Note Goodwill and other intangible assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	$ 6,100		$ 6,100
Amortization Of Intangible Assets	3,114	$ 2,104
Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments	4,707	0
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0	0
Banco Popular North America
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments	4,707	0
Continuing Operations
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization Of Intangible Assets	$ 3,114	$ 2,104