LOANS AND LEASES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Composition of loan portfolio
Non-covered loans and leases	$ 3,762,720	$ 3,864,917
Covered loans	398,365	448,418
Total gross loans and leases	4,161,085	4,313,335	3,470,687
Unearned income	(18)	(983)
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income	4,161,067	4,312,352	3,469,263
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Non-covered loans and leases	(60,250)	(60,241)
Covered loans	(20,930)	(21,793)
Total allowance for loans and lease losses	(81,180)	(82,034)	(94,519)	(91,968)
Total loans and leases, net	4,079,887	4,230,318	3,374,744
Non-PCI Loans
Composition of loan portfolio
Non-covered loans and leases	3,745,849	3,844,591
Covered loans	82,720	85,948
Total gross loans and leases	3,828,569	3,930,539	2,983,198
Unearned income	(18)	(983)
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income	3,828,551	3,929,556
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Non-covered loans and leases	(59,980)	(60,241)
Total allowance for loans and lease losses	(59,980)	(60,241)	(65,216)	(65,899)
Total loans and leases, net	3,768,571	3,869,315
PCI Loans
Composition of loan portfolio
Non-covered loans and leases	16,871	20,326
Covered loans	315,645	362,470
Total gross loans and leases	332,516	382,796	487,489
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income	332,516	382,796
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Non-covered loans and leases	(270)
Covered loans	(20,930)	(21,793)
Total allowance for loans and lease losses	(21,200)	(21,793)	(29,303)	(26,069)
Total loans and leases, net	$ 311,316	$ 361,003