Summary of the Estimated Fair Values of Investments and Remaining Unfunded Commitments for Each Major Category of Investments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 721,283
Unfunded Commitments	472,776
Investment company fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Non-marketable securities
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	515,118	[1]
Unfunded Commitments	344,559	[1]
Equity method accounting | Other investments | Non-marketable securities
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	65,020	[2]
Unfunded Commitments	19,900	[2]
Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Non-marketable securities
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	141,145	[3]
Unfunded Commitments	$ 108,317	[3]

[1] Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (investment company fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds, one of our co-investment funds and one other private equity fund. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under investment company fair value accounting are $440.0 million and $318.9 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.

[2] Other investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 years, depending on the age of the funds.

[3] Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (cost method accounting) include investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds. Included in the $108.3 million of unfunded commitments is $88.1 million of unfunded commitments made by SVB Financial which were originally intended to be transferred to certain new managed funds of funds. We currently do not have any plans to transfer these investments to any new or existing managed fund. Until we may later decide to transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of the investments to a fund managed by us or a third party, they continue to remain investments and obligations of SVB Financial.