Geographic information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	$ 459,135	[1]	$ 491,701	[1]	$ 1,355,549	[1]	$ 1,498,130	[1]
PUERTO RICO
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	360,354	[1]	383,184	[1]	1,043,677	[1]	1,166,524	[1]
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	74,248	[1]	85,269	[1]	238,490	[1]	261,482	[1]
Other Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	$ 24,533	[1]	$ 23,248	[1]	$ 73,382	[1]	$ 70,124	[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.