Investment securities - Changes in Credit Losses Associated with Debt Securities for Which OTTI Losses (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 794	$ 264,197	$ 197,809	$ 285,399
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized		5,672	9,800	33,331
Reductions for realized losses	(626)	(67,926)	(207,441)	(116,787)
Ending balance	$ 168	$ 201,943	$ 168	$ 201,943

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This item represents an increase to the cumulative amount of credit losses recognized in earnings for an other than temporary impairment (OTTI) of a debt security held for which no such other than temporary impairment (OTTI) was previously recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27340-111563

+ Details

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- Definition

The cumulative amount of credit losses recognized in earnings related to debt securities held for which a portion of an other than temporary impairment (OTTI) was recognized in other comprehensive income (a component of shareholders' equity).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27340-111563

+ Details

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- Definition

This item represents reductions in the cumulative amount of credit losses recognized in earnings for an other than temporary impairment (OTTI) of a debt security because of the sale of impaired securities during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27340-111563

+ Details

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