Organization, consolidation and basis of presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Organization, Consolidation And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Stockholders Equity Reverse Stock Split Conversion Ratio	1-for-10

This item represents the conversion ratio used in the calculation of a reverse stock split.

No definition available.

Name:	bpop_StockholdersEquityReverseStockSplitConversionRatio
Namespace Prefix:	bpop_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration