Interim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income before noncontrolling interests	$ 53,140	$ 76,076	$ 150,151	$ 238,903
Change in cumulative translation gains:
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains	2,940	(5,573)	755	(3,682)
Related tax benefit (expense)	(1,190)	2,280	(314)	1,506
Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains	27,596	93,701	64,631	168,378
Related tax expense	(11,473)	(38,329)	(26,290)	(68,858)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	101	(5)	(3,592)	(37,288)
Related tax expense	(41)	2	1,421	15,254
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	17,933	52,076	36,611	75,310
Comprehensive income	71,073	128,152	186,762	314,213
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(10,851)	(38,505)	(25,469)	(102,575)
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG	$ 60,222	$ 89,647	$ 161,293	$ 211,638