Payable [Abstract]          
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Notes payable 1,674,637us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
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Derivative Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure 23,032us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
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Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability 133,634us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
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Fair Value Off Balance Sheet [Abstract]          
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Notes Payable [Abstract]          
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Notes Payable [Abstract]          
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Senior Long Term Notes 0us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes
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Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure | Non Covered Under Loss Sharing Agreements With F D I C [Member]          
Marketable Securities, Alternative [Abstract]          
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[1] Refer to Note 35 to the consolidated financial statements for the fair value by class of financial asset and its hierarchy level.
[2] Refer to Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for the composition of short-term borrowings.