Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 317,891	[1]	$ 296,424	[1]
Goodwill from business combinations	71	[1]	21,467	[1]
Ending balance	317,962	[1]	317,891	[1]
Wealth Management [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	20,446	[1]	18,978	[1]
Goodwill from business combinations	71	[1]	1,468	[1]
Ending balance	20,517	[1]	20,446	[1]
Total Consumer Loans [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	98,999	[1]	93,805	[1]
Goodwill from business combinations		[1]	5,194	[1]
Ending balance	98,999	[1]	98,999	[1]
Commercial Loans [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	117,689	[1]	107,969	[1]
Goodwill from business combinations		[1]	9,720	[1]
Ending balance	117,689	[1]	117,689	[1]
Investment Management [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	80,757	[1]	75,672	[1]
Goodwill from business combinations		[1]	5,085	[1]
Ending balance	$ 80,757	[1]	$ 80,757	[1]

[1] Valley's Wealth Management Division is comprised of trust, asset management, and insurance services. This reporting unit is included in the Consumer Lending segment for financial reporting purposes.