Note 5 - Covered Assets (Detail) - Covered Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Home equity lines (1)	$ 45,451	[1]	$ 52,980	[1]
Covered impaired loans	178,025		281,893
Other covered loans (2)	37,026	[2]	36,856	[2]
Total covered loans	260,502	[3]	371,729	[3]
FDIC indemnification asset	65,609		95,899		67,945
Covered other real estate owned	23,455		22,370
Covered non-accrual loans	19,879
Covered loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest	43,347		84,350
Carrying Amount [Member]
Covered other real estate owned	23,455		22,370
Total covered assets	$ 349,566		$ 489,998

[1] These loans are open-end consumer loans that are not categorized as purchased impaired loans.

[2] These are loans that did not evidence impairment on the date of acquisition.

[3] For information on covered loans, refer to Note 5, "Covered Assets."