Note Goodwill and other intangible assets (Gross amount of goodwill and accumulated impairment losses by reportable segment and corporate group) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Gross	$ 795,506	$ 790,799		$ 630,087
Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss	164,411	164,411		164,411
Goodwill (net amounts)	631,095	626,388	$ 505,435	465,676
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Gross	280,221	280,221		250,109
Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0		0
Goodwill (net amounts)	280,221	280,221	251,133	250,109
Banco Popular North America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Gross	515,285	510,578		379,978
Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss	164,411	164,411		164,411
Goodwill (net amounts)	$ 350,874	$ 346,167	$ 254,302	$ 215,567