Borrowed Funds - Junior Subordinated Debentures Outstanding (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 New York Community Capital Trust V (BONUSESSM Units)		Sep. 30, 2014 New York Community Capital Trust X		Sep. 30, 2014 PennFed Capital Trust III		Sep. 30, 2014 New York Community Capital Trust XI
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Interest Rate of Capital Securities and Debentures			6.00%		1.834%		3.484%		1.883%
Outstanding junior subordinated debentures	$ 358,296	$ 358,126	$ 144,370		$ 123,712		$ 30,928		$ 59,286
Capital Securities Amount Outstanding	$ 345,519		$ 138,019		$ 120,000		$ 30,000		$ 57,500
Date of Original Issue			Nov. 04, 2002		Dec. 14, 2006		Jun. 02, 2003		Apr. 16, 2007
Stated Maturity			Nov. 01, 2051		Dec. 15, 2036		Jun. 15, 2033		Jun. 30, 2037
First Optional Redemption Date			Nov. 04, 2007	[1]	Dec. 15, 2011	[2]	Jun. 15, 2008	[2]	Jun. 30, 2012	[2]

[1] Callable subject to certain conditions as described in the prospectus filed with the SEC on November 4, 2002.

[2] Callable from this date forward.