LOANS AND LEASES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	$ 2,958,321	$ 3,049,505	$ 2,868,220
Less: Unearned income	(1,424)	(2,535)
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(65,216)	(65,899)	(74,767)	(85,313)
Non-covered loans and leases, net	2,891,681	2,981,071	2,790,516
Total gross non-covered loans and leases (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Real estate mortgage
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	1,796,484	1,917,670	1,896,052
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(37,265)	(38,700)	(42,210)	(50,205)
Total gross non-covered loans and leases (as a percent)	61.00%	63.00%
Real estate construction
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	126,707	129,959	118,304
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(3,300)	(3,221)	(6,475)	(8,697)
Total gross non-covered loans and leases (as a percent)	4.00%	4.00%
Commercial
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	794,419	787,775	665,441
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(21,053)	(20,661)	(23,556)	(23,308)
Total gross non-covered loans and leases (as a percent)	26.00%	25.00%
Leases
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	204,766	174,373	153,845
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(2,006)	(1,493)	(458)
Total gross non-covered loans and leases (as a percent)	7.00%	6.00%
Consumer
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	18,677	22,487	15,826
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	(1,494)	(1,726)	(1,908)	(2,768)
Total gross non-covered loans and leases (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
Foreign
Composition of non-covered loans
Total gross non-covered loans and leases	17,268	17,241	18,752
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses	$ (98)	$ (98)	$ (160)	$ (335)
Total gross non-covered loans and leases (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%