SEGMENT DISCLOSURES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 20,881,493		$ 20,806,659
Covered under loss share agreements	2,362,152	[1]	2,007,452	[1]
Not covered under loss share agreements in loans and leases	11,581,637		11,480,577
Not covered under loss share agreements	270,144		227,765		172,282	157,569
Goodwill	102,625		102,625
Interest income	1,015,159		969,368		738,159
Interest expense	144,192		195,125		227,644
Net interest income	870,967		774,243		510,515
Provision for loan and lease losses	232,277		143,519		79,364
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses	638,690		630,724		431,151
Noninterest income	464,366		406,214		403,451
Noninterest expense	792,925		733,376		651,503
Income (loss) before income taxes	310,131		303,562		183,099
Income taxes	131,740		151,893		30,996
Net income (loss)	$ 195,028		$ 193,044		$ 116,331

[1] Covered loans are acquired loans subject to loss share agreements with the FDIC.