SVB Financial (SIVBQ) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'SIVB	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SVB FINANCIAL GROUP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000719739	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	50,849,278

Interim_Consolidated_Balance_S

Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,872,537		$1,538,779
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (cost of $13,322,059 and $12,055,524, respectively)	13,333,436		11,986,821
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost (fair value of $6,613,893 and $0, respectively)	6,662,025		0
Non-marketable and other securities	1,703,550		1,595,494
Total investment securities	21,699,011		13,582,315
Loans, net of unearned income	12,017,181	[1]	10,906,386	[1]
Allowance for loan losses	-129,061		-142,886
Net loans	11,888,120		10,763,500
Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	74,375		67,485
Accrued interest receivable and other assets	506,964		465,110
Total assets	36,041,007		26,417,189
Liabilities:	'		'
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	22,461,068		15,894,360
Interest-bearing deposits	8,662,067		6,578,619
Total deposits	31,123,135		22,472,979
Short-term borrowings	6,630		5,080
Other liabilities	517,462		404,586
Long-term debt	453,764		455,216
Total liabilities	32,100,991		23,337,861
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11 and Note 14)	'		'
SVBFG stockholders’ equity:	'		'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0		0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 50,820,946 shares and 45,800,418 shares outstanding, respectively	51		46
Additional paid-in capital	1,107,337		624,256
Retained earnings	1,595,825		1,390,732
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	18,744		-48,764
Total SVBFG stockholders’ equity	2,721,957		1,966,270
Noncontrolling interests	1,218,059		1,113,058
Total equity	3,940,016		3,079,328
Total liabilities and total equity	$36,041,007		$26,417,189
[1]	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $122 million and $85 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Interim_Consolidated_Balance_S1

Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, cost	$13,322,059	$12,055,524
Held-to-maturity securities	$6,613,893	$0
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	50,820,946	45,800,418

Interim_Consolidated_Statement

Interim Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Interest income:	'		'		'		'
Loans	$153,292		$139,687		$449,144		$395,216
Investment securities:	'		'		'		'
Taxable	73,540		43,604		191,384		134,013
Non-taxable	772		797		2,362		2,403
Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities	1,722		1,152		5,301		2,605
Total interest income	229,326		185,240		648,191		534,237
Interest expense:	'		'		'		'
Deposits	2,961		2,397		8,933		6,533
Borrowings	5,800		5,747		17,400		17,358
Total interest expense	8,761		8,144		26,333		23,891
Net interest income	220,565		177,096		621,858		510,346
Provision for loan losses	16,610		10,638		19,051		35,023
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	203,955		166,458		602,807		475,323
Noninterest income:	'		'		'		'
Gains on investment securities, net	5,644		187,862		172,236		255,861
Gains on derivative instruments, net	26,538		9,422		63,480		27,802
Foreign exchange fees	17,911		13,667		53,035		41,529
Credit card fees	10,909		8,188		31,440		23,245
Deposit service charges	10,126		8,902		29,344		26,602
Lending related fees	6,029		5,265		18,208		13,835
Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees	4,557		3,790		11,507		10,879
Client investment fees	3,814		3,393		10,751		10,392
Other	-5,361		17,161		14,601		24,348
Total noninterest income	80,167		257,650		404,602		434,493
Noninterest expense:	'		'		'		'
Compensation and benefits	99,932		96,869		302,259		270,315
Professional services	26,081		18,966		68,383		52,759
Premises and equipment	12,631		12,171		36,267		34,298
Business development and travel	10,022		7,378		29,465		23,433
Net occupancy	7,437		5,898		22,436		17,460
FDIC assessments	4,587		2,913		13,660		9,148
Correspondent bank fees	3,278		2,906		9,755		9,009
Provision for unfunded credit commitments	2,225		2,774		5,533		6,135
Other	15,796		10,649		40,113		30,273
Total noninterest expense	181,989	[1]	160,524	[1]	527,871	[1]	452,830	[1]
Income before income tax expense	102,133	[2]	263,584	[2]	479,538	[2]	456,986	[2]
Income tax expense	38,961		47,404		131,460		103,773
Net income before noncontrolling interests	63,172		216,180		348,078		353,213
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-177		-148,559		-142,985		-196,117
Net income available to common stockholders	$62,995		$67,621		$205,093		$157,096
Earnings per common share—basic (dollars per share)	$1.24		$1.48		$4.25		$3.48
Earnings per common share—diluted (dollars per share)	$1.22		$1.46		$4.17		$3.43
[1]	The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $5.4 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $15.4 million and $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	The internal reporting model used by management to assess segment performance does not calculate income tax expense by segment. Our effective tax rate is a reasonable approximation of the segment rates.

Interim_Consolidated_Statement1

Interim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income before noncontrolling interests	$63,172	$216,180	$348,078	$353,213
Change in cumulative translation (loss) income:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation loss	-2,259	-1,540	-638	-6,341
Related tax benefit	935	631	281	2,539
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding (losses) gains	-48,724	27,289	62,669	-167,021
Related tax benefit (expense)	19,716	-11,032	-25,292	68,299
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	990	-219	17,411	-949
Related tax (benefit) expense	-400	85	-7,030	363
Cumulative-effect adjustment for unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	0	0	37,700	0
Related tax expense	0	0	-15,178	0
Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	-2,996	0	-4,043	0
Related tax benefit	1,206	0	1,628	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-31,532	15,214	67,508	-103,110
Comprehensive income	31,640	231,394	415,586	250,103
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-177	-148,559	-142,985	-196,117
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG	$31,463	$82,835	$272,601	$53,986

Interim_Consolidated_Statement2

Interim Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$2,605,233	$45	$547,079	$1,174,878	$108,553	$1,830,555	$774,678
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	44,627,182	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations (in shares)	'	906,242	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations	33,242	1	33,241	'	'	33,242	'
Common stock issued under ESOP (in shares)	'	74,946	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under ESOP	5,166	'	5,166	'	'	5,166	'
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised, vesting of restricted stock and other	3,148	'	3,148	'	'	3,148	'
Net income	353,213	'	'	157,096	'	157,096	196,117
Capital calls and distributions, net	7,922	'	'	'	'	'	7,922
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-99,308	'	'	'	-99,308	-99,308	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-3,802	'	'	'	-3,802	-3,802	'
Share-based compensation expense	18,826	'	18,826	'	'	18,826	'
Other, net	4	'	3	1	'	4	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	2,923,644	46	607,463	1,331,975	5,443	1,944,927	978,717
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	45,608,370	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	3,079,328	46	624,256	1,390,732	-48,764	1,966,270	1,113,058
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	45,800,418	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations (in shares)	'	504,766	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations	13,878	'	13,878	'	'	13,878	'
Common stock issued under ESOP (in shares)	'	30,762	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under ESOP	3,890	'	3,890	'	'	3,890	'
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised, vesting of restricted stock and other	7,973	'	7,973	'	'	7,973	'
Net income	348,078	'	'	205,093	'	205,093	142,985
Capital calls and distributions, net	-37,984	'	'	'	'	'	-37,984
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	47,758	'	'	'	47,758	47,758	'
Cumulative-effect for unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, net of tax	22,522	'	'	'	22,522	22,522	'
Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, net of tax	-2,415	'	'	'	-2,415	-2,415	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-357	'	'	'	-357	-357	'
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)	'	4,485,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued in public offering	434,866	5	434,861	'	'	434,866	'
Share-based compensation expense	22,479	'	22,479	'	'	22,479	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$3,940,016	$51	$1,107,337	$1,595,825	$18,744	$2,721,957	$1,218,059
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	50,820,946	'	'	'	'	'

Interim_Consolidated_Statement3

Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income before noncontrolling interests	$348,078	$353,213
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Provision for loan losses	19,051	35,023
Provision for unfunded credit commitments	5,533	6,135
Changes in fair values of derivatives, net	11,087	-16,594
Gains on investment securities, net	-172,236	-255,861
Depreciation and amortization	29,041	26,474
Amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities, net	18,700	21,040
Tax expense from stock exercises	-1	-1,353
Amortization of share-based compensation	22,285	18,945
Amortization of deferred loan fees	-59,550	-51,941
Deferred income tax benefit	-17,897	-3,488
Changes in other assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accrued interest receivable and payable, net	-17,488	-5,183
Accounts receivable and payable, net	-12,890	1,463
Income tax payable and receivable, net	-14,234	-7,787
Accrued compensation	-24,241	-7,481
Foreign exchange spot contracts, net	97,357	12,442
Other, net	-25,388	-27,005
Net cash provided by operating activities	207,207	98,042
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-8,060,750	-906,495
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	32,135	10,207
Proceeds from maturities and pay downs of available-for-sale securities	1,352,369	1,879,424
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities	-1,577,634	0
Proceeds from maturities and pay downs of held-to-maturity securities	327,913	0
Purchases of non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)	-23,965	-20,019
Proceeds from sales and distributions of non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)	47,478	47,069
Purchases of non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)	-182,247	-108,663
Proceeds from sales and distributions of non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)	264,389	103,105
Net increase in loans	-1,103,447	-867,075
Proceeds from recoveries of charged-off loans	5,313	8,163
Purchases of premises and equipment	-29,332	-20,837
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities	-8,947,778	124,879
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net increase in deposits	8,650,156	820,539
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	1,550	-160,530
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests, net of distributions	-37,984	7,922
Tax benefit from stock exercises	7,973	4,501
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP, and ESOP	17,768	38,408
Net proceeds from public equity offering	434,866	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,074,329	710,840
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	333,758	933,761
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,538,779	1,008,983
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,872,537	1,942,744
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest	30,259	28,339
Income taxes	154,746	107,282
Noncash items during the period:	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	47,758	-99,308
Adjusted cost of transferred securities	5,418,572	'
Transfers from available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity	$6,662,025	$0

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	SVB Financial Group is a diversified financial services company, as well as a bank holding company and financial holding company. SVB Financial was incorporated in the state of Delaware in March 1999. Through our various subsidiaries and divisions, we offer a variety of banking and financial products and services to support our clients of all sizes and stages throughout their life cycles. In these notes to our consolidated financial statements, when we refer to “SVB Financial Group,” “SVBFG”, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or use similar words, we mean SVB Financial Group and all of its subsidiaries collectively, including Silicon Valley Bank (the “Bank”), unless the context requires otherwise. When we refer to “SVB Financial” or the “Parent” we are referring only to the parent company, SVB Financial Group, unless the context requires otherwise.
	The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with GAAP. Such unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future periods. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (“2013 Form 10-K”).
	During the second quarter of 2014, we re-designated certain securities from the classification of "available-for-sale" ("AFS") to "held-to-maturity" ("HTM"). Transfers of investment securities into the held-to-maturity category from the available-for-sale category are made at fair value at the date of transfer. The unrealized gains (losses), net of tax, are retained in other comprehensive income, and the carrying value of the held-to-maturity securities are amortized over the life of the securities in a manner consistent with the amortization of a premium or discount. Our decision to re-designate the securities was based on our ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. Other than the re-designation of securities from AFS to HTM, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a consistent basis with the accounting policies described in Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” under Part II, Item 8 of our 2013 Form 10-K.
	The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates may change as new information is obtained. Significant items that are subject to such estimates include measurements of fair value, the valuation of non-marketable securities, the valuation of equity warrant assets, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded credit commitments, and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities.
	Principles of Consolidation and Presentation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SVB Financial Group and entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in an entity by evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a VIE and whether the applicable accounting guidance requires consolidation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Voting interest entities are entities that have sufficient equity and provide the equity investors voting rights that enable them to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations. For these types of entities, the Company’s determination of whether it has a controlling interest is based on ownership of the majority of the entities’ voting equity interest or through control of management of the entities.
	VIEs are entities that, by design, either (1) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE by considering whether our involvement with the VIE is significant and whether we are the primary beneficiary based on the following:
	1	We have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance;
	2	The aggregate indirect and direct variable interests held by the Company have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could be significant to the VIE; and,
	3	Qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size, and form of our involvement with the VIE.
	Voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest or by which we control through management rights are consolidated into our financial statements.
	We have not provided financial or other support during the periods presented to any VIE that we were not previously contractually required to provide. We are variable interest holders in certain partnerships for which we are not the primary beneficiary. We perform on-going reassessments on the status of the entities and whether facts or circumstances have changed in relation to previously evaluated voting interest entities and our involvement in VIEs which could cause our consolidation conclusion to change.
	Impact of Adopting ASU No. 2013-08, Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirement for Investment Companies
	In June 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standards update, which modified the guidance in ASC 946 for determining whether an entity is an investment company, as well as the measurement and disclosure requirements for investment companies. The ASU does not change current accounting where a noninvestment company parent retains the specialized accounting applied by an investment company subsidiary in consolidation. ASU 2013-08 was effective on a prospective basis for the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and was therefore adopted in the first quarter of 2014. This standard did not have any impact on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
	Impact of Adopting ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward that the entity intends to use and is available for settlement at the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 was effective for, and adopted by the Company, in the first quarter of 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard (ASU 2014-01, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects), which permits entities that invest in qualified affordable housing projects through limited liability entities that are flow-through entities for tax purposes to make an accounting policy election to use proportional amortization method or apply an equity or cost method. If the proportional amortization method is elected, retrospective presentation is required for prior periods. The guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption available. We are currently assessing the impact of this guidance, however, we do not expect it to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard (ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)), which provides revenue recognition guidance that is intended to create greater consistency with respect to how and when revenue from contracts with customers is shown in the income statement. The guidance requires that revenue from contracts with customers be recognized upon delivery of a good or service based on the amount of consideration expected to be received, and requires additional disclosures about revenue. The guidance will be effective on a retrospective basis beginning on January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard (ASU 2014-15, Going Concern (Topic 205-40)), which requires management to evaluate for each annual and interim reporting period whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance will be effective for annual and quarterly periods ending after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. We are currently developing processes and controls to adopt this guidance by the adoption period and do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentations.

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS

Stockholders' Equity and EPS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity and EPS	'
	Stockholders’ Equity and EPS
	Common Stock
	In the second quarter of 2014, to support the continued growth of our balance sheet, we completed a registered public offering of 4,485,000 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $101.00 per share. We received net proceeds of $434.9 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions.
	EPS
	Basic EPS is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares include incremental shares issued for stock options and restricted stock units outstanding under our equity incentive plans and our ESPP. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from the computation of dilutive EPS in periods in which the effect would be antidilutive. The following is a reconciliation of basic EPS to diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Numerator:
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	62,995			$	67,621			$	205,093			$	157,096
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	50,752				45,580				48,281				45,180
	Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and ESPP	534				429				580				405
	Restricted stock units	285				193				339				180
	Denominator for diluted calculation	51,571				46,202				49,200				45,765
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	1.24			$	1.48			$	4.25			$	3.48
	Diluted	$	1.22			$	1.46			$	4.17			$	3.43
	The following table summarizes the weighted-average common shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation as they were deemed to be antidilutive for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	(Shares in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Stock options	241			343			140			546
	Restricted stock units	1			—			2			1
	Total	242			343			142			547
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into the Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
				Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	Income Statement Location		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	Gains on investment securities, net		$	990			$	(219	)		$	17,411			$	(949	)
	Related tax (benefit) expense	Income tax expense		(400		)		85				(7,030		)		363
	Total reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax			$	590			$	(134	)		$	10,381			$	(586	)

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we recorded share-based compensation and related tax benefits as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Share-based compensation expense	$	7,520			$	6,723			$	22,285		$	18,945
	Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	(2,676		)		(2,243		)		(7,351		)	(5,801		)
	Unrecognized Compensation Expense
	As of September 30, 2014, unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Unrecognized				Average
		Expense				Expected
						Recognition
						Period - in Years
	Stock options	$	16,282			2.64
	Restricted stock units	35,324				2.56
	Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$	51,606
	Share-Based Payment Award Activity
	The table below provides stock option information related to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Options			Weighted				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate
					Average						Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price						of In-The-
											Money
											Options
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,514,159			$	55.27
	Granted	239,383			108.27
	Exercised	(283,498	)		47.56
	Forfeited	(21,975	)		71.17
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	1,448,069			65.3				4.25		$	67,825,947
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014	1,397,466			64.55				4.2		66,495,669
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	727,829			50.48				3.08		44,843,070
	The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options shown in the table above represents the pretax intrinsic value based on our closing stock price of $112.09 as of September 30, 2014. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $7.7 million and $18.4 million, respectively, compared to $6.5 million and $18.4 million for the comparable 2013 period.
	The table below provides information for restricted stock units under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	682,347			$	65.93
	Granted	197,687			107.85
	Vested	(200,856	)		64.05
	Forfeited	(25,268	)		73.02
	Nonvested at September 30, 2014	653,910			78.91

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The following table details our cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Cash and due from banks (1)		$	1,815,581	$	1,349,688
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)		50,834		172,989
	Other short-term investment securities		6,122		16,102
	Total cash and cash equivalents		$	1,872,537	$	1,538,779
	-1	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $883 million and $715 million, respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $442 million and $300 million, respectively.
	-2	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $52 million and $176 million, respectively. None of these securities received as collateral were sold or repledged as of September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investment Securities	'
	Investment Securities
	Our investment securities portfolio consists of an available-for-sale securities portfolio and a held-to-maturity securities portfolio, both of which represent interest-earning investment securities, and a non-marketable and other securities portfolio, which primarily represents investments managed as part of our funds management business.
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	The major components of our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
			30-Sep-14
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Carrying
			Cost			Gains				Losses				Value
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	6,886,952		$	2,245			$	(12,898	)		$	6,876,299
	U.S. agency debentures		3,592,129			28,744				(15,040		)		3,605,833
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		2,003,337			20,671				(18,075		)		2,005,933
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		830,139			5,818				—				835,957
	Equity securities		9,502			749				(837		)		9,414
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	13,322,059		$	58,227			$	(46,850	)		$	13,333,436
			31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Carrying
			Cost			Gains				Losses				Value
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
	U.S. agency debentures		$	4,344,652		$	41,365			$	(40,785	)		$	4,345,232
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,472,528			17,189				(16,141		)		2,473,576
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		3,386,670			24,510				(85,422		)		3,325,758
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		1,183,333			3,363				(123		)		1,186,573
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		581,475			552				(17,423		)		564,604
	Municipal bonds and notes		82,024			4,024				(21		)		86,027
	Equity securities		4,842			692				(483		)		5,051
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	12,055,524		$	91,695			$	(160,398	)		$	11,986,821
	The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of September 30, 2014:
			30-Sep-14
			Less than 12 months							12 months or longer								Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value of			Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized
			Investments			Losses				Investments				Losses				Investments				Losses
	Available-for-sale securities:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	4,736,436		$	(12,898	)		$	—			$	—			$	4,736,436			$	(12,898	)
	U.S. agency debentures		688,808			(2,373		)		553,231				(12,667		)		1,242,039				(15,040		)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		659,886			(2,523		)		469,850				(15,552		)		1,129,736				(18,075		)
	Equity securities		5,546			(837		)		—				—				5,546				(837		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities: (1)		$	6,090,676		$	(18,631	)		$	1,023,081			$	(28,219	)		$	7,113,757			$	(46,850	)
	-1	As of September 30, 2014, we identified a total of 182 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 34 investments totaling $1.0 billion with unrealized losses of $28.2 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of September 30, 2014, we do not intend to sell any impaired fixed income investment securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis. Based on our analysis as of September 30, 2014, we deem all impairments to be temporary, and therefore changes in value for our temporarily impaired securities as of the same date are included in other comprehensive income. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the available-for-sale securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.
	The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2013:
			31-Dec-13
			Less than 12 months							12 months or longer								Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value of			Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized
			Investments			Losses				Investments				Losses				Investments				Losses
	U.S. agency debentures		$	1,821,045		$	(40,785	)		$	—			$	—			$	1,821,045			$	(40,785	)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		1,480,870			(14,029		)		19,830				(2,112		)		1,500,700				(16,141		)
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		2,098,137			(79,519		)		134,420				(5,903		)		2,232,557				(85,422		)
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		109,699			(123		)		—				—				109,699				(123		)
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		464,171			(17,423		)		—				—				464,171				(17,423		)
	Municipal bonds and notes		3,404			(21		)		—				—				3,404				(21		)
	Equity securities		910			(483		)		—				—				910				(483		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities		$	5,978,236		$	(152,383	)		$	154,250			$	(8,015	)		$	6,132,486			$	(160,398	)
	The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities and fully taxable equivalent yields on fixed income investment securities classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2014. The weighted average yield is computed using the amortized cost of fixed income investment securities, which are reported at fair value. For U.S. Treasury securities, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. Expected remaining maturities for certain U.S. agency debentures may occur earlier than their contractual maturities because the note issuers have the right to call outstanding amounts ahead of their contractual maturity. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ significantly from their contractual maturities because mortgage borrowers have the right to prepay outstanding loan obligations with or without penalties. Mortgage-backed securities classified as available-for-sale typically have original contractual maturities from 10 to 30 years whereas expected average lives of these securities tend to be significantly shorter and vary based upon structure and prepayments in lower rate environments.
			30-Sep-14
			Total						One Year							After One Year to							After Five Years to				After
									or Less							Five Years							Ten Years				Ten Years
	(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying			Weighted-			Carrying				Weighted-			Carrying				Weighted-			Carrying		Weighted-		Carrying		Weighted-
			Value			Average			Value				Average			Value				Average			Value		Average		Value		Average
						Yield							Yield							Yield					Yield				Yield
	U.S. treasury securities		$	6,876,299		1.08	%		$	100,189			0.15	%		$	6,041,278			0.99	%		$	734,832	1.97	%	$	—	—	%
U.S. agency debentures		3,605,833			1.63			695,199				1.64			2,225,869				1.52			684,765		2.01		—		—
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		2,005,933			2.01			—				—			—				—			483,473		2.59		1,522,460		1.83
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		835,957			0.71			—				—			—				—			—		—		835,957		0.71
Total		$	13,324,022		1.35			$	795,388			1.45			$	8,267,147			1.13			$	1,903,070	2.14		$	2,358,417	1.43
Held-to-Maturity Securities
During the second quarter of 2014, we re-designated certain securities from the classification of “available-for-sale” to “held-to-maturity." The securities re-designated primarily consisted of agency-issued mortgage securities and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") with a total carrying value of $5.4 billion at June 1, 2014. At the time of re-designation the securities had net unrealized gains totaling $22.5 million, net of tax, recorded in other comprehensive income and are being amortized over the life of the securities in a manner consistent with the amortization of a premium or discount. Our decision to re-designate the securities was based on our ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. Factors used in assessing the ability to hold these securities to maturity were future liquidity needs and sources of funding. Held-to-maturity securities are carried on the balance sheet at amortized cost and the changes in the value of these securities, other than impairment charges, are not reported on the financial statements.
The major components of our held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2014 are as follows:
		30-Sep-14
(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Fair Value
		Cost			Gains				Losses
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost:
U.S. agency debentures (1)		$	349,993		$	1,588			$	(1,165	)		$	350,416
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,919,715			16				(20,712		)		2,899,019
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		2,489,538			384				(24,052		)		2,465,870
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		139,182			7				(14		)		139,175
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		679,379			350				(4,391		)		675,338
Municipal bonds and notes		84,218			81				(224		)		84,075
Total held-to-maturity securities		$	6,662,025		$	2,426			$	(50,558	)		$	6,613,893
-1	Consists of pools of Small Business Investment Company debentures issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, an independent agency of the United States.
The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our held-to-maturity securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of September 30, 2014:
		30-Sep-14
		Less than 12 months							12 months or longer (1)								Total
(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value of			Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized
		Investments			Losses				Investments				Losses				Investments				Losses
Held-to-maturity securities:
U.S. agency debentures		$	205,383		$	(837	)		$	47,987			$	(328	)		$	253,370			$	(1,165	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,890,039			(20,712		)		—				—				2,890,039				(20,712		)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		1,316,900			(12,438		)		806,042				(11,614		)		2,122,942				(24,052		)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		77,567			(14		)		—				—				77,567				(14		)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		578,687			(4,391		)		—				—				578,687				(4,391		)
Municipal bonds and notes		55,365			(224		)		—				—				55,365				(224		)
Total temporarily impaired securities (2):		$	5,123,941		$	(38,616	)		$	854,029			$	(11,942	)		$	5,977,970			$	(50,558	)
-1	Represents securities in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer in which the amortized cost basis was re-set for those securities re-designated from AFS to HTM effective June 1, 2014.
-2	As of September 30, 2014, we identified a total of 329 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 28 investments totaling $854.0 million with unrealized losses of $11.9 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of September 30, 2014, we do not intend to sell any impaired fixed income investment securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, which is consistent with our classification of these securities. Based on our analysis as of September 30, 2014, we deem all impairments to be temporary. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the held-to-maturity securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.
The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities and fully taxable equivalent yields on fixed income investment securities classified as held-to-maturity as of September 30, 2014. Interest income on certain municipal bonds and notes (non-taxable investments) are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal statutory tax rate of 35%. The weighted average yield is computed using the amortized cost of fixed income investment securities, which are reported at fair value. Expected remaining maturities for certain U.S. agency debentures may occur earlier than their contractual maturities because the note issuers have the right to call outstanding amounts ahead of their contractual maturity. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ significantly from their contractual maturities because mortgage borrowers have the right to prepay outstanding loan obligations with or without penalties. Mortgage-backed securities classified as held-to-maturity typically have original contractual maturities from 10 to 30 years whereas expected average lives of these securities tend to be significantly shorter and vary based upon structure and prepayments in lower rate environments.
		30-Sep-14
		Total						One Year							After One Year to							After Five Years to				After
								or Less							Five Years							Ten Years				Ten Years
(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized Cost			Weighted-			Amortized Cost				Weighted-			Amortized Cost				Weighted-			Amortized Cost		Weighted-		Amortized Cost		Weighted-
					Average							Average							Average					Average				Average
					Yield							Yield							Yield					Yield				Yield
U.S. agency debentures		$	349,993		2.9	%		$	—			—	%		$	—			—	%		$	349,993	2.9	%	$	—	—	%
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,919,715			2.42			—				—			45,081				2.39			901,721		2.2		1,972,913		2.52
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		2,489,538			1.68			—				—			—				—			—		—		2,489,538		1.68
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		139,182			0.65			—				—			—				—			—		—		139,182		0.65
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		679,379			2.16			—				—			—				—			—		—		679,379		2.16
Municipal bonds and notes		84,218			6			3,470				5.37			27,900				5.84			40,475		6.07		12,373		6.3
Total		$	6,662,025		2.15			$	3,470			5.37			$	72,981			3.71			$	1,292,189	2.51		$	5,293,385	2.03
Non-marketable and Other Securities
The major components of our non-marketable and other investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
Non-marketable and other securities:
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)		$	1,078,911		$	862,972
Other venture capital investments (2)		43,863			32,839
Other securities (fair value accounting) (3)		181,265			321,374
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
Other investments (4)		141,913			142,883
Low income housing tax credit funds		98,417			72,241
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (5)		142,710			148,994
Other investments		16,471			14,191
Total non-marketable and other securities		$	1,703,550		$	1,595,494
-1	The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	25,625		12.6	%		$	29,104			12.6	%
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		92,681			8.6			96,185				8.6
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		248,816			5.9			260,272				5.9
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		308,332			5			226,729				5
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		214,863			Various			118,181				Various
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		56,958			0.2			7,944				0.2
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		61,876			20			59,028				20
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		61,818			33			61,126				33
SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		302			5.1			708				5.1
Other private equity fund (ii)		7,640			58.2			3,695				58.2
Total venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	1,078,911					$	862,972
(i)	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
(ii)	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
-2	The following table shows the amounts of other venture capital investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP		$	5,616		10.7	%		$	6,564			10.7	%
SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		17,802			5.1			22,684				5.1
Capital Partners III, LP		15,000			0.4			—				—
SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		5,445			6.8			3,591				6.8
Total other venture capital investments		$	43,863					$	32,839
(i)	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
-3	Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. At September 30, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $143.8 million in one public company, FireEye, Inc. ("FireEye"). The extent to which any unrealized gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and the timing of any sales or distribution of securities, which are subject to our funds' separate discretionary securities sales/distribution and governance processes and may also be constrained by lock-up agreements. None of the FireEye related investments currently are subject to a lock-up agreement.
-4	The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (equity method accounting):
		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (i)		$	20,685		15.5	%		$	21,867			15.5	%
China Joint Venture investment		79,457			50			79,940				50
Other investments		41,771			Various			41,076				Various
Total other investments (equity method accounting)		$	141,913					$	142,883
(i)	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 11.5 percent in the fund and an indirect interest in the fund through our investment in Gold Hill Capital 2008, LLC of 4.0 percent.
-5	Represents investments in 281 and 288 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where our ownership interest is typically less than 5% of the voting interests of each such fund and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships operating activities and financial policies. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $143 million, and $240 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2014. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $149 million and $215 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.
The following table presents the components of gains and losses (realized and unrealized) on investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2014				2013
Gross gains on investment securities:
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)		$	45		$	317			$	642			$	3,167
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		69,044			35,826				268,483				107,546
Other venture capital investments		6,779			5,180				11,334				8,020
Other securities (fair value accounting) (2)		5,444			143,840				136,010				148,185
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
Other investments		2,239			6,569				8,767				14,038
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		2,641			5,016				7,706				6,806
Other investments		19			34				5,174				370
Total gross gains on investment securities		86,211			196,782				438,116				288,132
Gross losses on investment securities:
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)		(1,035		)	(98		)		(18,052		)		(2,218		)
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		(25,584		)	(1,575		)		(76,243		)		(17,020		)
Other venture capital investments		(1,233		)	(587		)		(3,274		)		(2,241		)
Other securities (fair value accounting) (2)		(52,264		)	(75		)		(166,051		)		(2,609		)
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
Other investments		(179		)	(1,944		)		(1,219		)		(2,421		)
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)		(272		)	(689		)		(781		)		(1,462		)
Other investments		—			(3,952		)		(260		)		(4,300		)
Total gross losses on investment securities		(80,567		)	(8,920		)		(265,880		)		(32,271		)
Gains on investment securities, net		$	5,644		$	187,862			$	172,236			$	255,861
-1	Includes realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale equity securities that are recognized in the income statement. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale fixed income and equity securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. The cost basis of available-for-sale securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
-2	Other securities (fair value accounting) includes net losses of $49.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and net losses of $21.7 million (including $66.5 million of realized gains) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, attributable to one public company, FireEye. The extent to which any unrealized gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and the timing of any sales or distribution of securities, which are subject to our securities sales and governance processes and may also be constrained by lock-up agreements. None of the FireEye related investments currently are subject to a lock-up agreement.
-3	For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, includes OTTI losses of $0.3 million from the declines in value for 5 of the 281 investments and $0.4 million from the declines in value for 12 of the 293 investments, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, includes OTTI losses of $0.7 million from the declines in value for 22 of the 281 investments and $1.2 million from the declines in value for 37 of the 293 investments, respectively. We concluded that any declines in value for the remaining investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses	'
	Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
	We serve a variety of commercial clients in the technology, life science, venture capital/private equity and premium wine industries. Our technology clients generally tend to be in the industries of hardware (semiconductors, communications and electronics), software and related services, and energy and resource innovation ("ERI"). Because of the diverse nature of ERI products and services, for our loan-related reporting purposes, ERI-related loans are reported under our hardware, software, life science and other commercial loan categories, as applicable. Our life science clients are concentrated in the medical devices and biotechnology sectors. Loans made to venture capital/private equity firm clients typically enable them to fund investments prior to their receipt of funds from capital calls. Loans to the premium wine industry focus on vineyards and wineries that produce grapes and wines of high quality.
	In addition to commercial loans, we make consumer loans through SVB Private Bank and provide real estate secured loans to eligible employees through our EHOP. Our private banking clients are primarily venture capital/private equity professionals and executive leaders in the innovation companies they support. These products and services include real estate secured home equity lines of credit, which may be used to finance real estate investments and loans used to purchase, renovate or refinance personal residences. These products and services also include restricted stock purchase loans and capital call lines of credit.
	We also provide community development loans made as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act. These loans are included within “Construction loans” below and are primarily secured by real estate.
	The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $95 million and $89 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, is presented in the following table:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	4,503,369		$	4,102,636
	Hardware		1,072,102			1,213,032
	Venture capital/private equity		2,921,184			2,386,054
	Life science		1,245,527			1,170,220
	Premium wine		186,675			149,841
	Other		241,815			288,904
	Total commercial loans		10,170,672			9,310,687
	Real estate secured loans:
	Premium wine (1)		562,893			514,993
	Consumer loans (2)		1,047,935			873,255
	Other		30,152			30,743
	Total real estate secured loans		1,640,980			1,418,991
	Construction loans		80,102			76,997
	Consumer loans		125,427			99,711
	Total loans, net of unearned income (3)		$	12,017,181		$	10,906,386
	-1	Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $111 million and $112 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	-2	Consumer loans secured by real estate at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were comprised of the following:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Loans for personal residence		$	860,024		$	685,327
	Loans to eligible employees		129,979			121,548
	Home equity lines of credit		57,932			66,380
	Consumer loans secured by real estate		$	1,047,935		$	873,255
	-3	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $122 million and $85 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Credit Quality
	The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $95 million and $89 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	4,503,369		$	4,102,636
	Hardware		1,072,102			1,213,032
	Venture capital/private equity		2,921,184			2,386,054
	Life science		1,245,527			1,170,220
	Premium wine		749,568			664,834
	Other		352,069			396,644
	Total commercial loans		10,843,819			9,933,420
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,047,935			873,255
	Other consumer loans		125,427			99,711
	Total consumer loans		1,173,362			972,966
	Total loans, net of unearned income		$	12,017,181		$	10,906,386
	The following table summarizes the aging of our gross loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30 - 59			60 - 89				Greater				Total Past				Current			Loans Past Due
			Days Past			Days Past				Than 90				Due							90 Days or
			Due			Due				Days Past											More Still
										Due											Accruing
																					Interest
	September 30, 2014:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	4,565		$	4,334			$	125			$	9,024			$	4,527,570		$	125
	Hardware		247			3,609				—				3,856				1,078,234			—
	Venture capital/private equity		5			3				—				8				2,948,327			—
	Life science		265			2,573				—				2,838				1,253,292			—
	Premium wine		5			—				—				5				750,726			—
	Other		66			65				—				131				354,456			—
	Total commercial loans		5,153			10,584				125				15,862				10,912,605			125
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,250			—				—				1,250				1,046,029			—
Other consumer loans		32			1				—				33				125,008			—
Total consumer loans		1,282			1				—				1,283				1,171,037			—
Total gross loans excluding impaired loans		6,435			10,585				125				17,145				12,083,642			125
Impaired loans		251			211				1,062				1,524				10,163			—
Total gross loans		$	6,686		$	10,796			$	1,187			$	18,669			$	12,093,805		$	125
December 31, 2013:
Commercial loans:
Software		$	9,804		$	1,291			$	99			$	11,194			$	4,102,546		$	99
Hardware		2,679			3,965				—				6,644				1,198,169			—
Venture capital/private equity		4			—				—				4				2,408,382			—
Life science		395			131				—				526				1,179,462			—
Premium wine		—			—				—				—				665,755			—
Other		1,580			142				—				1,722				397,416			—
Total commercial loans		14,462			5,529				99				20,090				9,951,730			99
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		240			—				—				240				872,586			—
Other consumer loans		8			—				—				8				98,965			—
Total consumer loans		248			—				—				248				971,551			—
Total gross loans excluding impaired loans		14,710			5,529				99				20,338				10,923,281			99
Impaired loans		4,657			7,043				4,339				16,039				35,610			—
Total gross loans		$	19,367		$	12,572			$	4,438			$	36,377			$	10,958,891		$	99
The following table summarizes our impaired loans as they relate to our allowance for loan losses, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)		Impaired loans for			Impaired loans for				Total carrying value of impaired loans				Total unpaid
		which there is a			which there is no								principal of impaired loans
		related allowance			related allowance
		for loan losses			for loan losses
September 30, 2014:
Commercial loans:
Software		$	8,730		$	—			$	8,730			$	12,069
Life science		1,000			—				1,000				1,000
Premium wine		—			1,339				1,339				1,752
Other		186			—				186				798
Total commercial loans		9,916			1,339				11,255				15,619
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		—			208				208				1,416
Other consumer loans		224			—				224				526
Total consumer loans		224			208				432				1,942
Total		$	10,140		$	1,547			$	11,687			$	17,561
December 31, 2013:
Commercial loans:
Software		$	27,308		$	310			$	27,618			$	28,316
Hardware		19,329			338				19,667				35,317
Venture capital/private equity		40			—				40				40
Life science		—			1,278				1,278				4,727
Premium wine		—			1,442				1,442				1,778
Other		690			—				690				718
Total commercial loans		47,367			3,368				50,735				70,896
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		—			244				244				1,434
Other consumer loans		670			—				670				941
Total consumer loans		670			244				914				2,375
Total		$	48,037		$	3,612			$	51,649			$	73,271
The following table summarizes our average impaired loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2014				2013
Average impaired loans:
Commercial loans:
Software		$	10,651		$	4,306			$	13,690			$	4,631
Hardware		1,540			25,456				8,140				24,536
Venture capital/private equity		—			75				—				35
Life science		333			—				636				303
Premium wine		1,364			1,502				1,398				2,458
Other		674			3,648				1,383				4,344
Total commercial loans		14,562			34,987				25,247				36,307
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		212			3,426				224				3,391
Other consumer loans		261			866				375				1,021
Total consumer loans		473			4,292				599				4,412
Total average impaired loans		$	15,035		$	39,279			$	25,846			$	40,719
The following tables summarize the activity relating to our allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, broken out by portfolio segment:
Three months ended September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance June 30, 2014			Charge-offs				Recoveries				Provision for				Ending Balance September 30, 2014
													(Reduction of) Loan Losses
Commercial loans:
Software		$	53,239		$	(6,907	)		$	790			$	11,078			$	58,200
Hardware		24,780			(2,643		)		113				2,491				24,741
Venture capital/private equity		19,004			—				—				845				19,849
Life science		10,597			—				53				1,591				12,241
Premium wine		3,546			(35		)		—				710				4,221
Other		3,218			(1,072		)		1,306				(530		)		2,922
Total commercial loans		114,384			(10,657		)		2,262				16,185				122,174
Consumer loans		6,344			—				118				425				6,887
Total allowance for loan losses		$	120,728		$	(10,657	)		$	2,380			$	16,610			$	129,061
Nine months ended September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance December 31, 2013			Charge-offs				Recoveries				Provision for Loan Losses				Ending Balance September 30, 2014
Commercial loans:
Software		$	64,084		$	(18,932	)		$	1,023			$	12,025			$	58,200
Hardware		36,553			(15,230		)		2,070				1,348				24,741
Venture capital/private equity		16,385			—				—				3,464				19,849
Life science		11,926			(930		)		341				904				12,241
Premium wine		3,914			(35		)		238				104				4,221
Other		3,680			(3,062		)		1,316				988				2,922
Total commercial loans		136,542			(38,189		)		4,988				18,833				122,174
Consumer loans		6,344			—				325				218				6,887
Total allowance for loan losses		$	142,886		$	(38,189	)		$	5,313			$	19,051			$	129,061
Three months ended September 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance June 30, 2013			Charge-offs				Recoveries				Provision for				Ending Balance September 30, 2013
													(Reduction of) Loan Losses
Commercial loans:
Software		$	46,798		$	(2,527	)		$	816			$	4,369			$	49,456
Hardware		33,188			(5,544		)		1,149				7,370				36,163
Venture capital/private equity		13,593			—				—				617				14,210
Life science		11,741			(57		)		246				(780		)		11,150
Premium wine		3,793			—				4				81				3,878
Other		3,654			(21		)		77				(24		)		3,686
Total commercial loans		112,767			(8,149		)		2,292				11,633				118,543
Consumer loans		6,804			—				382				(995		)		6,191
Total allowance for loan losses		$	119,571		$	(8,149	)		$	2,674			$	10,638			$	124,734
Nine months ended September 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance December 31, 2012			Charge-offs				Recoveries				Provision for				Ending Balance September 30, 2013
													(Reduction of) Loan Losses
Commercial loans:
Software		$	42,648		$	(7,619	)		$	1,455			$	12,972			$	49,456
Hardware		29,761			(11,975		)		1,998				16,379				36,163
Venture capital/private equity		9,963			—				—				4,247				14,210
Life science		13,606			(2,618		)		1,335				(1,173		)		11,150
Premium wine		3,523			—				135				220				3,878
Other		3,912			(6,069		)		2,458				3,385				3,686
Total commercial loans		103,413			(28,281		)		7,381				36,030				118,543
Consumer loans		7,238			(869		)		829				(1,007		)		6,191
Total allowance for loan losses		$	110,651		$	(29,150	)		$	8,210			$	35,023			$	124,734
The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, broken out by portfolio segment:
		30-Sep-14													31-Dec-13
		Individually Evaluated for						Collectively Evaluated for							Individually Evaluated for						Collectively Evaluated for
		Impairment						Impairment							Impairment						Impairment
(Dollars in thousands)		Allowance for loan losses		Recorded investment in loans				Allowance for loan losses			Recorded investment in loans				Allowance for loan losses			Recorded investment in loans			Allowance for loan losses		Recorded investment in loans
Commercial loans:
Software		$	2,057	$	8,730			$	56,143		$	4,494,639			$	11,261		$	27,617		$	52,823	$	4,075,019
Hardware		—		—				24,741			1,072,102				9,673			19,667			26,880		1,193,365
Venture capital/private equity		—		—				19,849			2,921,184				19			39			16,366		2,386,015
Life science		191		1,000				12,050			1,244,527				—			1,278			11,926		1,168,942
Premium wine		—		1,339				4,221			748,229				—			1,442			3,914		663,392
Other		4		186				2,918			351,883				156			690			3,524		395,954
Total commercial loans		2,252		11,255				119,922			10,832,564				21,109			50,733			115,433		9,882,687
Consumer loans		73		432				6,814			1,172,930				168			915			6,176		972,051
Total		$	2,325	$	11,687			$	126,736		$	12,005,494			$	21,277		$	51,648		$	121,609	$	10,854,738
Credit Quality Indicators
For each individual client, we establish an internal credit risk rating for that loan, which is used for assessing and monitoring credit risk as well as performance of the loan and the overall portfolio. Our internal credit risk ratings are also used to summarize the risk of loss due to failure by an individual borrower to repay the loan. For our internal credit risk ratings, each individual loan is given a risk rating of 1 through 10. Loans risk-rated 1 through 4 are performing loans and translate to an internal rating of “Pass”, with loans risk-rated 1 being cash secured. Loans risk-rated 5 through 7 are performing loans, however, we consider them as demonstrating higher risk which requires more frequent review of the individual exposures; these translate to an internal rating of “Performing (Criticized)”. A majority of our Performing (Criticized) loans are from our SVB Accelerator practice, serving our emerging or early stage clients. Loans risk-rated 8 and 9 are loans that are considered to be impaired and are on nonaccrual status. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments (unless the principal and interest are well secured and in the process of collection), or when we have determined, based upon most recent available information, that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable; these loans are deemed “impaired” (For further description of nonaccrual loans, refer to Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” under Part II, Item 8 of our 2013 Form 10-K). Loans rated 10 are charged-off and are not included as part of our loan portfolio balance. We review our credit quality indicators for performance and appropriateness of risk ratings as part of our evaluation process for our allowance for loan losses.
The following table summarizes the credit quality indicators, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)		Pass			Performing				Impaired				Total
					(Criticized)
September 30, 2014:
Commercial loans:
Software		$	4,179,638		$	356,956			$	8,730			$	4,545,324
Hardware		885,407			196,683				—				1,082,090
Venture capital/private equity		2,932,711			15,624				—				2,948,335
Life science		1,093,451			162,679				1,000				1,257,130
Premium wine		732,605			18,126				1,339				752,070
Other		338,187			16,400				186				354,773
Total commercial loans		10,161,999			766,468				11,255				10,939,722
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		1,042,547			4,732				208				1,047,487
Other consumer loans		122,736			2,305				224				125,265
Total consumer loans		1,165,283			7,037				432				1,172,752
Total gross loans		$	11,327,282		$	773,505			$	11,687			$	12,112,474
December 31, 2013:
Commercial loans:
Software		$	3,875,043		$	238,697			$	27,618			$	4,141,358
Hardware		995,055			209,758				19,667				1,224,480
Venture capital/private equity		2,408,386			—				40				2,408,426
Life science		1,091,993			87,995				1,278				1,181,266
Premium wine		652,747			13,008				1,442				667,197
Other		383,602			15,536				690				399,828
Total commercial loans		9,406,826			564,994				50,735				10,022,555
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		868,789			4,037				244				873,070
Other consumer loans		95,586			3,387				670				99,643
Total consumer loans		964,375			7,424				914				972,713
Total gross loans		$	10,371,201		$	572,418			$	51,649			$	10,995,268
TDRs
As of September 30, 2014 we had 10 TDRs with a total carrying value of $10.3 million where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, in an attempt to maximize collection. There were unfunded commitments available for funding of $0.8 million to the clients associated with these TDRs as of September 30, 2014. The following table summarizes our loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
Loans modified in TDRs:
Commercial loans:
Software		$	7,848		$	5,860
Hardware		—			13,329
Venture capital/ private equity		—			77
Premium wine		1,953			1,442
Other		275			1,055
Total commercial loans		10,076			21,763
Consumer loans:
Other consumer loans		224			670
Total consumer loans		224			670
Total		$	10,300		$	22,433
The following table summarizes the recorded investment in loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, for modifications made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2014				2013
Loans modified in TDRs during the period:
Commercial loans:
Software		$	496		$	1,007			$	7,848			$	1,007
Hardware		—			6,330				—				7,783
Venture capital/ private equity		—			—				—				88
Premium wine		—			—				614				—
Other		—			—				—				734
Total commercial loans		496			7,337				8,462				9,612
Consumer loans:
Other consumer loans		—			—				—				41
Total consumer loans		—			—				—				41
Total loans modified in TDRs during the period (1)		$	496		$	7,337			$	8,462			$	9,653
-1	There were no partial charge-offs on loans classified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. There were partial charge-offs of $1.2 million and $2.4 million on loans classified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, new TDRs of $0.5 million were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, new TDRs of $7.1 million were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients and $1.3 million were modified through partial forgiveness of principal.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, new TDRs of $7.3 million and $9.7 million, respectively, were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients and no principal or interest was forgiven.
The related allowance for loan losses for the majority of our TDRs is determined on an individual basis by comparing the carrying value of the loan to the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the pre-modification contractual interest rate. For certain TDRs, the related allowance for loan losses is determined based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
There were no loans modified in TDRs within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Charge-offs and defaults on previously restructured loans are evaluated to determine the impact to the allowance for loan losses, if any. The evaluation of these defaults may impact the assumptions used in calculating the reserve on other TDRs and impaired loans as well as management’s overall outlook of macroeconomic factors that affect the reserve on the loan portfolio as a whole. After evaluating the charge-offs and defaults experienced on our TDRs we determined that no change to our reserving methodology was necessary to determine the allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2014.

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	'
	Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
	The following table represents outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
						Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)		Maturity	Principal value at September 30, 2014		September 30,		December 31,
						2014		2013
	Short-term borrowings:
	Other short-term borrowings		-1	$	6,630	$	6,630	$	5,080
	Total short-term borrowings					$	6,630	$	5,080
	Long-term debt:
	5.375% Senior Notes		15-Sep-20	$	350,000	$	348,378	$	348,209
	6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		June 1, 2017	45,964		50,497		51,987
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		October 15, 2033	50,000		54,889		55,020
	Total long-term debt					$	453,764	$	455,216
	-1	Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor, primarily for our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
	-2	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $5.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
	Interest expense related to long-term debt was $5.8 million and $17.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and $5.7 million and $17.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Interest expense is net of the hedge accounting impact from our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes. The weighted average interest rate associated with our short-term borrowings as of September 30, 2014 was 0.07 percent.
	Available Lines of Credit
	We have certain facilities in place to enable us to access short-term borrowings on a secured (using high-quality fixed income securities as collateral) and an unsecured basis. These include repurchase agreements and uncommitted federal funds lines with various financial institutions. As of September 30, 2014, we did not borrow against our uncommitted federal funds lines. We also pledge securities to the FHLB of San Francisco and the discount window at the Federal Reserve Bank. The market value of collateral pledged to the FHLB of San Francisco (comprised primarily of U.S. agency debentures and mortgage securities) at September 30, 2014 totaled $1.2 billion, all of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings. The market value of collateral pledged at the discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank at September 30, 2014 totaled $517 million, all of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We primarily use derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk, currency exchange rate risk, and to assist customers with their risk management objectives. Also, in connection with negotiating credit facilities and certain other services, we often obtain equity warrant assets giving us the right to acquire stock in private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science industries.
	Interest Rate Risk
	Interest rate risk is our primary market risk and can result from timing and volume differences in the repricing of our interest rate-sensitive assets and liabilities and changes in market interest rates. To manage interest rate risk for our 6.05% Subordinated Notes, we entered into a fixed-for-floating interest rate swap agreement at the time of debt issuance based upon LIBOR with matched-terms. Net cash benefits associated with our interest rate swap is recorded as a reduction in “Interest expense—Borrowings,” a component of net interest income. The fair value of our interest rate swap is calculated using a discounted cash flow method and adjusted for credit valuation associated with counterparty risk. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are reflected in either other assets (if in an asset position) or other liabilities (if in a liability position).
	We assess hedge effectiveness under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, using the long-haul method. Any differences associated with our interest rate swap that arise as a result of hedge ineffectiveness is recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
	Currency Exchange Risk
	We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure risk associated with the net difference between foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, primarily in Pound Sterling and Euro. We do not designate any foreign exchange forward contracts as derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in currency rates on foreign currency denominated instruments are included in other noninterest income, a component of noninterest income. We may experience ineffectiveness in the economic hedging relationship, because the instruments are revalued based upon changes in the currency’s spot rate on the principal value, while the forwards are revalued on a discounted cash flow basis. We record forward agreements in gain positions in other assets and loss positions in other liabilities, while net changes in fair value are recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. Additionally, through our global banking operations we maintain customer deposits denominated in the Euro and Pound Sterling which are used to fund certain loans in these currencies to limit our exposure to currency fluctuations.
	Other Derivative Instruments
	Equity Warrant Assets
	Our equity warrant assets are concentrated in private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science industries. Most of these warrant agreements contain net share settlement provisions, which permit us to pay the warrant exercise price using shares issuable under the warrant (“cashless exercise”). We value our equity warrant assets using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions about the underlying asset value, volatility, and the risk-free rate. We make valuation adjustments for estimated remaining life and marketability for warrants issued by private companies. Equity warrant assets are recorded at fair value in other assets, while changes in their fair value are recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
	Loan Conversion Options
	In connection with negotiating certain credit facilities, we occasionally extend loan facilities which have convertible option features. The convertible loans may be converted into a certain number of shares determined by dividing the principal amount of the loan by the applicable conversion price. Because our loan conversion options have underlying and notional values and had no initial net investment, these assets qualify as derivative instruments. We value our loan conversion options using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions about the underlying asset value, volatility, and the risk-free rate. Loan conversion options are recorded at fair value in other assets, while changes in their fair value are recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
	Other Derivatives
	We sell forward and option contracts to clients who wish to mitigate their foreign currency exposure. We economically reduce the currency risk from this business by entering into opposite way contracts with correspondent banks. These relationships do not qualify for hedge accounting. The contracts generally have terms of one year or less, although we may have contracts extending for up to five years. Generally, we have not experienced nonperformance on these contracts, have not incurred credit losses, and anticipate performance by all counterparties to such agreements. Contracts in an asset position are included in other assets and contracts in a liability position are included in other liabilities. The net change in the fair value of these contracts is recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
	We sell interest rate contracts to clients who wish to mitigate their interest rate exposure. We economically reduce the interest rate risk from this business by entering into opposite way contracts with correspondent banks. We do not designate any of these contracts (which are derivative instruments) as qualifying for hedge accounting. Contracts in an asset position are included in other assets and contracts in a liability position are included in other liabilities. The net change in the fair value of these derivatives is recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
	Counterparty Credit Risk
	We are exposed to credit risk if counterparties to our derivative contracts do not perform as expected. We mitigate counterparty credit risk through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures and obtaining collateral, as appropriate. With respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for derivative instruments, we measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on a net risk basis by counterparty portfolio.
	The total notional or contractual amounts, fair value, collateral and net exposure of our derivative financial instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
					30-Sep-14																31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Balance Sheet		Notional or				Fair Value				Collateral				Net				Notional or				Fair Value			Collateral		Net
			Location		Contractual								-1				Exposure				Contractual							-1		Exposure
					Amount												-2				Amount									-2
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate risks:
	Interest rate swaps		Other assets		$	45,964			$	4,965			$	3,910			$	1,055			$	45,964			$	6,492		$	5,080	$	1,412
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency exchange risks:
	Foreign exchange forwards		Other assets		33,840				1,032				1,935				(903		)		140,760				1,423			—		1,423
	Foreign exchange forwards		Other liabilities		30,306				(387		)		—				(387		)		62,649				(634		)	—		(634		)
	Net exposure								645				1,935				(1,290		)						789			—		789
	Other derivative instruments:
	Equity warrant assets		Other assets		186,853				94,960				—				94,960				179,934				103,513			—		103,513
	Other derivatives:
	Client foreign exchange forwards		Other assets		526,329				16,111				785				15,326				424,983				13,673			—		13,673
	Client foreign exchange forwards		Other liabilities		483,262				(15,355		)		—				(15,355		)		367,079				(11,549		)	—		(11,549		)
	Client foreign currency options		Other assets		6,500				91				—				91				91,854				434			—		434
	Client foreign currency options		Other liabilities		6,500				(91		)		—				(91		)		91,854				(434		)	—		(434		)
	Loan conversion options		Other assets		1,442				—				—				—				3,455				314			—		314
	Client interest rate derivatives		Other assets		359,074				2,173				—				2,173				216,773				1,265			—		1,265
	Client interest rate derivatives		Other liabilities		359,074				(2,317		)		—				(2,317		)		216,773				(1,396		)	—		(1,396		)
	Net exposure								612				785				(173		)						2,307			—		2,307
	Net								$	101,182			$	6,630			$	94,552							$	113,101		$	5,080	$	108,021
	-1	Cash collateral received from our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor is recorded as a component of “short-term borrowings” on our consolidated balance sheets.
	-2	Net exposure for contracts in a gain position reflects the replacement cost in the event of nonperformance by all such counterparties. The credit ratings of our institutional counterparties as of September 30, 2014 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	A summary of our derivative activity and the related impact on our consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
					Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		Statement of income location		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate risks:
	Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps		Interest expense—borrowings		$	638			$	634			$	1,915			$	1,901
	Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps		Net gains on derivative instruments		(12		)		(7		)		(37		)		20
	Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives				$	626			$	627			$	1,878			$	1,921
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency exchange risks:
	(Losses) gains on revaluations of foreign currency instruments		Other noninterest income		$	(12,640	)		$	8,101			$	(12,347	)		$	451
	Gains (losses) on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net		Net gains on derivative instruments		12,529				(8,423		)		12,038				(1,511		)
	Net (losses) associated with currency risk				$	(111	)		$	(322	)		$	(309	)		$	(1,060	)
	Other derivative instruments:
	Net gains on equity warrant assets		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	13,157			$	18,780			$	50,859			$	29,475
	Gains (losses) on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	886			$	(411	)		$	1,358			$	(237	)
	Net (losses) gains on other derivatives (1)		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	(22	)		$	(517	)		$	(738	)		$	55
	-1	Primarily represents the change in fair value of loan conversion options.
	Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain of our derivative and other financial instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements with our counterparties. These agreements provide for the net settlement of multiple contracts with a single counterparty through a single payment, in a single currency, in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. The following table summarizes our assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
(Dollars in thousands)		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
30-Sep-14
Derivative Assets:
Interest rate swaps		$	4,965			$	—			$	4,965			$	(1,055	)		$	(3,910	)		$	—
Foreign exchange forwards		17,143				—				17,143				(8,002		)		(2,720		)		6,421
Foreign currency options		92				(1		)		91				(91		)		—				—
Client interest rate derivatives		2,173				—				2,173				(2,173		)		—				—
Total derivative assets:		24,373				(1		)		24,372				(11,321		)		(6,630		)		6,421
Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements		50,834				—				50,834				(50,834		)		—				—
Total		$	75,207			$	(1	)		$	75,206			$	(62,155	)		$	(6,630	)		$	6,421
31-Dec-13
Derivative Assets:
Interest rate swaps		$	6,492			$	—			$	6,492			$	(1,412	)		$	(5,080	)		$	—
Foreign exchange forwards		15,096				—				15,096				(6,735		)		—				8,361
Foreign currency options		504				(70		)		434				(155		)		—				279
Client interest rate derivatives		1,265				—				1,265				(256		)		—				1,009
Total derivative assets:		23,357				(70		)		23,287				(8,558		)		(5,080		)		9,649
Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements		172,989				—				172,989				(172,989		)		—				—
Total		$	196,346			$	(70	)		$	196,276			$	(181,547	)		$	(5,080	)		$	9,649
The following table summarizes our liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
(Dollars in thousands)		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Pledged				Net Amount
30-Sep-14
Derivative Liabilities:
Foreign exchange forwards		$	15,742			$	—			$	15,742			$	(9,294	)		$	—			$	6,448
Foreign currency options		92				(1		)		91				—				—				91
Client interest rate derivatives		2,317				—				2,317				(2,317		)		—				—
Total derivative liabilities:		18,151				(1		)		18,150				(11,611		)		—				6,539
Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements		—				—				—				—				—				—
Total		$	18,151			$	(1	)		$	18,150			$	(11,611	)		$	—			$	6,539
31-Dec-13
Derivative Liabilities:
Foreign exchange forwards		$	12,183			$	—			$	12,183			$	(8,282	)		$	—			$	3,901
Foreign currency options		504				(70		)		434				(279		)		—				155
Client interest rate derivatives		1,396				—				1,396				(1,087		)		—				309
Total derivative liabilities:		14,083				(70		)		14,013				(9,648		)		—				4,365
Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements		—				—				—				—				—				—
Total		$	14,083			$	(70	)		$	14,013			$	(9,648	)		$	—			$	4,365

Other_Noninterest_Loss_Income_

Other Noninterest (Loss) Income and Other Noninterest Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Noninterest (Loss) Income and Other Noninterest Expense	'
	Other Noninterest (Loss) Income and Other Noninterest Expense
	A summary of other noninterest (loss) income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fund management fees		$	3,574		$	2,822	$	9,888		$	8,531
	Service-based fee income		2,180			1,901		6,459			5,706
	(Losses) gains on revaluation of foreign currency instruments (1)		(12,640		)	8,069		(12,347		)	444
	Other (2)		1,525			4,369		10,601			9,667
	Total other noninterest (loss) income		$	(5,361	)	$	17,161	$	14,601		$	24,348
	-1	Represents the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments issued and held by us, primarily loans, deposits and cash.
	-2	Includes dividends on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income and other fee income.
	A summary of other noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Client services		$	3,215		$	1,920	$	8,160		$	5,711
	Tax credit fund amortization		2,228			1,519		6,758			4,174
	Data processing services		2,229			2,020		6,497			5,814
	Telephone		1,931			1,571		5,217			4,640
	Postage and supplies		763			559		2,248			1,777
	Dues and publications		719			399		1,852			1,302
	Other		4,711			2,661		9,381			6,855
	Total other noninterest expense		$	15,796		$	10,649	$	40,113		$	30,273

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	We have three reportable segments for management reporting purposes: Global Commercial Bank, SVB Private Bank and SVB Capital. The results of our operating segments are based on our internal management reporting process.
	Our operating segments’ primary source of revenue is from net interest income, which is primarily the difference between interest earned on loans, net of funds transfer pricing (“FTP”), and interest paid on deposits, net of FTP. Accordingly, our segments are reported using net interest income, net of FTP. FTP is an internal measurement framework designed to assess the financial impact of a financial institution’s sources and uses of funds. It is the mechanism by which an earnings credit is given for deposits raised, and an earnings charge is made for funded loans. FTP is calculated at an instrument level based on account characteristics.
	We also evaluate performance based on provision for loan losses, noninterest income and noninterest expense, which are presented as components of segment operating profit or loss. In calculating each operating segment’s noninterest expense, we consider the direct costs incurred by the operating segment as well as certain allocated direct costs. As part of this review, we allocate certain corporate overhead costs to a corporate account. We do not allocate income taxes to our segments. Additionally, our management reporting model is predicated on average asset balances; therefore, period-end asset balances are not presented for segment reporting purposes. Changes in an individual client’s primary relationship designation have resulted, and in the future may result, in the inclusion of certain clients in different segments in different periods.
	Unlike financial reporting, which benefits from the comprehensive structure provided by GAAP, our internal management reporting process is highly subjective, as there is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for management reporting. Our management reporting process measures the performance of our operating segments based on our internal operating structure, which is subject to change from time to time, and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for other financial services companies.
	For reporting purposes, SVB Financial Group has three operating segments for which we report our financial information:
	•	Global Commercial Bank is comprised of results from the following:
	◦	Our Commercial Bank products and services are provided by the Bank to commercial clients in the technology, life science and clean technology (energy and resource innovation) industries. The Bank provides solutions to the financial needs of commercial clients, through credit, global treasury management, foreign exchange, global trade finance, and other services. It serves clients within the United States, as well as non-U.S. clients in key international entrepreneurial markets. In addition, the Bank and its subsidiaries offer a variety of investment services and solutions, including investment advisory and broker-dealer services.
	◦	Our Private Equity Division provides banking products and services primarily to our venture capital and private equity clients.
	◦	Our Wine practice provides banking products and services to our premium wine industry clients. This practice is formerly known as SVB Specialty Lending and included our Community Development Finance practice which makes loans as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act. During the third quarter of 2014, management realigned the organizational structure of our Community Development Finance practice in order to improve its oversight and compliance for loans made as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act. This practice, formerly included in the GCB results, has been moved into "Other Items". Prior period results have been recast to conform to the new composition of these reportable segments and had no material effect on either the Global Commercial Bank or Other reporting segments.
	◦	SVB Analytics provides equity valuation services to companies and venture capital/private equity firms.
	◦	Debt Fund Investments is comprised of our investments in certain debt funds.
	•	SVB Private Bank is the private banking division of the Bank, which provides banking products and a range of personal financial solutions for consumers. Our clients are primarily venture capital/private equity professionals and executive leaders of the innovation companies they support. We offer a customized suite of private banking services, including mortgages, home equity lines of credit, restricted stock purchase loans, capital call lines of credit and other secured and unsecured lending, as well as cash and wealth management services.
	•	SVB Capital is the venture capital investment arm of SVBFG, which focuses primarily on funds management. SVB Capital manages funds (primarily venture capital funds) on behalf of third party limited partners and SVB Financial Group. The SVB Capital family of funds is comprised of funds of funds and direct venture funds. SVB Capital generates income for the Company primarily through management fees, carried interest arrangements and returns through the Company’s investments in the funds.
	The summary financial results of our operating segments are presented along with a reconciliation to our consolidated interim results.
	Our segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Global			SVB Private			SVB Capital (1)			Other Items (2)			Total
			Commercial			Bank
			Bank (1)
	Three months ended September 30, 2014
	Net interest income		$	187,184		$	7,344		$	12		$	26,025		$	220,565
	(Provision for) loan losses		(16,185		)	(425		)	—			—			(16,610		)
	Noninterest income		57,756			491			1,064			20,856			80,167
	Noninterest expense (3)		(128,685		)	(2,574		)	(3,036		)	(47,694		)	(181,989		)
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (4)		$	100,070		$	4,836		$	(1,960	)	$	(813	)	$	102,133
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	10,192,945		$	1,190,986		$	—		$	55,590		$	11,439,521
	Total average assets (5)		31,809,853			1,129,947			302,949			1,355,536			34,598,285
	Total average deposits		28,795,499			877,701			—			53,084			29,726,284
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Net interest income		$	162,371		$	6,195		$	1		$	8,529		$	177,096
	(Provision for) loan losses		(11,633		)	995			—			—			(10,638		)
	Noninterest income		49,991			380			35,457			171,822			257,650
	Noninterest expense (3)		(107,495		)	(2,484		)	(2,728		)	(47,817		)	(160,524		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	93,234		$	5,086		$	32,730		$	132,534		$	263,584
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	8,576,443		$	942,411		$	—		$	27,087		$	9,545,941
	Total average assets (5)		21,336,583			998,640			329,680			407,831			23,072,734
	Total average deposits		18,994,374			535,611			—			29,903			19,559,888
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Net interest income		$	541,375		$	23,529		$	55		$	56,899		$	621,858
	(Provision for) reduction of loan losses		(18,833		)	(218		)	—			—			(19,051		)
	Noninterest income		169,414			1,121			35,617			198,450			404,602
	Noninterest expense (3)		(374,289		)	(7,709		)	(8,815		)	(137,058		)	(527,871		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	317,667		$	16,723		$	26,857		$	118,291		$	479,538
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	9,917,115		$	1,120,647		$	—		$	60,635		$	11,098,397
	Total average assets (5)		28,828,400			1,027,707			328,048			1,221,098			31,405,253
	Total average deposits		26,020,715			805,167			—			56,231			26,882,113
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Net interest income		$	465,893		$	18,226		$	5		$	26,222		$	510,346
	(Provision for) reduction of loan losses		(36,030		)	1,007			—			—			(35,023		)
	Noninterest income		144,893			867			48,179			240,554			434,493
	Noninterest expense (3)		(313,080		)	(6,263		)	(7,871		)	(125,616		)	(452,830		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	261,676		$	13,837		$	40,313		$	141,160		$	456,986
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	8,175,626		$	886,679		$	—		$	23,874		$	9,086,179
	Total average assets (5)		20,732,425			910,551			277,136			575,980			22,496,092
	Total average deposits		18,480,510			493,204			—			15,646			18,989,360
	-1	Global Commercial Bank’s and SVB Capital’s components of net interest income, noninterest income, noninterest expense and total average assets are shown net of noncontrolling interests for all periods presented. Noncontrolling interest is included within "Other Items" as discussed below.
	-2	The "Other Items" column reflects the adjustments necessary to reconcile the results of the operating segments to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. Noninterest income is primarily attributable to noncontrolling interests and gains on equity warrant assets. Noninterest expense primarily consists of expenses associated with corporate support functions such as finance, human resources, marketing, legal and other expenses. Additionally, average assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and loans from our Community Development Finance practice as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act.
	-3	The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $5.4 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $15.4 million and $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	-4	The internal reporting model used by management to assess segment performance does not calculate income tax expense by segment. Our effective tax rate is a reasonable approximation of the segment rates.
	-5	Total average assets equal the greater of total average assets or the sum of total liabilities and total stockholders’ equity for each segment.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure Off Balance Sheet Arrangements Guarantees And Other Commitments Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments	'
	Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments
	In the normal course of business, we use financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial and standby letters of credit and commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity fund investments. These instruments involve credit risk to varying degrees. Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss because other parties to the financial instrument fail to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract.
	Commitments to Extend Credit
	The following table summarizes information related to our commitments to extend credit at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Loan commitments available for funding: (1)
	Fixed interest rate commitments		$	1,434,100	$	1,392,781
	Variable interest rate commitments		12,059,816		9,101,973
	Total loan commitments available for funding		13,493,916		10,494,754
	Commercial and standby letters of credit (2)		1,137,721		975,968
	Total unfunded credit commitments		$	14,631,637	$	11,470,722
	Commitments unavailable for funding (3)		$	1,691,660	$	1,006,168
	Maximum lending limits for accounts receivable factoring arrangements (4)		1,004,402		894,276
	Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (5)		35,489		29,983
	-1	Represents commitments which are available for funding, due to clients meeting all collateral, compliance and financial covenants required under loan commitment agreements.
	-2	See below for additional information on our commercial and standby letters of credit.
	-3	Represents commitments which are currently unavailable for funding, due to clients failing to meet all collateral, compliance and financial covenants under loan commitment agreements.
	-4	We extend credit under accounts receivable factoring arrangements when our clients’ sales invoices are deemed creditworthy under existing underwriting practices.
	-5	Our reserve for unfunded credit commitments includes an allowance for both our unfunded loan commitments and our letters of credit.
	Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit
	The table below summarizes our commercial and standby letters of credit at September 30, 2014. The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the amount that could be remitted under letters of credit if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from the collateral held or pledged.
	(Dollars in thousands)		Expires In One		Expires After		Total Amount		Maximum Amount
			Year or Less		One Year		Outstanding		of Future Payments
	Financial standby letters of credit		$	936,790	$	129,337	$	1,066,127	$	1,066,127
	Performance standby letters of credit		57,058		8,162		65,220		65,220
	Commercial letters of credit		6,374		—		6,374		6,374
	Total		$	1,000,222	$	137,499	$	1,137,721	$	1,137,721
	Deferred fees related to financial and performance standby letters of credit were $8.4 million at September 30, 2014 and $8.2 million at December 31, 2013. At September 30, 2014, collateral in the form of cash of $465.3 million and available-for-sale securities of $1.3 million were available to us to reimburse losses, if any, under financial and performance standby letters of credit.
	Commitments to Invest in Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds
	We make commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, which in turn make investments generally in, or in some cases make loans to, privately-held companies. Commitments to invest in these funds are generally made for a 10-year period from the inception of the fund. Although the limited partnership agreements governing these investments typically do not restrict the general partners from calling 100% of committed capital in one year, it is customary for these funds to generally call most of the capital commitments over 5 to 7 years; however in certain cases, the funds may not call 100% of committed capital over the life of the fund. The actual timing of future cash requirements to fund these commitments is generally dependent upon the investment cycle, overall market conditions, and the nature and type of industry in which the privately held companies operate. The following table details our total capital commitments, unfunded capital commitments, and our ownership percentage in each fund at September 30, 2014:
	Our Ownership in Venture Capital/Private Equity Funds		SVBFG Capital Commitments		SVBFG Unfunded		SVBFG Ownership
	(Dollars in thousands)				Commitments		of each Fund (4)
	Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP		$	6,000	$	270	10.7	%
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP (1)		1,200		162		5.1
	Capital Partners III, LP		750		649		0.4
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		945		163		6.8
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		15,300		688		12.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		15,000		1,050		8.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		15,000		1,425		5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		12,239		2,325		5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		515		239		Various
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		500		402		0.2
	Strategic Investors Fund VII Funds		500		500		0.2
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		12,688		—		20
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		24,670		1,340		33
	Other private equity fund (2)		9,338		—		58.2
	Partners for Growth, LP		25,000		9,750		50
	Debt funds (equity method accounting)		64,574		4,950		Various
	Other fund investments (3)		300,461		22,909		Various
	Total		$	504,680	$	46,822
	-1	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investment in SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
	-2	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital - NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
	-3	Represents commitments to 286 funds (primarily venture capital funds) where our ownership interest is generally less than 5 percent of the voting interests of each such fund.
	-4	We are subject to the Volcker Rule, which restricts or limits our sponsorship of and ownership of interests in “covered” funds including venture capital and private equity funds. For funds that we sponsor, the Volcker Rule limits the amount of our investment to 3% of the fund, and our aggregate investments in all such funds must not exceed 3% of our Tier 1 capital. The current deadline to conform to these limits is July 21, 2015. The time period to divest an investment that is not permitted by the final rule may be extended by the Federal Reserve Board for up to two one-year general extensions, and one additional extension up to five additional years for investments in funds that are considered illiquid. We intend to seek the maximum extensions available to us.  However, there is no guarantee that the Federal Reserve Board will grant any of these extensions. See “Business - Supervision and Regulation” under Item 1 of Part I of our 2013 Form 10-K.
	The following table details the amounts of remaining unfunded commitments to venture capital and private equity funds by our consolidated managed funds of funds (including our interest and the noncontrolling interests) at September 30, 2014:
	Limited Partnership		Unfunded
	(Dollars in thousands)		Commitments
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	2,250
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		5,589
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		15,641
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		41,205
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		162,335
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		239,268
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		5,886
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		6,044
Other private equity fund		243
Total		$	478,461

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We are subject to income tax in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions and have identified our federal tax return and tax returns in California and Massachusetts as major tax filings. U.S. federal tax examinations through 2009 have been concluded. Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2008, 2010 and subsequent years remain open to examination. Our California tax returns for 2008 and subsequent tax years remain open to examination. Massachusetts tax returns for 2008, 2010 and subsequent years remain open to examination.
	At September 30, 2014, our unrecognized tax benefit was $0.4 million, the recognition of which would reduce our income tax expense by $0.3 million. We do not expect that our unrecognized tax benefit will materially change in the next 12 months.
	We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income before income taxes. Interest and penalties were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain non-marketable and other securities are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We make estimates regarding valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value in preparing our interim consolidated financial statements.
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for measurement are observable or unobservable and the significance of those inputs in the fair value measurement. Observable inputs reflect market-derived or market-based information obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates about market data and views of market participants. The three levels for measuring fair value are based on the reliability of inputs and are as follows:
	Level 1
	Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include U.S. Treasury securities, exchange-traded equity securities and certain marketable securities accounted for under fair value accounting.
	Level 2
	Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Valuations for the available-for-sale securities are provided by third party external pricing service providers. We review the methodologies used to determine the fair value, including understanding the nature and observability of the inputs used to determine the price. Additional corroboration, such as obtaining a non-binding price from a broker, may be obtained depending on the frequency of trades of the security and the level of liquidity or depth of the market. The valuation methodology that is generally used for the Level 2 assets is the income approach. Below is a summary of the significant inputs used for each class of Level 2 assets and liabilities:
	U.S. agency debentures: Fair value measurements of U.S. agency debentures are based on the characteristics specific to bonds held, such as issuer name, coupon rate, maturity date and any applicable issuer call option features. Valuations are based on market spreads relative to similar term benchmark market interest rates, generally U.S. Treasury securities.
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities are pools of individual conventional mortgage loans underwritten to U.S. agency standards with similar coupon rates, tenor, and other attributes such as geographic location, loan size and origination vintage. Fair value measurements of these securities are based on observable price adjustments relative to benchmark market interest rates taking into consideration estimated loan prepayment speeds.
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations are structured into classes or tranches with defined cash flow characteristics and are collateralized by U.S. agency-issued mortgage pass-through securities. Fair value measurements of these securities incorporate similar characteristics of mortgage pass-through securities such as coupon rate, tenor, geographic location, loan size and origination vintage, in addition to incorporating the effect of estimated prepayment speeds on the cash flow structure of the class or tranche. These measurements incorporate observable market spreads over an estimated average life after considering the inputs listed above.
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities: Fair value measurements of these securities are based on spreads to benchmark market interest rates (usually U.S. Treasury rates or rates observable in the swaps market), prepayment speeds, loan default rate assumptions and loan loss severity assumptions on underlying loans.
	Municipal bonds and notes: Bonds issued by municipal governments generally have stated coupon rates, final maturity dates and are subject to being called ahead of the final maturity date at the option of the issuer. Fair value measurements of these securities are priced based on spreads to other municipal benchmark bonds with similar characteristics; or, relative to market rates on U.S. Treasury bonds of similar maturity.
	Interest rate swap assets: Fair value measurements of interest rate swaps are priced considering the coupon rate of the fixed leg of the contract and the variable coupon on the floating leg of the contract. Valuation is based on both spot and forward rates on the swap yield curve and the credit worthiness of the contract counterparty.
	Foreign exchange forward and option contract assets and liabilities: Fair value measurements of these assets and liabilities are priced based on spot and forward foreign currency rates and option volatility assumptions and the credit worthiness of the contract counterparty.
	Equity warrant assets (public portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of publicly-traded portfolio companies are valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model uses the price of publicly-traded companies (underlying stock price), stated strike prices, warrant expiration dates, the risk-free interest rate and market-observable option volatility assumptions.
	Level 3
	The fair value measurement is derived from valuation techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect our own estimates of assumptions we believe market participants would use in pricing the asset. Below is a summary of the valuation techniques used for each class of Level 3 assets:
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments: Fair value measurements are based on the net asset value per share as obtained from the investee funds' management, as the funds do not have a readily determinable fair value and the funds prepare their financial statements using guidance consistent with fair value accounting. We account for differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recent available financial information from the investee general partner, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
	Other venture capital investments: Fair value measurements are based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, and as it relates to the private company, the current and projected operating performance, exit strategies and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement include the information about each portfolio company, including actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Significant changes to any one of these inputs in isolation could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement, however, we generally consider all factors available through ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers to determine whether there are changes to the portfolio company or the environment that indicate a change in the fair value measurement.
	Other securities: Fair value measurements of equity securities of public companies are priced based on quoted market prices less a discount if the securities are subject to certain sales restrictions. Marketability discounts generally range from 10% to 20% depending on the duration of the sale restrictions which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
	Equity warrant assets (public portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of publicly-traded portfolio companies are valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model uses the price of publicly-traded companies (underlying stock price), stated strike prices, warrant expiration dates, the risk-free interest rate and market-observable option volatility assumptions. Modeled asset values are further adjusted by applying a discount of up to 20% for certain warrants that have lockup restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. As a lock-up term nears, and other sale restrictions are lifted, discounts are adjusted downward to 0 percent once all restrictions expire or are removed.
	Equity warrant assets (private portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of private portfolio companies are priced based on a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the asset value by using stated strike prices, option expiration dates, risk-free interest rates and option volatility assumptions. Option volatility assumptions used in the modified Black-Scholes model are based on public market indices whose members operate in similar industries as companies in our private company portfolio. Option expiration dates are modified to account for estimates to actual life relative to stated expiration. Overall model asset values are further adjusted for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. There is a direct correlation between changes in the volatility and remaining life assumptions in isolation and the fair value measurement while there is an inverse correlation between changes in the liquidity discount assumption and the fair value measurement.
	It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon valuation techniques that use primarily market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, prepayment speeds, option volatilities and currency rates. Substantially all of our financial instruments use the foregoing methodologies, and are categorized as a Level 1 or Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. However, in certain cases, when market observable inputs for our valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions we believe market participants would use in estimating the fair value of the financial instrument, and based on the significance of those judgments, the measurement may be determined to be a Level 3 fair value measurement.
	The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For financial instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. For inactive markets, there is little information, if any, to evaluate if individual transactions are orderly. Accordingly, we are required to estimate, based upon all available facts and circumstances, the degree to which orderly transactions are occurring and provide more weighting to price quotes that are based upon orderly transactions. In addition, changes in the market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. For example, reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities could result in observable market inputs becoming unavailable. Therefore, when market data is not available, we use valuation techniques requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurement. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greater for financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3.
	The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Balance at September 30, 2014
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	6,876,299		$	—		$	—	$	6,876,299
	U.S. agency debentures		—			3,605,833			—		3,605,833
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		—			2,005,933			—		2,005,933
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		—			835,957			—		835,957
	Equity securities		4,211			5,203			—		9,414
	Total available-for-sale securities		6,880,510			6,452,926			—		13,333,436
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Non-marketable securities:
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		—			—			1,078,911		1,078,911
	Other venture capital investments		—			—			43,863		43,863
	Other securities		181,265			—			—		181,265
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)		181,265			—			1,122,774		1,304,039
	Other assets:
	Interest rate swaps		—			4,965			—		4,965
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		—			17,234			—		17,234
	Equity warrant assets		—			1,563			93,397		94,960
	Client interest rate derivatives		—			2,173			—		2,173
	Total assets (1)		$	7,061,775		$	6,478,861		$	1,216,171	$	14,756,807
	Liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		$	—		$	15,833		$	—	$	15,833
	Client interest rate derivatives		—			2,317			—		2,317
	Total liabilities		$	—		$	18,150		$	—	$	18,150
	-1	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $163.6 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
	The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Balance at December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities:
	U.S. agency debentures		$	—		$	4,345,232		$	—	$	4,345,232
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		—			2,473,576			—		2,473,576
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		—			3,325,758			—		3,325,758
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		—			1,186,573			—		1,186,573
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		—			564,604			—		564,604
	Municipal bonds and notes		—			86,027			—		86,027
Equity securities		3,732			1,319			—		5,051
Total available-for-sale securities		3,732			11,983,089			—		11,986,821
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Non-marketable securities:
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		—			—			862,972		862,972
Other venture capital investments		—			—			32,839		32,839
Other Securities		2,125			—			319,249		321,374
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)		2,125			—			1,215,060		1,217,185
Other assets:
Interest rate swaps		—			6,492			—		6,492
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		—			15,530			—		15,530
Equity warrant assets		—			3,622			99,891		103,513
Loan conversion options		—			314			—		314
Client interest rate derivatives		—			1,265			—		1,265
Total assets (1)		$	5,857		$	12,010,312		$	1,314,951	$	13,331,120
Liabilities
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		$	—		$	12,617		$	—	$	12,617
Client interest rate derivatives		—			1,396			—		1,396
Total liabilities		$	—		$	14,013		$	—	$	14,013
-1	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $2.0 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
The following table presents additional information about Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
(Dollars in thousands)		Beginning			Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income			Purchases		Sales			Issuances		Distributions and Other Settlements			Transfers Out of Level 3			Ending
		Balance																			Balance
Three months ended September 30, 2014
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	1,040,522		$	43,460		$	49,037	$	—		$	—	$	(54,108	)	$	—		$	1,078,911
Other venture capital investments		43,747			5,546			6,304		(11,122		)	—		(612		)	—			43,863
Other securities (fair value accounting)		5,808			—			—		—			—		—			(5,808		)	—
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)(1)		1,090,077			49,006			55,341		(11,122		)	—		(54,720		)	(5,808		)	1,122,774
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)		87,151			13,805			—		(10,564		)	2,932		510			(437		)	93,397
Total assets		$	1,177,228		$	62,811		$	55,341	$	(21,686	)	$	2,932	$	(54,210	)	$	(6,245	)	$	1,216,171
Three months ended September 30, 2013
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	741,522		$	34,288		$	41,704	$	—		$	—	$	(44,015	)	$	—		$	773,499
Other venture capital investments		123,493			4,530			1,016		4			—		(73,684		)	—			55,359
Other securities (fair value accounting)		—			143,301			—		—			—		73,753			—			217,054
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		865,015			182,119			42,720		4			—		(43,946		)	—			1,045,912
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)		73,229			18,215			—		(6,366		)	2,995		365			(312		)	88,126
Total assets		$	938,244		$	200,334		$	42,720	$	(6,362	)	$	2,995	$	(43,581	)	$	(312	)	$	1,134,038
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	862,972		$	192,240		$	159,448	$	—		$	—	$	(135,749	)	$	—		$	1,078,911
Other venture capital investments		32,839			8,060			22,800		(15,561		)	—		(4,149		)	(126		)	43,863
Other securities (fair value accounting)		319,249			104,310			—		(46,840		)	—		3,417			(380,136		)	—
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		1,215,060			304,610			182,248		(62,401		)	—		(136,481		)	(380,262		)	1,122,774
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)		99,891			51,325			—		(67,201		)	9,098		1,718			(1,434		)	93,397
Total assets		$	1,314,951		$	355,935		$	182,248	$	(129,602	)	$	9,098	$	(134,763	)	$	(381,696	)	$	1,216,171
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	665,921		$	90,526		$	107,022	$	—		$	—	$	(89,970	)	$	—		$	773,499
Other venture capital investments		127,091			5,779			1,210		(381		)	—		(74,779		)	(3,561		)	55,359
Other securities (fair value accounting)		—			143,301			—		—			—		73,753			—			217,054
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		793,012			239,606			108,232		(381		)	—		(90,996		)	(3,561		)	1,045,912
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)		66,129			26,142			—		(10,805		)	7,309		1,743			(2,392		)	88,126
Total assets		$	859,141		$	265,748		$	108,232	$	(11,186	)	$	7,309	$	(89,253	)	$	(5,953	)	$	1,134,038
-1	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
-2	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
The following table presents the amount of unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings (which is inclusive of noncontrolling interest) attributable to Level 3 assets still held at September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2014		2013
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	57,967		$	32,694		$	207,885	$	89,705
Other venture capital investments		(1,231		)	4,603			78		5,720
Other securities (fair value accounting)		—			143,301			78,967		143,301
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		56,736			180,598			286,930		238,726
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)		6,911			14,205			17,777		19,788
Total unrealized gains, net		$	63,647		$	194,803		$	304,707	$	258,514
Unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	47,165		$	164,871		$	193,841	$	215,340
-1	Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
-2	Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for certain of our Level 3 fair value measurements at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. We have not included in this table our venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) as we use net asset value per share (as obtained from the general partners of the investments) as a practical expedient to determine fair value.
(Dollars in thousands)		Fair value			Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs	Weighted
								Average
September 30, 2014:
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)		$	43,863		Private company equity pricing		-1	(1	)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)		529			Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	43.9	%
							Risk-Free interest rate	2.1	%
							Sales restrictions discount (2)	15.7	%
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)		92,868			Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	38.2	%
							Risk-Free interest rate	1	%
							Marketability discount (3)	20	%
							Remaining life assumption (4)	45	%
December 31, 2013:
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)		$	32,839		Private company equity pricing		-1	(1	)
Other securities		319,249			Modified stock price		Sales restrictions discount (2)	12	%
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)		24,217			Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	41.3	%
							Risk-Free interest rate	1.7	%
							Sales restrictions discount (2)	13.7	%
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)		75,674			Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	40.1	%
							Risk-Free interest rate	0.8	%
							Marketability discount (3)	22.5	%
							Remaining life assumption (4)	45	%
-1	In determining the fair value of our other venture capital investment portfolio, we evaluate a variety of factors related to each underlying private portfolio company including, but not limited to, actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Additionally, we have ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers, to determine whether there is a material change in fair value. These factors are specific to each portfolio company and a weighted average or range of values of the unobservable inputs is not meaningful.
-2	We adjust quoted market prices of public companies, which are subject to certain sales restrictions. Sales restriction discounts generally range from 10 percent to 20 percent depending on the duration of the sales restrictions, which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
-3	Our marketability discount is applied to all private company warrants to account for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. The quantitative measure used is based on long-run averages and is influenced over time by various factors, including market conditions. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount.
-4	We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At September 30, 2014, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 6.25 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.81 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we did not have any material transfers between Level 2 and Level 1. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 1 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 include $5.8 million as a result of the expiration of lockup and other restrictions on one of our other securities portfolio companies. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 1 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $380.1 million as a result of the expiration of lockup and other restrictions on certain of our other securities. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 include $3.6 million due to the IPO of one of our portfolio companies.
All other transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were due to the transfer of equity warrant assets from our private portfolio to our public portfolio (see our Level 3 reconciliation above). All amounts reported as transfers represent the fair value as of the date of the change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value
FASB guidance over financial instruments requires that we disclose estimated fair values for our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions, set forth below for our financial instruments, are made solely to comply with these requirements.
Fair values are based on estimates or calculations at the transaction level using present value techniques in instances where quoted market prices are not available. Because broadly traded markets do not exist for many of our financial instruments, the fair value calculations attempt to incorporate the effect of current market conditions at a specific time. The aggregation of the fair value calculations presented herein does not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.
The following describes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments, excluding financial instruments already recorded at fair value as described above.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash balances due from banks, interest-earning deposits, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the insignificant risk of changes in fair value due to changes in market interest rates, and the instruments are purchased in conjunction with our cash management activities.
Held-to-Maturity Securities
Held-to-maturity securities include similar investments held in our available-for-sale securities portfolio and are valued using the same methodologies. All securities included in our held-to-maturity securities portfolio are valued using Level 2 inputs. Refer to Level 2 fair value measurements above for significant inputs used in the valuation of our held-to-maturity investment securities.
Non-Marketable Securities (Cost and Equity Method Accounting)
Non-marketable securities includes other investments (equity method accounting), low income housing tax credit funds (equity method accounting), venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting), and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting). Other investments (equity method accounting) include our investment in SPD Silicon Valley Bank ("SPD-SVB"), our joint venture bank in China. At this time, the carrying value of our investment in SPD-SVB is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of the remaining other investments (equity method accounting) and the fair value of venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting) is based on financial information obtained from the investee or obtained from the fund investments’ or debt fund investments’ respective general partners. For private company investments, estimated fair value is based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. For our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as obtained from the general partners of the investments. We adjust the net asset value per share for differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example June 30th for our September 30th consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period. The carrying value of our low income housing tax credit funds (equity method accounting) is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Loans
The fair value of fixed and variable rate loans is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows using rates that reflect current pricing for similar loans and the projected forward yield curve. This method is not based on the exit price concept of fair value required under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
Investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock are recorded at cost. The carrying amounts of these investments are reasonable estimates of fair value because the securities are restricted to member banks and they do not have a readily determinable market value.
Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable
The carrying amounts of accrued interest receivable and payable are reasonable estimates of fair value due to the short-term nature of these balances.
Deposits
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits is equal to the amount payable on demand at the measurement date. The fair value of time deposits is estimated by discounting the cash flows using our cost of borrowings and the projected forward yield curve over their remaining contractual term.
Short-Term Borrowings
Short-term borrowings at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included cash collateral received from our counterparties in relation to derivative contracts where the net market value is in our favor, primarily for our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes. The carrying amount of the cash collateral is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included our 5.375% Senior Notes, 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures and 6.05% Subordinated Notes. The fair value of long-term debt is generally based on quoted market prices, when available, or is estimated based on calculations utilizing third-party pricing services and current market spread, price indications from reputable dealers or observable market prices of the underlying instrument(s), whichever is deemed more reliable. Also included in the estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes are amounts related to hedge accounting associated with the note.
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
The fair value of net available commitments to extend credit is estimated based on the average amount we would receive or pay to execute a new agreement with identical terms and pricing, while taking into account the counterparties’ credit standing.
Letters of credit are carried at their fair value, which was equivalent to the residual premium or fee at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit typically result in loans with a market interest rate if funded.
The following fair value hierarchy table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
					Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
September 30, 2014:
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,872,537		$	1,872,537		$	—	$	—
Held-to-maturity securities		6,662,025			—			6,613,893		—
Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)		399,511			—			—		497,855
Net commercial loans		10,721,645			—			—		10,884,474
Net consumer loans		1,166,475			—			—		1,121,639
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock		41,026			—			—		41,026
Accrued interest receivable		81,334			—			81,334		—
Financial liabilities:
Other short-term borrowings		6,630			6,630			—		—
Non-maturity deposits (1)		30,963,491			30,963,491			—		—
Time deposits		159,644			—			159,644		—
5.375% Senior Notes		348,378			—			390,740		—
6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		50,497			—			54,423		—
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		54,889			—			52,722		—
Accrued interest payable		2,932			—			2,932		—
Off-balance sheet financial assets:
Commitments to extend credit		—			—			—		29,731
December 31, 2013:
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,538,779		$	1,538,779		$	—	$	—
Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)		378,309			—			—		447,783
Net commercial loans		9,796,878			—			—		9,935,917
Net consumer loans		966,622			—			—		1,005,080
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock		40,632			—			—		40,632
Accrued interest receivable		67,772			—			67,772		—
Financial liabilities:
Other short-term borrowings		5,080			5,080			—		—
Non-maturity deposits (1)		22,259,119			22,259,119			—		—
Time deposits		213,860			—			213,874		—
5.375% Senior Notes		348,209			—			383,782		—
6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		51,987			—			56,297		—
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		55,020			—			51,915		—
Accrued interest payable		6,858			—			6,858		—
Off-balance sheet financial assets:
Commitments to extend credit		—			—			—		24,285
-1	Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.
-2	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $5.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
Investments in Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share
FASB guidance over certain fund investments requires that we disclose the fair value of funds, significant investment strategies of the investees, redemption features of the investees, restrictions on the ability to sell investments, estimate of the period of time over which the underlying assets are expected to be liquidated by the investee, and unfunded commitments related to the investments.
Our investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments generally cannot be redeemed. Alternatively, we expect distributions, if any, to be received primarily through IPOs and M&A activity of the underlying assets of the fund. Subject to applicable requirements under the Volcker Rule, we do not have any plans to sell any of these fund investments. If we decide to sell these investments in the future, the investee fund’s management must approve of the buyer before the sale of the investments can be completed. The fair values of the fund investments have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments, adjusted for any differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example June 30th, for our September 30th consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
The following table is a summary of the estimated fair values of these investments and remaining unfunded commitments for each major category of these investments as of September 30, 2014:
(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Unfunded
								Commitments
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)		$	1,078,911		$	1,078,911		$	478,461
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
Other investments (2)		47,662			49,064			5,836
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)		142,710			239,857			22,022
Total		$	1,269,283		$	1,367,832		$	506,319
-1	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $995 million and $474 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.
-2	Other investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on the age of the funds.
-3	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (cost method accounting) include investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.

Legal_Matters

Legal Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Legal Matters	'
	Legal Matters
	Certain lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against us or our affiliates. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish accruals for all lawsuits, claims and expected settlements when we believe it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrual. Any such loss estimates are inherently uncertain, based on currently available information and are subject to management’s judgment and various assumptions. Due to the inherent subjectivity of these estimates and unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, any amounts accrued may not represent the ultimate resolution of such matters.
	To the extent we believe any potential loss relating to such lawsuits and claims may have a material impact on our liquidity, consolidated financial position, results of operations, and/or our business as a whole and is reasonably possible but not probable, we disclose information relating to any such potential loss, whether in excess of any established accruals or where there is no established accrual. We also disclose information relating to any material potential loss that is probable but not reasonably estimable. Where reasonably practicable, we will provide an estimate of loss or range of potential loss. No disclosures are generally made for any loss contingencies that are deemed to be remote.
	Based upon information available to us, our review of lawsuits and claims filed or pending against us to date and consultation with our outside legal counsel, we have not recognized a material accrual liability for these matters, nor do we currently expect it is reasonably possible that these matters will result in a material liability to the Company. However, the outcome of litigation and other legal and regulatory matters is inherently uncertain, and it is possible that one or more of such matters currently pending or threatened could have an unanticipated material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated financial position, results of operations, and/or our business as a whole, in the future.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Parties	'
	Related Parties
	SVB Financial has commitments under two partially-syndicated revolving line of credit facilities totaling $65.0 million to Gold Hill Capital 2008 LP, a venture debt fund, and an affiliated fund, for which SVB Financial has ownership interests. Of the $65.0 million, $6.0 million is syndicated to another lender. SVB Financial has an 11.5 percent direct ownership interest and a 4.0 percent indirect ownership interest in Gold Hill Capital 2008 LP through our 83.8 percent interest in its general partner, Gold Hill Capital 08, LLC. The lines of credit are secured and bear an interest rate of national Prime plus one percent. The highest outstanding balance under SVB Financial's portion of the facility for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $19.1 million. SVB Financial's portion of the outstanding balance was $5.0 million at September 30, 2014 and $23.0 million at December 31, 2013.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Bank made loans to related parties, including certain companies in which certain of our directors or their affiliated venture funds are beneficial owners of ten percent or more of the equity securities of such companies. Such loans: (a) were made in the ordinary course of business; (b) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related persons; and (c) did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. Additionally, we also provide real estate secured loans to eligible employees through our EHOP.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	Update on Investments in FireEye
	As of September 30, 2014, our managed funds (including SVB Financial's interest) held approximately 4.9 million shares of FireEye common stock ("FireEye Shares"). From September 30, 2014 to November 6, 2014, the market share price of FireEye’s common stock has slightly decreased from $30.56 to $30.04 and as such there has not been a significant decline in the valuation of our remaining FireEye related investments.
	Investment gains (or losses) relating to the remaining 4.9 million FireEye Shares held by our managed funds are based on valuation changes or the sale of such securities, and are subject to FireEye’s stock price, which is subject to market conditions and various other factors. Additionally, any future gains and losses with respect to the remaining shares held by our managed funds at September 30, 2014 are currently unrealized, and the extent such gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and timing of any sales or distribution of securities, which are subject to our funds' separate discretionary securities sales/distribution and governance processes.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Presentation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SVB Financial Group and entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in an entity by evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a VIE and whether the applicable accounting guidance requires consolidation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Voting interest entities are entities that have sufficient equity and provide the equity investors voting rights that enable them to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations. For these types of entities, the Company’s determination of whether it has a controlling interest is based on ownership of the majority of the entities’ voting equity interest or through control of management of the entities.
	VIEs are entities that, by design, either (1) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE by considering whether our involvement with the VIE is significant and whether we are the primary beneficiary based on the following:
	1	We have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance;
	2	The aggregate indirect and direct variable interests held by the Company have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could be significant to the VIE; and,
	3	Qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size, and form of our involvement with the VIE.
	Voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest or by which we control through management rights are consolidated into our financial statements.
	We have not provided financial or other support during the periods presented to any VIE that we were not previously contractually required to provide. We are variable interest holders in certain partnerships for which we are not the primary beneficiary. We perform on-going reassessments on the status of the entities and whether facts or circumstances have changed in relation to previously evaluated voting interest entities and our involvement in VIEs which could cause our consolidation conclusion to change.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentations.

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Ta

Stockholders' Equity and EPS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Basic EPS to Diluted EPS	'
	The following is a reconciliation of basic EPS to diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Numerator:
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	62,995			$	67,621			$	205,093			$	157,096
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	50,752				45,580				48,281				45,180
	Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and ESPP	534				429				580				405
	Restricted stock units	285				193				339				180
	Denominator for diluted calculation	51,571				46,202				49,200				45,765
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	1.24			$	1.48			$	4.25			$	3.48
	Diluted	$	1.22			$	1.46			$	4.17			$	3.43
Common Shares Excluded from Diluted EPS Calculation as They Were Deemed to be Anti-Dilutive	'
	The following table summarizes the weighted-average common shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation as they were deemed to be antidilutive for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	(Shares in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Stock options	241			343			140			546
	Restricted stock units	1			—			2			1
	Total	242			343			142			547
Reclassifications out of AOCI	'
	The following table summarizes the items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into the Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
				Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	Income Statement Location		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	Gains on investment securities, net		$	990			$	(219	)		$	17,411			$	(949	)
	Related tax (benefit) expense	Income tax expense		(400		)		85				(7,030		)		363
	Total reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax			$	590			$	(134	)		$	10,381			$	(586	)

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share Based Compensation and Related Benefits	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we recorded share-based compensation and related tax benefits as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Share-based compensation expense	$	7,520			$	6,723			$	22,285		$	18,945
	Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	(2,676		)		(2,243		)		(7,351		)	(5,801		)
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense	'
	As of September 30, 2014, unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Unrecognized				Average
		Expense				Expected
						Recognition
						Period - in Years
	Stock options	$	16,282			2.64
	Restricted stock units	35,324				2.56
	Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$	51,606
Stock Option Information Related to Equity Incentive Plan	'
	The table below provides stock option information related to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Options			Weighted				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate
					Average						Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price						of In-The-
											Money
											Options
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,514,159			$	55.27
	Granted	239,383			108.27
	Exercised	(283,498	)		47.56
	Forfeited	(21,975	)		71.17
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	1,448,069			65.3				4.25		$	67,825,947
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014	1,397,466			64.55				4.2		66,495,669
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	727,829			50.48				3.08		44,843,070
Information for Restricted Stock Units under Equity Incentive Plan	'
	The table below provides information for restricted stock units under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	682,347			$	65.93
	Granted	197,687			107.85
	Vested	(200,856	)		64.05
	Forfeited	(25,268	)		73.02
	Nonvested at September 30, 2014	653,910			78.91

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Tabl

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	The following table details our cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Cash and due from banks (1)		$	1,815,581	$	1,349,688
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)		50,834		172,989
	Other short-term investment securities		6,122		16,102
	Total cash and cash equivalents		$	1,872,537	$	1,538,779
	-1	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $883 million and $715 million, respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $442 million and $300 million, respectively.
	-2	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $52 million and $176 million, respectively. None of these securities received as collateral were sold or repledged as of September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Major Components of Investment Securities Portfolio	'
	The major components of our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
			30-Sep-14
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Carrying
			Cost			Gains				Losses				Value
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	6,886,952		$	2,245			$	(12,898	)		$	6,876,299
	U.S. agency debentures		3,592,129			28,744				(15,040		)		3,605,833
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		2,003,337			20,671				(18,075		)		2,005,933
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		830,139			5,818				—				835,957
	Equity securities		9,502			749				(837		)		9,414
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	13,322,059		$	58,227			$	(46,850	)		$	13,333,436
			31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Carrying
			Cost			Gains				Losses				Value
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
	U.S. agency debentures		$	4,344,652		$	41,365			$	(40,785	)		$	4,345,232
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,472,528			17,189				(16,141		)		2,473,576
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		3,386,670			24,510				(85,422		)		3,325,758
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		1,183,333			3,363				(123		)		1,186,573
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		581,475			552				(17,423		)		564,604
	Municipal bonds and notes		82,024			4,024				(21		)		86,027
	Equity securities		4,842			692				(483		)		5,051
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	12,055,524		$	91,695			$	(160,398	)		$	11,986,821
Summary of Unrealized Losses on Available for Sale Securities	'
	The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of September 30, 2014:
			30-Sep-14
			Less than 12 months							12 months or longer								Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value of			Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized
			Investments			Losses				Investments				Losses				Investments				Losses
	Available-for-sale securities:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	4,736,436		$	(12,898	)		$	—			$	—			$	4,736,436			$	(12,898	)
	U.S. agency debentures		688,808			(2,373		)		553,231				(12,667		)		1,242,039				(15,040		)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		659,886			(2,523		)		469,850				(15,552		)		1,129,736				(18,075		)
	Equity securities		5,546			(837		)		—				—				5,546				(837		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities: (1)		$	6,090,676		$	(18,631	)		$	1,023,081			$	(28,219	)		$	7,113,757			$	(46,850	)
	-1	As of September 30, 2014, we identified a total of 182 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 34 investments totaling $1.0 billion with unrealized losses of $28.2 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of September 30, 2014, we do not intend to sell any impaired fixed income investment securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis. Based on our analysis as of September 30, 2014, we deem all impairments to be temporary, and therefore changes in value for our temporarily impaired securities as of the same date are included in other comprehensive income. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the available-for-sale securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.
	The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2013:
			31-Dec-13
			Less than 12 months							12 months or longer								Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value of			Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized
			Investments			Losses				Investments				Losses				Investments				Losses
	U.S. agency debentures		$	1,821,045		$	(40,785	)		$	—			$	—			$	1,821,045			$	(40,785	)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		1,480,870			(14,029		)		19,830				(2,112		)		1,500,700				(16,141		)
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		2,098,137			(79,519		)		134,420				(5,903		)		2,232,557				(85,422		)
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		109,699			(123		)		—				—				109,699				(123		)
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		464,171			(17,423		)		—				—				464,171				(17,423		)
	Municipal bonds and notes		3,404			(21		)		—				—				3,404				(21		)
	Equity securities		910			(483		)		—				—				910				(483		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities		$	5,978,236		$	(152,383	)		$	154,250			$	(8,015	)		$	6,132,486			$	(160,398	)
Summary of Remaining Contractual Principal Maturities and Fully Taxable Equivalent Yields on Securities	'
	The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities and fully taxable equivalent yields on fixed income investment securities classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2014. The weighted average yield is computed using the amortized cost of fixed income investment securities, which are reported at fair value. For U.S. Treasury securities, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. Expected remaining maturities for certain U.S. agency debentures may occur earlier than their contractual maturities because the note issuers have the right to call outstanding amounts ahead of their contractual maturity. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ significantly from their contractual maturities because mortgage borrowers have the right to prepay outstanding loan obligations with or without penalties. Mortgage-backed securities classified as available-for-sale typically have original contractual maturities from 10 to 30 years whereas expected average lives of these securities tend to be significantly shorter and vary based upon structure and prepayments in lower rate environments.
			30-Sep-14
			Total						One Year							After One Year to							After Five Years to				After
									or Less							Five Years							Ten Years				Ten Years
	(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying			Weighted-			Carrying				Weighted-			Carrying				Weighted-			Carrying		Weighted-		Carrying		Weighted-
			Value			Average			Value				Average			Value				Average			Value		Average		Value		Average
						Yield							Yield							Yield					Yield				Yield
	U.S. treasury securities		$	6,876,299		1.08	%		$	100,189			0.15	%		$	6,041,278			0.99	%		$	734,832	1.97	%	$	—	—	%
	U.S. agency debentures		3,605,833			1.63			695,199				1.64			2,225,869				1.52			684,765		2.01		—		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		2,005,933			2.01			—				—			—				—			483,473		2.59		1,522,460		1.83
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		835,957			0.71			—				—			—				—			—		—		835,957		0.71
	Total		$	13,324,022		1.35			$	795,388			1.45			$	8,267,147			1.13			$	1,903,070	2.14		$	2,358,417	1.43
	Mortgage-backed securities classified as held-to-maturity typically have original contractual maturities from 10 to 30 years whereas expected average lives of these securities tend to be significantly shorter and vary based upon structure and prepayments in lower rate environments.
			30-Sep-14
			Total						One Year							After One Year to							After Five Years to				After
									or Less							Five Years							Ten Years				Ten Years
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized Cost			Weighted-			Amortized Cost				Weighted-			Amortized Cost				Weighted-			Amortized Cost		Weighted-		Amortized Cost		Weighted-
						Average							Average							Average					Average				Average
						Yield							Yield							Yield					Yield				Yield
	U.S. agency debentures		$	349,993		2.9	%		$	—			—	%		$	—			—	%		$	349,993	2.9	%	$	—	—	%
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,919,715			2.42			—				—			45,081				2.39			901,721		2.2		1,972,913		2.52
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		2,489,538			1.68			—				—			—				—			—		—		2,489,538		1.68
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		139,182			0.65			—				—			—				—			—		—		139,182		0.65
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		679,379			2.16			—				—			—				—			—		—		679,379		2.16
	Municipal bonds and notes		84,218			6			3,470				5.37			27,900				5.84			40,475		6.07		12,373		6.3
	Total		$	6,662,025		2.15			$	3,470			5.37			$	72,981			3.71			$	1,292,189	2.51		$	5,293,385	2.03
Held-to-maturity Securities	'
	The major components of our held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2014 are as follows:
			30-Sep-14
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Fair Value
			Cost			Gains				Losses
	Held-to-maturity securities, at cost:
	U.S. agency debentures (1)		$	349,993		$	1,588			$	(1,165	)		$	350,416
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,919,715			16				(20,712		)		2,899,019
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		2,489,538			384				(24,052		)		2,465,870
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		139,182			7				(14		)		139,175
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		679,379			350				(4,391		)		675,338
	Municipal bonds and notes		84,218			81				(224		)		84,075
	Total held-to-maturity securities		$	6,662,025		$	2,426			$	(50,558	)		$	6,613,893
	-1	Consists of pools of Small Business Investment Company debentures issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, an independent agency of the United States.
	The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our held-to-maturity securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of September 30, 2014:
			30-Sep-14
			Less than 12 months							12 months or longer (1)								Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value of			Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized				Fair Value of				Unrealized
			Investments			Losses				Investments				Losses				Investments				Losses
	Held-to-maturity securities:
	U.S. agency debentures		$	205,383		$	(837	)		$	47,987			$	(328	)		$	253,370			$	(1,165	)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,890,039			(20,712		)		—				—				2,890,039				(20,712		)
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		1,316,900			(12,438		)		806,042				(11,614		)		2,122,942				(24,052		)
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		77,567			(14		)		—				—				77,567				(14		)
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		578,687			(4,391		)		—				—				578,687				(4,391		)
	Municipal bonds and notes		55,365			(224		)		—				—				55,365				(224		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities (2):		$	5,123,941		$	(38,616	)		$	854,029			$	(11,942	)		$	5,977,970			$	(50,558	)
	-1	Represents securities in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer in which the amortized cost basis was re-set for those securities re-designated from AFS to HTM effective June 1, 2014.
	-2	As of September 30, 2014, we identified a total of 329 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 28 investments totaling $854.0 million with unrealized losses of $11.9 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of September 30, 2014, we do not intend to sell any impaired fixed income investment securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, which is consistent with our classification of these securities. Based on our analysis as of September 30, 2014, we deem all impairments to be temporary. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the held-to-maturity securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.
Schedule of Nonmarketable and Other Securities	'
	The major components of our non-marketable and other investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Non-marketable and other securities:
	Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)		$	1,078,911		$	862,972
	Other venture capital investments (2)		43,863			32,839
	Other securities (fair value accounting) (3)		181,265			321,374
	Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
	Other investments (4)		141,913			142,883
	Low income housing tax credit funds		98,417			72,241
	Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (5)		142,710			148,994
	Other investments		16,471			14,191
	Total non-marketable and other securities		$	1,703,550		$	1,595,494
	-1	The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
			30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	25,625		12.6	%		$	29,104			12.6	%
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		92,681			8.6			96,185				8.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		248,816			5.9			260,272				5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		308,332			5			226,729				5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		214,863			Various			118,181				Various
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		56,958			0.2			7,944				0.2
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		61,876			20			59,028				20
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		61,818			33			61,126				33
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		302			5.1			708				5.1
	Other private equity fund (ii)		7,640			58.2			3,695				58.2
	Total venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	1,078,911					$	862,972
	(i)	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
	(ii)	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
	-2	The following table shows the amounts of other venture capital investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
			30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP		$	5,616		10.7	%		$	6,564			10.7	%
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		17,802			5.1			22,684				5.1
	Capital Partners III, LP		15,000			0.4			—				—
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		5,445			6.8			3,591				6.8
	Total other venture capital investments		$	43,863					$	32,839
	(i)	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
	-3	Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. At September 30, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $143.8 million in one public company, FireEye, Inc. ("FireEye"). The extent to which any unrealized gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and the timing of any sales or distribution of securities, which are subject to our funds' separate discretionary securities sales/distribution and governance processes and may also be constrained by lock-up agreements. None of the FireEye related investments currently are subject to a lock-up agreement.
	-4	The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (equity method accounting):
			30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (i)		$	20,685		15.5	%		$	21,867			15.5	%
	China Joint Venture investment		79,457			50			79,940				50
	Other investments		41,771			Various			41,076				Various
	Total other investments (equity method accounting)		$	141,913					$	142,883
	(i)	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 11.5 percent in the fund and an indirect interest in the fund through our investment in Gold Hill Capital 2008, LLC of 4.0 percent.
	-5	Represents investments in 281 and 288 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where our ownership interest is typically less than 5% of the voting interests of each such fund and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships operating activities and financial policies. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $143 million, and $240 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2014. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $149 million and $215 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.
Components of Gains and Losses (Realized and Unrealized) on Investment Securities	'
	The following table presents the components of gains and losses (realized and unrealized) on investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2014				2013
	Gross gains on investment securities:
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)		$	45		$	317			$	642			$	3,167
	Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		69,044			35,826				268,483				107,546
	Other venture capital investments		6,779			5,180				11,334				8,020
	Other securities (fair value accounting) (2)		5,444			143,840				136,010				148,185
	Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
	Other investments		2,239			6,569				8,767				14,038
	Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		2,641			5,016				7,706				6,806
	Other investments		19			34				5,174				370
	Total gross gains on investment securities		86,211			196,782				438,116				288,132
	Gross losses on investment securities:
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)		(1,035		)	(98		)		(18,052		)		(2,218		)
	Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		(25,584		)	(1,575		)		(76,243		)		(17,020		)
	Other venture capital investments		(1,233		)	(587		)		(3,274		)		(2,241		)
	Other securities (fair value accounting) (2)		(52,264		)	(75		)		(166,051		)		(2,609		)
	Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
	Other investments		(179		)	(1,944		)		(1,219		)		(2,421		)
	Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)		(272		)	(689		)		(781		)		(1,462		)
	Other investments		—			(3,952		)		(260		)		(4,300		)
	Total gross losses on investment securities		(80,567		)	(8,920		)		(265,880		)		(32,271		)
	Gains on investment securities, net		$	5,644		$	187,862			$	172,236			$	255,861
	-1	Includes realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale equity securities that are recognized in the income statement. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale fixed income and equity securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. The cost basis of available-for-sale securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
	-2	Other securities (fair value accounting) includes net losses of $49.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and net losses of $21.7 million (including $66.5 million of realized gains) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, attributable to one public company, FireEye. The extent to which any unrealized gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and the timing of any sales or distribution of securities, which are subject to our securities sales and governance processes and may also be constrained by lock-up agreements. None of the FireEye related investments currently are subject to a lock-up agreement.
	-3	For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, includes OTTI losses of $0.3 million from the declines in value for 5 of the 281 investments and $0.4 million from the declines in value for 12 of the 293 investments, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, includes OTTI losses of $0.7 million from the declines in value for 22 of the 281 investments and $1.2 million from the declines in value for 37 of the 293 investments, respectively. We concluded that any declines in value for the remaining investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L1

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses	'
	The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $95 million and $89 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, is presented in the following table:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	4,503,369		$	4,102,636
	Hardware		1,072,102			1,213,032
	Venture capital/private equity		2,921,184			2,386,054
	Life science		1,245,527			1,170,220
	Premium wine		186,675			149,841
	Other		241,815			288,904
	Total commercial loans		10,170,672			9,310,687
	Real estate secured loans:
	Premium wine (1)		562,893			514,993
	Consumer loans (2)		1,047,935			873,255
	Other		30,152			30,743
	Total real estate secured loans		1,640,980			1,418,991
	Construction loans		80,102			76,997
	Consumer loans		125,427			99,711
	Total loans, net of unearned income (3)		$	12,017,181		$	10,906,386
	-1	Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $111 million and $112 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	-2	Consumer loans secured by real estate at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were comprised of the following:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Loans for personal residence		$	860,024		$	685,327
	Loans to eligible employees		129,979			121,548
	Home equity lines of credit		57,932			66,380
	Consumer loans secured by real estate		$	1,047,935		$	873,255
	-3	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $122 million and $85 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned Income, Broken Out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable	'
	The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $95 million and $89 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	4,503,369		$	4,102,636
	Hardware		1,072,102			1,213,032
	Venture capital/private equity		2,921,184			2,386,054
	Life science		1,245,527			1,170,220
	Premium wine		749,568			664,834
	Other		352,069			396,644
	Total commercial loans		10,843,819			9,933,420
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,047,935			873,255
	Other consumer loans		125,427			99,711
	Total consumer loans		1,173,362			972,966
	Total loans, net of unearned income		$	12,017,181		$	10,906,386
Aging of Gross Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable	'
	The following table summarizes the aging of our gross loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30 - 59			60 - 89				Greater				Total Past				Current			Loans Past Due
			Days Past			Days Past				Than 90				Due							90 Days or
			Due			Due				Days Past											More Still
										Due											Accruing
																					Interest
	September 30, 2014:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	4,565		$	4,334			$	125			$	9,024			$	4,527,570		$	125
	Hardware		247			3,609				—				3,856				1,078,234			—
	Venture capital/private equity		5			3				—				8				2,948,327			—
	Life science		265			2,573				—				2,838				1,253,292			—
	Premium wine		5			—				—				5				750,726			—
	Other		66			65				—				131				354,456			—
	Total commercial loans		5,153			10,584				125				15,862				10,912,605			125
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,250			—				—				1,250				1,046,029			—
	Other consumer loans		32			1				—				33				125,008			—
	Total consumer loans		1,282			1				—				1,283				1,171,037			—
	Total gross loans excluding impaired loans		6,435			10,585				125				17,145				12,083,642			125
	Impaired loans		251			211				1,062				1,524				10,163			—
	Total gross loans		$	6,686		$	10,796			$	1,187			$	18,669			$	12,093,805		$	125
	December 31, 2013:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	9,804		$	1,291			$	99			$	11,194			$	4,102,546		$	99
	Hardware		2,679			3,965				—				6,644				1,198,169			—
	Venture capital/private equity		4			—				—				4				2,408,382			—
	Life science		395			131				—				526				1,179,462			—
	Premium wine		—			—				—				—				665,755			—
	Other		1,580			142				—				1,722				397,416			—
	Total commercial loans		14,462			5,529				99				20,090				9,951,730			99
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		240			—				—				240				872,586			—
	Other consumer loans		8			—				—				8				98,965			—
	Total consumer loans		248			—				—				248				971,551			—
	Total gross loans excluding impaired loans		14,710			5,529				99				20,338				10,923,281			99
	Impaired loans		4,657			7,043				4,339				16,039				35,610			—
	Total gross loans		$	19,367		$	12,572			$	4,438			$	36,377			$	10,958,891		$	99
Impaired Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable	'
	The following table summarizes our impaired loans as they relate to our allowance for loan losses, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Impaired loans for			Impaired loans for				Total carrying value of impaired loans				Total unpaid
			which there is a			which there is no								principal of impaired loans
			related allowance			related allowance
			for loan losses			for loan losses
	September 30, 2014:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	8,730		$	—			$	8,730			$	12,069
	Life science		1,000			—				1,000				1,000
	Premium wine		—			1,339				1,339				1,752
	Other		186			—				186				798
	Total commercial loans		9,916			1,339				11,255				15,619
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		—			208				208				1,416
	Other consumer loans		224			—				224				526
	Total consumer loans		224			208				432				1,942
	Total		$	10,140		$	1,547			$	11,687			$	17,561
	December 31, 2013:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	27,308		$	310			$	27,618			$	28,316
	Hardware		19,329			338				19,667				35,317
	Venture capital/private equity		40			—				40				40
	Life science		—			1,278				1,278				4,727
	Premium wine		—			1,442				1,442				1,778
	Other		690			—				690				718
	Total commercial loans		47,367			3,368				50,735				70,896
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		—			244				244				1,434
	Other consumer loans		670			—				670				941
	Total consumer loans		670			244				914				2,375
	Total		$	48,037		$	3,612			$	51,649			$	73,271
Average Impaired Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable	'
	The following table summarizes our average impaired loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2014				2013
	Average impaired loans:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	10,651		$	4,306			$	13,690			$	4,631
	Hardware		1,540			25,456				8,140				24,536
	Venture capital/private equity		—			75				—				35
	Life science		333			—				636				303
	Premium wine		1,364			1,502				1,398				2,458
	Other		674			3,648				1,383				4,344
	Total commercial loans		14,562			34,987				25,247				36,307
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		212			3,426				224				3,391
	Other consumer loans		261			866				375				1,021
	Total consumer loans		473			4,292				599				4,412
	Total average impaired loans		$	15,035		$	39,279			$	25,846			$	40,719
Activity in Allowance for Loan Losses Broken out by Portfolio Segment	'
	The following tables summarize the activity relating to our allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, broken out by portfolio segment:
	Three months ended September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance June 30, 2014			Charge-offs				Recoveries				Provision for				Ending Balance September 30, 2014
														(Reduction of) Loan Losses
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	53,239		$	(6,907	)		$	790			$	11,078			$	58,200
	Hardware		24,780			(2,643		)		113				2,491				24,741
	Venture capital/private equity		19,004			—				—				845				19,849
	Life science		10,597			—				53				1,591				12,241
	Premium wine		3,546			(35		)		—				710				4,221
	Other		3,218			(1,072		)		1,306				(530		)		2,922
	Total commercial loans		114,384			(10,657		)		2,262				16,185				122,174
	Consumer loans		6,344			—				118				425				6,887
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	120,728		$	(10,657	)		$	2,380			$	16,610			$	129,061
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance December 31, 2013			Charge-offs				Recoveries				Provision for Loan Losses				Ending Balance September 30, 2014
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	64,084		$	(18,932	)		$	1,023			$	12,025			$	58,200
	Hardware		36,553			(15,230		)		2,070				1,348				24,741
	Venture capital/private equity		16,385			—				—				3,464				19,849
	Life science		11,926			(930		)		341				904				12,241
	Premium wine		3,914			(35		)		238				104				4,221
	Other		3,680			(3,062		)		1,316				988				2,922
	Total commercial loans		136,542			(38,189		)		4,988				18,833				122,174
	Consumer loans		6,344			—				325				218				6,887
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	142,886		$	(38,189	)		$	5,313			$	19,051			$	129,061
	Three months ended September 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance June 30, 2013			Charge-offs				Recoveries				Provision for				Ending Balance September 30, 2013
														(Reduction of) Loan Losses
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	46,798		$	(2,527	)		$	816			$	4,369			$	49,456
	Hardware		33,188			(5,544		)		1,149				7,370				36,163
	Venture capital/private equity		13,593			—				—				617				14,210
	Life science		11,741			(57		)		246				(780		)		11,150
	Premium wine		3,793			—				4				81				3,878
	Other		3,654			(21		)		77				(24		)		3,686
	Total commercial loans		112,767			(8,149		)		2,292				11,633				118,543
	Consumer loans		6,804			—				382				(995		)		6,191
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	119,571		$	(8,149	)		$	2,674			$	10,638			$	124,734
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands)		Beginning Balance December 31, 2012			Charge-offs				Recoveries				Provision for				Ending Balance September 30, 2013
														(Reduction of) Loan Losses
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	42,648		$	(7,619	)		$	1,455			$	12,972			$	49,456
	Hardware		29,761			(11,975		)		1,998				16,379				36,163
	Venture capital/private equity		9,963			—				—				4,247				14,210
	Life science		13,606			(2,618		)		1,335				(1,173		)		11,150
	Premium wine		3,523			—				135				220				3,878
	Other		3,912			(6,069		)		2,458				3,385				3,686
	Total commercial loans		103,413			(28,281		)		7,381				36,030				118,543
	Consumer loans		7,238			(869		)		829				(1,007		)		6,191
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	110,651		$	(29,150	)		$	8,210			$	35,023			$	124,734
Allowance for Loan Losses Individually and Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	'
	The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, broken out by portfolio segment:
			30-Sep-14													31-Dec-13
			Individually Evaluated for						Collectively Evaluated for							Individually Evaluated for						Collectively Evaluated for
			Impairment						Impairment							Impairment						Impairment
	(Dollars in thousands)		Allowance for loan losses		Recorded investment in loans				Allowance for loan losses			Recorded investment in loans				Allowance for loan losses			Recorded investment in loans			Allowance for loan losses		Recorded investment in loans
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	2,057	$	8,730			$	56,143		$	4,494,639			$	11,261		$	27,617		$	52,823	$	4,075,019
	Hardware		—		—				24,741			1,072,102				9,673			19,667			26,880		1,193,365
	Venture capital/private equity		—		—				19,849			2,921,184				19			39			16,366		2,386,015
	Life science		191		1,000				12,050			1,244,527				—			1,278			11,926		1,168,942
	Premium wine		—		1,339				4,221			748,229				—			1,442			3,914		663,392
	Other		4		186				2,918			351,883				156			690			3,524		395,954
	Total commercial loans		2,252		11,255				119,922			10,832,564				21,109			50,733			115,433		9,882,687
	Consumer loans		73		432				6,814			1,172,930				168			915			6,176		972,051
	Total		$	2,325	$	11,687			$	126,736		$	12,005,494			$	21,277		$	51,648		$	121,609	$	10,854,738
Credit Quality Indicators, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivables	'
	The following table summarizes the credit quality indicators, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Pass			Performing				Impaired				Total
						(Criticized)
	September 30, 2014:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	4,179,638		$	356,956			$	8,730			$	4,545,324
	Hardware		885,407			196,683				—				1,082,090
	Venture capital/private equity		2,932,711			15,624				—				2,948,335
	Life science		1,093,451			162,679				1,000				1,257,130
	Premium wine		732,605			18,126				1,339				752,070
	Other		338,187			16,400				186				354,773
	Total commercial loans		10,161,999			766,468				11,255				10,939,722
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,042,547			4,732				208				1,047,487
	Other consumer loans		122,736			2,305				224				125,265
	Total consumer loans		1,165,283			7,037				432				1,172,752
	Total gross loans		$	11,327,282		$	773,505			$	11,687			$	12,112,474
	December 31, 2013:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	3,875,043		$	238,697			$	27,618			$	4,141,358
	Hardware		995,055			209,758				19,667				1,224,480
	Venture capital/private equity		2,408,386			—				40				2,408,426
	Life science		1,091,993			87,995				1,278				1,181,266
	Premium wine		652,747			13,008				1,442				667,197
	Other		383,602			15,536				690				399,828
	Total commercial loans		9,406,826			564,994				50,735				10,022,555
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		868,789			4,037				244				873,070
	Other consumer loans		95,586			3,387				670				99,643
	Total consumer loans		964,375			7,424				914				972,713
	Total gross loans		$	10,371,201		$	572,418			$	51,649			$	10,995,268
Summary of Loans Modified in Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs") by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivables	'
	The following table summarizes our loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Loans modified in TDRs:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	7,848		$	5,860
	Hardware		—			13,329
	Venture capital/ private equity		—			77
	Premium wine		1,953			1,442
	Other		275			1,055
	Total commercial loans		10,076			21,763
	Consumer loans:
	Other consumer loans		224			670
	Total consumer loans		224			670
	Total		$	10,300		$	22,433
Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in TDRs	'
	The following table summarizes the recorded investment in loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, for modifications made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2014				2013
	Loans modified in TDRs during the period:
	Commercial loans:
	Software		$	496		$	1,007			$	7,848			$	1,007
	Hardware		—			6,330				—				7,783
	Venture capital/ private equity		—			—				—				88
	Premium wine		—			—				614				—
	Other		—			—				—				734
	Total commercial loans		496			7,337				8,462				9,612
	Consumer loans:
	Other consumer loans		—			—				—				41
	Total consumer loans		—			—				—				41
	Total loans modified in TDRs during the period (1)		$	496		$	7,337			$	8,462			$	9,653
	-1	There were no partial charge-offs on loans classified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. There were partial charge-offs of $1.2 million and $2.4 million on loans classified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT1

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Outstanding Short Term Borrowings and Long Term Debt	'
	The following table represents outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
						Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)		Maturity	Principal value at September 30, 2014		September 30,		December 31,
						2014		2013
	Short-term borrowings:
	Other short-term borrowings		-1	$	6,630	$	6,630	$	5,080
	Total short-term borrowings					$	6,630	$	5,080
	Long-term debt:
	5.375% Senior Notes		15-Sep-20	$	350,000	$	348,378	$	348,209
	6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		June 1, 2017	45,964		50,497		51,987
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		October 15, 2033	50,000		54,889		55,020
	Total long-term debt					$	453,764	$	455,216
	-1	Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor, primarily for our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
	-2	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $5.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Total Notional or Contractual Amounts, Fair Value, Collateral and Net Exposure of Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	The total notional or contractual amounts, fair value, collateral and net exposure of our derivative financial instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
					30-Sep-14																31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Balance Sheet		Notional or				Fair Value				Collateral				Net				Notional or				Fair Value			Collateral		Net
			Location		Contractual								-1				Exposure				Contractual							-1		Exposure
					Amount												-2				Amount									-2
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate risks:
	Interest rate swaps		Other assets		$	45,964			$	4,965			$	3,910			$	1,055			$	45,964			$	6,492		$	5,080	$	1,412
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency exchange risks:
	Foreign exchange forwards		Other assets		33,840				1,032				1,935				(903		)		140,760				1,423			—		1,423
	Foreign exchange forwards		Other liabilities		30,306				(387		)		—				(387		)		62,649				(634		)	—		(634		)
	Net exposure								645				1,935				(1,290		)						789			—		789
	Other derivative instruments:
	Equity warrant assets		Other assets		186,853				94,960				—				94,960				179,934				103,513			—		103,513
	Other derivatives:
	Client foreign exchange forwards		Other assets		526,329				16,111				785				15,326				424,983				13,673			—		13,673
	Client foreign exchange forwards		Other liabilities		483,262				(15,355		)		—				(15,355		)		367,079				(11,549		)	—		(11,549		)
	Client foreign currency options		Other assets		6,500				91				—				91				91,854				434			—		434
	Client foreign currency options		Other liabilities		6,500				(91		)		—				(91		)		91,854				(434		)	—		(434		)
	Loan conversion options		Other assets		1,442				—				—				—				3,455				314			—		314
	Client interest rate derivatives		Other assets		359,074				2,173				—				2,173				216,773				1,265			—		1,265
	Client interest rate derivatives		Other liabilities		359,074				(2,317		)		—				(2,317		)		216,773				(1,396		)	—		(1,396		)
	Net exposure								612				785				(173		)						2,307			—		2,307
	Net								$	101,182			$	6,630			$	94,552							$	113,101		$	5,080	$	108,021
	-1	Cash collateral received from our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor is recorded as a component of “short-term borrowings” on our consolidated balance sheets.
	-2	Net exposure for contracts in a gain position reflects the replacement cost in the event of nonperformance by all such counterparties. The credit ratings of our institutional counterparties as of September 30, 2014 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Summary of Derivative Activity and Related Impact on Consolidated Statements of Income	'
	A summary of our derivative activity and the related impact on our consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
					Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		Statement of income location		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate risks:
	Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps		Interest expense—borrowings		$	638			$	634			$	1,915			$	1,901
	Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps		Net gains on derivative instruments		(12		)		(7		)		(37		)		20
	Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives				$	626			$	627			$	1,878			$	1,921
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency exchange risks:
	(Losses) gains on revaluations of foreign currency instruments		Other noninterest income		$	(12,640	)		$	8,101			$	(12,347	)		$	451
	Gains (losses) on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net		Net gains on derivative instruments		12,529				(8,423		)		12,038				(1,511		)
	Net (losses) associated with currency risk				$	(111	)		$	(322	)		$	(309	)		$	(1,060	)
	Other derivative instruments:
	Net gains on equity warrant assets		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	13,157			$	18,780			$	50,859			$	29,475
	Gains (losses) on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	886			$	(411	)		$	1,358			$	(237	)
	Net (losses) gains on other derivatives (1)		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	(22	)		$	(517	)		$	(738	)		$	55
	-1	Primarily represents the change in fair value of loan conversion options.
Offsetting Assets	'
	The following table summarizes our assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
															Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
	(Dollars in thousands)		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
	30-Sep-14
	Derivative Assets:
	Interest rate swaps		$	4,965			$	—			$	4,965			$	(1,055	)		$	(3,910	)		$	—
	Foreign exchange forwards		17,143				—				17,143				(8,002		)		(2,720		)		6,421
	Foreign currency options		92				(1		)		91				(91		)		—				—
	Client interest rate derivatives		2,173				—				2,173				(2,173		)		—				—
	Total derivative assets:		24,373				(1		)		24,372				(11,321		)		(6,630		)		6,421
	Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements		50,834				—				50,834				(50,834		)		—				—
	Total		$	75,207			$	(1	)		$	75,206			$	(62,155	)		$	(6,630	)		$	6,421
	31-Dec-13
	Derivative Assets:
	Interest rate swaps		$	6,492			$	—			$	6,492			$	(1,412	)		$	(5,080	)		$	—
	Foreign exchange forwards		15,096				—				15,096				(6,735		)		—				8,361
	Foreign currency options		504				(70		)		434				(155		)		—				279
	Client interest rate derivatives		1,265				—				1,265				(256		)		—				1,009
	Total derivative assets:		23,357				(70		)		23,287				(8,558		)		(5,080		)		9,649
	Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements		172,989				—				172,989				(172,989		)		—				—
	Total		$	196,346			$	(70	)		$	196,276			$	(181,547	)		$	(5,080	)		$	9,649
Offsetting Liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes our liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
															Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
	(Dollars in thousands)		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Pledged				Net Amount
	30-Sep-14
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Foreign exchange forwards		$	15,742			$	—			$	15,742			$	(9,294	)		$	—			$	6,448
	Foreign currency options		92				(1		)		91				—				—				91
	Client interest rate derivatives		2,317				—				2,317				(2,317		)		—				—
	Total derivative liabilities:		18,151				(1		)		18,150				(11,611		)		—				6,539
	Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements		—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total		$	18,151			$	(1	)		$	18,150			$	(11,611	)		$	—			$	6,539
	31-Dec-13
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Foreign exchange forwards		$	12,183			$	—			$	12,183			$	(8,282	)		$	—			$	3,901
	Foreign currency options		504				(70		)		434				(279		)		—				155
	Client interest rate derivatives		1,396				—				1,396				(1,087		)		—				309
	Total derivative liabilities:		14,083				(70		)		14,013				(9,648		)		—				4,365
	Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements		—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total		$	14,083			$	(70	)		$	14,013			$	(9,648	)		$	—			$	4,365

Other_Noninterest_Loss_Income_1

Other Noninterest (Loss) Income and Other Noninterest Expense (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Summary of Other Noninterest Income	'
	A summary of other noninterest (loss) income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fund management fees		$	3,574		$	2,822	$	9,888		$	8,531
	Service-based fee income		2,180			1,901		6,459			5,706
	(Losses) gains on revaluation of foreign currency instruments (1)		(12,640		)	8,069		(12,347		)	444
	Other (2)		1,525			4,369		10,601			9,667
	Total other noninterest (loss) income		$	(5,361	)	$	17,161	$	14,601		$	24,348
	-1	Represents the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments issued and held by us, primarily loans, deposits and cash.
	-2	Includes dividends on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income and other fee income.
Summary of Other Noninterest Expense	'
	A summary of other noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Client services		$	3,215		$	1,920	$	8,160		$	5,711
	Tax credit fund amortization		2,228			1,519		6,758			4,174
	Data processing services		2,229			2,020		6,497			5,814
	Telephone		1,931			1,571		5,217			4,640
	Postage and supplies		763			559		2,248			1,777
	Dues and publications		719			399		1,852			1,302
	Other		4,711			2,661		9,381			6,855
	Total other noninterest expense		$	15,796		$	10,649	$	40,113		$	30,273

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Our segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Global			SVB Private			SVB Capital (1)			Other Items (2)			Total
			Commercial			Bank
			Bank (1)
	Three months ended September 30, 2014
	Net interest income		$	187,184		$	7,344		$	12		$	26,025		$	220,565
	(Provision for) loan losses		(16,185		)	(425		)	—			—			(16,610		)
	Noninterest income		57,756			491			1,064			20,856			80,167
	Noninterest expense (3)		(128,685		)	(2,574		)	(3,036		)	(47,694		)	(181,989		)
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (4)		$	100,070		$	4,836		$	(1,960	)	$	(813	)	$	102,133
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	10,192,945		$	1,190,986		$	—		$	55,590		$	11,439,521
	Total average assets (5)		31,809,853			1,129,947			302,949			1,355,536			34,598,285
	Total average deposits		28,795,499			877,701			—			53,084			29,726,284
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Net interest income		$	162,371		$	6,195		$	1		$	8,529		$	177,096
	(Provision for) loan losses		(11,633		)	995			—			—			(10,638		)
	Noninterest income		49,991			380			35,457			171,822			257,650
	Noninterest expense (3)		(107,495		)	(2,484		)	(2,728		)	(47,817		)	(160,524		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	93,234		$	5,086		$	32,730		$	132,534		$	263,584
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	8,576,443		$	942,411		$	—		$	27,087		$	9,545,941
	Total average assets (5)		21,336,583			998,640			329,680			407,831			23,072,734
	Total average deposits		18,994,374			535,611			—			29,903			19,559,888
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Net interest income		$	541,375		$	23,529		$	55		$	56,899		$	621,858
	(Provision for) reduction of loan losses		(18,833		)	(218		)	—			—			(19,051		)
	Noninterest income		169,414			1,121			35,617			198,450			404,602
	Noninterest expense (3)		(374,289		)	(7,709		)	(8,815		)	(137,058		)	(527,871		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	317,667		$	16,723		$	26,857		$	118,291		$	479,538
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	9,917,115		$	1,120,647		$	—		$	60,635		$	11,098,397
	Total average assets (5)		28,828,400			1,027,707			328,048			1,221,098			31,405,253
	Total average deposits		26,020,715			805,167			—			56,231			26,882,113
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Net interest income		$	465,893		$	18,226		$	5		$	26,222		$	510,346
	(Provision for) reduction of loan losses		(36,030		)	1,007			—			—			(35,023		)
	Noninterest income		144,893			867			48,179			240,554			434,493
	Noninterest expense (3)		(313,080		)	(6,263		)	(7,871		)	(125,616		)	(452,830		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	261,676		$	13,837		$	40,313		$	141,160		$	456,986
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	8,175,626		$	886,679		$	—		$	23,874		$	9,086,179
	Total average assets (5)		20,732,425			910,551			277,136			575,980			22,496,092
	Total average deposits		18,480,510			493,204			—			15,646			18,989,360
	-1	Global Commercial Bank’s and SVB Capital’s components of net interest income, noninterest income, noninterest expense and total average assets are shown net of noncontrolling interests for all periods presented. Noncontrolling interest is included within "Other Items" as discussed below.
	-2	The "Other Items" column reflects the adjustments necessary to reconcile the results of the operating segments to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. Noninterest income is primarily attributable to noncontrolling interests and gains on equity warrant assets. Noninterest expense primarily consists of expenses associated with corporate support functions such as finance, human resources, marketing, legal and other expenses. Additionally, average assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and loans from our Community Development Finance practice as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act.
	-3	The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $5.4 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $15.4 million and $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	-4	The internal reporting model used by management to assess segment performance does not calculate income tax expense by segment. Our effective tax rate is a reasonable approximation of the segment rates.
	-5	Total average assets equal the greater of total average assets or the sum of total liabilities and total stockholders’ equity for each segment.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_1

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure Off Balance Sheet Arrangements Guarantees And Other Commitments Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Summary Information Related to Commitments to Extend Credit (Excluding Letters of Credit)	'
	The following table summarizes information related to our commitments to extend credit at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Loan commitments available for funding: (1)
	Fixed interest rate commitments		$	1,434,100	$	1,392,781
	Variable interest rate commitments		12,059,816		9,101,973
	Total loan commitments available for funding		13,493,916		10,494,754
	Commercial and standby letters of credit (2)		1,137,721		975,968
	Total unfunded credit commitments		$	14,631,637	$	11,470,722
	Commitments unavailable for funding (3)		$	1,691,660	$	1,006,168
	Maximum lending limits for accounts receivable factoring arrangements (4)		1,004,402		894,276
	Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (5)		35,489		29,983
	-1	Represents commitments which are available for funding, due to clients meeting all collateral, compliance and financial covenants required under loan commitment agreements.
	-2	See below for additional information on our commercial and standby letters of credit.
	-3	Represents commitments which are currently unavailable for funding, due to clients failing to meet all collateral, compliance and financial covenants under loan commitment agreements.
	-4	We extend credit under accounts receivable factoring arrangements when our clients’ sales invoices are deemed creditworthy under existing underwriting practices.
	-5	Our reserve for unfunded credit commitments includes an allowance for both our unfunded loan commitments and our letters of credit.
Summary of Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit	'
	The table below summarizes our commercial and standby letters of credit at September 30, 2014. The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the amount that could be remitted under letters of credit if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from the collateral held or pledged.
	(Dollars in thousands)		Expires In One		Expires After		Total Amount		Maximum Amount
			Year or Less		One Year		Outstanding		of Future Payments
	Financial standby letters of credit		$	936,790	$	129,337	$	1,066,127	$	1,066,127
	Performance standby letters of credit		57,058		8,162		65,220		65,220
	Commercial letters of credit		6,374		—		6,374		6,374
	Total		$	1,000,222	$	137,499	$	1,137,721	$	1,137,721
Total Capital Commitments, Unfunded Capital Commitments, and Ownership in Each Fund	'
	The following table details our total capital commitments, unfunded capital commitments, and our ownership percentage in each fund at September 30, 2014:
	Our Ownership in Venture Capital/Private Equity Funds		SVBFG Capital Commitments		SVBFG Unfunded		SVBFG Ownership
	(Dollars in thousands)				Commitments		of each Fund (4)
	Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP		$	6,000	$	270	10.7	%
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP (1)		1,200		162		5.1
	Capital Partners III, LP		750		649		0.4
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		945		163		6.8
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		15,300		688		12.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		15,000		1,050		8.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		15,000		1,425		5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		12,239		2,325		5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		515		239		Various
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		500		402		0.2
	Strategic Investors Fund VII Funds		500		500		0.2
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		12,688		—		20
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		24,670		1,340		33
	Other private equity fund (2)		9,338		—		58.2
	Partners for Growth, LP		25,000		9,750		50
	Debt funds (equity method accounting)		64,574		4,950		Various
	Other fund investments (3)		300,461		22,909		Various
	Total		$	504,680	$	46,822
	-1	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investment in SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
	-2	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital - NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
	-3	Represents commitments to 286 funds (primarily venture capital funds) where our ownership interest is generally less than 5 percent of the voting interests of each such fund.
Remaining Unfunded Commitments to Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds by Consolidated Managed Funds	'
	The following table details the amounts of remaining unfunded commitments to venture capital and private equity funds by our consolidated managed funds of funds (including our interest and the noncontrolling interests) at September 30, 2014:
	Limited Partnership		Unfunded
	(Dollars in thousands)		Commitments
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	2,250
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		5,589
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		15,641
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		41,205
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		162,335
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		239,268
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		5,886
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		6,044
	Other private equity fund		243
	Total		$	478,461

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Hierarchy Tables Present Information about Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Balance at September 30, 2014
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	6,876,299		$	—		$	—	$	6,876,299
	U.S. agency debentures		—			3,605,833			—		3,605,833
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		—			2,005,933			—		2,005,933
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		—			835,957			—		835,957
	Equity securities		4,211			5,203			—		9,414
	Total available-for-sale securities		6,880,510			6,452,926			—		13,333,436
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Non-marketable securities:
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		—			—			1,078,911		1,078,911
	Other venture capital investments		—			—			43,863		43,863
	Other securities		181,265			—			—		181,265
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)		181,265			—			1,122,774		1,304,039
	Other assets:
	Interest rate swaps		—			4,965			—		4,965
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		—			17,234			—		17,234
	Equity warrant assets		—			1,563			93,397		94,960
	Client interest rate derivatives		—			2,173			—		2,173
	Total assets (1)		$	7,061,775		$	6,478,861		$	1,216,171	$	14,756,807
	Liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		$	—		$	15,833		$	—	$	15,833
	Client interest rate derivatives		—			2,317			—		2,317
	Total liabilities		$	—		$	18,150		$	—	$	18,150
	-1	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $163.6 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
	The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Balance at December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities:
	U.S. agency debentures		$	—		$	4,345,232		$	—	$	4,345,232
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		—			2,473,576			—		2,473,576
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		—			3,325,758			—		3,325,758
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		—			1,186,573			—		1,186,573
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		—			564,604			—		564,604
	Municipal bonds and notes		—			86,027			—		86,027
	Equity securities		3,732			1,319			—		5,051
	Total available-for-sale securities		3,732			11,983,089			—		11,986,821
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Non-marketable securities:
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		—			—			862,972		862,972
	Other venture capital investments		—			—			32,839		32,839
	Other Securities		2,125			—			319,249		321,374
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)		2,125			—			1,215,060		1,217,185
	Other assets:
	Interest rate swaps		—			6,492			—		6,492
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		—			15,530			—		15,530
	Equity warrant assets		—			3,622			99,891		103,513
	Loan conversion options		—			314			—		314
	Client interest rate derivatives		—			1,265			—		1,265
	Total assets (1)		$	5,857		$	12,010,312		$	1,314,951	$	13,331,120
	Liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		$	—		$	12,617		$	—	$	12,617
	Client interest rate derivatives		—			1,396			—		1,396
	Total liabilities		$	—		$	14,013		$	—	$	14,013
	-1	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $2.0 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
Additional Information about Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents additional information about Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Beginning			Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income			Purchases		Sales			Issuances		Distributions and Other Settlements			Transfers Out of Level 3			Ending
			Balance																			Balance
	Three months ended September 30, 2014
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	1,040,522		$	43,460		$	49,037	$	—		$	—	$	(54,108	)	$	—		$	1,078,911
	Other venture capital investments		43,747			5,546			6,304		(11,122		)	—		(612		)	—			43,863
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		5,808			—			—		—			—		—			(5,808		)	—
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)(1)		1,090,077			49,006			55,341		(11,122		)	—		(54,720		)	(5,808		)	1,122,774
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (2)		87,151			13,805			—		(10,564		)	2,932		510			(437		)	93,397
	Total assets		$	1,177,228		$	62,811		$	55,341	$	(21,686	)	$	2,932	$	(54,210	)	$	(6,245	)	$	1,216,171
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	741,522		$	34,288		$	41,704	$	—		$	—	$	(44,015	)	$	—		$	773,499
	Other venture capital investments		123,493			4,530			1,016		4			—		(73,684		)	—			55,359
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		—			143,301			—		—			—		73,753			—			217,054
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		865,015			182,119			42,720		4			—		(43,946		)	—			1,045,912
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (2)		73,229			18,215			—		(6,366		)	2,995		365			(312		)	88,126
	Total assets		$	938,244		$	200,334		$	42,720	$	(6,362	)	$	2,995	$	(43,581	)	$	(312	)	$	1,134,038
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	862,972		$	192,240		$	159,448	$	—		$	—	$	(135,749	)	$	—		$	1,078,911
	Other venture capital investments		32,839			8,060			22,800		(15,561		)	—		(4,149		)	(126		)	43,863
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		319,249			104,310			—		(46,840		)	—		3,417			(380,136		)	—
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		1,215,060			304,610			182,248		(62,401		)	—		(136,481		)	(380,262		)	1,122,774
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (2)		99,891			51,325			—		(67,201		)	9,098		1,718			(1,434		)	93,397
	Total assets		$	1,314,951		$	355,935		$	182,248	$	(129,602	)	$	9,098	$	(134,763	)	$	(381,696	)	$	1,216,171
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	665,921		$	90,526		$	107,022	$	—		$	—	$	(89,970	)	$	—		$	773,499
	Other venture capital investments		127,091			5,779			1,210		(381		)	—		(74,779		)	(3,561		)	55,359
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		—			143,301			—		—			—		73,753			—			217,054
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		793,012			239,606			108,232		(381		)	—		(90,996		)	(3,561		)	1,045,912
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (2)		66,129			26,142			—		(10,805		)	7,309		1,743			(2,392		)	88,126
	Total assets		$	859,141		$	265,748		$	108,232	$	(11,186	)	$	7,309	$	(89,253	)	$	(5,953	)	$	1,134,038
	-1	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
	-2	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
Unrealized Gains Included in Earnings Attributable to Level 3 Assets Held	'
	The following table presents the amount of unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings (which is inclusive of noncontrolling interest) attributable to Level 3 assets still held at September 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	57,967		$	32,694		$	207,885	$	89,705
	Other venture capital investments		(1,231		)	4,603			78		5,720
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		—			143,301			78,967		143,301
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		56,736			180,598			286,930		238,726
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (2)		6,911			14,205			17,777		19,788
	Total unrealized gains, net		$	63,647		$	194,803		$	304,707	$	258,514
	Unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	47,165		$	164,871		$	193,841	$	215,340
	-1	Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
	-2	Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs	'
	The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for certain of our Level 3 fair value measurements at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. We have not included in this table our venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) as we use net asset value per share (as obtained from the general partners of the investments) as a practical expedient to determine fair value.
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair value			Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs	Weighted
									Average
	September 30, 2014:
	Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)		$	43,863		Private company equity pricing		-1	(1	)
	Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)		529			Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	43.9	%
								Risk-Free interest rate	2.1	%
								Sales restrictions discount (2)	15.7	%
	Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)		92,868			Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	38.2	%
								Risk-Free interest rate	1	%
								Marketability discount (3)	20	%
								Remaining life assumption (4)	45	%
	December 31, 2013:
	Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)		$	32,839		Private company equity pricing		-1	(1	)
	Other securities		319,249			Modified stock price		Sales restrictions discount (2)	12	%
	Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)		24,217			Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	41.3	%
								Risk-Free interest rate	1.7	%
								Sales restrictions discount (2)	13.7	%
	Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)		75,674			Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	40.1	%
								Risk-Free interest rate	0.8	%
								Marketability discount (3)	22.5	%
								Remaining life assumption (4)	45	%
	-1	In determining the fair value of our other venture capital investment portfolio, we evaluate a variety of factors related to each underlying private portfolio company including, but not limited to, actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Additionally, we have ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers, to determine whether there is a material change in fair value. These factors are specific to each portfolio company and a weighted average or range of values of the unobservable inputs is not meaningful.
	-2	We adjust quoted market prices of public companies, which are subject to certain sales restrictions. Sales restriction discounts generally range from 10 percent to 20 percent depending on the duration of the sales restrictions, which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
	-3	Our marketability discount is applied to all private company warrants to account for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. The quantitative measure used is based on long-run averages and is influenced over time by various factors, including market conditions. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount.
	-4	We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At September 30, 2014, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 6.25 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.81 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.
Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value	'
	The following fair value hierarchy table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
						Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	September 30, 2014:
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,872,537		$	1,872,537		$	—	$	—
	Held-to-maturity securities		6,662,025			—			6,613,893		—
	Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)		399,511			—			—		497,855
	Net commercial loans		10,721,645			—			—		10,884,474
	Net consumer loans		1,166,475			—			—		1,121,639
	FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock		41,026			—			—		41,026
	Accrued interest receivable		81,334			—			81,334		—
	Financial liabilities:
	Other short-term borrowings		6,630			6,630			—		—
	Non-maturity deposits (1)		30,963,491			30,963,491			—		—
	Time deposits		159,644			—			159,644		—
	5.375% Senior Notes		348,378			—			390,740		—
	6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		50,497			—			54,423		—
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		54,889			—			52,722		—
	Accrued interest payable		2,932			—			2,932		—
	Off-balance sheet financial assets:
	Commitments to extend credit		—			—			—		29,731
	December 31, 2013:
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,538,779		$	1,538,779		$	—	$	—
	Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)		378,309			—			—		447,783
	Net commercial loans		9,796,878			—			—		9,935,917
	Net consumer loans		966,622			—			—		1,005,080
	FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock		40,632			—			—		40,632
	Accrued interest receivable		67,772			—			67,772		—
	Financial liabilities:
	Other short-term borrowings		5,080			5,080			—		—
	Non-maturity deposits (1)		22,259,119			22,259,119			—		—
	Time deposits		213,860			—			213,874		—
	5.375% Senior Notes		348,209			—			383,782		—
	6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		51,987			—			56,297		—
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		55,020			—			51,915		—
	Accrued interest payable		6,858			—			6,858		—
	Off-balance sheet financial assets:
	Commitments to extend credit		—			—			—		24,285
	-1	Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.
	-2	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $5.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Investments and Remaining Unfunded Commitments for Each Major Category of Investments	'
	The following table is a summary of the estimated fair values of these investments and remaining unfunded commitments for each major category of these investments as of September 30, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Unfunded
									Commitments
	Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)		$	1,078,911		$	1,078,911		$	478,461
	Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
	Other investments (2)		47,662			49,064			5,836
	Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)		142,710			239,857			22,022
	Total		$	1,269,283		$	1,367,832		$	506,319
	-1	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $995 million and $474 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.
	-2	Other investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on the age of the funds.
	-3	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (cost method accounting) include investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Co

Stockholders' Equity and EPS - Common Stock Price per share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Common Stock Offering Price [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock offering price	$101	'	'
Net proceeds from public equity offering	$434,900	$434,866	$0
Common Stock	'	'	'
Common Stock Offering Price [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)	4,485,000	4,485,000	'

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Re

Stockholders' Equity and EPS - Reconciliation of Basic EPS to Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income available to common stockholders	$62,995	$67,621	$205,093	$157,096
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	50,752	45,580	48,281	45,180
Denominator for diluted calculation (in shares)	51,571	46,202	49,200	45,765
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (dollars per share)	$1.24	$1.48	$4.25	$3.48
Diluted (dollars per share)	$1.22	$1.46	$4.17	$3.43
Stock options and ESPP	'	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	534	429	580	405
Restricted stock units	'	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	285	193	339	180

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Co1

Stockholders' Equity and EPS - Common Shares Excluded from Diluted EPS Calculation as They Were Deemed to be Anti-Dilutive (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation	242	343	142	547
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation	241	343	140	546
Restricted stock units	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation	1	0	2	1

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Re1

Stockholders' Equity and EPS - Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	($38,961)	($47,404)	($131,460)	($103,773)
Net income available to common stockholders	62,995	67,621	205,093	157,096
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Gains on investment securities, net	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	990	-219	17,411	-949
Income tax expense	-400	85	-7,030	363
Net income available to common stockholders	$590	($134)	$10,381	($586)

ShareBased_Compensation_Share_

Share-Based Compensation - Share Based Compensation and Related Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$7,520	$6,723	$22,285	$18,945
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	($2,676)	($2,243)	($7,351)	($5,801)

ShareBased_Compensation_Unreco

Share-Based Compensation - Unrecognized Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized Expense	$51,606
Stock options	'
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized Expense	16,282
Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years	'2 years 7 months 19 days
Restricted stock units	'
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized Expense	$35,324
Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years	'2 years 6 months 23 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Information Related to Equity Incentive Plan (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Options	'
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,514,159
Granted	239,383
Exercised	-283,498
Forfeited	-21,975
Outstanding, end of period	1,448,069
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	1,397,466
Exercisable, end of period	727,829
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Outstanding, beginning of period	$55.27
Granted	$108.27
Exercised	$47.56
Forfeited	$71.17
Outstanding, end of period	$65.30
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	$64.55
Exercisable, end of period	$50.48
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	'
Outstanding, end of period	'4 years 3 months
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	'4 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable, end of period	'3 years 0 months 29 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of In-The- Money Options	'
Outstanding, end of period	$67,825,947
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	66,495,669
Exercisable, end of period	$44,843,070

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Closing stock price	$112.09	'	$112.09	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$7.70	$6.50	$18.40	$18.40

ShareBased_Compensation_Inform

Share-Based Compensation - Information for Restricted Stock Units under Equity Incentive Plan (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Nonvested, beginning of period	$65.93
Granted	$107.85
Vested	$64.05
Forfeited	$73.02
Nonvested, end of period	$78.91
Restricted stock units	'
Shares	'
Nonvested, beginning of period	682,347
Granted	197,687
Vested	-200,856
Forfeited	-25,268
Nonvested, end of period	653,910

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Deta

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Cash and due from banks	$1,815,581	[1]	$1,349,688	[1]	'	'
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	50,834	[2]	172,989	[2]	'	'
Other short-term investment securities	6,122		16,102		'	'
Total cash and cash equivalents	$1,872,537		$1,538,779		$1,942,744	$1,008,983
[1]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $883 million and $715 million, respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $442 million and $300 million, respectively.
[2]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $52 million and $176 million, respectively. None of these securities received as collateral were sold or repledged as of September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Pare

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'	'
Deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate	$883	$715
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions	442	300
Fair value of securities purchased under agreements to resell	52	176
Fair value of securities received as collateral that have been resold or repledged	$0	$0

Investment_Securities_Major_Co

Investment Securities - Major Components of Investment Securities Portfolio (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$13,322,059	$12,055,524
Unrealized Gains	58,227	91,695
Unrealized Losses	-46,850	-160,398
Carrying Value	13,333,436	11,986,821
U.S. treasury securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,886,952	'
Unrealized Gains	2,245	'
Unrealized Losses	-12,898	'
Carrying Value	6,876,299	'
U.S. agency debentures	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,592,129	4,344,652
Unrealized Gains	28,744	41,365
Unrealized Losses	-15,040	-40,785
Carrying Value	3,605,833	4,345,232
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	2,472,528
Unrealized Gains	'	17,189
Unrealized Losses	'	-16,141
Carrying Value	'	2,473,576
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,003,337	3,386,670
Unrealized Gains	20,671	24,510
Unrealized Losses	-18,075	-85,422
Carrying Value	2,005,933	3,325,758
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	830,139	1,183,333
Unrealized Gains	5,818	3,363
Unrealized Losses	0	-123
Carrying Value	835,957	1,186,573
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	581,475
Unrealized Gains	'	552
Unrealized Losses	'	-17,423
Carrying Value	'	564,604
Municipal bonds and notes	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	82,024
Unrealized Gains	'	4,024
Unrealized Losses	'	-21
Carrying Value	'	86,027
Equity securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	9,502	4,842
Unrealized Gains	749	692
Unrealized Losses	-837	-483
Carrying Value	$9,414	$5,051

Investment_Securities_Summary_

Investment Securities - Summary of Unrealized Losses on Available for Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Investment
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	$6,090,676	[1]	$5,978,236
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-18,631	[1]	-152,383
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	1,023,081	[1]	154,250
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	-28,219	[1]	-8,015
Fair Value of Investments	7,113,757	[1]	6,132,486
Unrealized Losses	-46,850	[1]	-160,398
Number of investments in unrealized loss position	182		'
Number of investments with unrealized losses greater than 12 months	34		'
U.S. treasury securities	'		'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	4,736,436		'
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-12,898		'
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	0		'
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	0		'
Fair Value of Investments	4,736,436		'
Unrealized Losses	-12,898		'
U.S. agency debentures	'		'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	688,808		1,821,045
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-2,373		-40,785
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	553,231		0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	-12,667		0
Fair Value of Investments	1,242,039		1,821,045
Unrealized Losses	-15,040		-40,785
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	'		1,480,870
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	'		-14,029
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	'		19,830
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	'		-2,112
Fair Value of Investments	'		1,500,700
Unrealized Losses	'		-16,141
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'		'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	659,886		2,098,137
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-2,523		-79,519
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	469,850		134,420
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	-15,552		-5,903
Fair Value of Investments	1,129,736		2,232,557
Unrealized Losses	-18,075		-85,422
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'		'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	'		109,699
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	'		-123
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	'		0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	'		0
Fair Value of Investments	'		109,699
Unrealized Losses	'		-123
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	'		464,171
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	'		-17,423
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	'		0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	'		0
Fair Value of Investments	'		464,171
Unrealized Losses	'		-17,423
Municipal bonds and notes	'		'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	'		3,404
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	'		-21
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	'		0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	'		0
Fair Value of Investments	'		3,404
Unrealized Losses	'		-21
Equity securities	'		'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'		'
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	5,546		910
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-837		-483
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	0		0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	0		0
Fair Value of Investments	5,546		910
Unrealized Losses	($837)		($483)
[1]	As of September 30, 2014, we identified a total of 182 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 34 investments totaling $1.0 billion with unrealized losses of $28.2 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of September 30, 2014, we do not intend to sell any impaired fixed income investment securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis. Based on our analysis as of September 30, 2014, we deem all impairments to be temporary, and therefore changes in value for our temporarily impaired securities as of the same date are included in other comprehensive income. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the available-for-sale securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.

Investment_Securities_Summary_1

Investment Securities - Summary of Remaining Contractual Principal Maturities and Fully Taxable Equivalent Yields on Debt Securities Classified as Available for Sale (Detail) (Available-for-sale Securities, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	13,324,022
Weighted- Average Yield	1.35%
One Year or Less - Carrying Value	795,388
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	1.45%
After One Year to Five Years - Carrying Value	8,267,147
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.13%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Carrying Value	1,903,070
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.14%
After Ten Years - Carrying Value	2,358,417
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.43%
Lower Limit	'
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Mortgage-backed securities contractual maturities (in years)	'10 years
Upper Limit	'
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Mortgage-backed securities contractual maturities (in years)	'30 years
U.S. treasury securities	'
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,876,299
Weighted- Average Yield	1.08%
One Year or Less - Carrying Value	100,189
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.15%
After One Year to Five Years - Carrying Value	6,041,278
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.99%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Carrying Value	734,832
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.97%
After Ten Years - Carrying Value	0
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%
U.S. agency debentures	'
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,605,833
Weighted- Average Yield	1.63%
One Year or Less - Carrying Value	695,199
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	1.64%
After One Year to Five Years - Carrying Value	2,225,869
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.52%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Carrying Value	684,765
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.01%
After Ten Years - Carrying Value	0
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,005,933
Weighted- Average Yield	2.01%
One Year or Less - Carrying Value	0
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%
After One Year to Five Years - Carrying Value	0
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Carrying Value	483,473
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.59%
After Ten Years - Carrying Value	1,522,460
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.83%
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	835,957
Weighted- Average Yield	0.71%
One Year or Less - Carrying Value	0
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%
After One Year to Five Years - Carrying Value	0
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Carrying Value	0
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%
After Ten Years - Carrying Value	835,957
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.71%

Investment_Securities_Summary_2

Investment Securities - Summary of Unrealized Losses on Held to Maturity Securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Investment
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Adjusted cost of transferred securities	$5,418,572,000		$5,400,000,000	'	'
Unrealized gains for transferred securities	'		22,500,000	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,662,025,000		'	'	0
Unrealized Gains	2,426,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-50,558,000		'	'	'
Fair Value	6,613,893,000		'	0	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	5,123,941,000	[1]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-38,616,000	[1]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	854,029,000	[1],[2]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-11,942,000	[1],[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments	5,977,970,000	[1]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-50,558,000	[1]	'	'	'
Number of held-to-maturity investments with unrealized loss	329		'	'	'
Number of held-to-maturity investments in continuous loss more than 12 months	28		'	'	'
U.S. agency debentures	'		'	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Amortized Cost	349,993,000	[3]	'	'	'
Unrealized Gains	1,588,000	[3]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-1,165,000	[3]	'	'	'
Fair Value	350,416,000	[3]	'	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	205,383,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-837,000		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	47,987,000	[2]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-328,000	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments	253,370,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-1,165,000		'	'	'
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities	'		'	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Amortized Cost	679,379,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Gains	350,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-4,391,000		'	'	'
Fair Value	675,338,000		'	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	578,687,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-4,391,000		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	0	[2]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments	578,687,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-4,391,000		'	'	'
Municipal bonds and notes	'		'	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Amortized Cost	84,218,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Gains	81,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-224,000		'	'	'
Fair Value	84,075,000		'	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	55,365,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-224,000		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	0	[2]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments	55,365,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-224,000		'	'	'
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities	'		'	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,919,715,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Gains	16,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-20,712,000		'	'	'
Fair Value	2,899,019,000		'	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	2,890,039,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-20,712,000		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	0	[2]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments	2,890,039,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-20,712,000		'	'	'
Fixed rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Residential mortgage-backed securities	'		'	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,489,538,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Gains	384,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-24,052,000		'	'	'
Fair Value	2,465,870,000		'	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	1,316,900,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-12,438,000		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	806,042,000	[2]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-11,614,000	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments	2,122,942,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-24,052,000		'	'	'
Variable rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Residential mortgage-backed securities	'		'	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Amortized Cost	139,182,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Gains	7,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	-14,000		'	'	'
Fair Value	139,175,000		'	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	77,567,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-14,000		'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	0	[2]	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[2]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Investments	77,567,000		'	'	'
Unrealized Losses	($14,000)		'	'	'
[1]	As of September 30, 2014, we identified a total of 329 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 28 investments totaling $854.0 million with unrealized losses of $11.9 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of September 30, 2014, we do not intend to sell any impaired fixed income investment securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, which is consistent with our classification of these securities. Based on our analysis as of September 30, 2014, we deem all impairments to be temporary. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the held-to-maturity securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.
[2]	Represents securities in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer in which the amortized cost basis was re-set for those securities re-designated from AFS to HTM effective June 1, 2014.
[3]	Consists of pools of Small Business Investment Company debentures issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, an independent agency of the United States.

Investment_Securities_Summary_3

Investment Securities - Summary of Remaining Contractual Principal Maturities and Fully Taxable Equivalent Yields on Debt Securities Classified as Held to Maturity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	'
Amortized Cost	$6,662,025	$0
Held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,662,025	'
Weighted- Average Yield	2.15%	'
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	3,470	'
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	5.37%	'
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	72,981	'
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	3.71%	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	1,292,189	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.51%	'
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	5,293,385	'
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.03%	'
Held-to-maturity securities | Lower Limit	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities contractual maturities (in years)	'10 years	'
Held-to-maturity securities | Upper Limit	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities contractual maturities (in years)	'30 years	'
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities | Held-to-maturity securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,919,715	'
Weighted- Average Yield	2.42%	'
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0	'
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	45,081	'
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.39%	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	901,721	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.20%	'
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	1,972,913	'
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.52%	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Held-to-maturity securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,489,538	'
Weighted- Average Yield	1.68%	'
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0	'
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	0	'
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	0	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	2,489,538	'
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.68%	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Held-to-maturity securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	139,182	'
Weighted- Average Yield	0.65%	'
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0	'
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	0	'
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	0	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	139,182	'
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.65%	'
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities | Held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	679,379	'
Weighted- Average Yield	2.16%	'
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0	'
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	0	'
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	0	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	679,379	'
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.16%	'
Municipal bonds and notes | Held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	84,218	'
Weighted- Average Yield	6.00%	'
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	3,470	'
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	5.37%	'
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	27,900	'
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	5.84%	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	40,475	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	6.07%	'
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	12,373	'
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	6.30%	'
U.S. agency debentures | Held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	349,993	'
Weighted- Average Yield	2.90%	'
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0	'
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	0	'
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	349,993	'
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.90%	'
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	$0	'
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%	'

Investment_Securities_Nonmarke

Investment Securities - Non-marketable and Other Securities (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Cost method accounting

Cost method accounting

Cost method accounting

Cost method accounting

Cost method accounting

Upper Limit

SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP

SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP

SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP

SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP

SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP

SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP

SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP

SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP

Strategic Investors Fund V Funds

Strategic Investors Fund V Funds

Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds

Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP

SVB Capital Partners II, LP

SVB Capital Partners II, LP

SVB Capital Partners II, LP

SVB Capital Partners II, LP

SVB Capital Partners II, LP

SVB Capital Partners II, LP

SVB Capital Partners II, LP

SVB Capital Partners II, LP

Other private equity fund

Other private equity fund

Other private equity fund

Other private equity fund

Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP

Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP

Capital Partners III, LP

Capital Partners III, LP

SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund

SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund

Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP

Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP

Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP

Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP

China Joint Venture investment

China Joint Venture investment

Other investments

Other investments

LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP

Other venture capital investments

Other venture capital investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Other investments

Other investments

Low income housing tax credit funds

Low income housing tax credit funds

Other investments

Other investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Equity method accounting

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Investment

Investment

Investment

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Indirect ownership interest

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Direct ownership interest

Indirect ownership interest

Other venture capital investments

Other venture capital investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Direct ownership interest

Indirect ownership interest

Direct ownership interest

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Direct ownership interest

Other venture capital investments

Other venture capital investments

Other venture capital investments

Other venture capital investments

Other venture capital investments

Other venture capital investments

Other investments

Other investments

Direct ownership interest

Indirect ownership interest

Other investments

Other investments

Indirect ownership interest

Other investments

Other investments

Other investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Other investments

Venture capital and private equity fund investments

Other investments

Other investments

Other investments

Investment Holdings [Line Items]

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Non-marketable securities

'

'

$181,265,000

[1]

$321,374,000

[1]

$43,863,000

[2]

$32,839,000

[2]

$1,078,911,000

[3]

$862,972,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25,625,000

$29,104,000

$92,681,000

$96,185,000

$248,816,000

$260,272,000

$308,332,000

$226,729,000

$214,863,000

$118,181,000

$56,958,000

$7,944,000

$61,876,000

$59,028,000

'

$61,818,000

$61,126,000

'

'

$17,802,000

[4]

$22,684,000

[4]

$302,000

[5]

$708,000

[5]

'

'

'

$7,640,000

[6]

$3,695,000

[6]

'

$5,616,000

$6,564,000

$15,000,000

$0

$5,445,000

$3,591,000

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

141,913,000

[7]

142,883,000

[7]

98,417,000

72,241,000

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'

20,685,000

[8]

21,867,000

[8]

'

'

79,457,000

79,940,000

41,771,000

41,076,000

'

Non-marketable securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

240,000,000

215,000,000

'

'

'

'

16,471,000

14,191,000

142,710,000

[9]

148,994,000

[9]

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'

Total non-marketable and other securities

1,703,550,000

1,595,494,000

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Percentage of ownership

'

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12.60%

12.60%

8.60%

8.60%

5.90%

5.90%

5.00%

5.00%

'

'

0.20%

0.20%

20.00%

20.00%

12.60%

33.00%

33.00%

1.30%

3.80%

5.10%

[4]

5.10%

[4]

5.10%

[5]

5.10%

[5]

1.30%

3.80%

41.50%

58.20%

[6]

58.20%

[6]

41.50%

10.70%

10.70%

0.40%

0.00%

6.80%

6.80%

15.50%

[8]

15.50%

[8]

11.50%

4.00%

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

4.10%

Unrealized gain on one investment

$143,800,000

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Number of investments

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281

288

293

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Ownership interest percentage

'

5.00%

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5.00%

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[1]

Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. At September 30, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $143.8 million in one public company, FireEye, Inc. ("FireEye"). The extent to which any unrealized gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and the timing of any sales or distribution of securities, which are subject to our funds' separate discretionary securities sales/distribution and governance processes and may also be constrained by lock-up agreements. None of the FireEye related investments currently are subject to a lock-up agreement.

[2]

The following table shows the amounts of other venture capital investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting): September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP $5,616 10.7% $6,564 10.7%SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i) 17,802 5.1 22,684 5.1Capital Partners III, LP 15,000 0.4 — —SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund 5,445 6.8 3,591 6.8Total other venture capital investments $43,863 $32,839 (i)At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.

[3]

The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting): September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP $25,625 12.6% $29,104 12.6%SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP 92,681 8.6 96,185 8.6SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP 248,816 5.9 260,272 5.9SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP 308,332 5.0 226,729 5.0Strategic Investors Fund V Funds 214,863 Various 118,181 VariousStrategic Investors Fund VI Funds 56,958 0.2 7,944 0.2SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 61,876 20.0 59,028 20.0SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP 61,818 33.0 61,126 33.0SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i) 302 5.1 708 5.1Other private equity fund (ii) 7,640 58.2 3,695 58.2Total venture capital and private equity fund investments $1,078,911 $862,972 (i)At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.(ii)At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.

[4]

At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.

[5]

At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.

[6]

At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.

[7]

The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (equity method accounting): September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (i) $20,685 15.5% $21,867 15.5%China Joint Venture investment 79,457 50.0 79,940 50.0Other investments 41,771 Various 41,076 VariousTotal other investments (equity method accounting) $141,913 $142,883 (i)At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 11.5 percent in the fund and an indirect interest in the fund through our investment in Gold Hill Capital 2008, LLC of 4.0 percent.

[8]

At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 11.5 percent in the fund and an indirect interest in the fund through our investment in Gold Hill Capital 2008, LLC of 4.0 percent.

[9]

Represents investments in 281 and 288 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where our ownership interest is typically less than 5% of the voting interests of each such fund and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships operating activities and financial policies. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $143 million, and $240 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2014. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $149 million and $215 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

Investment_Securities_Componen

Investment Securities - Components of Gains and Losses (Realized and Unrealized) on Investment Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
	Investment		Investment		Investment		Investment		Investment
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	$86,211,000		$196,782,000		$438,116,000		$288,132,000		'
Gross losses on investment securities	-80,567,000		-8,920,000		-265,880,000		-32,271,000		'
(Losses) gains on investment securities, net	5,644,000		187,862,000		172,236,000		255,861,000		'
Fair value accounting | Other securities	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	5,444,000	[1]	143,840,000	[1]	'		'		'
Gross losses on investment securities	-52,264,000	[1]	-75,000	[1]	'		'		'
Net gains (losses) on securities	-49,800,000		'		-21,700,000		'		'
Realized gains	'		'		66,500,000		'		'
Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Recognized other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses	300,000		400,000		700,000		1,200,000		'
Number of other-than-temporary impaired investments	5		12		22		37		'
Number of investments	281		293		281		293		288
Available-for-sale Securities	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	45,000	[2]	317,000	[2]	642,000	[2]	3,167,000	[2]	'
Gross losses on investment securities	-1,035,000	[2]	-98,000	[2]	-18,052,000	[2]	-2,218,000	[2]	'
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	69,044,000		35,826,000		268,483,000		107,546,000		'
Gross losses on investment securities	-25,584,000		-1,575,000		-76,243,000		-17,020,000		'
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	6,779,000		5,180,000		11,334,000		8,020,000		'
Gross losses on investment securities	-1,233,000		-587,000		-3,274,000		-2,241,000		'
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other securities	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	'		'		136,010,000	[1]	148,185,000	[1]	'
Gross losses on investment securities	'		'		-166,051,000	[1]	-2,609,000	[1]	'
Non-marketable securities | Equity method accounting | Other investments	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	2,239,000		6,569,000		8,767,000		14,038,000		'
Gross losses on investment securities	-179,000		-1,944,000		-1,219,000		-2,421,000		'
Non-marketable securities | Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	2,641,000		5,016,000		7,706,000		6,806,000		'
Gross losses on investment securities	-272,000	[3]	-689,000	[3]	-781,000	[3]	-1,462,000	[3]	'
Non-marketable securities | Cost method accounting | Other investments	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gross gains on investment securities	19,000		34,000		5,174,000		370,000		'
Gross losses on investment securities	$0		($3,952,000)		($260,000)		($4,300,000)		'
[1]	Other securities (fair value accounting) includes net losses of $49.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and net losses of $21.7 million (including $66.5 million of realized gains) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, attributable to one public company, FireEye. The extent to which any unrealized gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and the timing of any sales or distribution of securities, which are subject to our securities sales and governance processes and may also be constrained by lock-up agreements. None of the FireEye related investments currently are subject to a lock-up agreement.
[2]	Includes realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale equity securities that are recognized in the income statement. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale fixed income and equity securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. The cost basis of available-for-sale securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
[3]	cludes OTTI losses of $0.3 million from the declines in value for 5 of the 281 investments and $0.4 million from the declines in value for 12 of the 293 investments, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, includes OTTI losses of $0.7 million from the declines in value for 22 of the 281 investments and $1.2 million from the declines in value for 37 of the 293 investments, respectively. We concluded that any declines in value for the remaining investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L2

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
						Forgiveness Of Principal	Payment Deferrals Granted		Payment Deferrals Granted	Payment Deferrals Granted
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'	'		'	'
Loans and Leases Receivable, Deferred Income	$95,000,000		$95,000,000		$89,000,000	'	'		'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	10,300,000		10,300,000		22,433,000	'	'		'	'
Unfunded commitments available for funding	800,000		800,000		'	'	'		'	'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	$496,000	[1]	$8,462,000	[1]	'	$1,300,000	$7,337,000	[1]	$7,100,000	$9,653,000	[1]
[1]	There were no partial charge-offs on loans classified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. There were partial charge-offs of $1.2 million and $2.4 million on loans classified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L3

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned income (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	$12,017,181	[1]	$10,906,386	[1]
Real estate secured loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,640,980		1,418,991
Software	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	4,503,369		4,102,636
Hardware	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,072,102		1,213,032
Venture capital/private equity	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	2,921,184		2,386,054
Life science	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,245,527		1,170,220
Premium wine	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	749,568		664,834
Premium wine | Non-real Estate Secured Commercial Loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	186,675		149,841
Premium wine | Real Estate Secured Commercial Loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	562,893	[2]	514,993	[2]
Other	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	352,069		396,644
Other | Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	241,815		288,904
Other | Construction loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	80,102		76,997
Commercial Portfolio Segment	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	10,843,819		9,933,420
Commercial Portfolio Segment | Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	10,170,672		9,310,687
Real estate secured loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,047,935		873,255
Real estate secured loans | Real estate secured loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,047,935	[3]	873,255	[3]
Other | Real Estate Secured Commercial Loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	30,152		30,743
Consumer loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	$125,427		$99,711
[1]	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $122 million and $85 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
[2]	Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $111 million and $112 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
[3]	Consumer loans secured by real estate at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were comprised of the following:(Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013Loans for personal residence $860,024 $685,327Loans to eligible employees 129,979 121,548Home equity lines of credit 57,932 66,380Consumer loans secured by real estate $1,047,935 $873,255

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L4

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned income (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	$12,017,181,000	[1]	$10,906,386,000	[1]
Credit Card Receivable	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Total loan portfolio	122,000,000		85,000,000
Real estate secured loans	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,047,935,000		873,255,000
Real estate secured loans | Loans for personal residence	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	860,024,000		685,327,000
Real estate secured loans | Loans to eligible employees	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	129,979,000		121,548,000
Real estate secured loans | Home equity lines of credit	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	57,932,000		66,380,000
Premium wine	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Gross construction loans	111,000,000		112,000,000
Loans, net of unearned income	$749,568,000		$664,834,000
[1]	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $122 million and $85 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L5

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned Income, Broken Out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	$12,017,181	[1]	$10,906,386	[1]
Software	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	4,503,369		4,102,636
Hardware	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,072,102		1,213,032
Venture capital/private equity	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	2,921,184		2,386,054
Life science	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,245,527		1,170,220
Premium wine	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	749,568		664,834
Other	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	352,069		396,644
Commercial Portfolio Segment	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	10,843,819		9,933,420
Real estate secured loans	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	1,047,935		873,255
Consumer loans	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	125,427		99,711
Consumer Portfolio Segment	'		'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Loans, net of unearned income	$1,173,362		$972,966
[1]	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $122 million and $85 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L6

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Aging of Gross Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	$6,686	$19,367
60 - 89 Days Past Due	10,796	12,572
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,187	4,438
Total Past Due	18,669	36,377
Current	12,093,805	10,958,891
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	125	99
Software	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	4,565	9,804
60 - 89 Days Past Due	4,334	1,291
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	125	99
Total Past Due	9,024	11,194
Current	4,527,570	4,102,546
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	125	99
Hardware	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	247	2,679
60 - 89 Days Past Due	3,609	3,965
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	3,856	6,644
Current	1,078,234	1,198,169
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	5	4
60 - 89 Days Past Due	3	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	8	4
Current	2,948,327	2,408,382
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Life science	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	265	395
60 - 89 Days Past Due	2,573	131
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	2,838	526
Current	1,253,292	1,179,462
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Premium wine	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	5	0
60 - 89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	5	0
Current	750,726	665,755
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Other	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	66	1,580
60 - 89 Days Past Due	65	142
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	131	1,722
Current	354,456	397,416
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Commercial loans	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	5,153	14,462
60 - 89 Days Past Due	10,584	5,529
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	125	99
Total Past Due	15,862	20,090
Current	10,912,605	9,951,730
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	125	99
Real estate secured loans	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	1,250	240
60 - 89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	1,250	240
Current	1,046,029	872,586
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Consumer loans	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	32	8
60 - 89 Days Past Due	1	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	33	8
Current	125,008	98,965
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Consumer loans	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	1,282	248
60 - 89 Days Past Due	1	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	1,283	248
Current	1,171,037	971,551
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Total gross loans excluding impaired loans	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	6,435	14,710
60 - 89 Days Past Due	10,585	5,529
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	125	99
Total Past Due	17,145	20,338
Current	12,083,642	10,923,281
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	125	99
Impaired loans	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
30 - 59 Days Past Due	251	4,657
60 - 89 Days Past Due	211	7,043
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,062	4,339
Total Past Due	1,524	16,039
Current	10,163	35,610
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	$0	$0

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L7

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Impaired Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	$11,687	$51,649
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	17,561	73,271
Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	8,730	27,618
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	12,069	28,316
Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	'	19,667
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	'	35,317
Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	'	40
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	'	40
Life science	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	1,000	1,278
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	1,000	4,727
Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	1,339	1,442
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	1,752	1,778
Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	11,255	50,735
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	15,619	70,896
Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	186	690
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	798	718
Real estate secured loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	208	244
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	1,416	1,434
Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	224	670
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	526	941
Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	432	914
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	1,942	2,375
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	10,140	48,037
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	8,730	27,308
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	'	19,329
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	'	40
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Life science	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	1,000	0
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	0	0
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	9,916	47,367
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	186	690
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Real estate secured loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	0	0
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	224	670
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	224	670
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	1,547	3,612
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	0	310
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	'	338
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	'	0
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Life science	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	0	1,278
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	1,339	1,442
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	1,339	3,368
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	0	0
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Real estate secured loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	208	244
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	0	0
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of impaired loans	$208	$244

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L8

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Average Impaired Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	$15,035	$39,279	$25,846	$40,719
Software	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	10,651	4,306	13,690	4,631
Hardware	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	1,540	25,456	8,140	24,536
Venture capital/private equity	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	0	75	0	35
Life science	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	333	0	636	303
Premium wine	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	1,364	1,502	1,398	2,458
Other	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	674	3,648	1,383	4,344
Commercial loans	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	14,562	34,987	25,247	36,307
Real estate secured loans	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	212	3,426	224	3,391
Consumer loans	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	261	866	375	1,021
Consumer loans	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average impaired loans	$473	$4,292	$599	$4,412

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L9

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Activity in Allowance for Loan Losses Broken out by Portfolio Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$120,728	$119,571	$142,886	$110,651
Charge-offs	-10,657	-8,149	-38,189	-29,150
Recoveries	2,380	2,674	5,313	8,210
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	16,610	10,638	19,051	35,023
Ending Balance	129,061	124,734	129,061	124,734
Software	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	53,239	46,798	64,084	42,648
Charge-offs	-6,907	-2,527	-18,932	-7,619
Recoveries	790	816	1,023	1,455
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	11,078	4,369	12,025	12,972
Ending Balance	58,200	49,456	58,200	49,456
Hardware	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	24,780	33,188	36,553	29,761
Charge-offs	-2,643	-5,544	-15,230	-11,975
Recoveries	113	1,149	2,070	1,998
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	2,491	7,370	1,348	16,379
Ending Balance	24,741	36,163	24,741	36,163
Venture capital/private equity	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	19,004	13,593	16,385	9,963
Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	845	617	3,464	4,247
Ending Balance	19,849	14,210	19,849	14,210
Life science	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	10,597	11,741	11,926	13,606
Charge-offs	0	-57	-930	-2,618
Recoveries	53	246	341	1,335
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	1,591	-780	904	-1,173
Ending Balance	12,241	11,150	12,241	11,150
Premium wine	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	3,546	3,793	3,914	3,523
Charge-offs	-35	0	-35	0
Recoveries	0	4	238	135
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	710	81	104	220
Ending Balance	4,221	3,878	4,221	3,878
Other	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	3,218	3,654	3,680	3,912
Charge-offs	-1,072	-21	-3,062	-6,069
Recoveries	1,306	77	1,316	2,458
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	-530	-24	988	3,385
Ending Balance	2,922	3,686	2,922	3,686
Commercial loans	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	114,384	112,767	136,542	103,413
Charge-offs	-10,657	-8,149	-38,189	-28,281
Recoveries	2,262	2,292	4,988	7,381
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	16,185	11,633	18,833	36,030
Ending Balance	122,174	118,543	122,174	118,543
Consumer loans	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	6,344	6,804	6,344	7,238
Charge-offs	0	0	0	-869
Recoveries	118	382	325	829
Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses	425	-995	218	-1,007
Ending Balance	$6,887	$6,191	$6,887	$6,191

Recovered_Sheet1

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Allowance for Loan Losses Individually and Collectively Evaluated for Impairment (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	$2,325	$21,277
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	11,687	51,648
Recorded investment in loans	126,736	121,609
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	12,005,494	10,854,738
Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	2,057	11,261
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	8,730	27,617
Recorded investment in loans	56,143	52,823
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,494,639	4,075,019
Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	0	9,673
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0	19,667
Recorded investment in loans	24,741	26,880
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,072,102	1,193,365
Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	0	19
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0	39
Recorded investment in loans	19,849	16,366
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,921,184	2,386,015
Life science	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	191	0
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,000	1,278
Recorded investment in loans	12,050	11,926
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,244,527	1,168,942
Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,339	1,442
Recorded investment in loans	4,221	3,914
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	748,229	663,392
Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	4	156
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	186	690
Recorded investment in loans	2,918	3,524
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	351,883	395,954
Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	2,252	21,109
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	11,255	50,733
Recorded investment in loans	119,922	115,433
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	10,832,564	9,882,687
Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded investment in loans	73	168
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	432	915
Recorded investment in loans	6,814	6,176
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$1,172,930	$972,051

Recovered_Sheet2

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Credit Quality Indicators, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	$12,112,474	$10,995,268
Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	4,545,324	4,141,358
Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,082,090	1,224,480
Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	2,948,335	2,408,426
Life science	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,257,130	1,181,266
Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	752,070	667,197
Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	354,773	399,828
Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	10,939,722	10,022,555
Real estate secured loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,047,487	873,070
Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	125,265	99,643
Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,172,752	972,713
Pass	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	11,327,282	10,371,201
Pass | Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	4,179,638	3,875,043
Pass | Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	885,407	995,055
Pass | Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	2,932,711	2,408,386
Pass | Life science	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,093,451	1,091,993
Pass | Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	732,605	652,747
Pass | Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	338,187	383,602
Pass | Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	10,161,999	9,406,826
Pass | Real estate secured loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,042,547	868,789
Pass | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	122,736	95,586
Pass | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,165,283	964,375
Performing (Criticized)	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	773,505	572,418
Performing (Criticized) | Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	356,956	238,697
Performing (Criticized) | Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	196,683	209,758
Performing (Criticized) | Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	15,624	0
Performing (Criticized) | Life science	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	162,679	87,995
Performing (Criticized) | Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	18,126	13,008
Performing (Criticized) | Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	16,400	15,536
Performing (Criticized) | Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	766,468	564,994
Performing (Criticized) | Real estate secured loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	4,732	4,037
Performing (Criticized) | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	2,305	3,387
Performing (Criticized) | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	7,037	7,424
Impaired	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	11,687	51,649
Impaired | Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	8,730	27,618
Impaired | Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	0	19,667
Impaired | Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	0	40
Impaired | Life science	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,000	1,278
Impaired | Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	1,339	1,442
Impaired | Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	186	690
Impaired | Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	11,255	50,735
Impaired | Real estate secured loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	208	244
Impaired | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	224	670
Impaired | Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	$432	$914

Recovered_Sheet3

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Summary of Loans Modified in Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs") by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	troubled_debt_restructuring
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts	10	'
Loans modified in TDRs	$10,300	$22,433
Software	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	7,848	5,860
Hardware	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	0	13,329
Venture capital/private equity	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	0	77
Premium wine	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	1,953	1,442
Other	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	275	1,055
Commercial loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	10,076	21,763
Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	224	670
Consumer loans	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Loans modified in TDRs	$224	$670

Recovered_Sheet4

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in TDRs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	$496,000	[1]	'		$8,462,000	[1]	'
Loans classified as TDRs, charge-offs	0		1,200,000		0		2,400,000
Software	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	496,000		1,007,000		7,848,000		1,007,000
Hardware	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		6,330,000		0		7,783,000
Venture capital/private equity	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		0		0		88,000
Premium wine	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		0		614,000		0
Other	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		0		0		734,000
Commercial loans	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	496,000		7,337,000		8,462,000		9,612,000
Consumer loans	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		0		0		41,000
Consumer loans	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		0		0		41,000
Payment Deferrals Granted	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	'		7,337,000	[1]	7,100,000		9,653,000	[1]
Forgiveness Of Principal	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	'		'		$1,300,000		'
[1]	There were no partial charge-offs on loans classified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. There were partial charge-offs of $1.2 million and $2.4 million on loans classified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013

Recovered_Sheet5

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in TDRs within Previous 12 months Subsequently Defaulted (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	$0	$0	$0	$0

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT2

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Outstanding Short Term Borrowings and Long Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term borrowings	$6,630		$5,080
Total long-term debt	453,764		455,216
Other short-term borrowings	'		'
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]	'		'
Principal value	6,630	[1]	'
Short-term borrowings	6,630	[1]	5,080	[1]
5.375% Senior Notes	'		'
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]	'		'
Maturity	15-Sep-20		'
Principal value	350,000		'
Senior Notes	348,378		348,209
6.05% Subordinated Notes	'		'
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]	'		'
Maturity	1-Jun-17	[2]	'
Principal value	45,964	[2]	'
Subordinated Notes	50,497	[2]	51,987	[2]
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	'		'
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]	'		'
Maturity	15-Oct-33		'
Principal value	50,000		'
Junior Subordinated Debentures	$54,889		$55,020
[1]	Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor, primarily for our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
[2]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $5.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT3

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Outstanding Short Term Borrowings and Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
5.375% Senior Notes	'	'
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.38%	5.38%
6.05% Subordinated Notes	'	'
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.05%	6.05%
Fair value of the interest rate swap associated with the notes	5,000	6,500
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	'	'
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.00%	7.00%

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT4

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense on debt	$5.80	$5.70	$17.40	$17.40
Weighted average interest rates associated with short-term borrowings	0.07%	'	0.07%	'
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances | San Francisco	'	'	'	'
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Market value of collateral pledged	1,200	'	1,200	'
Federal Reserve Bank Advances	'	'	'	'
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Market value of collateral pledged	$517	'	$517	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (Foreign Exchange Forward And Option Contracts, Upper Limit)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
General maturity	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contract term	'1 year
Extended maturity	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contract term	'5 years

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Total Notional or Contractual Amounts, Fair Value, Collateral and Net Exposure of Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	$101,182		$113,101
Net Exposure	94,552	[1]	108,021
Collateral	6,630	[2]	5,080
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other assets	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	45,964		45,964
Fair Value	4,965		6,492
Net Exposure	1,055	[1]	1,412
Collateral	3,910	[2]	5,080
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	645		789
Net Exposure	-1,290	[1]	789
Collateral	1,935	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Foreign exchange forwards | Other assets	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	33,840		140,760
Fair Value	1,032		1,423
Net Exposure	-903	[1]	1,423
Collateral	1,935	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Foreign exchange forwards | Other liability	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	30,306		62,649
Fair Value	-387		-634
Net Exposure	-387	[1]	-634
Collateral	0	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other assets	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	186,853		179,934
Fair Value	94,960		103,513
Net Exposure	94,960	[1]	103,513
Collateral	0	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	612		2,307
Net Exposure	-173	[1]	2,307
Collateral	785	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Foreign exchange forwards | Other assets	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	526,329		424,983
Fair Value	16,111		13,673
Net Exposure	15,326	[1]	13,673
Collateral	785	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Foreign exchange forwards | Other liability	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	483,262		367,079
Fair Value	-15,355		-11,549
Net Exposure	-15,355	[1]	-11,549
Collateral	0	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Client foreign currency options | Other assets	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	6,500		91,854
Fair Value	91		434
Net Exposure	91	[1]	434
Collateral	0	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Client foreign currency options | Other liability	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	6,500		91,854
Fair Value	-91		-434
Net Exposure	-91	[1]	-434
Collateral	0	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Loan conversion options | Other assets	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	1,442		3,455
Fair Value	0		314
Net Exposure	0	[1]	314
Collateral	0	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	359,074		216,773
Fair Value	2,173		1,265
Net Exposure	2,173	[1]	1,265
Collateral	0	[2]	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Notional or Contractual Amount	359,074		216,773
Fair Value	-2,317		-1,396
Net Exposure	-2,317	[1]	-1,396
Collateral	$0	[2]	$0
[1]	Net exposure for contracts in a gain position reflects the replacement cost in the event of nonperformance by all such counterparties. The credit ratings of our institutional counterparties as of September 30, 2014 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
[2]	Cash collateral received from our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor is recorded as a component of “short-term borrowings” on our consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Derivative Activity and Related Impact on Consolidated Statements of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	'		'		($11,087)		$16,594
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense—borrowings	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	638		634		1,915		1,901
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	-12		-7		-37		20
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest Rate Risk	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	626		627		1,878		1,921
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	-111		-322		-309		-1,060
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Loans | Other noninterest income	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	-12,640		8,101		-12,347		451
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Foreign exchange forwards | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	12,529		-8,423		12,038		-1,511
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Foreign exchange forwards | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	886		-411		1,358		-237
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	13,157		18,780		50,859		29,475
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	($22)	[1]	($517)	[1]	($738)	[1]	$55	[1]
[1]	Primarily represents the change in fair value of loan conversion options.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Master Netting Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$75,207	$196,346
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-1	-70
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	75,206	196,276
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-62,155	-181,547
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	-6,630	-5,080
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	6,421	9,649
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	18,151	14,083
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-1	-70
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	18,150	14,013
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-11,611	-9,648
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	6,539	4,365
Derivative	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	24,373	23,357
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-1	-70
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	24,372	23,287
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-11,321	-8,558
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	-6,630	-5,080
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	6,421	9,649
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	18,151	14,083
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-1	-70
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	18,150	14,013
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-11,611	-9,648
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	6,539	4,365
Derivative | Interest rate swaps	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	4,965	6,492
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	4,965	6,492
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-1,055	-1,412
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	-3,910	-5,080
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Derivative | Foreign exchange forwards	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	17,143	15,096
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	17,143	15,096
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-8,002	-6,735
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	-2,720	0
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	6,421	8,361
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	15,742	12,183
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	15,742	12,183
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-9,294	-8,282
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	6,448	3,901
Derivative | Client foreign currency options	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	92	504
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-1	-70
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	91	434
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-91	-155
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	279
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	92	504
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-1	-70
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	91	434
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	0	-279
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	91	155
Derivative | Client interest rate derivatives	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	2,173	1,265
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	2,173	1,265
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-2,173	-256
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	1,009
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	2,317	1,396
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	2,317	1,396
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-2,317	-1,087
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	309
Reverse Repurchase Securities Borrowing And Similar Arrangements	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	50,834	172,989
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	50,834	172,989
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-50,834	-172,989
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	0	0
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	$0	$0

Other_Noninterest_Loss_Income_2

Other Noninterest (Loss) Income and Other Noninterest Expense - Summary of Other Noninterest Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Fund management fees	$3,574		$2,822		$9,888		$8,531
Service-based fee income	2,180		1,901		6,459		5,706
(Losses) gains on revaluation of foreign currency instruments	-12,640	[1]	8,069	[1]	-12,347	[1]	444	[1]
Other	1,525	[2]	4,369	[2]	10,601	[2]	9,667	[2]
Total other noninterest (loss) income	($5,361)		$17,161		$14,601		$24,348
[1]	Represents the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments issued and held by us, primarily loans, deposits and cash.
[2]	Includes dividends on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income and other fee income.

Other_Noninterest_Loss_Income_3

Other Noninterest (Loss) Income and Other Noninterest Expense - Summary of Other Noninterest Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Client services	$3,215	$1,920	$8,160	$5,711
Tax credit fund amortization	2,228	1,519	6,758	4,174
Data processing services	2,229	2,020	6,497	5,814
Telephone	1,931	1,571	5,217	4,640
Postage and supplies	763	559	2,248	1,777
Dues and publications	719	399	1,852	1,302
Other	4,711	2,661	9,381	6,855
Total other noninterest expense	$15,796	$10,649	$40,113	$30,273

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Info

Segment Reporting - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net interest income	$220,565		$177,096		$621,858		$510,346
(Provision for) loan losses	-16,610		-10,638		-19,051		-35,023
Noninterest income	80,167		257,650		404,602		434,493
Noninterest expense	-181,989	[1]	-160,524	[1]	-527,871	[1]	-452,830	[1]
Income before income tax expense	102,133	[2]	263,584	[2]	479,538	[2]	456,986	[2]
Total average loans, net of unearned income	11,439,521		9,545,941		11,098,397		9,086,179
Total average assets	34,598,285	[3]	23,072,734	[3]	31,405,253	[3]	22,496,092	[3]
Total average deposits	29,726,284		19,559,888		26,882,113		18,989,360
Global Commercial Bank	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net interest income	187,184		162,371		541,375		465,893
(Provision for) loan losses	-16,185		-11,633		-18,833		-36,030
Noninterest income	57,756		49,991		169,414		144,893
Noninterest expense	-128,685	[1]	-107,495	[1]	-374,289	[1]	-313,080	[1]
Income before income tax expense	100,070	[2]	93,234	[2]	317,667	[2]	261,676	[2]
Total average loans, net of unearned income	10,192,945		8,576,443		9,917,115		8,175,626
Total average assets	31,809,853	[3]	21,336,583	[3]	28,828,400	[3]	20,732,425	[3]
Total average deposits	28,795,499		18,994,374		26,020,715		18,480,510
SVB Private Bank	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net interest income	7,344		6,195		23,529		18,226
(Provision for) loan losses	-425		995		-218		1,007
Noninterest income	491		380		1,121		867
Noninterest expense	-2,574	[1]	-2,484	[1]	-7,709	[1]	-6,263	[1]
Income before income tax expense	4,836	[2]	5,086	[2]	16,723	[2]	13,837	[2]
Total average loans, net of unearned income	1,190,986		942,411		1,120,647		886,679
Total average assets	1,129,947	[3]	998,640	[3]	1,027,707	[3]	910,551	[3]
Total average deposits	877,701		535,611		805,167		493,204
SVB Capital	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net interest income	12	[4]	1	[4]	55	[4]	5	[4]
(Provision for) loan losses	0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Noninterest income	1,064	[4]	35,457	[4]	35,617	[4]	48,179	[4]
Noninterest expense	-3,036	[1],[4]	-2,728	[1],[4]	-8,815	[1],[4]	-7,871	[1],[4]
Income before income tax expense	-1,960	[2],[4]	32,730	[2],[4]	26,857	[2],[4]	40,313	[2],[4]
Total average loans, net of unearned income	0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Total average assets	302,949	[3],[4]	329,680	[3],[4]	328,048	[3],[4]	277,136	[3],[4]
Total average deposits	0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Other Items	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net interest income	26,025	[5]	8,529	[5]	56,899	[5]	26,222	[5]
(Provision for) loan losses	0	[5]	0	[5]	0	[5]	0	[5]
Noninterest income	20,856	[5]	171,822	[5]	198,450	[5]	240,554	[5]
Noninterest expense	-47,694	[1],[5]	-47,817	[1],[5]	-137,058	[1],[5]	-125,616	[1],[5]
Income before income tax expense	-813	[2],[5]	132,534	[2],[5]	118,291	[2],[5]	141,160	[2],[5]
Total average loans, net of unearned income	55,590	[5]	27,087	[5]	60,635	[5]	23,874	[5]
Total average assets	1,355,536	[3],[5]	407,831	[3],[5]	1,221,098	[3],[5]	575,980	[3],[5]
Total average deposits	$53,084	[5]	$29,903	[5]	$56,231	[5]	$15,646	[5]
[1]	The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $5.4 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $15.4 million and $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	The internal reporting model used by management to assess segment performance does not calculate income tax expense by segment. Our effective tax rate is a reasonable approximation of the segment rates.
[3]	Total average assets equal the greater of total average assets or the sum of total liabilities and total stockholders’ equity for each segment.
[4]	Global Commercial Bank’s and SVB Capital’s components of net interest income, noninterest income, noninterest expense and total average assets are shown net of noncontrolling interests for all periods presented. Noncontrolling interest is included within "Other Items" as discussed below.
[5]	The "Other Items" column reflects the adjustments necessary to reconcile the results of the operating segments to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. Noninterest income is primarily attributable to noncontrolling interests and gains on equity warrant assets. Noninterest expense primarily consists of expenses associated with corporate support functions such as finance, human resources, marketing, legal and other expenses. Additionally, average assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and loans from our Community Development Finance practice as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act.

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Info1

Segment Reporting - Segment Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Global Commercial Bank, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Global Commercial Bank	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	$5.40	$4.90	$15.40	$14

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_2

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Summary Information Related to Commitments to Extend Credit (Excluding Letters of Credit) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Off Balance Sheet Arrangements Guarantees And Other Commitments Additional Information [Abstract]	'		'
Fixed interest rate commitments	$1,434,100	[1]	$1,392,781	[1]
Variable interest rate commitments	12,059,816	[1]	9,101,973	[1]
Total loan commitments available for funding	13,493,916	[1]	10,494,754	[1]
Commercial and standby letters of credit	1,137,721	[2]	975,968	[2]
Total unfunded credit commitments	14,631,637		11,470,722
Commitments unavailable for funding	1,691,660	[3]	1,006,168	[3]
Maximum lending limits for accounts receivable factoring arrangements	1,004,402	[4]	894,276	[4]
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments	$35,489	[5]	$29,983	[5]
[1]	Represents commitments which are available for funding, due to clients meeting all collateral, compliance and financial covenants required under loan commitment agreements.
[2]	See below for additional information on our commercial and standby letters of credit.
[3]	Represents commitments which are currently unavailable for funding, due to clients failing to meet all collateral, compliance and financial covenants under loan commitment agreements.
[4]	We extend credit under accounts receivable factoring arrangements when our clients’ sales invoices are deemed creditworthy under existing underwriting practices.
[5]	Our reserve for unfunded credit commitments includes an allowance for both our unfunded loan commitments and our letters of credit.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_3

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Summary of Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'		'
Expires In One Year or Less	$1,000,222		'
Expires After One Year	137,499		'
Total Amount Outstanding	1,137,721	[1]	975,968	[1]
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	1,137,721		'
Financial standby letters of credit	'		'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'		'
Expires In One Year or Less	936,790		'
Expires After One Year	129,337		'
Total Amount Outstanding	1,066,127		'
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	1,066,127		'
Performance standby letters of credit	'		'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'		'
Expires In One Year or Less	57,058		'
Expires After One Year	8,162		'
Total Amount Outstanding	65,220		'
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	65,220		'
Commercial letters of credit	'		'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'		'
Expires In One Year or Less	6,374		'
Expires After One Year	0		'
Total Amount Outstanding	6,374		'
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	$6,374		'
[1]	See below for additional information on our commercial and standby letters of credit.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_4

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments	Venture capital and private equity fund investments	Venture capital and private equity fund investments	Standby Letter of Credit	Standby Letter of Credit
		Lower Limit	Upper Limit
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred fees	'	'	'	$8.40	$8.20
Collateral in the form of cash	'	'	'	465.3	'
Collateral in the form of investment securities	'	'	'	$1.30	'
Commitments to invest, period from the inception of the fund	'10 years	'	'	'	'
Call unrestricted, percentage of committed capital	100.00%	'	'	'	'
Expected commitment period to invest in venture capital and private equity funds (in years)	'	'5 years	'7 years	'	'

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_5

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Total Capital Commitments, Unfunded Capital Commitments, and Our Ownership in Each Fund (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	$478,461
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	2,250
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	5,589
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	15,641
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	41,205
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	162,335
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	239,268
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	5,886
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	6,044
Other private equity fund	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	243
Parent Company	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	504,680
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	46,822
Parent Company | Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	6,000
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	270
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	10.70%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Capital Partners II, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	1,200	[2]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	162	[2]
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	5.10%	[1],[2]
Parent Company | Capital Partners III, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	750
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	649
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	0.40%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	945
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	163
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	6.80%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	15,300
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	688
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	12.60%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	15,000
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	1,050
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	8.60%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	15,000
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	1,425
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	5.90%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	12,239
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	2,325
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	5.00%	[1]
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund V Funds	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	515
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	239
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	500
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	402
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	0.20%	[1]
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund VII Funds	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	500
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	500
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	0.20%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	12,688
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	0
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	20.00%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	24,670
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	1,340
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	33.00%	[1]
Parent Company | Other private equity fund	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	9,338	[3]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	0	[3]
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	58.20%	[1],[3]
Parent Company | Partners for Growth, LP	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	25,000
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	9,750
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	50.00%	[1]
Parent Company | Debt funds (equity method accounting)	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	64,574
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	4,950
Parent Company | Other fund investments	'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Capital Commitments	300,461	[4]
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	$22,909	[4]
[1]	We are subject to the Volcker Rule, which restricts or limits our sponsorship of and ownership of interests in “covered” funds including venture capital and private equity funds. For funds that we sponsor, the Volcker Rule limits the amount of our investment to 3% of the fund, and our aggregate investments in all such funds must not exceed 3% of our Tier 1 capital. The current deadline to conform to these limits is July 21, 2015. The time period to divest an investment that is not permitted by the final rule may be extended by the Federal Reserve Board for up to two one-year general extensions, and one additional extension up to five additional years for investments in funds that are considered illiquid. We intend to seek the maximum extensions available to us. However, there is no guarantee that the Federal Reserve Board will grant any of these extensions. See “Business - Supervision and Regulation” under Item 1 of Part I of our 2013 Form 10-K.
[2]	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investment in SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
[3]	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital - NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
[4]	Represents commitments to 286 funds (primarily venture capital funds) where our ownership interest is generally less than 5 percent of the voting interests of each such fund.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_6

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Total Capital Commitments, Unfunded Capital Commitments, and Our Ownership in Each Fund (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Venture capital and private equity fund investments)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Fair value accounting	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of ownership	5.10%	[1]	5.10%	[1]
SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Fair value accounting | Direct ownership interest	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of ownership	1.30%		'
SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Fair value accounting | Indirect ownership interest	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of ownership	3.80%		'
Other private equity fund | Fair value accounting	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of ownership	58.20%	[2]	58.20%	[2]
Other private equity fund | Fair value accounting | Direct ownership interest	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of ownership	41.50%		'
Other fund investments	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Number of other funds with investment commitments	286		'
Upper Limit | Other fund investments	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of ownership	5.00%		'
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP | Other private equity fund | Fair value accounting | Indirect ownership interest	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of ownership	12.60%		'
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP | Other private equity fund | Fair value accounting | Indirect ownership interest	'		'
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of ownership	4.10%		'
[1]	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
[2]	At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_7

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Remaining Unfunded Commitments to Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds by our Consolidated Managed Funds (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	$478,461
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	2,250
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	5,589
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	15,641
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	41,205
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	162,335
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	239,268
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	5,886
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	6,044
Other private equity fund	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
SVBFG Unfunded Commitments	$243

Income_Taxes_Detail

Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized tax benefit	0.4
Reduction in income tax expense resulting from recognition of unrecognized tax benefit	0.3
Federal tax	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination	'Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2008, 2010 and subsequent years remain open to examination
State tax	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination	'Our California tax returns for 2008 and subsequent tax years remain open to examination. Massachusetts tax returns for 2008, 2010 and subsequent years remain open to examination

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	$13,333,436		$11,986,821
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	4,965		6,492
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant asset | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	94,960		103,513
Fair value accounting	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	181,265	[1]	321,374	[1]
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	1,078,911	[2]	862,972	[2]
Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	43,863	[3]	32,839	[3]
U.S. treasury securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	6,876,299		'
U.S. agency debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	3,605,833		4,345,232
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	2,005,933		3,325,758
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	835,957		1,186,573
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		564,604
Municipal bonds and notes	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		86,027
Equity securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	9,414		5,051
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	13,333,436		11,986,821
Total assets	14,756,807	[4]	13,331,120	[5]
Total liabilities	18,150		14,013
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	4,965		6,492
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	17,234		15,530
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other liability	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair value, Liabilities	15,833		12,617
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant asset | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	94,960		103,513
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Loan conversion options | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	'		314
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	2,173		1,265
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair value, Liabilities	2,317		1,396
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair value accounting	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	1,304,039		1,217,185
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	1,078,911		862,972
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	43,863		32,839
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair value accounting | Other securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	181,265		321,374
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. treasury securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	6,876,299		'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. agency debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	3,605,833		4,345,232
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		2,473,576
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	2,005,933		3,325,758
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	835,957		1,186,573
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		564,604
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds and notes	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		86,027
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Equity securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	9,414		5,051
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	6,880,510		3,732
Total assets	7,061,775	[4]	5,857	[5]
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other liability	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair value, Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant asset | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Loan conversion options | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair value, Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Fair value accounting	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	181,265		2,125
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Fair value accounting | Other securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	181,265		2,125
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. treasury securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	6,876,299		'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. agency debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Municipal bonds and notes	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Equity securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	4,211		3,732
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	6,452,926		11,983,089
Total assets	6,478,861	[4]	12,010,312	[5]
Total liabilities	18,150		14,013
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	4,965		6,492
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	17,234		15,530
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other liability	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair value, Liabilities	15,833		12,617
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant asset | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	1,563		3,622
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Loan conversion options | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	'		314
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	2,173		1,265
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair value, Liabilities	2,317		1,396
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Fair value accounting	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Fair value accounting | Other securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. treasury securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. agency debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	3,605,833		4,345,232
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		2,473,576
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	2,005,933		3,325,758
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	835,957		1,186,573
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		564,604
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Municipal bonds and notes	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		86,027
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Equity securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	5,203		1,319
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		0
Total assets	1,216,171	[4]	1,314,951	[5]
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other liability	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair value, Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant asset | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	93,397		99,891
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Loan conversion options | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair value, Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Fair value accounting	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	1,122,774		1,215,060
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	1,078,911		862,972
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	43,863		32,839
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Fair value accounting | Other securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Non-marketable securities	0		319,249
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. treasury securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. agency debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Municipal bonds and notes	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Equity securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying Value	0		0
Noncontrolling Interests | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total assets	163,600		2,000
Noncontrolling Interests | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total assets	$1,000,000		$1,100,000
[1]	Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. At September 30, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $143.8 million in one public company, FireEye, Inc. ("FireEye"). The extent to which any unrealized gains (or losses) will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including among other things, changes in prevailing market prices and the timing of any sales or distribution of securities, which are subject to our funds' separate discretionary securities sales/distribution and governance processes and may also be constrained by lock-up agreements. None of the FireEye related investments currently are subject to a lock-up agreement.
[2]	The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting): September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP $25,625 12.6% $29,104 12.6%SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP 92,681 8.6 96,185 8.6SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP 248,816 5.9 260,272 5.9SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP 308,332 5.0 226,729 5.0Strategic Investors Fund V Funds 214,863 Various 118,181 VariousStrategic Investors Fund VI Funds 56,958 0.2 7,944 0.2SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 61,876 20.0 59,028 20.0SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP 61,818 33.0 61,126 33.0SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i) 302 5.1 708 5.1Other private equity fund (ii) 7,640 58.2 3,695 58.2Total venture capital and private equity fund investments $1,078,911 $862,972 (i)At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.(ii)At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
[3]	The following table shows the amounts of other venture capital investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting): September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP $5,616 10.7% $6,564 10.7%SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i) 17,802 5.1 22,684 5.1Capital Partners III, LP 15,000 0.4 — —SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund 5,445 6.8 3,591 6.8Total other venture capital investments $43,863 $32,839 (i)At September 30, 2014, we had a direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and an indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent in the fund through our ownership of SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
[4]	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $163.6 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
[5]	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $2.0 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information about Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
					Equity warrant assets		Equity warrant assets		Non-marketable securities		Non-marketable securities		Non-marketable securities		Non-marketable securities		Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities		Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring		Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring		Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
					Other assets		Other assets		Fair value accounting		Fair value accounting		Fair value accounting		Fair value accounting		Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting		Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Equity warrant assets		Equity warrant assets		Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities	Non-marketable securities
																	Venture capital and private equity fund investments	Venture capital and private equity fund investments	Other venture capital investments	Other venture capital investments	Other venture capital investments		Other securities	Other investments	Other investments	Other assets		Other assets		Other securities	Other securities	Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting
																																Venture capital and private equity fund investments	Venture capital and private equity fund investments	Other venture capital investments	Other venture capital investments	Other investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$1,177,228	$938,244	$1,314,951	$859,141	$87,151	[1]	$73,229	[1]	$1,090,077	[2]	$865,015	[2]	$1,215,060	[2]	$793,012	[2]	$1,040,522	$741,522	$43,747	$123,493	'		'	$0	$217,054	$99,891	[1]	$66,129	[1]	$5,808	$319,249	$862,972	$665,921	$32,839	$127,091	$0
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	62,811	200,334	355,935	265,748	13,805	[1]	18,215	[1]	49,006	[2]	182,119	[2]	304,610	[2]	239,606	[2]	43,460	34,288	5,546	4,530	'		'	143,301	'	51,325	[1]	26,142	[1]	0	104,310	192,240	90,526	8,060	5,779	143,301
Purchases	55,341	42,720	182,248	108,232	0	[1]	0	[1]	55,341	[2]	42,720	[2]	182,248	[2]	108,232	[2]	49,037	41,704	6,304	1,016	'		'	0	'	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	0	159,448	107,022	22,800	1,210	0
Sales	-21,686	-6,362	-129,602	-11,186	-10,564	[1]	-6,366	[1]	-11,122	[2]	4	[2]	-62,401	[2]	-381	[2]	0	0	-11,122	4	'		'	0	'	-67,201	[1]	-10,805	[1]	0	-46,840	0	0	-15,561	-381	0
Issuances	2,932	2,995	9,098	7,309	2,932	[1]	2,995	[1]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	0	0	0	'		'	0	'	9,098	[1]	7,309	[1]	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Distributions and Other Settlements	-54,210	-43,581	-134,763	-89,253	510	[1]	365	[1]	-54,720	[2]	-43,946	[2]	-136,481	[2]	-90,996	[2]	-54,108	-44,015	-612	-73,684	'		'	73,753	'	1,718	[1]	1,743	[1]	0	3,417	-135,749	-89,970	-4,149	-74,779	73,753
Transfers Out of Level 3	-6,245	-312	-381,696	-5,953	-437	[1]	-312	[1]	-5,808	[2]	0	[2]	-380,262	[2]	'		0	0	0	0	-3,561	[2]	-380,136	0	'	-1,434	[1]	-2,392	[1]	'	'	0	0	-126	-3,561	0
Ending Balance	$1,216,171	$1,134,038	$1,216,171	$1,134,038	$93,397	[1]	$88,126	[1]	$1,122,774	[2]	$1,045,912	[2]	$1,122,774	[2]	$1,045,912	[2]	$1,078,911	$773,499	$43,863	$55,359	$55,359		'	$217,054	$217,054	'		'		$0	$0	'	'	'	'	'
[1]	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
[2]	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Unrealized Gains Included in Earnings Attributable to Level 3 Assets Held (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Unrealized Gains (Losses) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains included in earnings attributable to Level 3 assets still held	$63,647		$194,803		$304,707		$258,514
Unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interests	47,165		164,871		193,841		215,340
Equity warrant assets | Other assets	'		'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Unrealized Gains (Losses) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains included in earnings attributable to Level 3 assets still held	6,911	[1]	14,205	[1]	17,777	[1]	19,788	[1]
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting	'		'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Unrealized Gains (Losses) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains included in earnings attributable to Level 3 assets still held	56,736	[2]	180,598	[2]	286,930	[2]	238,726	[2]
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'		'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Unrealized Gains (Losses) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains included in earnings attributable to Level 3 assets still held	57,967		32,694		207,885		89,705
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments	'		'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Unrealized Gains (Losses) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains included in earnings attributable to Level 3 assets still held	-1,231		4,603		78		5,720
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other investments	'		'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Unrealized Gains (Losses) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains included in earnings attributable to Level 3 assets still held	$0		$143,301		$78,967		$143,301
[1]	Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
[2]	Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Equity warrant assets

Equity warrant assets

Equity warrant assets

Equity warrant assets

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Other assets

Other assets

Other assets

Other assets

Other venture capital investments

Other venture capital investments

Other securities

Equity warrant assets

Equity warrant assets

Equity warrant assets

Equity warrant assets

Equity warrant assets

Equity warrant assets

Equity Warrant Asset, Private Portfolio

Equity Warrant Asset, Private Portfolio

Equity Warrant Asset, Private Portfolio

Equity Warrant Asset, Private Portfolio

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Fair value accounting

Lower Limit

Upper Limit

Investments

Investments

Other assets

Other assets

Investments

Investments

Other assets

Other assets

Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value

$1,216,171

$1,177,228

$1,314,951

$1,134,038

$938,244

$859,141

$93,397

[1]

$87,151

[1]

$88,126

[1]

$73,229

[1]

$43,863

$32,839

$319,249

'

'

$529

$24,217

'

'

$92,868

$75,674

'

'

Valuation Technique

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Private company equity pricing

'Private company equity pricing

'Modified stock price

'

'

'

'

'Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model

'Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model

'

'

'Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model

'Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model

Volatility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43.90%

41.30%

'

'

38.20%

40.10%

Risk-Free interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.10%

1.70%

'

'

1.00%

0.80%

Sales restrictions discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.00%

[2]

1000.00%

2000.00%

'

'

15.70%

[2]

13.70%

[2]

'

'

'

'

Marketability discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

[3]

22.50%

[3]

Remaining life assumption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45.00%

[4]

45.00%

[4]

[1]

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.

[2]

We adjust quoted market prices of public companies, which are subject to certain sales restrictions. Sales restriction discounts generally range from 10 percent to 20 percent depending on the duration of the sales restrictions, which typically range from 3 to 6 months.

[3]

Our marketability discount is applied to all private company warrants to account for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. The quantitative measure used is based on long-run averages and is influenced over time by various factors, including market conditions. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount.

[4]

We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At September 30, 2014, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 6.25 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.81 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru6

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Other assets, Equity warrant assets)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other assets | Equity warrant assets	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Weighted average contractual remaining term	'6 years 2 months 30 days
Estimated remaining life	'2 years 9 months 22 days

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru7

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Investments transferred out of Level 3	$6,245		$312		$381,696		$5,953
Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities	'		'		'		'
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Investments transferred out of Level 3	5,808	[1]	0	[1]	380,262	[1]	'
Other securities | Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities	'		'		'		'
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Investments transferred out of Level 3	'		'		$380,136		'
[1]	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru8

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Held-to-maturity securities	$6,613,893		$0
Short-term borrowings	6,630		5,080
Other short-term borrowings	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term borrowings	6,630	[1]	5,080	[1]
5.375% Senior Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Senior Notes	348,378		348,209
6.05% Subordinated Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Subordinated Notes	50,497	[2]	51,987	[2]
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Junior Subordinated Debentures	54,889		55,020
Carrying Amount	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,872,537		1,538,779
Held-to-maturity securities	6,662,025		'
Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)	399,511		378,309
Net commercial loans	10,721,645		9,796,878
Net consumer loans	1,166,475		966,622
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock	41,026		40,632
Accrued interest receivable	81,334		67,772
Non-maturity deposits	30,963,491	[3]	22,259,119	[3]
Time deposits	159,644		213,860
Accrued interest payable	2,932		6,858
Commitments to extend credit	0		0
Carrying Amount | Other short-term borrowings	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term borrowings	6,630		5,080
Carrying Amount | 5.375% Senior Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Senior Notes	348,378		348,209
Carrying Amount | 6.05% Subordinated Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Subordinated Notes	50,497	[4]	51,987	[4]
Carrying Amount | 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Junior Subordinated Debentures	54,889		55,020
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,872,537		1,538,779
Held-to-maturity securities	0		'
Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)	0		0
Net commercial loans	0		0
Net consumer loans	0		0
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Non-maturity deposits	30,963,491	[3]	22,259,119	[3]
Time deposits	0		0
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Commitments to extend credit	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1 | Other short-term borrowings	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term borrowings	6,630		5,080
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1 | 5.375% Senior Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Senior Notes	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1 | 6.05% Subordinated Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Subordinated Notes	0	[4]	0	[4]
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1 | 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Junior Subordinated Debentures	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Held-to-maturity securities	6,613,893		'
Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)	0		0
Net commercial loans	0		0
Net consumer loans	0		0
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	81,334		67,772
Non-maturity deposits	0	[3]	0	[3]
Time deposits	159,644		213,874
Accrued interest payable	2,932		6,858
Commitments to extend credit	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2 | Other short-term borrowings	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term borrowings	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2 | 5.375% Senior Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Senior Notes	390,740		383,782
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2 | 6.05% Subordinated Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Subordinated Notes	54,423	[4]	56,297	[4]
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2 | 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Junior Subordinated Debentures	52,722		51,915
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Held-to-maturity securities	0		'
Non-marketable and other securities (cost and equity method accounting)	497,855		447,783
Net commercial loans	10,884,474		9,935,917
Net consumer loans	1,121,639		1,005,080
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock	41,026		40,632
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Non-maturity deposits	0	[3]	0	[3]
Time deposits	0		0
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Commitments to extend credit	29,731		24,285
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3 | Other short-term borrowings	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term borrowings	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3 | 5.375% Senior Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Senior Notes	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3 | 6.05% Subordinated Notes	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Subordinated Notes	0	[4]	0	[4]
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3 | 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Junior Subordinated Debentures	$0		$0
[1]	Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor, primarily for our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
[2]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $5.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
[3]	Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.
[4]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $5.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru9

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
5.375% Senior Notes	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.38%	5.38%
6.05% Subordinated Notes	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.05%	6.05%
Fair value of the interest rate swap associated with the notes	5,000	6,500
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.00%	7.00%

Recovered_Sheet6

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Investments and Remaining Unfunded Commitments for Each Major Category of Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Carrying Amount	$1,269,283
Fair Value	1,367,832
Unfunded Commitments	506,319
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Carrying Amount	1,078,911	[1]
Fair Value	1,078,911	[1]
Unfunded Commitments	478,461	[1]
Non-marketable securities | Equity method accounting | Other investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Carrying Amount	47,662	[2]
Fair Value	49,064	[2]
Unfunded Commitments	5,836	[2]
Non-marketable securities | Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Carrying Amount	142,710	[3]
Fair Value	239,857	[3]
Unfunded Commitments	$22,022	[3]
[1]	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $995 million and $474 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.
[2]	Other investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on the age of the funds.
[3]	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (cost method accounting) include investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.

Recovered_Sheet7

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Investments and Remaining Unfunded Commitments for Each Major Category of Investments (Textual) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	1,367,832
Unfunded Commitments	506,319
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	1,078,911	[1]
Unfunded Commitments	478,461	[1]
Non-marketable securities | Equity method accounting | Other investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	49,064	[2]
Unfunded Commitments	5,836	[2]
Non-marketable securities | Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	239,857	[3]
Unfunded Commitments	22,022	[3]
Non-marketable securities | Noncontrolling Interests | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	995,000
Unfunded Commitments	474,000
Non-marketable securities | Lower Limit | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Period distributions from fund investments to be received	'10 years
Non-marketable securities | Lower Limit | Equity method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Period distributions from fund investments to be received	'5 years
Non-marketable securities | Upper Limit | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Period distributions from fund investments to be received	'13 years
Non-marketable securities | Upper Limit | Equity method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Period distributions from fund investments to be received	'7 years
[1]	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $995 million and $474 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.
[2]	Other investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on the age of the funds.
[3]	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (cost method accounting) include investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life sciences companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.

Related_Parties_Details

Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gold Hill 08 Funds	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$65,000,000	$65,000,000	'
Gold Hill 08 Funds	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of credit facility amount syndicated to another lender	6,000,000	6,000,000	'
Interest rate associated with related party loan facility	'	'national Prime plus one percent	'
Loan amount outstanding to related party during period, maximum	19,100,000	'	'
Revolving line of credit facility, outstanding amount	$5,000,000	$5,000,000	$23,000,000
Gold Hill Capital 2008, LLC	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
SVBFG Ownership of each Fund	'	83.80%	'
Prime | Gold Hill 08 Funds	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate on line of credit	'	1.00%	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 06, 2014
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified		FireEye Inc.	FireEye Inc.
		Fair value accounting	Fair value accounting
			Subsequent event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares owned (Fund Shares)	'	4.9	'
Closing stock price	$112.09	$30.56	$30.04