Geographic information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	$ 461,490	[1]	$ 507,727	[1]
PUERTO RICO
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	353,510	[1]	396,249	[1]
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	83,724	[1]	88,404	[1]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	$ 24,256	[1]	$ 23,074	[1]

[1] Total revenues include net interest income, service charges on deposit accounts, other service fees, net gain on sale and valuation adjustments of investment securities, trading account profit, net gain on sale of loans and valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale, adjustments to indemnity reserves on loans sold, FDIC loss share (expense) income, fair value change in equity appreciation instrument and other operating income.