Gross amount of goodwill and accumulated impairment losses by reportable segment and corporate group (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Gross	$ 812,322	$ 812,761	$ 811,798	$ 811,798
Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss	164,411	164,411	164,411	164,411
Goodwill (net amounts)	647,911	648,350	647,387	647,387
Banco Popular De Puerto Rico [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Gross	245,833	246,272	245,309	245,309
Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0	0	0
Goodwill (net amounts)	245,833	246,272	245,309	245,309
Banco Popular North America [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Gross	566,489	566,489	566,489	566,489
Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss	164,411	164,411	164,411	164,411
Goodwill (net amounts)	$ 402,078	$ 402,078	$ 402,078	$ 402,078

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details