Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Remaining Unfunded Commitments to Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds by our Consolidated Managed Funds (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	$ 434,754
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	2,298
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	7,501
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	25,575
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	68,836
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	253,323
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	49,277
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	11,326
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	12,651
Other private equity fund
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	$ 3,967