Expenses Incurred Under Certain Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Plans	$ 67,008	$ 38,794	$ 18,285
Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan	17,745	16,966	6,878
Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan	3,861	1,723
Retention Program	2,430	222	977
Warrant Incentive Plan	2,473	829	578
SVBFG 401(k) Plan	8,164	6,058	6,010
SVBFG Employee Stock Ownership Plan	$ 8,652	$ 8,019