Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities - Schedule of Gains and Losses from Fair Value Changes (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Gains And Losses From Fair Value Changes [Line Items]
Transfers from held-to-maturity to available for sale	$ 18.3

Transfers From Held To Maturity To Available For Sale Trust Preferred Securities

No definition available.

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