INVESTMENT SECURITIES - Realized gains and losses on sales of securities available for sale (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Realized gains	$ 0	[1]	$ 34,449	[1]	$ 93,719	[1]
Realized Losses	0		0		(540)
Net realized security gains	$ 0		$ 34,449		$ 93,179

[1] (1) Represents common shares of another financial institution in Puerto Rico.