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	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	$ 506,163
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	2,250
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	5,770
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	17,249
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	45,277
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	181,221
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	237,682
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	7,884
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	8,587
Other private equity fund
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	$ 243