LOANS AND LEASES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	$ 3,049,505	$ 2,812,105
Less: Unearned income	(2,535)	(4,392)
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(65,899)	(85,313)	(98,653)
Non-covered loans and leases, net	2,981,071	2,722,400
Real estate mortgage
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	1,917,670	1,982,464
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(38,700)	(50,205)	(51,657)
Real estate construction
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	129,959	113,059
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(3,221)	(8,697)	(8,766)
Commercial
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	787,775	671,939
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(20,595)	(23,308)	(33,229)
Leases
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	174,373
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(1,559)
Consumer
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	22,487	23,711
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(1,726)	(2,768)	(4,652)
Foreign
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	17,241	20,932
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	$ (98)	$ (335)	$ (349)