Note 25 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Detail) - Statements of Financial Condition (Parent Company Only) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jan. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Assets
Cash and interest-bearing deposits	$ 641,530	$ 585,776		$ 127,379	$ 114,308
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries			100,000
Goodwill	265,477			262,886	262,886
Other assets	179,064	203,192
Total assets	7,973,594	8,138,302
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Senior and subordinated debt	252,153	137,744
Stockholders’ equity	962,587	1,112,045
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	7,973,594	8,138,302
Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Cash and interest-bearing deposits	47,101	51,442		141,941	209,195
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,135,930	1,173,342
Goodwill	10,358	10,358
Other assets	45,592	35,582
Total assets	1,238,981	1,270,724
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Senior and subordinated debt	252,153	137,744
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	24,241	20,935
Stockholders’ equity	962,587	1,112,045
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,238,981	$ 1,270,724