Loans (Changes In FDIC Loss-Share Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Loans [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of the period	$ 89,359
Acquisitions		108,000
Discount accretion of the present value at the acquisition dates	582	1,166
Effect of additional cash flows on covered loans (prospective recognition)	(10,592)
Increase due to impairment on covered loans	19,520	5,102
Other reimbursable expenses	3,893	2,561
Reimbursements from the FDIC	(28,372)	(27,470)
Balance, end of the period	74,390	89,359
Change in FDIC loss-share receivable	$ 13,403	$ 6,268

Name:	us-gaap_LoansReceivableNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Income or expense related to the change in the FDIC loss-share receivable resulting from a change in the estimated credit losses on the pools of covered loans, as well as non-interest income related to the reimbursable portion of expenses covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements and the discount accretion resulting from the present value of the receivable recorded at the acquisition dates.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_ChangeInFdicLossShareReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The estimated amount of receivable from the FDIC for expected losses on covered assets acquired in FDIC- assisted transactions under the terms of loss-sharing agreements entered into with the FDIC.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_FdicLossShareReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

FDIC Loss Share Receivable At The Acquisition Date

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_FdicLossShareReceivableAtAcquisitionDate
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The discount accretion resulting from the present value of the receivable recorded at the acquisition dates and yield adjustment for increased cash flows from certain loan pools in excess of originally forecasted cash flows, which is recognized on a prospective basis.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_FdicReceivableAccretion
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cash receipts from the FDIC under the loss-share agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_FDICReceivableEffectOfReimbursementsFromFDIC
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The change in the FDIC loss-share receivable resulting from an increase in the estimated credit losses on the pools of covered loans subsequent to the acquisition dates recognized on a prospective basis.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_IncreaseDueToImpairmentOnCoveredLoans
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reimbursable portion of expenses covered by the FDIC loss-sharing agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_OtherReimbursableExpensesFromFdic
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Prospective adjustment for additional cash flows represents the effect on the FDIC receivable attributable to an accretable yield adjustment for increased cash flows from loan pools in excess of the acquisition date estimates.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vly_ProspectiveAdjustmentForAdditionalCashFlows
Namespace Prefix:	vly_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration