Goodwill and other intangible assets - Change in the carrying amount of goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Rollforward]
Beginning Balance	$ 720,293	$ 671,122
Goodwill on acquisition	116,135	49,171
Goodwill impairment charge	(9,000)	0	$ 0
Ending Balance	827,428	720,293	671,122
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Goodwill [Rollforward]
Beginning Balance	320,248	320,248
Goodwill on acquisition	116,135	0
Goodwill impairment charge	0	0
Ending Balance	436,383	320,248	320,248
Popular U.S.
Goodwill [Rollforward]
Beginning Balance	400,045	350,874
Goodwill on acquisition	0	49,171
Goodwill impairment charge	(9,000)	0
Ending Balance	$ 391,045	$ 400,045	$ 350,874