LOANS AND LEASES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Composition of loan portfolio
Non-covered loans and leases	$ 3,873,388		$ 3,049,505
Covered loans	510,924		543,327
Total gross loans and leases	4,384,312		3,592,832	3,651,181
Unearned income	(919)		(2,535)
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income	4,383,393		3,590,297	3,648,991
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Non-covered loans and leases	(60,551)		(65,899)
Covered loans	(23,235)		(26,069)
Total allowance for loans and lease losses	(83,786)	(90,643)	(91,968)	(99,846)	(103,524)	(116,588)
Total loans and leases, net	4,299,607		3,498,329	3,549,145
Non-PCI Loans
Composition of loan portfolio
Non-covered loans and leases	3,854,129		3,049,505
Covered loans	97,426		25,442
Total gross loans and leases	3,951,555		3,074,947	3,080,068
Unearned income	(919)		(2,535)
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income	3,950,636		3,072,412
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Non-covered loans and leases	(60,551)		(65,899)
Total allowance for loans and lease losses	(60,551)	(63,246)	(65,899)	(69,142)	(72,061)	(85,313)
Total loans and leases, net	3,890,085		3,006,513
PCI Loans
Composition of loan portfolio
Non-covered loans and leases	19,259
Covered loans	413,498		517,885
Total gross loans and leases	432,757		517,885	571,113
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income	432,757		517,885
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Covered loans	(23,235)		(26,069)
Total allowance for loans and lease losses	(23,235)	(27,397)	(26,069)	(30,704)	(31,463)	(31,275)
Total loans and leases, net	$ 409,522		$ 491,816