Selected Balance Sheet information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 36,612,179		$ 37,348,432
Deposits	27,414,780		27,942,127
PUERTO RICO
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	26,619,381		27,410,644
Loans	18,354,498		18,594,751
Deposits	20,172,885		20,696,606
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	8,773,131		8,708,709
Loans	5,825,192		5,845,359
Deposits	6,165,313		6,151,959
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,219,667		1,229,079
Loans	866,986		874,282
Deposits	$ 1,076,582	[1]	$ 1,093,562	[1]

[1] Represents deposits from BPPR operations located in the US and British Virgin Islands.