SVB Financial (SIVBQ) 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	SIVB
Entity Registrant Name	SVB FINANCIAL GROUP
Entity Central Index Key	719739
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		50,962,739
Entity Public Float			$5,912,074,924

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,796,062		$1,538,779
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (cost of $13,497,945 and $12,055,524, respectively)	13,540,655		11,986,821
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost (fair value of $7,415,656 and $0, respectively)	7,421,042		0
Non-marketable and other securities	1,728,888		1,595,494
Total investment securities	22,690,585		13,582,315
Loans, net of unearned income	14,384,276	[1]	10,906,386	[1]
Allowance for loan losses	-165,359		-142,886
Net loans	14,218,917		10,763,500
Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	79,845		67,485
Accrued interest receivable and other assets	559,231		465,110
Total assets	39,344,640		26,417,189
Liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	24,583,682		15,894,360
Interest-bearing deposits	9,759,817		6,578,619
Total deposits	34,343,499		22,472,979
Short-term borrowings	7,781		5,080
Other liabilities	483,493		404,586
Long-term debt	453,443		455,216
Total liabilities	35,288,216		23,337,861
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18 and Note 24)
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; 50,924,925 shares and 45,800,418 shares outstanding, respectively	51		46
Additional paid-in capital	1,120,350		624,256
Retained earnings	1,654,657		1,390,732
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	42,704		-48,764
Total SVBFG stockholders’ equity	2,817,762		1,966,270
Noncontrolling interests	1,238,662		1,113,058
Total equity	4,056,424		3,079,328
Total liabilities and total equity	$39,344,640		$26,417,189
[1]	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $131 million and $85 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	$13,497,945	$12,055,524
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$7,415,656	$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	50,924,925	45,800,418

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Interest income:
Loans	$610,945		$542,204		$469,146
Investment securities:
Taxable	271,371		180,162		171,863
Non-taxable	3,136		3,201		3,564
Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities	6,464		4,054		4,145
Total interest income	891,916		729,621		648,718
Interest expense:
Deposits	12,114		9,128		6,660
Borrowings	23,207		23,149		24,194
Total interest expense	35,321		32,277		30,854
Net interest income	856,595		697,344		617,864
Provision for loan losses	59,486		63,693		44,330
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	797,109		633,651		573,534
Noninterest income:
Gains on investment securities, net	267,023		419,408		122,114
Foreign exchange fees	71,659		57,411		52,433
Gains on derivative instruments, net	96,845		42,184		18,679
Deposit service charges	39,937		35,948		33,421
Credit card fees	41,792		32,461		24,809
Lending related fees	25,711		20,980		18,038
Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees	15,649		14,716		15,150
Client investment fees	14,883		13,959		14,539
Other	-1,260		36,139		36,363
Total noninterest income	572,239		673,206		335,546
Noninterest expense:
Compensation and benefits	409,486		366,801		326,942
Professional services	94,377		76,178		67,845
Premises and equipment	49,716		45,935		40,689
Business development and travel	40,057		33,334		29,409
Net occupancy	30,004		24,937		22,536
FDIC assessments	19,206		12,784		10,959
Correspondent bank fees	13,118		12,142		11,168
Provision for unfunded credit commitments	6,511		7,642		488
Other	54,396		41,927		35,962
Total noninterest expense	716,871	[1]	621,680	[1]	545,998	[1]
Income before income tax expense	652,477	[2]	685,177	[2]	363,082	[2]
Income tax expense	173,762		139,058		113,269
Net income before noncontrolling interests	478,715		546,119		249,813
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-214,790		-330,266		-74,710
Net income available to common stockholders	$263,925		$215,853		$175,103
Earnings per common share—basic, in dollars per share	$5.39		$4.76		$3.96
Earnings per common share—diluted, in dollars per share	$5.31		$4.70		$3.91
[1]	The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $20.9 million, $18.7 million and $14.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income before noncontrolling interests	$478,715	$546,119	$249,813
Change in cumulative translation gains (losses):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	10,982	-5,483	-766
Related tax (expense) benefit	-4,425	2,179	308
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses)	92,815	-259,193	44,113
Related tax (expense) benefit	-37,383	105,500	-17,921
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	18,598	-538	-4,241
Related tax (benefit) expense	-7,510	218	1,661
Cumulative-effect adjustment for unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	37,700	0	0
Related tax expense	-15,178	0	0
Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity	-6,915	0	0
Related tax benefit	2,784	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	91,468	-157,317	23,154
Comprehensive income	570,183	388,802	272,967
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-214,790	-330,266	-74,710
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG	$355,393	$58,536	$198,257

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Total SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$2,250,389	$44	$484,216	$999,733	$85,399	$1,569,392	$680,997
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		43,507,932
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations (in shares)		1,045,690
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations	29,282	1	29,281			29,282
Common stock issued upon settlement of 3.875% Convertible Notes, net of shares received from associated convertible note hedge (in shares)		73,560
Common stock issued upon settlement of 3.875% Convertible Notes, net of shares received from associated convertible note hedge	4,344		4,344			4,344
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised, vesting of restricted stock and other	7,770		7,770			7,770
Net income	249,813			175,103		175,103	74,710
Capital calls and distributions, net	59,057						59,057
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	23,612				23,612	23,612
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-458				-458	-458
Share-based compensation expense	21,468		21,468			21,468
Deconsolidation of noncontrolling interests	-40,086						-40,086
Other, net	42			42		42
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
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations (in shares)		1,098,290
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations	41,404	1	41,403			41,404
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	5,658		5,658			5,658
Net income	546,119			215,853		215,853	330,266
Capital calls and distributions, net	8,114						8,114
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-154,013				-154,013	-154,013
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-3,304				-3,304	-3,304
Share-based compensation expense	24,947		24,947			24,947
Other, net	4		3	1		4
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
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations (in shares)		608,745
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations	18,256		18,256			18,256
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	9,595		9,595			9,595
Net income	478,715			263,925		263,925	214,790
Capital calls and distributions, net	-89,186						-89,186
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	66,520				66,520	66,520
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	6,557				6,557	6,557
Share-based compensation expense	29,491		29,491			29,491
Other, net	1		1			1
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	-4,131				-4,131	-4,131
Common stock issued in public offering		4,485,000
Common stock issued in public offering, shares	434,866	5	434,861			434,866
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$4,056,424	$51	$1,120,350	$1,654,657	$42,704	$2,817,762	$1,238,662
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		50,924,925

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income before noncontrolling interests	$478,715		$546,119	$249,813
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses	59,486		63,693	44,330
Provision for unfunded credit commitments	6,511		7,642	488
Changes in fair values of derivatives, net	-22,139		-31,508	-10,123
Gains on investment securities, net	-267,023		-419,408	-122,114
Depreciation and amortization	39,696		35,894	28,122
Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction	13,934		0	0
Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale securities, net	25,311		29,774	55,580
Tax (expense) benefit from stock exercises	-7		-1,167	2,189
Amortization of share-based compensation	29,545		25,413	21,861
Amortization of deferred loan fees	-82,724		-73,008	-58,517
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	-43,516		14,080	1,800
Gain on the sale of certain assets related to our equity services management business	0		0	-4,243
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable and payable, net	-26,642		-3,241	-6,254
Accounts receivable and payable, net	-302		-21	35,221
Income tax payable and receivable, net	-4,804		-24,811	9,631
Accrued compensation	3,707		22,925	-15,918
Foreign exchange spot contracts, net	25,725		2,086	-50,901
Other, net	20,044		-22,684	15,143
Net cash provided by operating activities	255,517		171,778	196,108
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-8,462,071		-3,336,476	-3,877,852
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	30,398		14,753	329,161
Proceeds from maturities and pay downs of available-for-sale securities	1,569,173		2,428,023	2,734,166
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities	-2,612,848		0	0
Proceeds from maturities and paydowns of held-to-maturity securities	598,454		0	0
Purchases of nonmarketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)	-60,202		-24,847	-126,318
Proceeds from sales of nonmarketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)	59,442		58,828	51,246
Purchases of non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)	-275,640		-149,707	-135,362
Proceeds from sales and distributions of non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)	436,170		132,931	124,538
Net increase in loans	-3,480,531		-1,943,650	-1,964,250
Proceeds from recoveries of charged-off loans	6,155		11,161	9,693
Purchases of premises and equipment	-42,431		-30,004	-34,260
Proceeds from the sale of certain assets related to our equity services management business	0		0	2,870
Net cash used for investing activities	-12,233,931		-2,838,988	-2,886,368
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits	11,870,520		3,296,527	2,466,916
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	2,701		-161,030	166,110
Principal payments of other long term debt	0		0	-1,222
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests, net of distributions	-89,186		8,114	59,057
Tax benefit from stock exercises	9,602		6,826	5,581
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and ESPP	22,146		46,569	29,282
Net proceeds from public equity offering	434,866		0	0
Principal payments of 5.70% Senior Notes	0		0	-141,429
Net cash provided by financing activities	12,250,649		3,197,006	2,584,295
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	272,235		529,796	-105,965
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,538,779		1,008,983	1,114,948
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,796,062		1,538,779	1,008,983
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period, including discontinued operations	1,811,014	[1]
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	35,181		31,913	31,048
Income taxes	208,558		142,231	95,678
Noncash items during the period:
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	66,520		-154,013	23,612
Transfers from available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity	$5,418,572		$0	$0
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 included $15.0 million recognized in assets held-for-sale in conjunction with the SVBIF Sale Transaction.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,796,062
Other Assets [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$15,000

Nature_of_Business

Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	Nature of Business
	SVB Financial Group is a diversified financial services company, as well as a bank holding company and a 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.
	We offer commercial banking products and services through our principal subsidiary, the Bank, which is a California-chartered bank founded in 1983 and a member of the Federal Reserve System. Through its subsidiaries, the Bank also offers investment advisory, asset management, private wealth management and brokerage services. We also offer non-banking products and services, such as funds management, private equity/venture capital investment and business valuation services, through our other subsidiaries and divisions. We primarily focus on serving corporate clients in the following niches: technology, life science & healthcare, private equity/venture capital and premium wine. Our corporate clients range widely in terms of size and stage of maturity. Additionally, we focus on cultivating strong relationships with firms within the venture capital and private equity community worldwide, many of which are also our clients and may invest in our corporate clients.
	Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, we operate in centers of innovation in the United States and around the world.
	For reporting purposes, SVB Financial Group has three operating segments for which we report financial information in this report: Global Commercial Bank, SVB Private Bank, and SVB Capital. Financial information, results of operations and a description of the services provided by our operating segments are set forth in Note 21-“Segment Reporting” in this report.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of 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 and other 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. The following discussion provides additional background on our significant accounting policies.
	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 variable interest entity and whether the 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 VIEs in which we are the primary beneficiary 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 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.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, cash balances due from banks, interest-earning deposits, Federal Reserve deposits, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities. For the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider cash equivalents to be investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, so near to their maturity that they present an insignificant risk of change in fair value due to changes in market interest rates, and purchased in conjunction with our cash management activities.
	Investment Securities
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is a fixed income investment portfolio that is managed to earn an appropriate portfolio yield over the long-term while maintaining sufficient liquidity and credit diversification as well as addressing our asset/liability management objectives. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of applicable taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a separate component of SVBFG's stockholders' equity, until realized.
	We analyze available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary impairment each quarter. Market valuations represent the cumulative current fair value of a security at a specified point in time and incorporates the risk of timing of interest due and the return of principal over the contractual life of each security. Gains and losses on securities are realized when there is a sale of the security prior to maturity. A credit downgrade represents an increased level of risk of other-than-temporary impairment, and as a part of our consideration of recording an other-than-temporary impairment we will assess the issuer's ability to service the debt and to repay the principal at contractual maturity.
	We apply the other-than-temporary impairment standards of ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities. For our debt securities, we have the intent and ability to hold these securities until we recover our cost less any credit-related loss. We separate the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment, if any, into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between a security's amortized cost basis and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security's effective interest rate. The amount due to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
	We consider numerous factors in determining whether a credit loss exists and the period over which the debt security is expected to recover. The following list is not meant to be all inclusive. All of the following factors are considered:
	•	The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis (severity and duration);
	•	Adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or geographic area; for example, changes in the financial condition of the issuer of the security, or in the case of an asset-backed debt security, changes in the financial condition of the underlying loan obligors. Examples of those changes include any of the following:
	◦	Changes in technology;
	◦	The discontinuance of a segment of the business that may affect the future earnings potential of the issuer or underlying loan obligors of the security; and
	◦	Changes in the quality of the credit enhancement.
	•	The historical and implied volatility of the fair value of the security;
	•	The payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future;
	•	Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments;
	•	Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency; and
	•	Recoveries or additional declines in fair value after the balance sheet date.
	In accordance with ASC 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, we use estimates of future principal prepayments, provided by third-party market-data vendors, in addition to actual principal prepayment experience to calculate the constant effective yield necessary to apply the effective interest method in the amortization of purchase discounts or premiums on mortgage-backed securities and fixed rate collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”). The discounts or premiums are included in interest income over the contractual terms of the underlying securities replicating the effective interest method.
	Held-to-Maturity Securities
	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.
	Non-Marketable and Other Securities
	Non-marketable and other securities include investments in venture capital and private equity funds, debt funds, direct equity investments in companies and low income housing tax credit funds. A majority of these investments are managed through our SVB Capital funds business in funds of funds and direct venture funds. Our accounting for investments in non-marketable and other securities depends on several factors, including the level of ownership, power to control and the legal structure of the subsidiary making the investment. As further described below, we base our accounting for such securities on: (i) fair value accounting, (ii) equity method accounting, or (iii) cost method accounting.
	Fair Value Accounting
	Our managed funds are investment companies under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and accordingly, these funds report their investments at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as investment gains or losses in our consolidated statements of income. Our non-marketable and other securities recorded pursuant to fair value accounting consist of our investments through the following funds:
	•	Funds of funds; which make investments in venture capital and private equity funds;
	•	Direct venture funds; which make equity investments in privately held companies.
	A summary of our ownership interests in the investments held under fair value accounting as of December 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:
	Limited partnership		Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership
	Managed funds of funds
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		12.6	%
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		8.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		Various
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		20
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		33
	Other private equity fund		58.2
	Managed direct venture funds
	Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP		10.7
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP		5.1
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		6.8
	The general partners of these funds are controlled, and in some cases, owned by SVB Financial. The limited partners of these funds do not have substantive participating or kick-out rights. Therefore, these funds are consolidated and any gains or losses resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of the investments are recorded as investment gains or losses in our consolidated net income.
	Under fair value accounting, investments are carried at their estimated fair value based on financial information obtained as the general partner of the fund or obtained from the funds' respective general partner. For direct private company investments, valuations are based upon 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 direct equity investments in public companies, valuations are based on quoted market prices less a discount if the securities are subject to certain sales restrictions. Sales restriction discounts generally range from 10% to 20% depending on the duration of the sale restrictions which typically range from 3 to 6 months. The valuation of non-marketable securities in shares of private company capital stock and the valuation of other securities in shares of public company stock with certain sales restrictions is subject to significant judgment. The inherent uncertainty in the process of valuing securities for which a ready market does not exist may cause our estimated values of these securities to differ significantly from the values that would have been derived had a ready market for the securities existed, and those differences could be material.
	For our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value as obtained from the general partners of the fund investments 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, for example September 30th, for our December 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and known significant fund transactions or market events about which we are aware through information provided by the fund managers or from publicly available transaction data during the reporting period.
	Gains or losses resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of the investments and from distributions received are recorded as gains on investment securities, net, a component of noninterest income. The portion of any investment gains or losses attributable to the limited partners is reflected as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and adjusts our net income to reflect its percentage ownership.
	Equity Method
	Our equity method non-marketable securities consist of investments in venture capital and private equity funds, privately-held companies, debt funds, and low income housing tax credit funds. Our equity method non-marketable securities and related accounting policies are described as follows:
	•	Equity securities, such as preferred or common stock in privately-held companies in which we hold a voting interest of at least 20 percent but less than 50 percent or in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees' operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method.
	•	Investments in limited partnerships in which we hold voting interests of more than 5 percent, but less than 50 percent or in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships' operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method.
	•	Our China joint venture partnership, for which we have 50 percent ownership, is accounted for under the equity method.
	We recognize our proportionate share of the results of operations of these equity method investees in our results of operations, based on the most current financial information available from the investee. We review our investments accounted for under the equity method at least quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. Our review typically includes an analysis of facts and circumstances for each investment, the expectations of the investment's future cash flows and capital needs, variability of its business and the company's exit strategy. For our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as provided by the general partners of the fund investments. 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, for example September 30th, for our December 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and known significant fund transactions or market events about which we are aware through information provided by the fund managers or from publicly available transaction data during the reporting period.
We reduce our investment value when we consider declines in value to be other-than-temporary and recognize the estimated loss as a loss on investment securities, a component of noninterest income.
Cost Method
Our cost method non-marketable securities and related accounting policies are described as follows:
•	Equity securities, such as preferred or common stock in privately-held companies in which we hold an ownership interest of less than 20 percent and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees' operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the cost method.
•	Investments in limited partnerships in which we hold voting interests of less than 5 percent and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships' operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the cost method. These non-marketable securities include investments in venture capital and private equity funds.
We record these investments at cost and recognize distributions or returns received from net accumulated earnings of the investee since the date of acquisition as income. Our share of net accumulated earnings of the investee after the date of investment are recognized in consolidated net income only to the extent distributed by the investee. Distributions or returns received in excess of accumulated earnings are considered a return of investment and are recorded as reductions in the cost basis of the investment.
We review our investments accounted for under the cost method at least quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. Our review typically includes an analysis of facts and circumstances of each investment, the expectations of the investment's future cash flows and capital needs, variability of its business and the company's exit strategy. To help determine impairment, if any, for our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as provided by the general partners of the fund investments. 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, for example September 30th, for our December 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and known significant fund transactions or market events about which we are aware through information provided by the fund managers or from publicly available transaction data during the reporting period.
We reduce our investment value when we consider declines in value to be other-than-temporary and recognize the estimated loss as a loss on investment securities, a component of noninterest income.
Gains or losses on cost method investment securities that result from a portfolio company being acquired by a publicly traded company are determined using its fair value when the acquisition occurs. The resulting gains or losses are recognized in consolidated net income on that date.
Loans
Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned loan fees. Unearned loan fees reflect unamortized deferred loan origination and commitment fees net of unamortized deferred loan origination costs. In addition to cash loan fees, we often obtain equity warrant assets that give us an option to purchase a position in a client company's stock in consideration for providing credit facilities. The grant date fair values of these equity warrant assets are deemed to be loan fees and are deferred as unearned income and recognized as an adjustment of loan yield through loan interest income. The net amount of unearned loan fees is amortized into loan interest income over the contractual terms of the underlying loans and commitments using the constant effective yield method, adjusted for actual loan prepayment experience, or the straight-line method, as applicable.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses considers credit risk and is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Our allowance for loan losses is established for estimated loan losses that are probable but not yet realized. Our evaluation process is designed to determine that the allowance for loan losses is appropriate at the balance sheet date. The process of estimating loan losses is inherently imprecise.
We maintain a systematic process for the evaluation of individual loans and pools of loans for inherent risk of loan losses. At the time of approval and then at least annually, each loan in our portfolio is assigned a Credit Risk Rating and industry niche. Credit Risk Ratings are assigned on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing loans with a low risk of nonpayment, 9 representing loans with the highest risk of nonpayment, and 10 representing loans which have been charged-off. This Credit Risk Rating process includes, but is not limited to, consideration of such factors as payment status, the financial condition and operating performance of the borrower, borrower compliance with loan covenants, underlying collateral values and performance trends, the degree of access to additional capital, the presence of credit enhancements such as third party guarantees (where applicable), the degree to which the borrower is sensitive to external factors, the depth and experience of the borrower's management team, potential loan concentrations, and general economic conditions. Our policies require a committee of senior management to review, at least quarterly, credit relationships with a credit risk rating of 5 or worse that exceed specific dollar values. Our review process evaluates the appropriateness of the credit risk rating and allocation of the allowance for loan losses, as well as other account management functions. The allowance for loan losses is based on a formula allocation for similarly risk-rated loans by portfolio segment and individually for impaired loans. The formula allocation provides the average loan loss experience for each portfolio segment, which considers our quarterly historical loss experience since the year 2000, both by risk-rating category and client industry sector. The resulting loan loss factors for each risk-rating category and client industry sector are ultimately applied to the respective period-end client loan balances for each corresponding risk-rating category by client industry sector to provide an estimation of the allowance for loan losses. The probable loan loss experience for any one year period of time is reasonably expected to be greater or less than the average as determined by the loss factors. As such, management applies a qualitative allocation to the results of the aforementioned model to ascertain the total allowance for loan losses. This qualitative allocation is based on management's assessment of the risks that may lead to a future loan loss experience different from our historical loan loss experience. Based on management's prediction or estimate of changing risks in the lending environment, the qualitative allocation may vary significantly from period to period and includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the following factors:
•	Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collections, and charge-off and recovery practices;
•	Changes in national and local economic business conditions, including the market and economic condition of our clients' industry sectors;
•	Changes in the nature of our loan portfolio;
•	Changes in experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff;
•	Changes in the trend of the volume and severity of past due and classified loans;
•	Changes in the trend of the volume of nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings, and other loan modifications;
•	Reserve floor for portfolio segments that would not draw a minimum reserve based on the lack of historical loan loss experience;
•	Reserve for large funded loan exposure; and
•	Other factors as determined by management from time to time.
While the evaluation process of our allowance for loan losses uses historical and other objective information, the classification of loans and the establishment of the allowance for loan losses rely, to a great extent, on the judgment and experience of our management.
Reserve for Unfunded Credit Commitments
We record a liability for probable and estimable losses associated with our unfunded credit commitments being funded and subsequently being charged off. Each quarter, every unfunded client credit commitment is allocated to a credit risk-rating in accordance with each client's credit risk rating. We use the historical loan loss factors described under our allowance for loan losses to calculate the loan loss experience if unfunded credit commitments are funded. Separately, we use historical trends to calculate a probability of an unfunded credit commitment being funded. We apply the loan funding probability factor to risk-factor adjusted unfunded credit commitments by credit risk-rating to derive the reserve for unfunded credit commitments, similar to funded loans. The reserve for unfunded credit commitments also includes certain qualitative allocations as deemed appropriate by our management. We include the reserve for unfunded credit commitments in other liabilities and the related provision in other expenses.
Uncollectible Loans and Write-offs
Our charge-off policy applies to all loans, regardless of portfolio segment. Loans are considered for full or partial charge-offs in the event that principal or interest is over 180 days past due or the loan lacks sufficient collateral and it is not in the process of collection. We also consider writing off loans in the event of any of the following circumstances: 1) the loan, or a portion of the loan is deemed uncollectible due to: a) the borrower's inability to make recurring payments, b) material changes in the borrower's assets, c) the expected sale of all or a portion of the borrower's business, or d) a combination of the foregoing; 2) the loan has been identified for charge-off by regulatory authorities; or 3) the debt is overdue greater than 90 days.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
A TDR arises from the modification of a loan where we have granted a concession to the borrower related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not have otherwise considered for economic or legal reasons. These concessions may include: (1) deferral of payment for more than an insignificant period of time; (2) interest rate reductions; (3) extension of the maturity date with interest rate concessions; (4) principal forgiveness; and or (5) reduction of accrued interest.
We use the factors in ASC 310-40, Receivables, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, to help determine when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, and when we have granted a concession, both of which must be present for a restructuring to meet the criteria of a TDR. If we determine that a TDR exists, we measure impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, we may also measure impairment based on a loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral less selling costs if the loan is a collateral-dependent loan.
Nonaccrual Loans and Impaired Loans
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 currently known information, that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable.
When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued interest and fees are reversed against interest income and the loan is accounted for using the cost recovery method thereafter until qualifying for return to accrual status. Historically, loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status have remained as nonaccrual loans until the loan is either charged-off, or the principal balances have been paid off. For a loan to be returned to accrual status, all delinquent principal and interest must become current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement and future collection of remaining principal and interest must be deemed probable. We apply a cost recovery method in which all cash received is applied to the loan principal until it has been collected. Under this approach, interest income is recognized after total cash flows received exceed the recorded investment at the date of initial impairment.
A loan is considered impaired when, based upon currently known information, it is deemed probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the agreement. All of our nonaccrual loans are classified under the impaired category. On a quarterly basis, we review our loan portfolio for impairment. Within each class of loans, we review individual loans for impairment based on credit risk ratings. Loans that have credit risk ratings of 8 or 9 are considered impaired and are reviewed individually.
For each loan identified as impaired, we measure the impairment based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. In limited circumstances, we may measure impairment based on the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less selling costs if the loan is collateral dependent. Impaired collateral dependent loans will have independent appraisals completed and accepted at least annually. The fair value of the collateral will be determined by the most recent appraisal, as adjusted to reflect a reasonable marketing period for the sale of the asset(s) and an estimate of reasonable selling expenses.
If it is determined that the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, net of previous charge-offs and payments collected, we recognize impairment through the allowance for loan losses as determined by our analysis.
Standby Letters of Credit
We recognize a liability at the inception of a standby letter of credit equivalent to the premium or the fee received for such guarantee. This fee is recognized in noninterest income over the commitment period using the straight-line method.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the related leases, whichever is shorter. The maximum estimated useful lives by asset classification are as follows:
Leasehold improvements		Lesser of lease term or asset life
Furniture and equipment		3 years
Computer software		3-7 years
Computer hardware		3-5 years
We capitalize the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use, including costs related to developed software, purchased software licenses and certain implementation costs.
For property and equipment that is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in noninterest expense in consolidated net income.
Lease Obligations
We lease all of our properties. At the inception of the lease, each property is evaluated to determine whether the lease will be accounted for as an operating or capital lease. For leases that contain rent escalations or landlord incentives, we record the total rent payable during the lease term, using the straight-line method over the term of the lease and record the difference between the minimum rents paid and the straight-line rent as lease obligations. We had no capitalized lease obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Fair Value Measurements
Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain marketable, 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 consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurement-Definition and Hierarchy
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, issuance date, 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 derivative assets and liabilities: Fair value measurements of interest rate derivatives 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.
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. Certain sales restriction 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 certain sales restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. As sale restrictions are lifted, discounts are adjusted downward to zero 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.
Fee-based Services Revenue Recognition
Letters of Credit and Standby Letters of Credit Fee Income
Fees generated from letters of credit and standby letters of credit are deferred as a component of other liabilities and recognized in noninterest income over the commitment period using the straight-line method, based on the likelihood that the commitment being drawn down will be remote.
Client Investment Fees
Client investment fees include fees earned from Rule 12(b)-1 fees, revenue sharing and from customer transactional based fees. Rule 12(b)-1 fees and revenue sharing are recognized as earned based on client funds that are invested in the period. Transactional based fees are earned and recognized on fixed income securities when the transaction is executed on the clients' behalf.
Foreign Exchange Fees
Foreign exchange fees represent the income differential between purchases and sales of foreign currency on behalf of our clients and are recognized as earned.
Lending Related Fees
Unused commitment fees, minimum finance fees and unused line fees are recognized as earned on a monthly and quarterly basis. Fees that qualify for syndication treatment are recognized at the completion of the syndicated loan deal for which the fees were received.
Other Fee Income
Credit card fees and deposit service charge fee income are recognized as earned on a monthly basis.
Other Service Revenue
Other service revenue primarily includes revenue from valuation services. We recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) we have performed the service, provided we have no other remaining obligations to the customer, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable and, (iv) collectability is probable.
Fund Management Fees and Carried Interest
Fund management fees are comprised of fees charged directly to our managed funds of funds and direct venture funds. Fund management fees are based upon the contractual terms of the limited partnership agreements and are recognized as earned over the specified contract period, which is generally equal to the life of the individual fund. Fund management fees are recorded as a component of other noninterest income.
Carried interest is comprised of preferential allocations of profits recognizable when the return on assets of our individual managed funds of funds and direct venture funds exceeds certain performance targets. Carried interest is recorded quarterly based on measuring fund performance to date versus the performance target and is recorded as a component of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Our federal, state and foreign income tax provisions are based upon taxes payable for the current year, current year changes in deferred taxes related to temporary differences between the tax basis and financial statement balances of assets and liabilities, and a reserve for uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. We file a consolidated federal income tax return, and consolidated, combined, or separate state income tax returns as appropriate. Our foreign incorporated subsidiaries file tax returns in the applicable foreign jurisdictions. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in other noninterest expense, a component of consolidated net income.
Share-Based Compensation
For all stock-based awards granted, stock-based compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, including consideration of vesting conditions and anticipated forfeitures. The fair value of stock options are measured using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the fair value for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are based on the quoted price of our common stock on the date of grant.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common stock shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of stock options, ESPP shares and restricted stock units. Common stock equivalent shares are excluded from the computation if the effect is antidilutive.
Derivative Financial Instruments
All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative financial instrument depends on whether the derivative financial instrument is designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. Changes in fair value are recognized through earnings for derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, or that have not been designated in a hedging relationship.
Fair Value Hedges
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recorded in the statement of income in the same line item as the hedged item and is intended to offset the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. Any difference that does arise would be the result of hedge ineffectiveness, and impacts earnings.
Equity Warrant Assets
In connection with negotiated credit facilities and certain other services, we may obtain equity warrant assets giving us the right to acquire stock in primarily private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science & healthcare industries. We hold these assets for prospective investment gains. We do not use them to hedge any economic risks nor do we use other derivative instruments to hedge economic risks stemming from equity warrant assets.
We account for equity warrant assets in certain private and public client companies as derivatives when they contain net settlement terms and other qualifying criteria under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. In general, equity warrant assets entitle us to buy a specific number of shares of stock at a specific price within a specific time period. Certain equity warrant assets contain contingent provisions, which adjust the underlying number of shares or purchase price upon the occurrence of certain future events. Our warrant agreements typically contain net share settlement provisions, which permit us to receive at exercise a share count equal to the intrinsic value of the warrant divided by the share price (otherwise known as a “cashless” exercise). These equity warrant assets are recorded at fair value and are classified as derivative assets, a component of other assets, on our consolidated balance sheet at the time they are obtained.
The grant date fair values of equity warrant assets received in connection with the issuance of a credit facility are deemed to be loan fees and recognized as an adjustment of loan yield through loan interest income. Similar to other loan fees, the yield adjustment related to grant date fair value of warrants is recognized over the life of that credit facility.
Any changes in fair value from the grant date fair value of equity warrant assets will be recognized as increases or decreases to other assets on our balance sheet and as net gains or losses on derivative investments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. When a portfolio company completes an IPO on a publicly reported market or is acquired, we may exercise these equity warrant assets for shares or cash.
In the event of an exercise for shares, the basis or value in the securities is reclassified from other assets to investment securities on the balance sheet on the latter of the exercise date or corporate action date. The shares in public companies are classified as available-for-sale securities (provided they do not have a significant restriction from sale). Changes in fair value of securities designated as available-for-sale, after applicable taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a separate component of SVBFG stockholders' equity. The shares in private companies are classified as non-marketable securities. We, typically, account for these securities at cost and only record adjustments to the value at the time of exit or liquidation though gains (losses) on investments securities, net, which is a component of noninterest income.
The fair value of the equity warrant assets portfolio is a critical accounting estimate and is reviewed quarterly. We value our equity warrant assets using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates the following significant inputs:
•	An underlying asset value, which is estimated based on current information available, including any information regarding subsequent rounds of funding.
•	Stated strike price, which can be adjusted for certain warrants upon the occurrence of subsequent funding rounds or other future events.
•	Price volatility or the amount of uncertainty or risk about the magnitude of the changes in the warrant price. The volatility assumption is based on historical price volatility of publicly traded companies within indices similar in nature to the underlying client companies issuing the warrant. The actual volatility input is based on the mean and median volatility for an individual public company within an index for the past 16 quarters, from which an average volatility was derived.
•	Actual data on cancellations and exercises of our warrants are utilized as the basis for determining the expected remaining life of the warrants in each financial reporting period. Warrants may be exercised in the event of acquisitions, mergers or IPOs, and cancelled due to events such as bankruptcies, restructuring activities or additional financings. These events cause the expected remaining life assumption to be shorter than the contractual term of the warrants.
•	The risk-free interest rate is derived from the Treasury yield curve and is calculated based on a weighted average of the risk-free interest rates that correspond closest to the expected remaining life of the warrant.
•	Other adjustments, including a marketability discount, are estimated based on management's judgment about the general industry environment.
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, had no initial net investment and met other qualifying criteria under ASC 815, 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 gains on derivative instruments, net, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
Foreign Exchange Forwards and Foreign Currency Option Contracts
We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with clients involved in international activities, either as the purchaser or seller, depending upon the clients' need. We also enter into an opposite-way forward or option contract with a correspondent bank to economically hedge client contracts to mitigate the fair value risk to us from fluctuations in currency rates. Settlement, credit, and operational risks remain. We also enter into forward contracts with correspondent banks to economically hedge currency exposure risk related to certain foreign currency denominated loans. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. 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. Changes in the fair value of these contracts are recognized in consolidated net income under gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, a component of noninterest income. Period-end gross positive fair values are recorded in other assets and gross negative fair values are recorded in other liabilities.
Interest Rate Contracts
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.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In June 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard (ASU No. 2013-08, Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirement for Investment Companies) 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.
In July 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard (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) 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 the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or stockholders' equity.
In April 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard (ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity) which changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization's operations and financial results. Additionally, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations and requires disclosures of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December, 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted only for disposals or classifications as held for sale that have not been previously reported. The Company has early adopted this ASU as a result of the pending sale of SVBIF at December 31, 2014, and has reported an impairment loss on the sale of assets in other noninterest income. The adoption of this ASU modified the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations and did not have any impact on our financial position, results of operations or stockholders’ equity.
Recent 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 is effective for us for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Any transition adjustment would be reflected as an adjustment to retained earnings in the earliest period presented (retrospective application). The ASU will be applicable to our portfolio of low income housing tax credit ("LIHTC") partnership interests. The new standard widens the scope of investments eligible to elect to apply a new alternative method, the proportional amortization method, under which the cost of the investment is amortized to tax expense in proportion to the amount of tax credits and other tax benefits received. We anticipate that our entire LIHTC portfolio will qualify to elect the proportional amortization method under the ASU. These investments are currently accounted for under the cost and equity methods, which results in losses (due to the amortization of the investment) being recognized in other noninterest expense and tax credits and benefits being recognized in income tax expense. In contrast, the proportional amortization method combines the amortization of the investment and receipt of the tax credits/benefits into one line, income tax expense. The adoption of this ASU is estimated to reduce retained earnings by approximately $5.0 million, primarily related to a reduction in deferred tax assets. On a prospective basis, the Company’s operating expenses will be lower by approximately $10.0 million, annually based on current LIHTC investments, as the amortization expense of the investments will be reclassed and netted within the tax expense line.
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 the current period presentations.

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS

Stockholders' Equity and EPS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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.
	Stockholders' Rights Plan
	Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) had previously adopted a stockholders' rights plan (the "Rights Plan") to, among other things, protect our stockholders from coercive takeover tactics. The Rights Plan expired on January 31, 2014. It was not renewed or extended by our Board of Directors.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2014, 2013, and 2012:
				Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	Income Statement Location		2014				2013				2012
	Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	Gains on investment securities, net		$	18,598			$	(538	)		$	(4,241	)
	Related tax (benefit) expense	Income tax expense		(7,510		)		218				1,661
	Total reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax			$	11,088			$	(320	)		$	(2,580	)
	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 option and restricted stock unit awards outstanding under our equity incentive plan 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 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014				2013				2012
	Numerator:
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	263,925			$	215,853			$	175,103
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	48,931				45,309				44,242
	Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and ESPP	485				431				370
	Restricted stock units	246				204				152
	Denominator for diluted calculation	49,662				45,944				44,764
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	5.39			$	4.76			$	3.96
	Diluted	$	5.31			$	4.7			$	3.91
	The following table summarizes the weighted-average common shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation as they were deemed to be antidilutive for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Shares in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Stock options	161			261			695
	Restricted stock units	—			105			—
	Total	161			366			695

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	Share-based compensation expense was recorded net of estimated forfeitures for 2014, 2013 and 2012, such that expense was recorded only for those share-based awards that are expected to vest. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded share-based compensation and related benefits as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Share-based compensation expense	$	29,545			$	25,413			$	21,861
	Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	(9,923		)		(7,989		)		(6,011		)
	Capitalized compensation costs	2,048				2,809				2,647
	Equity Incentive Plan
	On May 11, 2006, our stockholders approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Incentive Plan”). Our previous 1997 Equity Incentive Plan expired in December 2006. The 2006 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of various types of incentive awards, of which the following have been granted: (i) stock options; (ii) restricted stock awards; (iii) restricted stock units; and (iv) other cash or stock settled equity awards.
	Subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the 2006 Incentive Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be awarded and sold thereunder is 7,543,321.
	Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units will be counted against the available-for-issuance limits of the 2006 Incentive Plan as two shares for every one share awarded. Further, if shares acquired under any such award are forfeited or otherwise canceled and would otherwise return to the 2006 Incentive Plan, two times the number of such forfeited or repurchased shares will return to the 2006 Incentive Plan and will again become available for issuance.
	Eligible participants in the 2006 Incentive Plan include directors, employees, and consultants. Options granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan expire seven years after the grant date. Options generally vest annually over four years, from the grant date based on continued employment. Restricted stock awards and units also generally vest annually over four years and require continued employment or other service through the vesting period. Performance-based restricted stock units generally vest upon meeting certain performance-based objectives and, typically the passage of time and require continued employment or other service through the vesting period. The vesting period for restricted stock units cannot be less than three years unless they are subject to certain performance-based objectives, in which case the vesting period can be 12 months or longer.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	We maintain the 1999 ESPP under which participating employees may annually contribute up to 10 percent of their gross compensation (not to exceed $25,000) to purchase shares of our common stock at 85 percent of its fair market value at either the beginning or end of each six-month offering period, whichever price is less. To be eligible to participate in the ESPP, an employee must, among other requirements, be employed by the Company on both the date of offering and date of purchase, and be employed customarily for at least 20 hours per week and at least five months per calendar year. We issued 130,110 shares and received $11.9 million in cash under the ESPP in 2014. At December 31, 2014, a total of 566,199 shares of our common stock were still available for future issuance under the ESPP.
	Unrecognized Compensation Expense
	As of December 31, 2014, unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Unrecognized				Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years
		Expense
	Stock options	$	14,341			2.51
	Restricted stock units	30,706				2.42
	Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$	45,047
	Valuation Assumptions
	The fair values of share-based awards for employee stock options and employee stock purchases made under our ESPP were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values of restricted stock units were based on our closing stock price on the date of grant. The following weighted average assumptions and fair values were used for our employee stock options and restricted stock units:
	Equity incentive plan awards	2014				2013				2012
	Weighted average expected term of options in years	4.6				4.7				4.6
	Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock	35.9		%		44.6		%		50.4		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.72				0.7				0.83
	Expected dividend yield	—				—				—
	Weighted average grant date fair value-stock options	$	35.65			$	27.28			$	27
	Weighted average grant date fair value-restricted stock units	107.76				71.57				63.07
	The following weighted average assumptions and fair values were used for our ESPP:
	ESPP	2014				2013				2012
	Expected term in years	0.5				0.5				0.5
	Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock	23.7		%		22.3		%		43.5		%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.08				0.11				0.11
	Expected dividend yield	—				—				—
	Weighted average fair value	$	24			$	15.35			$	14.43
	The expected term is based on the implied term of the stock options using factors based on historical exercise behavior. The expected volatilities are based on a blended rate consisting of our historic volatility and our expected volatility over a five-year term which is an indicator of expected volatility and future stock price trends. For 2014, 2013 and 2012, expected volatilities for the ESPP were equal to the historical volatility for the previous six-month periods. The expected risk-free interest rates were based on the yields of U.S. Treasury securities, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with maturities equal to the expected terms of the employee stock options.
	Share-Based Payment Award Activity
	The table below provides stock option information related to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Options			Weighted				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value of
					Average						In-The-Money Options
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,514,159			$	55.27
	Granted	249,303			108.05
	Exercised	(330,898	)		47.7
	Forfeited	(37,676	)		72.45
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,394,888			66.03				4.09		$	69,834,175
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	1,352,289			65.35				4.04		68,622,901
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	687,696			50.6				2.89		45,022,407
	The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options shown in the table above represents the pretax intrinsic value based on our closing stock price of $116.07 as of December 31, 2014. The following table summarizes information regarding stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014:
		Outstanding Options									Exercisable Options
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Weighted Average Exercise Price				Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	$19.48-45.15	139,582			1.55		$	23.86			137,576		$	23.63
	45.16-49.01	101,374			1.64		46.98				99,564		46.98
	49.02-60.14	162,117			2.66		50.89				145,697		50.24
	60.15-60.51	191,999			3.32		60.37				127,497		60.37
	60.52-64.40	269,220			4.33		64.31				114,437		64.3
	64.41-67.77	2,842			4.25		64.43				884		64.43
	67.78-73.76	274,906			5.33		71.11				60,161		71.11
	73.77-107.93	31,639			6.31		99.24				1,880		85.15
	107.94-122.55	221,209			6.36		108.43				—		—
		1,394,888			4.09		66.03				687,696		50.6
	We expect to satisfy the exercise of stock options by issuing shares registered under the 2006 Incentive Plan. All future awards of stock options and restricted stock units will be issued from the 2006 Incentive Plan. At December 31, 2014, 3,208,414 shares were available for future issuance.
The table below provides information for restricted stock units under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2013	682,347			$	65.93
Granted	201,464			107.76
Vested	(233,759	)		63.89
Forfeited	(35,386	)		74.39
Nonvested at December 31, 2014	614,666			79.92
The following table summarizes information regarding stock option and restricted stock activity during 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	21,288			$	25,520			$	17,419
Total grant date fair value of stock options vested	20,291				18,168				17,169
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock vested	25,453				14,176				12,747
Total grant date fair value of restricted stock vested	14,935				10,940				10,176

Reserves_on_Deposit_with_the_F

Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock [Abstract]
Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock	Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock
	The Bank is required to maintain reserves against customer deposits by keeping balances with the Federal Reserve. The cash balances at the Federal Reserve are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Additionally, as a member of the FHLB and FRB, we are required to hold shares of FHLB and FRB stock under the Bank's borrowing agreement. FHLB and FRB stock are recorded at cost as a component of other assets, and any cash dividends received are recorded as a component of other noninterest income.
	The tables below provide information on the required reserve balances at the Federal Reserve, as well as shares held at the FHLB and FRB for the years ended and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Average required reserve balances at FRB San Francisco	$	168,387	$	131,374
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	FHLB stock holdings	$	25,000	$	25,000
	FRB stock holdings	28,496		15,632

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The following table details our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Cash and due from banks (1)		$	1,694,329	$	1,349,688
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)		95,611		172,989
	Other short-term investment securities		6,122		16,102
	Total cash and cash equivalents		$	1,796,062	$	1,538,779
	-1	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, $861 million and $715 million, respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the FRB and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $440 million and $300 million, respectively.
	-2	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $98 million and $176 million, respectively. None of these securities were sold or repledged as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Additional information regarding our securities purchased under agreements to resell for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Average securities purchased under agreements to resell		$	108,910	$	96,309
	Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year		283,215		338,687

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
			31-Dec-14
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Carrying
			Cost			Gains				Losses				Value
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	7,289,135		$	17,524			$	(4,386	)		$	7,302,273
	U.S. agency debentures		3,540,055			30,478				(8,977		)		3,561,556
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		1,884,450			14,851				(14,458		)		1,884,843
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		779,103			5,372				—				784,475
	Equity securities		5,202			2,628				(322		)		7,508
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	13,497,945		$	70,853			$	(28,143	)		$	13,540,655
			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, or 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2014:
			31-Dec-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		$	2,297,895		$	(4,386	)		$	—			$	—			$	2,297,895			$	(4,386	)
	U.S. agency debentures		249,266			(489		)		507,385				(8,488		)		756,651				(8,977		)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		662,092			(3,104		)		453,801				(11,354		)		1,115,893				(14,458		)
	Equity securities		568			(322		)		—				—				568				(322		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities (1)		$	3,209,821		$	(8,301	)		$	961,186			$	(19,842	)		$	4,171,007			$	(28,143	)
	-1	As of December 31, 2014, we identified a total of 115 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 33 investments totaling $961.2 million with unrealized losses of $19.8 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 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 December 31, 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, or 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
	Available-for-sale securities:
	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 securities classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 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.
			31-Dec-14
			Total						One Year							After One							After Five				After
									or Less							Year to							Years to				Ten Years
																Five 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		$	7,302,273		1.08	%		$	200,098			0.2	%		$	6,406,273			1.02	%		$	695,902	1.99	%	$	—	—	%
U.S. agency debentures		3,561,556			1.64			869,463				1.78			2,276,819				1.46			415,274		2.36		—		—
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		1,884,843			2			—				—			—				—			527,216		2.57		1,357,627		1.79
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		784,475			0.71			—				—			—				—			—		—		784,475		0.71
Total		$	13,533,147		1.34			$	1,069,561			1.48			$	8,683,092			1.13			$	1,638,392	2.27		$	2,142,102	1.39
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 December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		31-Dec-14
(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Fair Value
		Cost			Gains				Losses
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost:
U.S. agency debentures (1)		$	405,899		$	4,589			$	(38	)		$	410,450
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,799,923			5,789				(2,320		)		2,803,392
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—		3,185,109			4,521				(14,885		)		3,174,745
fixed rate
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—		131,580			371				—				131,951
variable rate
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		814,589			1,026				(3,800		)		811,815
Municipal bonds and notes		83,942			18				(657		)		83,303
Total held-to-maturity securities		$	7,421,042		$	16,314			$	(21,700	)		$	7,415,656
-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 December 31, 2014:
		31-Dec-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		$	48,335		$	(38	)		$	—			$	—			$	48,335			$	(38	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		999,230			(2,320		)		—				—				999,230				(2,320		)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		1,682,348			(9,705		)		783,558				(5,180		)		2,465,906				(14,885		)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		629,840			(3,800		)		—				—				629,840				(3,800		)
Municipal bonds and notes		79,141			(657		)		—				—				79,141				(657		)
Total temporarily impaired securities (2):		$	3,438,894		$	(16,520	)		$	783,558			$	(5,180	)		$	4,222,452			$	(21,700	)
-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 December 31, 2014, we identified a total of 292 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 26 investments totaling $783.6 million with unrealized losses of $5.2 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 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 35.0 percent. 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.
		31-Dec-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		$	405,899		2.87	%		$	—			—	%		$	—			—	%		$	405,899	2.87	%	$	—	—	%
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,799,923			2.42			—				—			43,809				2.39			853,331		2.21		1,902,783		2.51
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		3,185,109			1.68			—				—			—				—			—		—		3,185,109		1.68
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		131,580			0.65			—				—			—				—			—		—		131,580		0.65
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		814,589			2.15			—				—			—				—			—		—		814,589		2.15
Municipal bonds and notes		83,942			6			3,442				5.37			30,985				5.86			39,904		6.1		9,611		6.27
Total		$	7,421,042		2.1			$	3,442			5.37			$	74,794			3.83			$	1,299,134	2.54		$	6,043,672	1.99
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	24,645		12.6	%		$	29,104			12.6	%
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		97,250			8.6			96,185				8.6
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		269,821			5.9			260,272				5.9
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		291,291			5			226,729				5
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		226,111			Various			118,181				Various
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		89,605			—			7,944				0.2
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		62,110			20			59,028				20
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		61,973			33			61,126				33
SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		302			5.1			708				5.1
Other private equity fund (ii)		7,774			58.2			3,695				58.2
Total venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	1,130,882					$	862,972
(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP		$	3,291		10.7	%		$	6,564			10.7	%
SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		20,481			5.1			22,684				5.1
Capital Partners III, LP		41,055			—			—				—
SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		6,377			6.8			3,591				6.8
Total other venture capital investments		$	71,204					$	32,839
(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $75 million in 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 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (equity method accounting):
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (i)		$	21,294		15.5	%		$	21,867			15.5	%
China Joint Venture investment		79,569			50			79,940				50
Other investments		41,811			Various			41,076				Various
Total other investments (equity method accounting)		$	142,674					$	142,883
(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where our ownership interest is 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 $141 million, and $234 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of the 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 in 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2012
Gross gains on investment securities:
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)		$	658		$	3,887			$	6,380
Marketable securities (fair value accounting)		—			—				8,863
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		349,747			186,404				107,507
Other venture capital investments		17,309			9,241				58,409
Other investments		—			—				21
Other securities (fair value accounting)		151,007			227,252				—
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
Other investments		10,937			18,235				16,923
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		16,001			10,081				3,503
Other investments		5,794			431				1,715
Total gross gains on investment securities		551,453			455,531				203,321
Gross losses on investment securities:
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)		(19,255		)	(3,349		)		(2,139		)
Marketable securities (fair value accounting)		—			—				(1,675		)
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		(86,263		)	(17,185		)		(63,146		)
Other venture capital investments		(4,516		)	(3,496		)		(11,062		)
Other securities (fair value accounting)		(170,890		)	(2,962		)		—
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
Other investments		(2,320		)	(3,111		)		(1,987		)
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)		(827		)	(1,700		)		(1,079		)
Other investments (3)		(359		)	(4,320		)		(119		)
Total gross losses on investment securities		(284,430		)	(36,123		)		(81,207		)
Gains on investment securities, net		$	267,023		$	419,408			$	122,114
-1	Includes realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale securities that are recognized in the income statement. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. The cost basis of available-for-sale securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
-2	Includes OTTI of $0.8 million from the declines in value for 27 of the 281 investments, $1.4 million from the declines in value for 43 of the 288 investments, and $1.0 million from the declines in value for 46 of the 324 investments held at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. We concluded that any declines in value for the remaining investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized.
-3	No OTTI was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2014. We concluded that any declines in value for the investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized. There was $3.9 million of OTTI recognized for the year ended December 31, 2013 on a single direct equity investment and there was no recognized OTTI for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 & healthcare, private equity/venture capital 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. 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 and internet, life science & healthcare and other commercial loan categories, as applicable. Our life science & healthcare clients primarily tend to be in the industries of biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare information technology and healthcare services. Loans made to private equity/venture capital 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 private equity/venture capital 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 $104 million and $89 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is presented in the following table:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	4,954,676	$	4,102,636
	Hardware		1,131,006		1,213,032
	Private equity/venture capital		4,582,906		2,386,054
	Life science & healthcare		1,289,904		1,170,220
	Premium wine		187,568		149,841
	Other		234,551		288,904
	Total commercial loans		12,380,611		9,310,687
	Real estate secured loans:
	Premium wine (1)		606,753		514,993
	Consumer loans (2)		1,118,115		873,255
	Other		39,651		30,743
	Total real estate secured loans		1,764,519		1,418,991
	Construction loans		78,626		76,997
	Consumer loans		160,520		99,711
	Total loans, net of unearned income (3)		$	14,384,276	$	10,906,386
	-1	Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $112 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	-2	Consumer loans secured by real estate at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were comprised of the following:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Loans for personal residence		$	918,629	$	685,327
	Loans to eligible employees		133,568		121,548
	Home equity lines of credit		65,918		66,380
	Consumer loans secured by real estate		$	1,118,115	$	873,255
	-3	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $131 million and $85 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Credit Quality
	The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $104 million and $89 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	4,954,676	$	4,102,636
	Hardware		1,131,006		1,213,032
	Private equity/venture capital		4,582,906		2,386,054
	Life science & healthcare		1,289,904		1,170,220
	Premium wine		794,321		664,834
	Other		352,828		396,644
	Total commercial loans		13,105,641		9,933,420
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,118,115		873,255
	Other consumer loans		160,520		99,711
	Total consumer loans		1,278,635		972,966
	Total loans, net of unearned income		$	14,384,276	$	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30 - 59		60 - 89			Greater Than 90 Days		Total Past			Current		Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest
			Days Past		Days Past			Past Due		Due
			Due		Due
	December 31, 2014:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	10,989	$	1,627		$	52	$	12,668		$	4,950,291	$	52
	Hardware		13,424		126			—		13,550			1,124,423		—
	Private equity/venture capital		40,773		—			—		40,773			4,580,526		—
	Life science & healthcare		738		786			—		1,524			1,298,728		—
	Premium wine		—		—			—		—			795,345		—
	Other		178		3			—		181			354,939		—
	Total commercial loans		66,102		2,542			52		68,696			13,104,252		52
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,592		341			1,250		3,183			1,114,286		1,250
Other consumer loans		—		—			—		—			160,212		—
Total consumer loans		1,592		341			1,250		3,183			1,274,498		1,250
Total gross loans excluding impaired loans		67,694		2,883			1,302		71,879			14,378,750		1,302
Impaired loans		598		1,293			22,320		24,211			13,926		—
Total gross loans		$	68,292	$	4,176		$	23,622	$	96,090		$	14,392,676	$	1,302
December 31, 2013:
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	9,804	$	1,291		$	99	$	11,194		$	4,102,546	$	99
Hardware		2,679		3,965			—		6,644			1,198,169		—
Private equity/venture capital		4		—			—		4			2,408,382		—
Life science & healthcare		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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)		Impaired loans for		Impaired loans for			Total carrying value of impaired loans		Total unpaid principal of impaired loans
		which there is a related allowance for loan losses		which there is no related allowance for loan losses
December 31, 2014:
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	33,287	$	—		$	33,287	$	34,218
Hardware		1,403		1,118			2,521		2,535
Private equity/venture capital		—		—			—		—
Life science & healthcare		475		—			475		2,453
Premium wine		—		1,304			1,304		1,743
Other		233		—			233		233
Total commercial loans		35,398		2,422			37,820		41,182
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		—		192			192		1,412
Other consumer loans		125		—			125		305
Total consumer loans		125		192			317		1,717
Total		$	35,523	$	2,614		$	38,137	$	42,899
December 31, 2013:
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	27,308	$	310		$	27,618	$	28,316
Hardware		19,329		338			19,667		35,317
Private equity/venture capital		40		—			40		40
Life science & healthcare		—		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 during 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013			2012
Average impaired loans:
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	14,357	$	6,254		$	2,223
Hardware		6,634		24,508			19,242
Private equity/venture capital		—		37			—
Life science & healthcare		516		334			345
Premium wine		1,381		2,210			3,513
Other		1,088		3,601			3,558
Total commercial loans		23,976		36,944			28,881
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		218		2,957			5,037
Other consumer loans		322		945			1,896
Total consumer loans		540		3,902			6,933
Total average impaired loans		$	24,516	$	40,846		$	35,814
The following tables summarize the activity relating to our allowance for loan losses for 2014, 2013, and 2012 broken out by portfolio segment:
Year ended December 31, 2014		Beginning Balance December 31, 2013		Charge-offs			Recoveries		Provision for Loan Losses			Ending Balance December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	64,084	$	(21,031	)	$	1,425	$	36,503		$	80,981
Hardware		36,553		(15,265		)	2,238		2,334			25,860
Private equity/venture capital		16,385		—			—		11,612			27,997
Life science & healthcare		11,926		(2,951		)	374		5,859			15,208
Premium wine		3,914		(35		)	240		354			4,473
Other		3,680		(3,886		)	1,499		1,960			3,253
Total commercial loans		136,542		(43,168		)	5,776		58,622			157,772
Consumer loans		6,344		—			379		864			7,587
Total allowance for loan losses		$	142,886	$	(43,168	)	$	6,155	$	59,486		$	165,359
Year ended December 31, 2013		Beginning Balance December 31, 2012		Charge-offs			Recoveries		Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses			Ending Balance December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	42,648	$	(8,861	)	$	1,934	$	28,363		$	64,084
Hardware		29,761		(18,819		)	2,677		22,934			36,553
Private equity/venture capital		9,963		—			—		6,422			16,385
Life science & healthcare		13,606		(6,010		)	1,860		2,470			11,926
Premium wine		3,523		—			170		221			3,914
Other		3,912		(8,107		)	2,995		4,880			3,680
Total commercial loans		103,413		(41,797		)	9,636		65,290			136,542
Consumer loans		7,238		(869		)	1,572		(1,597		)	6,344
Total allowance for loan losses		$	110,651	$	(42,666	)	$	11,208	$	63,693		$	142,886
Year ended December 31, 2012		Beginning Balance December 31, 2011		Charge-offs			Recoveries		Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses			Ending Balance December 31, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	38,263	$	(4,316	)	$	4,874	$	3,827		$	42,648
Hardware		16,810		(20,247		)	1,107		32,091			29,761
Private equity/venture capital		7,319		—			—		2,644			9,963
Life science & healthcare		10,243		(5,080		)	334		8,109			13,606
Premium wine		3,914		(584		)	650		(457		)	3,523
Other		5,817		(2,485		)	1,377		(797		)	3,912
Total commercial loans		82,366		(32,712		)	8,342		45,417			103,413
Consumer loans		7,581		(607		)	1,351		(1,087		)	7,238
Total allowance for loan losses		$	89,947	$	(33,319	)	$	9,693	$	44,330		$	110,651
The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, broken out by portfolio segment:
		31-Dec-14										31-Dec-13
		Individually Evaluated for Impairment					Collectively Evaluated for					Individually Evaluated for				Collectively Evaluated for
							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 and internet		$	13,695	$	33,287		$	67,286	$	4,921,389		$	11,261	$	27,617	$	52,823	$	4,075,019
Hardware		1,133		2,521			24,727		1,128,485			9,673		19,667		26,880		1,193,365
Private equity/venture capital		—		—			27,997		4,582,906			19		39		16,366		2,386,015
Life science & healthcare		121		475			15,087		1,289,429			—		1,278		11,926		1,168,942
Premium wine		—		1,304			4,473		793,017			—		1,442		3,914		663,392
Other		71		233			3,182		352,595			156		690		3,524		395,954
Total commercial loans		15,020		37,820			142,752		13,067,821			21,109		50,733		115,433		9,882,687
Consumer loans		31		317			7,556		1,278,318			168		915		6,176		972,051
Total		$	15,051	$	38,137		$	150,308	$	14,346,139		$	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 (For further description of nonaccrual loans, refer to Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”). 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)		Pass		Performing			Impaired		Total
				(Criticized)
December 31, 2014:
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	4,611,253	$	351,706		$	33,287	$	4,996,246
Hardware		945,998		191,975			2,521		1,140,494
Private equity/venture capital		4,615,231		6,068			—		4,621,299
Life science & healthcare		1,165,266		134,986			475		1,300,727
Premium wine		774,962		20,383			1,304		796,649
Other		346,153		8,967			233		355,353
Total commercial loans		12,458,863		714,085			37,820		13,210,768
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		1,112,396		5,073			192		1,117,661
Other consumer loans		158,162		2,050			125		160,337
Total consumer loans		1,270,558		7,123			317		1,277,998
Total gross loans		$	13,729,421	$	721,208		$	38,137	$	14,488,766
December 31, 2013:
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	3,875,043	$	238,697		$	27,618	$	4,141,358
Hardware		995,055		209,758			19,667		1,224,480
Private equity/venture capital		2,408,386		—			40		2,408,426
Life science & healthcare		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 December 31, 2014 we had 7 TDRs with a total carrying value of $7.2 million where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, in an attempt to maximize collection. This compares to 18 TDRs with a total carrying value of $22.4 million as of December 31, 2013. There were unfunded commitments available for funding of $3.1 million to the clients associated with these TDRs as of December 31, 2014. The following table summarizes our loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
Loans modified in TDRs:
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	3,784	$	5,860
Hardware		1,118		13,329
Private equity/venture capital		—		77
Premium wine		1,891		1,442
Other		233		1,055
Total commercial loans		7,026		21,763
Consumer loans:
Other consumer loans		125		670
Total consumer loans		125		670
Total		$	7,151	$	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 2014, 2013, and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013			2012
Loans modified in TDRs during the period:
Commercial loans:
Software and internet		$	1,033	$	4,932		$	1,939
Hardware		1,118		8,143			20,514
Private equity/venture capital		—		77			—
Premium wine		587		—			1,024
Other		—		690			4,878
Total commercial loans		2,738		13,842			28,355
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		—		—			368
Other consumer loans		—		6			—
Total consumer loans		—		6			368
Total loans modified in TDRs during the period (1)		$	2,738	$	13,848		$	28,723
-1	During 2014 we had no partial charge-offs. In 2013 and 2012 we had partial charge-offs of $11.1 million and $14.3 million respectively, on loans classified as TDRs.
During 2014 new TDRs of $1.0 million and $1.7 million were modified through forgiveness of principal and payment deferrals granted to our clients, respectively. During 2013 all new TDRs were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients and no principal or interest was forgiven. During 2012 new TDRs totaling $9 million and $19 million were modified through forgiveness of principal and payment deferrals granted to our clients, respectively.
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.
The following table summarizes the recorded investment in loans modified in TDRs within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during their respective periods, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable. During the 2014 year, there were no TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted.
		December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the period:
Commercial loans:
Hardware		$	1,627	$	1,868
Private equity/venture capital		38		—
Other		365		—
Total commercial loans		2,030		1,868
Consumer loans:
Real estate secured loans		—		120
Other consumer loans		6		—
Total consumer loans		6		120
Total TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period		$	2,036	$	1,988
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 December 31, 2014.

Premises_and_Equipment

Premises and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment
	Premises and equipment at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Computer software	$	149,579		$	128,129
	Computer hardware	52,203			45,241
	Leasehold improvements	48,780			40,851
	Furniture and equipment	24,320			19,434
	Total	274,882			233,655
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(195,037		)	(166,170		)
	Premises and equipment, net	$	79,845		$	67,485
	Depreciation and amortization expense for premises and equipment was $30.0 million, $29.1 million, and $23.7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Additionally, in 2013 we wrote-off $1.2 million in certain assets, primarily computer software. There were no write-offs during the 2014 and 2012 years.

Disposal_Assets_HeldforSale

Disposal - Assets Held-for-Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal - Assets Held-for-Sale	Disposal - Assets Held-for-Sale
	As a result of the SVBIF pending sale transaction, the Company classified SVBIF's net assets as held-for-sale as assets held-for sale-criteria were met and an impairment loss was recognized at December 31, 2014. The following table details selected financial information included in the loss from the pending sale:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Year ended December 31, 2014
	Losses primarily attributable to cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment		$	12,934
	Transaction-related expenses		1,000
	Total impairment loss included in other noninterest income (1)		$	13,934
	Tax impact of undistributed earnings of SVBIF		2,900
	Tax impact from net losses on SVBIF Sale Transaction		(5,398		)
	Net tax impact included in income tax expense		$	(2,498	)
	Net loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction		$	11,436
	-1	The total impairment loss is included in noninterest income in our Global Commercial Bank operating segment as reported in Note 21—”Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report.
	The following table presents the composition of SVBIF assets held-for-sale included in accrued interest receivable and other assets at December 31, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Cash and due from banks		$	3,054
	Securities purchased under agreement to resell and other short-term investments		11,898
	Net loans		26,800
	Premises and equipment, net		24
	Accrued interest receivable and other assets		7,163
	Total assets of SVBIF held-for-sale (1)		$	48,939
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities		$	4,686
	Total liabilities of SVBIF held-for-sale (1)		$	4,686
	-1	Net assets of $44.3 million are included in our Global Commercial Bank operating segment as reported in Note 21—”Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Deposits

Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits	posits
	The following table presents the composition of our deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Noninterest-bearing demand	$	24,583,682	$	15,894,360
	Negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW)	254,462		151,746
	Money market	6,186,044		4,373,974
	Money market deposits in foreign offices	242,526		181,299
	Sweep deposits in foreign offices	2,948,658		1,657,740
	Time	128,127		213,860
	Total deposits	$	34,343,499	$	22,472,979
	The aggregate amount of time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000 totaled $116 million and $197 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest expense paid on time deposits individually equal to or greater than $100,000 totaled $0.3 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014, time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000 totaling $116 million were scheduled to mature within one year.

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
							Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)		Maturity		Principal value at December 31, 2014		December 31,		December 31,
							2014		2013
	Short-term borrowings:
	Other short-term borrowings		-1		$	7,781	$	7,781	$	5,080
	Total short-term borrowings						$	7,781	$	5,080
	Long-term debt:
	5.375% Senior Notes		15-Sep-20		$	350,000	$	348,436	$	348,209
	6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		June 1, 2017		45,964		50,162		51,987
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		October 15, 2033		50,000		54,845		55,020
	Total long-term debt						$	453,443	$	455,216
	-1	Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor, which includes an interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
	-2	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes were $4.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
	The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Year ended December 31, (dollars in thousands):		Amount
	2015		$	—
	2016		—
	2017		50,162
	2018		—
	2019		—
	2020 and thereafter		403,281
	Total		$	453,443
	Interest expense related to short-term borrowings and long-term debt was $23.2 million, $23.1 million and $24.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Interest expense is net of the hedge accounting impact from our interest rate swap agreements related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes. The weighted average interest rate associated with our short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2014 was 0.08 percent.
	5.375% Senior Notes
	In September 2010, we issued $350 million of 5.375% Senior Notes due in September 2020 (“5.375% Senior Notes”). We received net proceeds of $345 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other expenses. We used approximately $250 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to meet obligations due on our 3.875% Convertible Notes, which matured in April 2011. The remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including working capital.
	6.05% Subordinated Notes
	On May 15, 2007, the Bank issued 6.05% Subordinated Notes, due in June 2017, in an aggregate principal amount of $250 million. Concurrent with the issuance of the 6.05% Subordinated Notes, we entered into a fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement (see Note 12-“Derivative Financial Instruments”).
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
	In October 2003, we issued $50 million in 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures to a special-purpose trust, SVB Capital II. Distributions to SVB Capital II are cumulative and are payable quarterly at a fixed rate of 7.0 percent per annum of the face value of the junior subordinated debentures. Distributions for each of 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $3.5 million. The junior subordinated debentures are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity in October 2033, or may currently be redeemed prior to maturity in whole or in part, at our option, at any time. Issuance costs of $2.2 million related to the junior subordinated debentures were deferred and are being amortized over the period until mandatory redemption of the debentures in October 2033.
	Available Lines of Credit
	We have certain facilities in place to enable us to access short-term borrowings on a secured (using available-for-sale securities as collateral) and an unsecured basis. These include repurchase agreements and uncommitted federal funds lines with various financial institutions. As of December 31, 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 FRB. The market value of collateral pledged to the FHLB of San Francisco (comprised primarily of U.S. agency debentures) at December 31, 2014 totaled $1.3 billion, all of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings. The market value of collateral pledged at the discount window of the FRB at December 31, 2014 totaled $1.0 billion, all of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 & healthcare 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 swaps is calculated using a discounted cash flow method and adjusted for credit valuation associated with counterparty risk. Changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are reflected in either other assets (for swaps in an asset position) or other liabilities (for swaps 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 swaps that arise as a result of hedge ineffectiveness are 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. Gains or losses from 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
	Also included in our derivative instruments are equity warrant assets, loan conversion options, forward and option contracts, and interest rate contracts. For further description of these other derivative instruments, refer to Note 2-“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
					31-Dec-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			$	4,609			$	2,970			$	1,639			$	45,964			$	6,492		$	5,080	$	1,412
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency exchange risks:
	Foreign exchange forwards		Other assets		200,957				5,050				2,441				2,609				140,760				1,423			—		1,423
	Foreign exchange forwards		Other liabilities		6,226				(489		)		—				(489		)		62,649				(634		)	—		(634		)
	Net exposure								4,561				2,441				2,120								789			—		789
	Other derivative instruments:
	Equity warrant assets		Other assets		197,878				116,604				—				116,604				179,934				103,513			—		103,513
	Other derivatives:
	Client foreign exchange forwards		Other assets		801,487				28,954				2,370				26,584				424,983				13,673			—		13,673
	Client foreign exchange forwards		Other liabilities		774,355				(27,647		)		—				(27,647		)		367,079				(11,549		)	—		(11,549		)
	Client foreign currency options		Other assets		34,926				227				—				227				91,854				434			—		434
	Client foreign currency options		Other liabilities		34,926				(227		)		—				(227		)		91,854				(434		)	—		(434		)
	Loan conversion options		Other assets		—				—				—				—				3,455				314			—		314
	Client interest rate derivatives		Other assets		387,410				2,546				—				2,546				216,773				1,265			—		1,265
	Client interest rate derivatives		Other liabilities		387,410				(2,748		)		—				(2,748		)		216,773				(1,396		)	—		(1,396		)
	Net exposure								1,105				2,370				(1,265		)						2,307			—		2,307
	Net								$	126,879			$	7,781			$	119,098							$	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 December 31, 2014 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	A summary of our derivative activity and the related impact on our consolidated statements of income for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
					Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		Statement of income location		2014				2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate risks:
	Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps		Interest expense—borrowings		$	2,553			$	2,536			$	5,154
	Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps		Net gains on derivative instruments		(50		)		14				603
	Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives				$	2,503			$	2,550			$	5,757
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency exchange risks:
	(Losses) gains on revaluations of foreign currency instruments		Other noninterest income		$	(21,636	)		$	3,016			$	1,677
	Gains (losses) on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net		Net gains on derivative instruments		21,598				(4,213		)		(103		)
	Net (losses) gains associated with currency risk				$	(38	)		$	(1,197	)		$	1,574
	Other derivative instruments:
	Net gains on equity warrant assets		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	71,012			$	46,101			$	19,385
	Gains (losses) on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	5,081			$	(452	)		$	460
	Net (losses) gains on other derivatives (1)		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	(796	)		$	734			$	(1,666	)
	-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 December 31, 2014 and 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
	31-Dec-14
	Derivative Assets:
	Interest rate swaps		$	4,609			$	—			$	4,609			$	(1,639	)		$	(2,970	)		$	—
Foreign exchange forwards		34,004				—				34,004				(17,843		)		(4,811		)		11,350
Foreign currency options		501				(274		)		227				(144		)		—				83
Client interest rate derivatives		2,546				—				2,546				(2,546		)		—				—
Total derivative assets:		41,660				(274		)		41,386				(22,172		)		(7,781		)		11,433
Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements		95,611				—				95,611				(95,611		)		—				—
Total		$	137,271			$	(274	)		$	136,997			$	(117,783	)		$	(7,781	)		$	11,433
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 December 31, 2014 and 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
31-Dec-14
Derivative Liabilities:
Foreign exchange forwards		$	28,136			$	—			$	28,136			$	(16,808	)		$	—			$	11,328
Foreign currency options		501				(274		)		227				(83		)		—				144
Client interest rate derivatives		2,748				—				2,748				(2,748		)		—				—
Total derivative liabilities:		31,385				(274		)		31,111				(19,639		)		—				11,472
Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements		—				—				—				—				—				—
Total		$	31,385			$	(274	)		$	31,111			$	(19,639	)		$	—			$	11,472
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 assets:		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_Income_Loss_

Other Noninterest Income (Loss) and Other Noninterest Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Noninterest Income (Loss) and Other Noninterest Expense	Other Noninterest (Loss) Income and Other Noninterest Expense
	A summary of other noninterest (loss) income for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013		2012
	Fund management fees		$	13,498		$	11,163	$	11,057
	Service-based fee income		8,801			7,807		7,937
	Net gains on the sale of certain assets related to our equity management services business		—			—		4,243
	Net losses on the sale of certain assets related to our SVBIF business		(13,934		)	—		—
	(Losses) gains on revaluation of foreign currency instruments (1)		(21,636		)	3,016		1,677
	Other (2)		12,011			14,153		11,449
	Total other noninterest (loss) income		$	(1,260	)	$	36,139	$	36,363
	-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 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013		2012
	Client services		$	10,692		$	8,181	$	6,910
	Tax credit fund amortization		9,691			6,436		3,911
	Data processing services		8,079			7,895		5,876
	Telephone		7,250			6,258		6,528
	Postage and supplies		3,196			2,462		2,482
	Dues and publications		2,549			1,745		2,067
	Other		12,939			8,950		8,188
	Total other noninterest expense		$	54,396		$	41,927	$	35,962

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2011 and subsequent years remain open to full examination. Our California tax returns for 2010 and subsequent tax years remain open to full examination. Massachusetts tax returns for 2011 and subsequent years remain open to full examination.
	The components of our provision for income taxes for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Current provision:
	Federal	$	172,492			$	99,480			$	87,635
	State	44,666				25,498				23,752
	Deferred expense (benefit):
	Federal	(36,197		)		11,244				2,385
	State	(7,199		)		2,836				(503		)
	Income tax expense	$	173,762			$	139,058			$	113,269
	Our effective tax rate is calculated by dividing income tax expense by the sum of income before income tax expense and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. The reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate and our effective income tax rate for 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of the federal tax effect	5.6			5.1			5.8
	Meals and entertainment	0.3			0.5			0.5
	Disallowed officer's compensation	0.3			0.1			0.1
	Share-based compensation expense on incentive stock options and ESPP	0.1			(0.3	)		0.4
	Tax-exempt interest income	(0.3	)		(0.3	)		(0.4	)
	Low-income housing tax credits	(1.8	)		(1.6	)		(1.2	)
	Other, net	0.5			0.7			(0.9	)
	Effective income tax rate	39.7	%		39.2	%		39.3	%
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for loan losses	$	80,554			$	69,616
	Share-based compensation expense	15,249				14,535
	Loan fee income	9,738				7,804
	State income taxes	9,428				6,194
	Net operating loss	8,641				9,682
	Other accruals not currently deductible	7,601				4,869
	Premises and equipment and other intangibles	1,344				734
	Net unrealized losses on foreign currency translation	802				5,228
	Research and development credit	324				324
	Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities	—				27,686
	Other	2,983				36
	Deferred tax assets	136,664				146,708
	Valuation allowance	(8,965		)		(10,006		)
	Net deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	127,699				136,702
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	(29,600		)		—
	Non-marketable and other securities	(27,858		)		(55,921		)
	Derivative equity warrant assets	(19,090		)		(10,344		)
	FHLB stock dividend	(1,230		)		(1,236		)
	Other	—				(964		)
	Deferred tax liabilities	(77,778		)		(68,465		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	49,921			$	68,237
	At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, federal net operating loss carryforwards totaled $16 million, and state net operating loss carryforwards totaled $8 million. Our foreign net operating loss carryforwards totaled $13 million and $19 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards expire at various dates beginning in 2019. A portion of our net operating loss carryforwards will be subject to provisions of the tax law that limits the use of losses that existed at the time there is a change in control of an enterprise. At December 31, 2014, the amount of our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards that would be subject to these limitations was $7 million and $2 million, respectively.
	Currently, we believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from these net operating loss carryforwards, which are associated with our former eProsper business unit, part of SVB Analytics, and our UK operations, will not be realized in the near term due to uncertainties in the timing of future profitability in those businesses. In recognition of this, our valuation allowance is $9 million on the deferred tax assets related to these net operating loss carryforward and research and development credits at December 31, 2014. The R&D credit carryforwards expire at various dates beginning in 2019. We believe it is more likely than not that the remaining deferred tax assets will be realized through recovery of taxes previously paid and/or future taxable income. Therefore, no valuation allowance was provided for the remaining deferred tax assets.
	At December 31, 2014, our unrecognized tax benefit was $3.4 million, the recognition of which would reduce our income tax expense by $2.4 million. We do not expect that our unrecognized tax benefit will materially change in the next 12 months.
	A summary of changes in our unrecognized tax benefit (including interest and penalties) in 2014 is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit				Interest & Penalties				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	252			$	91			$	343
	Additions for tax positions for current year	2,879				—				2,879
	Additions for tax positions for prior years	349				47				396
	Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(83		)		(38		)		(121		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	3,397			$	100			$	3,497

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Parties	Related Parties
	SVB Financial had commitments under two partially-syndicated revolving line of credit facilities totaling $65 million that matured on December 4, 2014 to Gold Hill Capital 2008 LP, a venture debt fund, and an affiliated fund, in which SVB Financial currently has ownership interests. As of December 31, 2014, 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 were secured and had an interest rate of national Prime plus one percent. The highest outstanding balance under SVB Financial's portion of the facility for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $23 million. There was no outstanding balance as of December 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013 the outstanding balance was $23 million.
	During 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.

Employee_Compensation_and_Bene

Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans	Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans
	Our employee compensation and benefit plans include: (i) Incentive Compensation Plan; (ii) Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan; (iii) Retention Program; (iv) Warrant Incentive Plan; (v) Deferred Compensation Plan; (vi) 401(k) and ESOP; (vii) EHOP; (viii) equity incentive plan; and (ix) ESPP. The Equity Incentive Plans and the ESPP are described in Note 4–“Share-Based Compensation.”
	A summary of expenses incurred under certain employee compensation and benefit plans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Incentive Compensation Plan	$	78,014	$	66,232	$	46,467
	Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan	20,153		22,941		24,556
	Retention Program	1,792		2,577		2,076
	Warrant Incentive Plan	3,926		5,818		2,523
	Deferred Compensation Plan	2,458		2,650		1,767
	SVBFG 401(k) Plan	11,996		11,277		9,947
	SVBFG ESOP	6,691		7,429		10,324
	Incentive Compensation Plan
	Our Incentive Compensation Plan (“ICP”) is an annual cash incentive plan that rewards performance based on our financial results and other performance criteria. Awards are made based on company performance, the employee's target bonus level, and management's assessment of individual employee performance.
	Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan
	The Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan (“Direct Drive”) is an annual sales incentive program. Awards are based on sales teams' performance to predetermined financial targets and other company/individual performance criteria. Actual awards for each sales team member under Direct Drive are based on: (i) the actual results and financial performance with respect to the incentive gross profit targets; (ii) the sales team payout targets; and (iii) the sales team member's sales position and team payout allocation.
	Retention Program
	The Retention Program (“RP”) is a long-term incentive plan that allows designated employees to share directly in our investment success. Plan participants are granted an interest in the distributions of gains from certain designated investments made by us during the applicable year. Specifically, participants share in: (i) returns from designated investments made by us, including investments in certain venture capital and private equity funds, debt funds, and direct equity investments in companies; (ii) income realized from the exercise of, and the subsequent sale of shares obtained through the exercise of, warrants held by us; and (iii) other designated amounts as determined by us. No new participants are being added and no new investments will be designated to the plan.
	Warrant Incentive Plan
	The Warrant Incentive Plan provides individual and team awards to those employees who negotiate warrants on our behalf. Designated participants, as determined by the Company, share in the cash proceeds received by the Company from the exercise of equity warrant assets.
	Deferred Compensation Plan
	Under the Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DC Plan”), eligible employees may elect to defer up to 50 percent of their base salary and/or up to 100 percent of any eligible bonus payment to which they are entitled, for a period of 12 consecutive months, beginning January 1 and ending December 31. Any amounts deferred under the DC Plan will be invested and administered by us (or such person we designate). We do not match employee deferrals to the DC Plan. From time to time, we may also offer deferred special retention incentives under this plan to key plan participants. The deferred incentives are eligible for investment in the Plan during the retention qualifying period.
	Voluntary deferrals under the DC Plan were $3.9 million $3.6 million and $3.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, special retention incentives totaled $12.7 million. The DC Plan over all, had investment gains of $1.4 million in 2014, gains of $3.1 million in 2013 and gains of $0.7 million in 2012.
	401(k) and ESOP
	The 401(k) Plan and ESOP, collectively referred to as the “Plan”, is a combined 401(k) tax-deferred savings plan and employee stock ownership plan in which all regular U.S. employees are eligible to participate.
	Employees participating in the 401(k) Plan are allowed to contribute up to 75 percent of their pre-tax pay as defined in the Plan, up to the maximum annual amount allowable under federal income tax regulations of $17,500 for the years 2014 and 2013, and $17,000 for 2012. We match the employee's contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to 5 percent of the employee's pre-tax pay as defined in the Plan. Our matching contributions vest immediately. The amount of salary deferred, up to the allowed maximum, is not subject to federal or state income taxes at the time of deferral.
	Discretionary ESOP contributions, based on our company performance, are made by us to all eligible individuals employed by us on the last day of the fiscal year. We may elect to contribute cash or our common stock (or a combination of cash and stock), in an amount not exceeding 10 percent of the employee's eligible pay earned in the fiscal year. The ESOP contributions vest in equal annual increments over five years during a participant's first five years of service (thereafter all subsequent ESOP contributions are fully vested).
	EHOP
	The EHOP is a benefit plan that provides for the issuance of mortgage loans at favorable interest rates to eligible employees. Eligible employees may apply for a fixed-rate mortgage for their primary residence, which is due and payable in either five or seven years and is based on amortization over a 30 year period. Applicants must qualify for a loan through the normal mortgage review and approval process, which is typical of industry standards. The maximum loan amount generally cannot be greater than 80 percent of the lesser of the purchase price or the appraised value. The interest rate on the loan is written at the then market rate for five year (5/1) or seven year (7/1) mortgage loans as determined by us. However, provided that the applicant continues to meet all the eligibility requirements, including employment, the actual rate charged to the borrower shall be up to 2 percent below the market rate. The loan rate shall not be less than the greater of either the jumbo conforming market rate (corresponding to the maturity of the loan) or the monthly Applicable Federal Rate for medium-term loans as published by the Internal Revenue Service. The loan rate will be fixed at the time of approval and locked in for 30 days.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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
	Operating Leases
	We are obligated under a number of noncancelable operating leases for premises and equipment that expire at various dates, through 2029, and in most instances, include options to renew or extend at market rates and terms. Such leases may provide for periodic adjustments of rentals during the term of the lease based on changes in various economic indicators. The following table presents minimum future payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014:
	Year ended December 31, (dollars in thousands) :		Amount
	2015		$	21,683
	2016		20,771
	2017		20,510
	2018		21,142
	2019		21,074
	2020 and thereafter		84,198
	Net minimum operating lease payments		$	189,378
	Rent expense for premises and equipment leased under operating leases totaled $20.3 million, $16.3 million and $14.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Commitments to Extend Credit
	A commitment to extend credit is a formal agreement to lend funds to a client as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement. Such commitments generally have fixed expiration dates, or other termination clauses, and usually require a fee paid by the client upon us issuing the commitment. The following table summarizes information related to our commitments to extend credit at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Loan commitments available for funding: (1)
	Fixed interest rate commitments		$	1,591,408	$	1,392,781
	Variable interest rate commitments		11,860,039		9,101,973
	Total loan commitments available for funding		13,451,447		10,494,754
	Commercial and standby letters of credit (2)		1,254,338		975,968
	Total unfunded credit commitments		$	14,705,785	$	11,470,722
	Commitments unavailable for funding (3)		$	1,868,489	$	1,006,168
	Maximum lending limits for accounts receivable factoring arrangements (4)		1,044,548		894,276
	Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (5)		36,419		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.
	Our potential exposure to credit loss for commitments to extend credit, in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument, is the contractual amount of the available unused loan commitment. We use the same credit approval and monitoring process in extending credit commitments as we do in making loans. The actual liquidity needs and the credit risk that we have experienced have historically been lower than the contractual amount of commitments to extend credit because a significant portion of these commitments expire without being drawn upon. We evaluate each potential borrower and the necessary collateral on an individual basis. The type of collateral varies, but may include real property, intellectual property, bank deposits, or business and personal assets. The credit risk associated with these commitments is considered in the reserve for unfunded credit commitments.
	Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit
	Commercial and standby letters of credit represent conditional commitments issued by us on behalf of a client to guarantee the performance of the client to a third party when certain specified future events have occurred. Commercial letters of credit are issued primarily for inventory purchases by a client and are typically short-term in nature. We provide two types of standby letters of credit: performance and financial standby letters of credit. Performance standby letters of credit are issued to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party when certain specified future events have occurred and are primarily used to support performance instruments such as bid bonds, performance bonds, lease obligations, repayment of loans, and past due notices. Financial standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the payment by a client to a third party (beneficiary) and are primarily used to support many types of domestic and international payments. These standby letters of credit have fixed expiration dates and generally require a fee to be paid by the client at the time we issue the commitment. Fees generated from these standby letters of credit are recognized in noninterest income over the commitment period using the straight-line method.
	The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved with extending credit commitments to clients, and accordingly, we use a credit evaluation process and collateral requirements similar to those for credit commitments. Our standby letters of credit often are cash secured by our clients. The actual liquidity needs and the credit risk that we have experienced historically have been lower than the contractual amount of letters of credit issued because a significant portion of these conditional commitments expire without being drawn upon.
	The table below summarizes our commercial and standby letters of credit at December 31, 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 Year or Less		Expires After One Year		Total Amount Outstanding		Maximum Amount of Future Payments
	Financial standby letters of credit		$	1,118,548	$	65,333	$	1,183,881	$	1,183,881
	Performance standby letters of credit		59,034		5,157		64,191		64,191
	Commercial letters of credit		6,266		—		6,266		6,266
	Total		$	1,183,848	$	70,490	$	1,254,338	$	1,254,338
	At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $8 million of deferred fees related to financial and performance standby letters of credit. At December 31, 2014, collateral in the form of cash of $510 million and available-for-sale securities of $1.1 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 December 31, 2014:
	Our Ownership in Private Equity/Venture Capital 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
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		935		—		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		1,275		5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		12,239		2,325		5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		515		209		Various
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		—		—		—
	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)		64,170		4,950		Various
	Other fund investments (3)		299,913		19,449		Various
	Total		$	501,968	$	41,468
	-1	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership 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 us from sponsoring or having ownership interests in “covered” funds including venture capital and private equity funds. See “Business - Supervision and Regulation” under Part I, Item 1 in this report.
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 December 31, 2014:
Limited Partnership		Unfunded Commitments
(Dollars in thousands)
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	2,250
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		5,133
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		12,706
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		36,503
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		140,362
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		254,248
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		5,163
SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		5,872
Other private equity fund		77
Total		$	462,314

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair Value Measurements
	Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain non-marketable, 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 consolidated financial statements.
	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, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Balance at December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	7,302,273	$	—		$	—	$	7,302,273
	U.S. agency debentures		—		3,561,556			—		3,561,556
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations -		—		1,884,843			—		1,884,843
	fixed rate
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations -		—		784,475			—		784,475
	variable rate
	Equity securities		4,290		3,218			—		7,508
	Total available-for-sale securities		7,306,563		6,234,092			—		13,540,655
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Non-marketable securities:
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		—		—			1,130,882		1,130,882
	Other venture capital investments		—		—			71,204		71,204
	Other securities		108,251		—			—		108,251
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)		108,251		—			1,202,086		1,310,337
	Other assets:
	Interest rate swaps		—		4,609			—		4,609
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		—		34,231			—		34,231
	Equity warrant assets		—		1,906			114,698		116,604
	Client interest rate derivatives		—		2,546			—		2,546
	Total assets (1)		$	7,414,814	$	6,277,384		$	1,316,784	$	15,008,982
	Liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		$	—	$	28,363		$	—	$	28,363
	Client interest rate derivatives		—		2,748			—		2,748
	Total liabilities		$	—	$	31,111		$	—	$	31,111
	-1	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $100 million and $1.1 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 -		—		3,325,758			—		3,325,758
	fixed rate
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations -		—		1,186,573			—		1,186,573
	variable rate
	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 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 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
(Dollars in thousands)		Beginning		Total Realized and Unrealized Gains, net Included in Income			Purchases		Sales			Issuances		Distributions and Other Settlements			Transfers Into Level 3		Transfers Out of Level 3			Ending
		Balance																				Balance
Year ended December 31, 2014:
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	862,972	$	263,484		$	224,233	$	—		$	—	$	(219,807	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,130,882
Other venture capital investments		32,839		12,793			51,407		(20,362		)	—		(5,347		)	—		(126		)	71,204
Other securities (fair value accounting)		319,249		103,864			—		(46,840		)	—		3,863			—		(380,136		)	—
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		1,215,060		380,141			275,640		(67,202		)	—		(221,291		)	—		(380,262		)	1,202,086
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)		99,891		71,516			—		(70,875		)	13,671		2,215			—		(1,720		)	114,698
Total assets		$	1,314,951	$	451,657		$	275,640	$	(138,077	)	$	13,671	$	(219,076	)	$	—	$	(381,982	)	$	1,316,784
Year ended December 31, 2013:
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	665,921	$	169,219		$	146,564	$	—		$	—	$	(118,732	)	$	—	$	—		$	862,972
Other venture capital investments		127,091		5,745			2,712		(1,224		)	—		(97,924		)	—		(3,561		)	32,839
Other securities (fair value accounting)		—		222,368			—		—			—		96,881			—		—			319,249
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		793,012		397,332			149,276		(1,224		)	—		(119,775		)	—		(3,561		)	1,215,060
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)		66,129		22,929			—		(16,680		)	9,098		1,540			24,217		(7,342		)	99,891
Total assets		$	859,141	$	420,261		$	149,276	$	(17,904	)	$	9,098	$	(118,235	)	$	24,217	$	(10,903	)	$	1,314,951
Year ended December 31, 2012:
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	611,824	$	44,283		$	122,238	$	—		$	—	$	(112,424	)	$	—	$	—		$	665,921
Other venture capital investments		124,121		46,711			13,123		(9,716		)	—		(39,558		)	—		(7,590		)	127,091
Other investments		987		21			—		—			—		(1,008		)	—		—			—
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		736,932		91,015			135,361		(9,716		)	—		(152,990		)	—		(7,590		)	793,012
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)		63,030		13,697			—		(21,077		)	11,978		(78		)	—		(1,421		)	66,129
Total assets		$	799,962	$	104,712		$	135,361	$	(30,793	)	$	11,978	$	(153,068	)	$	—	$	(9,011	)	$	859,141
-1	Realized and unrealized gains, net are recorded on the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
-2	Realized and unrealized gains are recorded on 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively:
		Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	276,686	$	168,567
Other venture capital investments (1)		3,044		6,207
Other securities (1)		—		222,368
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (2)		279,730		397,142
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (3)		36,516		30,579
Total unrealized gains, net		$	316,246	$	427,721
Unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	255,131	$	346,954
-1	2013 included total unrealized valuation gains of $219 million attributable to two of our portfolio companies, FireEye and Twitter.
-2	Unrealized gains are recorded on the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
-3	Unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
The extent to which any unrealized gains will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of current sales restrictions to which these securities are subject, the actual sales of securities and the timing of such actual sales.
The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for certain of our Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2014. 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
December 31, 2014:
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)		$	71,204	Private company equity pricing		-1	-1
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)		1,681		Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	42.6	%
						Risk-Free interest rate	1.7
						Sales restrictions discount (2)	17.8
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)		113,017		Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	38.3
						Risk-Free interest rate	0.9
						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 best estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At December 31, 2014, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 2.7 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 5.9 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.
During 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers between Level 2 and Level 1, compared to transfers of $3.1 million from Level 2 to Level 1 in 2012. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 1 during 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 2013 and 2012 included $3.6 million and $7.6 million, respectively, as a result of the expiration of lock-up, and other sales restrictions on certain of our other venture capital investments. During 2013, a new sales restriction discount was applied to the valuation of public equity warrant assets, which were subject to certain sales restrictions. The application of this discount resulted in a transfer of $24.2 million of public equity warrant assets from Level 2 to Level 3.
All other transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 during 2014, 2013 and 2012 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 for which carrying value approximates fair value and assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and excludes financial instruments already recorded at fair value as described above.
Financial Instruments for which Carrying Value Approximates Fair Value
Certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are carried at amounts that approximate fair value, due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents; FHLB and FRB stock; accrued interest receivable; short-term borrowings; short-term time deposits; and accrued interest payable. In addition, U.S. GAAP requires that the fair value of deposit liabilities with no stated maturity (i.e., demand, savings and certain money market deposits) be equal to their carrying value; recognition of the inherent funding value of these instruments is not permitted.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
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 (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) includes our investment in 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 September 30th, for our December 31st 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.
Long-lived Assets Held-for-Sale
The fair value of assets held-for-sale are estimated by their net realizable value, which represents the potential sales price less costs to sell. Valuation techniques utilized are significant assumptions not observable in the market, accordingly, we classify these assets as Level 3.
Long-Term Deposits
The fair value of long-term 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.
Long-Term Debt
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 notes.
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 is equivalent to the residual premium or fee at December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
				Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
December 31, 2014:
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,796,062	$	1,796,062		$	—	$	—
Held-to-maturity securities		7,421,042		—			7,415,656		—
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)		418,551		—			—		512,473
Net commercial loans		12,947,869		—			—		13,082,487
Net consumer loans		1,271,048		—			—		1,247,336
Net long-lived assets held-for-sale		44,253		—			—		45,410
FHLB and FRB stock		53,496		—			—		53,496
Accrued interest receivable		94,180		—			94,180		—
Financial liabilities:
Other short-term borrowings		7,781		7,781			—		—
Non-maturity deposits (1)		34,215,372		34,215,372			—		—
Time deposits		128,127		—			128,107		—
5.375% Senior Notes		348,436		—			392,616		—
6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		50,162		—			53,537		—
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		54,845		—			52,990		—
Accrued interest payable		6,998		—			6,998		—
Off-balance sheet financial assets:
Commitments to extend credit		—		—			—		29,097
December 31, 2013:
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,538,779	$	1,538,779		$	—	$	—
Non-marketable 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 FRB 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was $4.6 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. We currently 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 September 30th, for our December 31st 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 December 31, 2014:
(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount		Fair Value			Unfunded Commitments
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)		$	1,130,882	$	1,130,882		$	462,314
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
Other investments (2)		47,876		49,066			5,836
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)		140,551		234,053			18,563
Total		$	1,319,309	$	1,414,001		$	486,713
-1	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable and other 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 science & healthcare companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $1.0 billion and $459 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 science & healthcare companies. 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.
-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 science & healthcare companies. 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 the terms of the funds.

Regulatory_Matters

Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Regulatory Matters	Regulatory Matters
	The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital adequacy requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Board and the California Department of Business Oversight - Division of Financial Institutions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) required that the federal regulatory agencies adopt regulations defining five capital categories for banks: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Quantitative measures, established by the regulators to ensure capital adequacy, require that SVB Financial Group and the Bank maintain minimum ratios (set forth in the table below) of capital to risk-weighted assets. There are three categories of capital under the guidelines. Tier 1 capital includes common stockholders' equity (excluding any net unrealized gains or losses, after applicable taxes, on available-for-sale securities), qualifying preferred stock and trust preferred securities, less goodwill and certain other deductions (including the net unrealized losses, after applicable taxes, on available-for-sale equity securities carried at fair value). At least 50 percent of the qualifying total capital should consist of Tier 1 capital. Components of Tier 2 capital include preferred stock not qualifying as Tier 1 capital, qualifying subordinated debt, the allowance for credit losses, up to a maximum of 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets and unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities, subject to limitations set by the guidelines. Tier 3 capital includes certain qualifying unsecured subordinated debt. We did not have any Tier 3 capital as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	As of December 31, 2014, both SVB Financial and the Bank were considered “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes under existing capital guidelines.  There are no conditions or events since that date that management believes would have a material impact on that capital category.
	The following table presents the capital ratios for the Company and the Bank under federal regulatory guidelines, compared to the minimum regulatory capital requirements for an adequately capitalized and a well-capitalized depository institution, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Capital Ratios						Capital Amounts
	(Dollars in thousands)	Actual		Well Capitalized Minimum		Adequately Capitalized Minimum		Actual		Well Capitalized Minimum		Adequately Capitalized Minimum
	December 31, 2014:
	Total risk-based capital:
	SVB Financial	13.92	%	10	%	8	%	$	3,030,150	$	2,176,210	$	1,740,968
	Bank	12.12		10		8		2,600,011		2,145,788		1,716,630
	Tier 1 risk-based capital:
	SVB Financial	12.91		6		4		2,808,948		1,305,726		870,484
	Bank	11.09		6		4		2,379,991		1,287,473		858,315
	Tier 1 leverage:
	SVB Financial	7.74		N/A		4		2,808,948		N/A		1,450,927
	Bank	6.64		5		4		2,379,991		1,793,264		1,434,611
	December 31, 2013:
	Total risk-based capital:
	SVB Financial	13.13	%	10	%	8	%	$	2,218,996	$	1,690,150	$	1,352,120
	Bank	11.32		10		8		1,880,254		1,661,287		1,329,030
	Tier 1 risk-based capital:
	SVB Financial	11.94		6		4		2,018,455		1,014,090		676,060
	Bank	10.11		6		4		1,680,212		996,772		664,515
	Tier 1 leverage:
	SVB Financial	8.31		N/A		4		2,018,455		N/A		972,130
	Bank	7.04		5		4		1,680,212		1,194,012		955,210

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 (for further description of these reportable segments, refer to "Business–Business Overview" under Part I, Item 1 of this report):
	•	Global Commercial Bank is comprised of results from the following:
	◦	Our Commercial Bank products and services are provided by the Bank and its subsidiaries to commercial clients in the technology, life science & healthcare and private equity/venture capital 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 broadly serves clients within the United States, as well as non-U.S. clients in key international innovation markets. In addition, the Bank and its subsidiaries offer a variety of investment services and solutions to its clients that enable them to effectively manage their assets.
	◦	Our Private Equity Division provides banking products and services primarily to our private equity and venture capital clients.
	◦	SVB Wine provides banking products and services to our premium wine industry clients, including vineyard development loans. 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 private equity/venture capital firms.
	◦	Debt Fund Investments is comprised of our investments in debt funds in which we are a strategic investor.
	•	SVB Private Bank is the private banking division of the Bank, which provides a range of personal financial solutions for consumers. Our clients are primarily private equity/venture capital 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, on a more limited basis, SVB Financial Group. The SVB Capital family of funds is comprised of direct venture funds that invest in companies and funds of funds that invest in other venture capital funds. SVB Capital generates income for the Company primarily through investment returns (including carried interest) and management fees.
	The summary financial results of our operating segments are presented along with a reconciliation to our consolidated results.
	Our segment information for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Global			SVB Private			SVB Capital			Other Items			Total
			Commercial			Bank			(1)			-2
			Bank (1)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Net interest income		$	742,274		$	31,427		$	58		$	82,836		$	856,595
	Provision for loan losses		(58,622		)	(864		)	—			—			(59,486		)
	Noninterest income		213,084			1,494			58,058			299,603			572,239
	Noninterest expense (3)		(510,165		)	(10,571		)	(12,668		)	(183,467		)	(716,871		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	386,571		$	21,486		$	45,448		$	198,972		$	652,477
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	10,286,448		$	1,157,024		$	—		$	59,469		$	11,502,941
	Total average assets (5)		30,286,374			1,150,835			320,129			1,206,857			32,964,195
	Total average deposits		27,364,246			890,062			—			66,517			28,320,825
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Net interest income		$	641,384		$	26,701		$	20		$	29,239		$	697,344
	(Provision for) reduction of loan losses		(65,290		)	1,597			—			—			(63,693		)
	Noninterest income		202,404			1,209			75,037			394,556			673,206
	Noninterest expense (3)		(429,650		)	(9,195		)	(10,737		)	(172,098		)	(621,680		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	348,848		$	20,312		$	64,320		$	251,697		$	685,177
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	8,401,943		$	919,831		$	—		$	29,604		$	9,351,378
	Total average assets (5)		21,395,501			955,441			289,328			570,477			23,210,747
	Total average deposits		19,072,608			524,398			—			22,188			19,619,194
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Net interest income		$	593,770		$	21,807		$	15		$	2,272		$	617,864
	(Provision for) reduction of loan losses		(45,417		)	1,087			—			—			(44,330		)
	Noninterest income		188,821			681			27,435			118,609			335,546
	Noninterest expense (3)		(393,151		)	(7,388		)	(11,263		)	(134,196		)	(545,998		)
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (4)		$	344,023		$	16,187		$	16,187		$	(13,315	)	$	363,082
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	6,750,951		$	758,471		$	—		$	49,506		$	7,558,928
	Total average assets (5)		19,557,289			759,251			239,335			755,297			21,311,172
	Total average deposits		17,574,001			313,836			—			22,251			17,910,088
	-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".
	-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 $20.9 million, $18.7 million and $14.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 equals the greater of total average assets or the sum of total liabilities and total stockholders’ equity for each segment.

Parent_Company_Only_Condensed_

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information	Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information
	The condensed balance sheets of SVB Financial at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related condensed statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for 2014, 2013 and 2012, are presented below.
	Condensed Balance Sheets
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	314,236		$	218,148
	Investment securities	229,604			234,398
	Net loans	16,684			4,791
	Other assets	159,244			136,897
	Investment in subsidiaries:
	Bank subsidiary	2,404,101			1,639,024
	Nonbank subsidiaries	149,558			160,271
	Total assets	$	3,273,427		$	2,393,529
	Liabilities and SVBFG stockholders’ equity:
	5.375% Senior Notes	$	348,435		$	348,209
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	54,845			55,020
	Other liabilities	52,385			24,030
	Total liabilities	455,665			427,259
	SVBFG stockholders’ equity	2,817,762			1,966,270
	Total liabilities and SVBFG stockholders’ equity	$	3,273,427		$	2,393,529
	Condensed Statements of Income
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Interest income	$	2,534		$	3,545		$	3,282
	Interest expense	(21,863		)	(24,408		)	(23,037		)
	Dividend income from bank subsidiary	—			10,000			—
	Gains on derivative instruments, net	66,604			47,421			17,289
	Gains on investment securities, net	8,750			15,238			15,329
	Impairment loss on cumulative foreign currency translation losses	(9,564		)	—			—
	General and administrative expenses	(53,912		)	(54,389		)	(66,812		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit	(15,038		)	(15,824		)	12,200
	Loss before net income of subsidiaries	(22,489		)	(18,417		)	(41,749		)
	Equity in undistributed net income of nonbank subsidiaries	37,009			58,075			21,457
	Equity in undistributed net income of bank subsidiary	249,405			176,195			195,395
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	263,925		$	215,853		$	175,103
	Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	263,925		$	215,853		$	175,103
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	3,012			(3,128		)	(114		)
	Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale	1,232			(1,449		)	2,074
	Equity in other comprehensive income (losses) of subsidiaries	87,224			(152,740		)	21,194
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	91,468			(157,317		)	23,154
	Total comprehensive income	$	355,393		$	58,536		$	198,257
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income attributable to SVBFG	$	263,925		$	215,853		$	175,103
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
	Gains on derivative instruments, net	(66,604		)	(47,421		)	(17,289		)
	Gains on investment securities, net	(8,750		)	(15,238		)	(15,329		)
	Net income of bank subsidiary	(249,405		)	(186,195		)	(195,395		)
	Net income on nonbank subsidiaries	(37,009		)	(58,075		)	(21,457		)
	Cash dividends from bank subsidiary	—			10,000			—
	Amortization of share-based compensation	29,545			25,413			21,861
	Decrease (increase) in other assets	44,006			(11,901		)	5,463
	Increase in other liabilities	28,303			1,506			3,952
	Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction	9,564			—			—
	Other, net	584			(1,269		)	2,273
	Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	14,159			(67,327		)	(40,818		)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
Net decrease in investment securities from purchases, sales and maturities	15,469			70,479			11,833
Net (increase) decrease in loans	(11,893		)	4,078			2,034
(Increase) decrease in investment in bank subsidiary	(432,804		)	(21,469		)	12,180
Decrease in investment in nonbank subsidiaries	44,714			9,925			13,012
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities	(384,514		)	63,013			39,059
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments of other long-term debt	—			—			(1,222		)
Tax benefit from stock exercises	9,431			6,826			5,581
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and ESPP	22,146			46,569			29,282
Net proceeds from public equity offering	434,866			—			—
Net cash provided by financing activities	466,443			53,395			33,641
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	96,088			49,081			31,882
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	218,148			169,067			137,185
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	314,236		$	218,148		$	169,067

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
	Our supplemental consolidated financial information for each three month period in 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Three months ended
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
	2014:00:00
	Interest income	$	205,024		$	213,841		$	229,326		$	243,725
	Interest expense	(8,696		)	(8,876		)	(8,761		)	(8,988		)
	Net interest income	196,328			204,965			220,565			234,737
	Provision for loan losses	(494		)	(1,947		)	(16,610		)	(40,435		)
	Noninterest income	310,225			14,210			80,167			167,637
	Noninterest expense	(172,436		)	(173,446		)	(181,989		)	(189,000		)
	Income before income tax expense	333,623			43,782			102,133			172,939
	Income tax expense	58,917			33,582			38,961			42,302
	Net income before noncontrolling interests	274,706			10,200			63,172			130,637
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(183,405		)	40,597			(177		)	(71,805		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	91,301		$	50,797		$	62,995		$	58,832
	Earnings per common share—basic	$	1.99		$	1.05		$	1.24		$	1.16
	Earnings per common share—diluted	1.95			1.04			1.22			1.14
	2013:00:00
	Interest income	$	171,014		$	177,983		$	185,240		$	195,384
	Interest expense	(7,845		)	(7,902		)	(8,144		)	(8,386		)
	Net interest income	163,169			170,081			177,096			186,998
	Provision for loan losses	(5,813		)	(18,572		)	(10,638		)	(28,670		)
	Noninterest income	78,604			98,239			257,650			238,713
	Noninterest expense	(149,014		)	(143,292		)	(160,524		)	(168,850		)
	Income before income tax expense	86,946			106,456			263,584			228,191
	Income tax expense	26,401			29,968			47,404			35,285
	Net income before noncontrolling interests	60,545			76,488			216,180			192,906
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19,654		)	(27,904		)	(148,559		)	(134,149		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	40,891		$	48,584		$	67,621		$	58,757
	Earnings per common share—basic	$	0.91		$	1.08		$	1.48		$	1.29
	Earnings per common share—diluted	0.9			1.06			1.46			1.27

Legal_Matters

Legal Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	SVBIF Sale Transaction
	On January 15, 2015, the Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SVB Financial Group and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) to sell all of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank’s subsidiary, SVB India Finance Private Limited, a non-banking financial company in India (“SVBIF”), to Temasek, a Singapore investment company, for a total sale price equal to the sum of SVBIF’s “share capital” and “reserves and surplus” accounts (its net asset value) as of a date shortly prior to the closing (the “Sale Transaction”). The closing of the transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval by the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”). Subject to such RBI approval, the Company expects the Sale Transaction to close in the first quarter of 2015.  As a result of the SVBIF pending sale transaction, the Company classified SVBIF's net assets as held-for-sale as assets held-for-sale criteria were met and an impairment loss was recognized at December 31, 2014. Refer to Note 10 - "Disposal - Assets Held-for-Sale" in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 in this report for details of selected financial information included in the loss from the pending sale.
	3.5% Senior Notes
	On January 29, 2015, the Company issued $350 million of 3.5% Senior Notes due in January 2025 (“3.5% Senior Notes”). We received net proceeds from this offering of approximately $346.4 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses payable by us. The Company contributed all of the net proceeds to the Bank.
	Update on Securities Valuations for the First Quarter of 2015
	As previously noted in prior disclosures, SVB and certain equity investment funds managed by SVB Capital, our funds management business, hold direct and indirect investments in FireEye. As of December 31, 2014, our managed funds (including SVB Financial's interest) held approximately 2.5 million shares of FireEye common stock ("FireEye Shares"). Subsequent to December 31, 2014, our managed direct venture funds distributed the remaining FireEye Shares to their respective investors. Accordingly, the distributions resulted in $14.6 million of net realized gains on investment securities ($2.8 million net of noncontrolling interests but inclusive of SVB Financial's carried interests).

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates and Assumptions	Use of Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of 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 and other 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. The following discussion provides additional background on our significant accounting policies.
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 variable interest entity and whether the 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 VIEs in which we are the primary beneficiary 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 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, cash balances due from banks, interest-earning deposits, Federal Reserve deposits, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities. For the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider cash equivalents to be investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, so near to their maturity that they present an insignificant risk of change in fair value due to changes in market interest rates, and purchased in conjunction with our cash management activities.
Available-for-Sale Securities	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is a fixed income investment portfolio that is managed to earn an appropriate portfolio yield over the long-term while maintaining sufficient liquidity and credit diversification as well as addressing our asset/liability management objectives. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of applicable taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a separate component of SVBFG's stockholders' equity, until realized.
	We analyze available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary impairment each quarter. Market valuations represent the cumulative current fair value of a security at a specified point in time and incorporates the risk of timing of interest due and the return of principal over the contractual life of each security. Gains and losses on securities are realized when there is a sale of the security prior to maturity. A credit downgrade represents an increased level of risk of other-than-temporary impairment, and as a part of our consideration of recording an other-than-temporary impairment we will assess the issuer's ability to service the debt and to repay the principal at contractual maturity.
	We apply the other-than-temporary impairment standards of ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities. For our debt securities, we have the intent and ability to hold these securities until we recover our cost less any credit-related loss. We separate the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment, if any, into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between a security's amortized cost basis and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security's effective interest rate. The amount due to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
	We consider numerous factors in determining whether a credit loss exists and the period over which the debt security is expected to recover. The following list is not meant to be all inclusive. All of the following factors are considered:
	•	The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis (severity and duration);
	•	Adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or geographic area; for example, changes in the financial condition of the issuer of the security, or in the case of an asset-backed debt security, changes in the financial condition of the underlying loan obligors. Examples of those changes include any of the following:
	◦	Changes in technology;
	◦	The discontinuance of a segment of the business that may affect the future earnings potential of the issuer or underlying loan obligors of the security; and
	◦	Changes in the quality of the credit enhancement.
	•	The historical and implied volatility of the fair value of the security;
	•	The payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future;
	•	Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments;
	•	Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency; and
	•	Recoveries or additional declines in fair value after the balance sheet date.
	In accordance with ASC 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, we use estimates of future principal prepayments, provided by third-party market-data vendors, in addition to actual principal prepayment experience to calculate the constant effective yield necessary to apply the effective interest method in the amortization of purchase discounts or premiums on mortgage-backed securities and fixed rate collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”). The discounts or premiums are included in interest income over the contractual terms of the underlying securities replicating the effective interest method.
Marketable Securities, Held-to-maturity Securities, Policy	Held-to-Maturity Securities
	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.
Non-Marketable and Other Securities	Non-Marketable and Other Securities
	Non-marketable and other securities include investments in venture capital and private equity funds, debt funds, direct equity investments in companies and low income housing tax credit funds. A majority of these investments are managed through our SVB Capital funds business in funds of funds and direct venture funds. Our accounting for investments in non-marketable and other securities depends on several factors, including the level of ownership, power to control and the legal structure of the subsidiary making the investment. As further described below, we base our accounting for such securities on: (i) fair value accounting, (ii) equity method accounting, or (iii) cost method accounting.
Fair Value Accounting	Fair Value Accounting
	Our managed funds are investment companies under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and accordingly, these funds report their investments at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as investment gains or losses in our consolidated statements of income. Our non-marketable and other securities recorded pursuant to fair value accounting consist of our investments through the following funds:
	•	Funds of funds; which make investments in venture capital and private equity funds;
	•	Direct venture funds; which make equity investments in privately held companies
Equity Method Investment	Equity Method
	Our equity method non-marketable securities consist of investments in venture capital and private equity funds, privately-held companies, debt funds, and low income housing tax credit funds. Our equity method non-marketable securities and related accounting policies are described as follows:
	•	Equity securities, such as preferred or common stock in privately-held companies in which we hold a voting interest of at least 20 percent but less than 50 percent or in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees' operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method.
	•	Investments in limited partnerships in which we hold voting interests of more than 5 percent, but less than 50 percent or in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships' operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method.
	•	Our China joint venture partnership, for which we have 50 percent ownership, is accounted for under the equity method.
	We recognize our proportionate share of the results of operations of these equity method investees in our results of operations, based on the most current financial information available from the investee. We review our investments accounted for under the equity method at least quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. Our review typically includes an analysis of facts and circumstances for each investment, the expectations of the investment's future cash flows and capital needs, variability of its business and the company's exit strategy. For our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as provided by the general partners of the fund investments. 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, for example September 30th, for our December 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and known significant fund transactions or market events about which we are aware through information provided by the fund managers or from publicly available transaction data during the reporting period.
	We reduce our investment value when we consider declines in value to be other-than-temporary and recognize the estimated loss as a loss on investment securities, a component of noninterest income.
Cost Method Investment	Cost Method
	Our cost method non-marketable securities and related accounting policies are described as follows:
	•	Equity securities, such as preferred or common stock in privately-held companies in which we hold an ownership interest of less than 20 percent and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees' operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the cost method.
	•	Investments in limited partnerships in which we hold voting interests of less than 5 percent and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships' operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the cost method. These non-marketable securities include investments in venture capital and private equity funds.
	We record these investments at cost and recognize distributions or returns received from net accumulated earnings of the investee since the date of acquisition as income. Our share of net accumulated earnings of the investee after the date of investment are recognized in consolidated net income only to the extent distributed by the investee. Distributions or returns received in excess of accumulated earnings are considered a return of investment and are recorded as reductions in the cost basis of the investment.
	We review our investments accounted for under the cost method at least quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. Our review typically includes an analysis of facts and circumstances of each investment, the expectations of the investment's future cash flows and capital needs, variability of its business and the company's exit strategy. To help determine impairment, if any, for our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as provided by the general partners of the fund investments. 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, for example September 30th, for our December 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and known significant fund transactions or market events about which we are aware through information provided by the fund managers or from publicly available transaction data during the reporting period.
	We reduce our investment value when we consider declines in value to be other-than-temporary and recognize the estimated loss as a loss on investment securities, a component of noninterest income.
	Gains or losses on cost method investment securities that result from a portfolio company being acquired by a publicly traded company are determined using its fair value when the acquisition occurs. The resulting gains or losses are recognized in consolidated net income on that date.
Loans	Loans
	Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned loan fees. Unearned loan fees reflect unamortized deferred loan origination and commitment fees net of unamortized deferred loan origination costs. In addition to cash loan fees, we often obtain equity warrant assets that give us an option to purchase a position in a client company's stock in consideration for providing credit facilities. The grant date fair values of these equity warrant assets are deemed to be loan fees and are deferred as unearned income and recognized as an adjustment of loan yield through loan interest income. The net amount of unearned loan fees is amortized into loan interest income over the contractual terms of the underlying loans and commitments using the constant effective yield method, adjusted for actual loan prepayment experience, or the straight-line method, as applicable.
Allowance for Loan Losses	Allowance for Loan Losses
	The allowance for loan losses considers credit risk and is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Our allowance for loan losses is established for estimated loan losses that are probable but not yet realized. Our evaluation process is designed to determine that the allowance for loan losses is appropriate at the balance sheet date. The process of estimating loan losses is inherently imprecise.
	We maintain a systematic process for the evaluation of individual loans and pools of loans for inherent risk of loan losses. At the time of approval and then at least annually, each loan in our portfolio is assigned a Credit Risk Rating and industry niche. Credit Risk Ratings are assigned on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing loans with a low risk of nonpayment, 9 representing loans with the highest risk of nonpayment, and 10 representing loans which have been charged-off. This Credit Risk Rating process includes, but is not limited to, consideration of such factors as payment status, the financial condition and operating performance of the borrower, borrower compliance with loan covenants, underlying collateral values and performance trends, the degree of access to additional capital, the presence of credit enhancements such as third party guarantees (where applicable), the degree to which the borrower is sensitive to external factors, the depth and experience of the borrower's management team, potential loan concentrations, and general economic conditions. Our policies require a committee of senior management to review, at least quarterly, credit relationships with a credit risk rating of 5 or worse that exceed specific dollar values. Our review process evaluates the appropriateness of the credit risk rating and allocation of the allowance for loan losses, as well as other account management functions. The allowance for loan losses is based on a formula allocation for similarly risk-rated loans by portfolio segment and individually for impaired loans. The formula allocation provides the average loan loss experience for each portfolio segment, which considers our quarterly historical loss experience since the year 2000, both by risk-rating category and client industry sector. The resulting loan loss factors for each risk-rating category and client industry sector are ultimately applied to the respective period-end client loan balances for each corresponding risk-rating category by client industry sector to provide an estimation of the allowance for loan losses. The probable loan loss experience for any one year period of time is reasonably expected to be greater or less than the average as determined by the loss factors. As such, management applies a qualitative allocation to the results of the aforementioned model to ascertain the total allowance for loan losses. This qualitative allocation is based on management's assessment of the risks that may lead to a future loan loss experience different from our historical loan loss experience. Based on management's prediction or estimate of changing risks in the lending environment, the qualitative allocation may vary significantly from period to period and includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the following factors:
	•	Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collections, and charge-off and recovery practices;
	•	Changes in national and local economic business conditions, including the market and economic condition of our clients' industry sectors;
	•	Changes in the nature of our loan portfolio;
	•	Changes in experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff;
	•	Changes in the trend of the volume and severity of past due and classified loans;
	•	Changes in the trend of the volume of nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings, and other loan modifications;
	•	Reserve floor for portfolio segments that would not draw a minimum reserve based on the lack of historical loan loss experience;
	•	Reserve for large funded loan exposure; and
	•	Other factors as determined by management from time to time.
	While the evaluation process of our allowance for loan losses uses historical and other objective information, the classification of loans and the establishment of the allowance for loan losses rely, to a great extent, on the judgment and experience of our management.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy	Reserve for Unfunded Credit Commitments
	We record a liability for probable and estimable losses associated with our unfunded credit commitments being funded and subsequently being charged off. Each quarter, every unfunded client credit commitment is allocated to a credit risk-rating in accordance with each client's credit risk rating. We use the historical loan loss factors described under our allowance for loan losses to calculate the loan loss experience if unfunded credit commitments are funded. Separately, we use historical trends to calculate a probability of an unfunded credit commitment being funded. We apply the loan funding probability factor to risk-factor adjusted unfunded credit commitments by credit risk-rating to derive the reserve for unfunded credit commitments, similar to funded loans. The reserve for unfunded credit commitments also includes certain qualitative allocations as deemed appropriate by our management. We include the reserve for unfunded credit commitments in other liabilities and the related provision in other expenses.
Uncollectible Loans and Write-offs	Uncollectible Loans and Write-offs
	Our charge-off policy applies to all loans, regardless of portfolio segment. Loans are considered for full or partial charge-offs in the event that principal or interest is over 180 days past due or the loan lacks sufficient collateral and it is not in the process of collection. We also consider writing off loans in the event of any of the following circumstances: 1) the loan, or a portion of the loan is deemed uncollectible due to: a) the borrower's inability to make recurring payments, b) material changes in the borrower's assets, c) the expected sale of all or a portion of the borrower's business, or d) a combination of the foregoing; 2) the loan has been identified for charge-off by regulatory authorities; or 3) the debt is overdue greater than 90 days.
Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs)	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	A TDR arises from the modification of a loan where we have granted a concession to the borrower related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not have otherwise considered for economic or legal reasons. These concessions may include: (1) deferral of payment for more than an insignificant period of time; (2) interest rate reductions; (3) extension of the maturity date with interest rate concessions; (4) principal forgiveness; and or (5) reduction of accrued interest.
	We use the factors in ASC 310-40, Receivables, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, to help determine when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, and when we have granted a concession, both of which must be present for a restructuring to meet the criteria of a TDR. If we determine that a TDR exists, we measure impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, we may also measure impairment based on a loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral less selling costs if the loan is a collateral-dependent loan.
Nonaccrual Loans and Impaired Loans	Nonaccrual Loans and Impaired Loans
	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 currently known information, that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable.
	When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued interest and fees are reversed against interest income and the loan is accounted for using the cost recovery method thereafter until qualifying for return to accrual status. Historically, loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status have remained as nonaccrual loans until the loan is either charged-off, or the principal balances have been paid off. For a loan to be returned to accrual status, all delinquent principal and interest must become current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement and future collection of remaining principal and interest must be deemed probable. We apply a cost recovery method in which all cash received is applied to the loan principal until it has been collected. Under this approach, interest income is recognized after total cash flows received exceed the recorded investment at the date of initial impairment.
	A loan is considered impaired when, based upon currently known information, it is deemed probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the agreement. All of our nonaccrual loans are classified under the impaired category. On a quarterly basis, we review our loan portfolio for impairment. Within each class of loans, we review individual loans for impairment based on credit risk ratings. Loans that have credit risk ratings of 8 or 9 are considered impaired and are reviewed individually.
	For each loan identified as impaired, we measure the impairment based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. In limited circumstances, we may measure impairment based on the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less selling costs if the loan is collateral dependent. Impaired collateral dependent loans will have independent appraisals completed and accepted at least annually. The fair value of the collateral will be determined by the most recent appraisal, as adjusted to reflect a reasonable marketing period for the sale of the asset(s) and an estimate of reasonable selling expenses.
	If it is determined that the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, net of previous charge-offs and payments collected, we recognize impairment through the allowance for loan losses as determined by our analysis.
Standby Letters of Credit	Standby Letters of Credit
	We recognize a liability at the inception of a standby letter of credit equivalent to the premium or the fee received for such guarantee. This fee is recognized in noninterest income over the commitment period using the straight-line method.
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment
	Premises and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the related leases, whichever is shorter. The maximum estimated useful lives by asset classification are as follows:
	Leasehold improvements		Lesser of lease term or asset life
	Furniture and equipment		3 years
	Computer software		3-7 years
	Computer hardware		3-5 years
	We capitalize the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use, including costs related to developed software, purchased software licenses and certain implementation costs.
	For property and equipment that is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in noninterest expense in consolidated net income.
Lease Obligations	Lease Obligations
	We lease all of our properties. At the inception of the lease, each property is evaluated to determine whether the lease will be accounted for as an operating or capital lease. For leases that contain rent escalations or landlord incentives, we record the total rent payable during the lease term, using the straight-line method over the term of the lease and record the difference between the minimum rents paid and the straight-line rent as lease obligations. We had no capitalized lease obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain marketable, 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 consolidated financial statements.
	Fair Value Measurement-Definition and Hierarchy
	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, issuance date, 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 derivative assets and liabilities: Fair value measurements of interest rate derivatives 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.
	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. Certain sales restriction 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 certain sales restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. As sale restrictions are lifted, discounts are adjusted downward to zero 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.
Fee-based Services Revenue Recognition	Fee-based Services Revenue Recognition
	Letters of Credit and Standby Letters of Credit Fee Income
	Fees generated from letters of credit and standby letters of credit are deferred as a component of other liabilities and recognized in noninterest income over the commitment period using the straight-line method, based on the likelihood that the commitment being drawn down will be remote.
	Client Investment Fees
	Client investment fees include fees earned from Rule 12(b)-1 fees, revenue sharing and from customer transactional based fees. Rule 12(b)-1 fees and revenue sharing are recognized as earned based on client funds that are invested in the period. Transactional based fees are earned and recognized on fixed income securities when the transaction is executed on the clients' behalf.
	Foreign Exchange Fees
	Foreign exchange fees represent the income differential between purchases and sales of foreign currency on behalf of our clients and are recognized as earned.
	Lending Related Fees
	Unused commitment fees, minimum finance fees and unused line fees are recognized as earned on a monthly and quarterly basis. Fees that qualify for syndication treatment are recognized at the completion of the syndicated loan deal for which the fees were received.
	Other Fee Income
	Credit card fees and deposit service charge fee income are recognized as earned on a monthly basis.
	Other Service Revenue
	Other service revenue primarily includes revenue from valuation services. We recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) we have performed the service, provided we have no other remaining obligations to the customer, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable and, (iv) collectability is probable.
	Fund Management Fees and Carried Interest
	Fund management fees are comprised of fees charged directly to our managed funds of funds and direct venture funds. Fund management fees are based upon the contractual terms of the limited partnership agreements and are recognized as earned over the specified contract period, which is generally equal to the life of the individual fund. Fund management fees are recorded as a component of other noninterest income.
	Carried interest is comprised of preferential allocations of profits recognizable when the return on assets of our individual managed funds of funds and direct venture funds exceeds certain performance targets. Carried interest is recorded quarterly based on measuring fund performance to date versus the performance target and is recorded as a component of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Our federal, state and foreign income tax provisions are based upon taxes payable for the current year, current year changes in deferred taxes related to temporary differences between the tax basis and financial statement balances of assets and liabilities, and a reserve for uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. We file a consolidated federal income tax return, and consolidated, combined, or separate state income tax returns as appropriate. Our foreign incorporated subsidiaries file tax returns in the applicable foreign jurisdictions. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in other noninterest expense, a component of consolidated net income.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	For all stock-based awards granted, stock-based compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, including consideration of vesting conditions and anticipated forfeitures. The fair value of stock options are measured using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the fair value for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are based on the quoted price of our common stock on the date of grant.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common stock shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of stock options, ESPP shares and restricted stock units. Common stock equivalent shares are excluded from the computation if the effect is antidilutive.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative financial instrument depends on whether the derivative financial instrument is designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. Changes in fair value are recognized through earnings for derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, or that have not been designated in a hedging relationship.
	Fair Value Hedges
	For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recorded in the statement of income in the same line item as the hedged item and is intended to offset the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. Any difference that does arise would be the result of hedge ineffectiveness, and impacts earnings.
	Equity Warrant Assets
	In connection with negotiated credit facilities and certain other services, we may obtain equity warrant assets giving us the right to acquire stock in primarily private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science & healthcare industries. We hold these assets for prospective investment gains. We do not use them to hedge any economic risks nor do we use other derivative instruments to hedge economic risks stemming from equity warrant assets.
	We account for equity warrant assets in certain private and public client companies as derivatives when they contain net settlement terms and other qualifying criteria under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. In general, equity warrant assets entitle us to buy a specific number of shares of stock at a specific price within a specific time period. Certain equity warrant assets contain contingent provisions, which adjust the underlying number of shares or purchase price upon the occurrence of certain future events. Our warrant agreements typically contain net share settlement provisions, which permit us to receive at exercise a share count equal to the intrinsic value of the warrant divided by the share price (otherwise known as a “cashless” exercise). These equity warrant assets are recorded at fair value and are classified as derivative assets, a component of other assets, on our consolidated balance sheet at the time they are obtained.
	The grant date fair values of equity warrant assets received in connection with the issuance of a credit facility are deemed to be loan fees and recognized as an adjustment of loan yield through loan interest income. Similar to other loan fees, the yield adjustment related to grant date fair value of warrants is recognized over the life of that credit facility.
	Any changes in fair value from the grant date fair value of equity warrant assets will be recognized as increases or decreases to other assets on our balance sheet and as net gains or losses on derivative investments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. When a portfolio company completes an IPO on a publicly reported market or is acquired, we may exercise these equity warrant assets for shares or cash.
	In the event of an exercise for shares, the basis or value in the securities is reclassified from other assets to investment securities on the balance sheet on the latter of the exercise date or corporate action date. The shares in public companies are classified as available-for-sale securities (provided they do not have a significant restriction from sale). Changes in fair value of securities designated as available-for-sale, after applicable taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a separate component of SVBFG stockholders' equity. The shares in private companies are classified as non-marketable securities. We, typically, account for these securities at cost and only record adjustments to the value at the time of exit or liquidation though gains (losses) on investments securities, net, which is a component of noninterest income.
	The fair value of the equity warrant assets portfolio is a critical accounting estimate and is reviewed quarterly. We value our equity warrant assets using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates the following significant inputs:
	•	An underlying asset value, which is estimated based on current information available, including any information regarding subsequent rounds of funding.
	•	Stated strike price, which can be adjusted for certain warrants upon the occurrence of subsequent funding rounds or other future events.
	•	Price volatility or the amount of uncertainty or risk about the magnitude of the changes in the warrant price. The volatility assumption is based on historical price volatility of publicly traded companies within indices similar in nature to the underlying client companies issuing the warrant. The actual volatility input is based on the mean and median volatility for an individual public company within an index for the past 16 quarters, from which an average volatility was derived.
	•	Actual data on cancellations and exercises of our warrants are utilized as the basis for determining the expected remaining life of the warrants in each financial reporting period. Warrants may be exercised in the event of acquisitions, mergers or IPOs, and cancelled due to events such as bankruptcies, restructuring activities or additional financings. These events cause the expected remaining life assumption to be shorter than the contractual term of the warrants.
	•	The risk-free interest rate is derived from the Treasury yield curve and is calculated based on a weighted average of the risk-free interest rates that correspond closest to the expected remaining life of the warrant.
	•	Other adjustments, including a marketability discount, are estimated based on management's judgment about the general industry environment.
	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, had no initial net investment and met other qualifying criteria under ASC 815, 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 gains on derivative instruments, net, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
	Foreign Exchange Forwards and Foreign Currency Option Contracts
	We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with clients involved in international activities, either as the purchaser or seller, depending upon the clients' need. We also enter into an opposite-way forward or option contract with a correspondent bank to economically hedge client contracts to mitigate the fair value risk to us from fluctuations in currency rates. Settlement, credit, and operational risks remain. We also enter into forward contracts with correspondent banks to economically hedge currency exposure risk related to certain foreign currency denominated loans. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. 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. Changes in the fair value of these contracts are recognized in consolidated net income under gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, a component of noninterest income. Period-end gross positive fair values are recorded in other assets and gross negative fair values are recorded in other liabilities.
	Interest Rate Contracts
	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.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	Recent 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 is effective for us for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Any transition adjustment would be reflected as an adjustment to retained earnings in the earliest period presented (retrospective application). The ASU will be applicable to our portfolio of low income housing tax credit ("LIHTC") partnership interests. The new standard widens the scope of investments eligible to elect to apply a new alternative method, the proportional amortization method, under which the cost of the investment is amortized to tax expense in proportion to the amount of tax credits and other tax benefits received. We anticipate that our entire LIHTC portfolio will qualify to elect the proportional amortization method under the ASU. These investments are currently accounted for under the cost and equity methods, which results in losses (due to the amortization of the investment) being recognized in other noninterest expense and tax credits and benefits being recognized in income tax expense. In contrast, the proportional amortization method combines the amortization of the investment and receipt of the tax credits/benefits into one line, income tax expense. The adoption of this ASU is estimated to reduce retained earnings by approximately $5.0 million, primarily related to a reduction in deferred tax assets. On a prospective basis, the Company’s operating expenses will be lower by approximately $10.0 million, annually based on current LIHTC investments, as the amortization expense of the investments will be reclassed and netted within the tax expense line.
	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	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Ownership Interests in Investments Held Under Fair Value Accounting	A summary of our ownership interests in the investments held under fair value accounting as of December 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:
	Limited partnership	Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership
	Managed funds of funds
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP	12.6	%
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP	8.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP	5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP	5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds	Various
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP	20
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP	33
	Other private equity fund	58.2
	Managed direct venture funds
	Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP	10.7
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP	5.1
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund	6.8
Maximum Estimated Useful Lives by Asset Classification	The maximum estimated useful lives by asset classification are as follows:
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or asset life
	Furniture and equipment	3 years
	Computer software	3-7 years
	Computer hardware	3-5 years

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Ta

Stockholders' Equity and EPS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2014, 2013, and 2012:
				Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	Income Statement Location		2014				2013				2012
	Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	Gains on investment securities, net		$	18,598			$	(538	)		$	(4,241	)
	Related tax (benefit) expense	Income tax expense		(7,510		)		218				1,661
	Total reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax			$	11,088			$	(320	)		$	(2,580	)
Reconciliation of Basic EPS to Diluted EPS	The following is a reconciliation of basic EPS to diluted EPS for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014				2013				2012
	Numerator:
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	263,925			$	215,853			$	175,103
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	48,931				45,309				44,242
	Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and ESPP	485				431				370
	Restricted stock units	246				204				152
	Denominator for diluted calculation	49,662				45,944				44,764
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	5.39			$	4.76			$	3.96
	Diluted	$	5.31			$	4.7			$	3.91
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 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Shares in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Stock options	161			261			695
	Restricted stock units	—			105			—
	Total	161			366			695

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share Based Compensation and Related Benefits	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded share-based compensation and related benefits as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Share-based compensation expense	$	29,545			$	25,413			$	21,861
	Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	(9,923		)		(7,989		)		(6,011		)
	Capitalized compensation costs	2,048				2,809				2,647
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense	As of December 31, 2014, unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Unrecognized				Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years
		Expense
	Stock options	$	14,341			2.51
	Restricted stock units	30,706				2.42
	Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$	45,047
Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Values Used for Employee Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units	The following weighted average assumptions and fair values were used for our employee stock options and restricted stock units:
	Equity incentive plan awards	2014				2013				2012
	Weighted average expected term of options in years	4.6				4.7				4.6
	Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock	35.9		%		44.6		%		50.4		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.72				0.7				0.83
	Expected dividend yield	—				—				—
	Weighted average grant date fair value-stock options	$	35.65			$	27.28			$	27
	Weighted average grant date fair value-restricted stock units	107.76				71.57				63.07
Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Values Used for ESPP	The following weighted average assumptions and fair values were used for our ESPP:
	ESPP	2014				2013				2012
	Expected term in years	0.5				0.5				0.5
	Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock	23.7		%		22.3		%		43.5		%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.08				0.11				0.11
	Expected dividend yield	—				—				—
	Weighted average fair value	$	24			$	15.35			$	14.43
Stock Option Information Related to Equity Incentive Plan	The table below provides stock option information related to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Options			Weighted				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value of
					Average						In-The-Money Options
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,514,159			$	55.27
	Granted	249,303			108.05
	Exercised	(330,898	)		47.7
	Forfeited	(37,676	)		72.45
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,394,888			66.03				4.09		$	69,834,175
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	1,352,289			65.35				4.04		68,622,901
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	687,696			50.6				2.89		45,022,407
Stock Options Outstanding	The following table summarizes information regarding stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014:
		Outstanding Options									Exercisable Options
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Weighted Average Exercise Price				Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	$19.48-45.15	139,582			1.55		$	23.86			137,576		$	23.63
	45.16-49.01	101,374			1.64		46.98				99,564		46.98
	49.02-60.14	162,117			2.66		50.89				145,697		50.24
	60.15-60.51	191,999			3.32		60.37				127,497		60.37
	60.52-64.40	269,220			4.33		64.31				114,437		64.3
	64.41-67.77	2,842			4.25		64.43				884		64.43
	67.78-73.76	274,906			5.33		71.11				60,161		71.11
	73.77-107.93	31,639			6.31		99.24				1,880		85.15
	107.94-122.55	221,209			6.36		108.43				—		—
		1,394,888			4.09		66.03				687,696		50.6
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 year ended December 31, 2014:
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	682,347			$	65.93
	Granted	201,464			107.76
	Vested	(233,759	)		63.89
	Forfeited	(35,386	)		74.39
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	614,666			79.92
Summary of Information Regarding Stock Option and Restricted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes information regarding stock option and restricted stock activity during 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	21,288			$	25,520			$	17,419
	Total grant date fair value of stock options vested	20,291				18,168				17,169
	Total intrinsic value of restricted stock vested	25,453				14,176				12,747
	Total grant date fair value of restricted stock vested	14,935				10,940				10,176

Reserves_on_Deposit_with_the_F1

Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock [Abstract]
Average Required Reserve Balances	The tables below provide information on the required reserve balances at the Federal Reserve, as well as shares held at the FHLB and FRB for the years ended and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Average required reserve balances at FRB San Francisco	$	168,387	$	131,374
Shares Held at Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	FHLB stock holdings	$	25,000	$	25,000
	FRB stock holdings	28,496		15,632

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Tabl

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table details our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Cash and due from banks (1)		$	1,694,329	$	1,349,688
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)		95,611		172,989
	Other short-term investment securities		6,122		16,102
	Total cash and cash equivalents		$	1,796,062	$	1,538,779
	-1	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, $861 million and $715 million, respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the FRB and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $440 million and $300 million, respectively.
	-2	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $98 million and $176 million, respectively. None of these securities were sold or repledged as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell	Additional information regarding our securities purchased under agreements to resell for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Average securities purchased under agreements to resell		$	108,910	$	96,309
	Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year		283,215		338,687

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
			31-Dec-14
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Carrying
			Cost			Gains				Losses				Value
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	7,289,135		$	17,524			$	(4,386	)		$	7,302,273
	U.S. agency debentures		3,540,055			30,478				(8,977		)		3,561,556
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		1,884,450			14,851				(14,458		)		1,884,843
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate		779,103			5,372				—				784,475
	Equity securities		5,202			2,628				(322		)		7,508
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	13,497,945		$	70,853			$	(28,143	)		$	13,540,655
			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
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	24,645		12.6	%		$	29,104			12.6	%
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		97,250			8.6			96,185				8.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		269,821			5.9			260,272				5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		291,291			5			226,729				5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		226,111			Various			118,181				Various
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		89,605			—			7,944				0.2
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		62,110			20			59,028				20
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		61,973			33			61,126				33
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		302			5.1			708				5.1
	Other private equity fund (ii)		7,774			58.2			3,695				58.2
	Total venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	1,130,882					$	862,972
	(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP		$	3,291		10.7	%		$	6,564			10.7	%
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		20,481			5.1			22,684				5.1
	Capital Partners III, LP		41,055			—			—				—
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		6,377			6.8			3,591				6.8
	Total other venture capital investments		$	71,204					$	32,839
	(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $75 million in 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 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (equity method accounting):
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (i)		$	21,294		15.5	%		$	21,867			15.5	%
	China Joint Venture investment		79,569			50			79,940				50
	Other investments		41,811			Various			41,076				Various
	Total other investments (equity method accounting)		$	142,674					$	142,883
	(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where our ownership interest is 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 $141 million, and $234 million
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, or 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2014:
			31-Dec-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		$	2,297,895		$	(4,386	)		$	—			$	—			$	2,297,895			$	(4,386	)
	U.S. agency debentures		249,266			(489		)		507,385				(8,488		)		756,651				(8,977		)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		662,092			(3,104		)		453,801				(11,354		)		1,115,893				(14,458		)
	Equity securities		568			(322		)		—				—				568				(322		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities (1)		$	3,209,821		$	(8,301	)		$	961,186			$	(19,842	)		$	4,171,007			$	(28,143	)
	-1	As of December 31, 2014, we identified a total of 115 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 33 investments totaling $961.2 million with unrealized losses of $19.8 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 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 December 31, 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, or 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
	Available-for-sale securities:
	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 securities classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 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.
			31-Dec-14
			Total						One Year							After One							After Five				After
									or Less							Year to							Years to				Ten Years
																Five 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		$	7,302,273		1.08	%		$	200,098			0.2	%		$	6,406,273			1.02	%		$	695,902	1.99	%	$	—	—	%
	U.S. agency debentures		3,561,556			1.64			869,463				1.78			2,276,819				1.46			415,274		2.36		—		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		1,884,843			2			—				—			—				—			527,216		2.57		1,357,627		1.79
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		784,475			0.71			—				—			—				—			—		—		784,475		0.71
	Total		$	13,533,147		1.34			$	1,069,561			1.48			$	8,683,092			1.13			$	1,638,392	2.27		$	2,142,102	1.39
	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 December 31, 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 35.0 percent. 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.
			31-Dec-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		$	405,899		2.87	%		$	—			—	%		$	—			—	%		$	405,899	2.87	%	$	—	—	%
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,799,923			2.42			—				—			43,809				2.39			853,331		2.21		1,902,783		2.51
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate		3,185,109			1.68			—				—			—				—			—		—		3,185,109		1.68
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate		131,580			0.65			—				—			—				—			—		—		131,580		0.65
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		814,589			2.15			—				—			—				—			—		—		814,589		2.15
	Municipal bonds and notes		83,942			6			3,442				5.37			30,985				5.86			39,904		6.1		9,611		6.27
	Total		$	7,421,042		2.1			$	3,442			5.37			$	74,794			3.83			$	1,299,134	2.54		$	6,043,672	1.99
Held-to-maturity Securities	The major components of our held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
			31-Dec-14
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Fair Value
			Cost			Gains				Losses
	Held-to-maturity securities, at cost:
	U.S. agency debentures (1)		$	405,899		$	4,589			$	(38	)		$	410,450
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		2,799,923			5,789				(2,320		)		2,803,392
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—		3,185,109			4,521				(14,885		)		3,174,745
	fixed rate
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—		131,580			371				—				131,951
	variable rate
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		814,589			1,026				(3,800		)		811,815
	Municipal bonds and notes		83,942			18				(657		)		83,303
	Total held-to-maturity securities		$	7,421,042		$	16,314			$	(21,700	)		$	7,415,656
	-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 December 31, 2014:
			31-Dec-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		$	48,335		$	(38	)		$	—			$	—			$	48,335			$	(38	)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities		999,230			(2,320		)		—				—				999,230				(2,320		)
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate		1,682,348			(9,705		)		783,558				(5,180		)		2,465,906				(14,885		)
	Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities		629,840			(3,800		)		—				—				629,840				(3,800		)
	Municipal bonds and notes		79,141			(657		)		—				—				79,141				(657		)
	Total temporarily impaired securities (2):		$	3,438,894		$	(16,520	)		$	783,558			$	(5,180	)		$	4,222,452			$	(21,700	)
	-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 December 31, 2014, we identified a total of 292 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 26 investments totaling $783.6 million with unrealized losses of $5.2 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Non-marketable and other securities:
	Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)		$	1,130,882		$	862,972
	Other venture capital investments (2)		71,204			32,839
	Other securities (fair value accounting) (3)		108,251			321,374
	Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
	Other investments (4)		142,674			142,883
	Low income housing tax credit funds		118,650			72,241
	Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (5)		140,551			148,994
	Other investments		16,676			14,191
	Total non-marketable and other securities		$	1,728,888		$	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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	24,645		12.6	%		$	29,104			12.6	%
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		97,250			8.6			96,185				8.6
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		269,821			5.9			260,272				5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		291,291			5			226,729				5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		226,111			Various			118,181				Various
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		89,605			—			7,944				0.2
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		62,110			20			59,028				20
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		61,973			33			61,126				33
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		302			5.1			708				5.1
	Other private equity fund (ii)		7,774			58.2			3,695				58.2
	Total venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	1,130,882					$	862,972
	(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting):
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP		$	3,291		10.7	%		$	6,564			10.7	%
	SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i)		20,481			5.1			22,684				5.1
	Capital Partners III, LP		41,055			—			—				—
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		6,377			6.8			3,591				6.8
	Total other venture capital investments		$	71,204					$	32,839
	(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $75 million in 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 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (equity method accounting):
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount			Ownership %			Amount				Ownership %
	Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (i)		$	21,294		15.5	%		$	21,867			15.5	%
	China Joint Venture investment		79,569			50			79,940				50
	Other investments		41,811			Various			41,076				Various
	Total other investments (equity method accounting)		$	142,674					$	142,883
	(i)	At December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where our ownership interest is 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 $141 million, and $234 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of the 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 in 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013				2012
	Gross gains on investment securities:
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)		$	658		$	3,887			$	6,380
	Marketable securities (fair value accounting)		—			—				8,863
	Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		349,747			186,404				107,507
	Other venture capital investments		17,309			9,241				58,409
	Other investments		—			—				21
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		151,007			227,252				—
	Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
	Other investments		10,937			18,235				16,923
	Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		16,001			10,081				3,503
	Other investments		5,794			431				1,715
	Total gross gains on investment securities		551,453			455,531				203,321
	Gross losses on investment securities:
	Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)		(19,255		)	(3,349		)		(2,139		)
	Marketable securities (fair value accounting)		—			—				(1,675		)
	Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		(86,263		)	(17,185		)		(63,146		)
	Other venture capital investments		(4,516		)	(3,496		)		(11,062		)
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		(170,890		)	(2,962		)		—
	Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
	Other investments		(2,320		)	(3,111		)		(1,987		)
	Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)		(827		)	(1,700		)		(1,079		)
	Other investments (3)		(359		)	(4,320		)		(119		)
	Total gross losses on investment securities		(284,430		)	(36,123		)		(81,207		)
	Gains on investment securities, net		$	267,023		$	419,408			$	122,114
	-1	Includes realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale securities that are recognized in the income statement. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. The cost basis of available-for-sale securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
	-2	Includes OTTI of $0.8 million from the declines in value for 27 of the 281 investments, $1.4 million from the declines in value for 43 of the 288 investments, and $1.0 million from the declines in value for 46 of the 324 investments held at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. We concluded that any declines in value for the remaining investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized.
	-3	No OTTI was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2014. We concluded that any declines in value for the investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized. There was $3.9 million of OTTI recognized for the year ended December 31, 2013 on a single direct equity investment and there was no recognized OTTI for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L1

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses	The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $104 million and $89 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is presented in the following table:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	4,954,676	$	4,102,636
	Hardware		1,131,006		1,213,032
	Private equity/venture capital		4,582,906		2,386,054
	Life science & healthcare		1,289,904		1,170,220
	Premium wine		187,568		149,841
	Other		234,551		288,904
	Total commercial loans		12,380,611		9,310,687
	Real estate secured loans:
	Premium wine (1)		606,753		514,993
	Consumer loans (2)		1,118,115		873,255
	Other		39,651		30,743
	Total real estate secured loans		1,764,519		1,418,991
	Construction loans		78,626		76,997
	Consumer loans		160,520		99,711
	Total loans, net of unearned income (3)		$	14,384,276	$	10,906,386
	-1	Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $112 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	-2	Consumer loans secured by real estate at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were comprised of the following:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Loans for personal residence		$	918,629	$	685,327
	Loans to eligible employees		133,568		121,548
	Home equity lines of credit		65,918		66,380
	Consumer loans secured by real estate		$	1,118,115	$	873,255
	-3	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $131 million and $85 million at December 31, 2014 and 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 $104 million and $89 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	4,954,676	$	4,102,636
	Hardware		1,131,006		1,213,032
	Private equity/venture capital		4,582,906		2,386,054
	Life science & healthcare		1,289,904		1,170,220
	Premium wine		794,321		664,834
	Other		352,828		396,644
	Total commercial loans		13,105,641		9,933,420
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,118,115		873,255
	Other consumer loans		160,520		99,711
	Total consumer loans		1,278,635		972,966
	Total loans, net of unearned income		$	14,384,276	$	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		30 - 59		60 - 89			Greater Than 90 Days		Total Past			Current		Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest
			Days Past		Days Past			Past Due		Due
			Due		Due
	December 31, 2014:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	10,989	$	1,627		$	52	$	12,668		$	4,950,291	$	52
	Hardware		13,424		126			—		13,550			1,124,423		—
	Private equity/venture capital		40,773		—			—		40,773			4,580,526		—
	Life science & healthcare		738		786			—		1,524			1,298,728		—
	Premium wine		—		—			—		—			795,345		—
	Other		178		3			—		181			354,939		—
	Total commercial loans		66,102		2,542			52		68,696			13,104,252		52
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,592		341			1,250		3,183			1,114,286		1,250
	Other consumer loans		—		—			—		—			160,212		—
	Total consumer loans		1,592		341			1,250		3,183			1,274,498		1,250
	Total gross loans excluding impaired loans		67,694		2,883			1,302		71,879			14,378,750		1,302
	Impaired loans		598		1,293			22,320		24,211			13,926		—
	Total gross loans		$	68,292	$	4,176		$	23,622	$	96,090		$	14,392,676	$	1,302
	December 31, 2013:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	9,804	$	1,291		$	99	$	11,194		$	4,102,546	$	99
	Hardware		2,679		3,965			—		6,644			1,198,169		—
	Private equity/venture capital		4		—			—		4			2,408,382		—
	Life science & healthcare		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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Impaired loans for		Impaired loans for			Total carrying value of impaired loans		Total unpaid principal of impaired loans
			which there is a related allowance for loan losses		which there is no related allowance for loan losses
	December 31, 2014:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	33,287	$	—		$	33,287	$	34,218
	Hardware		1,403		1,118			2,521		2,535
	Private equity/venture capital		—		—			—		—
	Life science & healthcare		475		—			475		2,453
	Premium wine		—		1,304			1,304		1,743
	Other		233		—			233		233
	Total commercial loans		35,398		2,422			37,820		41,182
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		—		192			192		1,412
	Other consumer loans		125		—			125		305
	Total consumer loans		125		192			317		1,717
	Total		$	35,523	$	2,614		$	38,137	$	42,899
	December 31, 2013:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	27,308	$	310		$	27,618	$	28,316
	Hardware		19,329		338			19,667		35,317
	Private equity/venture capital		40		—			40		40
	Life science & healthcare		—		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 during 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013			2012
	Average impaired loans:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	14,357	$	6,254		$	2,223
	Hardware		6,634		24,508			19,242
	Private equity/venture capital		—		37			—
	Life science & healthcare		516		334			345
	Premium wine		1,381		2,210			3,513
	Other		1,088		3,601			3,558
	Total commercial loans		23,976		36,944			28,881
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		218		2,957			5,037
	Other consumer loans		322		945			1,896
	Total consumer loans		540		3,902			6,933
	Total average impaired loans		$	24,516	$	40,846		$	35,814
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 2014, 2013, and 2012 broken out by portfolio segment:
	Year ended December 31, 2014		Beginning Balance December 31, 2013		Charge-offs			Recoveries		Provision for Loan Losses			Ending Balance December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	64,084	$	(21,031	)	$	1,425	$	36,503		$	80,981
	Hardware		36,553		(15,265		)	2,238		2,334			25,860
	Private equity/venture capital		16,385		—			—		11,612			27,997
	Life science & healthcare		11,926		(2,951		)	374		5,859			15,208
	Premium wine		3,914		(35		)	240		354			4,473
	Other		3,680		(3,886		)	1,499		1,960			3,253
	Total commercial loans		136,542		(43,168		)	5,776		58,622			157,772
	Consumer loans		6,344		—			379		864			7,587
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	142,886	$	(43,168	)	$	6,155	$	59,486		$	165,359
	Year ended December 31, 2013		Beginning Balance December 31, 2012		Charge-offs			Recoveries		Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses			Ending Balance December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	42,648	$	(8,861	)	$	1,934	$	28,363		$	64,084
	Hardware		29,761		(18,819		)	2,677		22,934			36,553
	Private equity/venture capital		9,963		—			—		6,422			16,385
	Life science & healthcare		13,606		(6,010		)	1,860		2,470			11,926
	Premium wine		3,523		—			170		221			3,914
	Other		3,912		(8,107		)	2,995		4,880			3,680
	Total commercial loans		103,413		(41,797		)	9,636		65,290			136,542
	Consumer loans		7,238		(869		)	1,572		(1,597		)	6,344
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	110,651	$	(42,666	)	$	11,208	$	63,693		$	142,886
	Year ended December 31, 2012		Beginning Balance December 31, 2011		Charge-offs			Recoveries		Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses			Ending Balance December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	38,263	$	(4,316	)	$	4,874	$	3,827		$	42,648
	Hardware		16,810		(20,247		)	1,107		32,091			29,761
	Private equity/venture capital		7,319		—			—		2,644			9,963
	Life science & healthcare		10,243		(5,080		)	334		8,109			13,606
	Premium wine		3,914		(584		)	650		(457		)	3,523
	Other		5,817		(2,485		)	1,377		(797		)	3,912
	Total commercial loans		82,366		(32,712		)	8,342		45,417			103,413
	Consumer loans		7,581		(607		)	1,351		(1,087		)	7,238
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	89,947	$	(33,319	)	$	9,693	$	44,330		$	110,651
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, broken out by portfolio segment:
			31-Dec-14										31-Dec-13
			Individually Evaluated for Impairment					Collectively Evaluated for					Individually Evaluated for				Collectively Evaluated for
								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 and internet		$	13,695	$	33,287		$	67,286	$	4,921,389		$	11,261	$	27,617	$	52,823	$	4,075,019
	Hardware		1,133		2,521			24,727		1,128,485			9,673		19,667		26,880		1,193,365
	Private equity/venture capital		—		—			27,997		4,582,906			19		39		16,366		2,386,015
	Life science & healthcare		121		475			15,087		1,289,429			—		1,278		11,926		1,168,942
	Premium wine		—		1,304			4,473		793,017			—		1,442		3,914		663,392
	Other		71		233			3,182		352,595			156		690		3,524		395,954
	Total commercial loans		15,020		37,820			142,752		13,067,821			21,109		50,733		115,433		9,882,687
	Consumer loans		31		317			7,556		1,278,318			168		915		6,176		972,051
	Total		$	15,051	$	38,137		$	150,308	$	14,346,139		$	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Pass		Performing			Impaired		Total
					(Criticized)
	December 31, 2014:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	4,611,253	$	351,706		$	33,287	$	4,996,246
	Hardware		945,998		191,975			2,521		1,140,494
	Private equity/venture capital		4,615,231		6,068			—		4,621,299
	Life science & healthcare		1,165,266		134,986			475		1,300,727
	Premium wine		774,962		20,383			1,304		796,649
	Other		346,153		8,967			233		355,353
	Total commercial loans		12,458,863		714,085			37,820		13,210,768
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		1,112,396		5,073			192		1,117,661
	Other consumer loans		158,162		2,050			125		160,337
	Total consumer loans		1,270,558		7,123			317		1,277,998
	Total gross loans		$	13,729,421	$	721,208		$	38,137	$	14,488,766
	December 31, 2013:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	3,875,043	$	238,697		$	27,618	$	4,141,358
	Hardware		995,055		209,758			19,667		1,224,480
	Private equity/venture capital		2,408,386		—			40		2,408,426
	Life science & healthcare		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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Loans modified in TDRs:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	3,784	$	5,860
	Hardware		1,118		13,329
	Private equity/venture capital		—		77
	Premium wine		1,891		1,442
	Other		233		1,055
	Total commercial loans		7,026		21,763
	Consumer loans:
	Other consumer loans		125		670
	Total consumer loans		125		670
	Total		$	7,151	$	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 2014, 2013, and 2012:
			Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013			2012
	Loans modified in TDRs during the period:
	Commercial loans:
	Software and internet		$	1,033	$	4,932		$	1,939
	Hardware		1,118		8,143			20,514
	Private equity/venture capital		—		77			—
	Premium wine		587		—			1,024
	Other		—		690			4,878
	Total commercial loans		2,738		13,842			28,355
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		—		—			368
	Other consumer loans		—		6			—
	Total consumer loans		—		6			368
	Total loans modified in TDRs during the period (1)		$	2,738	$	13,848		$	28,723
	-1	During 2014 we had no partial charge-offs. In 2013 and 2012 we had partial charge-offs of $11.1 million and $14.3 million respectively, on loans classified as TDRs.
Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in TDRs within Previous 12 months Subsequently Defaulted	The following table summarizes the recorded investment in loans modified in TDRs within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during their respective periods, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable. During the 2014 year, there were no TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted.
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the period:
	Commercial loans:
	Hardware		$	1,627	$	1,868
	Private equity/venture capital		38		—
	Other		365		—
	Total commercial loans		2,030		1,868
	Consumer loans:
	Real estate secured loans		—		120
	Other consumer loans		6		—
	Total consumer loans		6		120
	Total TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period		$	2,036	$	1,988

Premises_and_Equipment_Tables

Premises and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Premises and Equipment	Premises and equipment at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Computer software	$	149,579		$	128,129
	Computer hardware	52,203			45,241
	Leasehold improvements	48,780			40,851
	Furniture and equipment	24,320			19,434
	Total	274,882			233,655
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(195,037		)	(166,170		)
	Premises and equipment, net	$	79,845		$	67,485

Disposal_Assets_HeldforSale_Ta

Disposal - Assets Held-for-Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Information Related to Pending Sale of Assets Held-for-Sale	The following table details selected financial information included in the loss from the pending sale:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Year ended December 31, 2014
	Losses primarily attributable to cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment		$	12,934
	Transaction-related expenses		1,000
	Total impairment loss included in other noninterest income (1)		$	13,934
	Tax impact of undistributed earnings of SVBIF		2,900
	Tax impact from net losses on SVBIF Sale Transaction		(5,398		)
	Net tax impact included in income tax expense		$	(2,498	)
	Net loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction		$	11,436
	-1	The total impairment loss is included in noninterest income in our Global Commercial Bank operating segment as reported in Note 21—”Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report.
	The following table presents the composition of SVBIF assets held-for-sale included in accrued interest receivable and other assets at December 31, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Cash and due from banks		$	3,054
	Securities purchased under agreement to resell and other short-term investments		11,898
	Net loans		26,800
	Premises and equipment, net		24
	Accrued interest receivable and other assets		7,163
	Total assets of SVBIF held-for-sale (1)		$	48,939
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities		$	4,686
	Total liabilities of SVBIF held-for-sale (1)		$	4,686
	-1	Net assets of $44.3 million are included in our Global Commercial Bank operating segment as reported in Note 21—”Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Deposits_Tables

Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deposits [Abstract]
Composition of Deposits	The following table presents the composition of our deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Noninterest-bearing demand	$	24,583,682	$	15,894,360
	Negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW)	254,462		151,746
	Money market	6,186,044		4,373,974
	Money market deposits in foreign offices	242,526		181,299
	Sweep deposits in foreign offices	2,948,658		1,657,740
	Time	128,127		213,860
	Total deposits	$	34,343,499	$	22,472,979
	T

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT1

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
							Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)		Maturity		Principal value at December 31, 2014		December 31,		December 31,
							2014		2013
	Short-term borrowings:
	Other short-term borrowings		-1		$	7,781	$	7,781	$	5,080
	Total short-term borrowings						$	7,781	$	5,080
	Long-term debt:
	5.375% Senior Notes		15-Sep-20		$	350,000	$	348,436	$	348,209
	6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		June 1, 2017		45,964		50,162		51,987
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		October 15, 2033		50,000		54,845		55,020
	Total long-term debt						$	453,443	$	455,216
	-1	Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor, which includes an interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
	-2	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes were $4.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt Obligations	The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Year ended December 31, (dollars in thousands):		Amount
	2015		$	—
	2016		—
	2017		50,162
	2018		—
	2019		—
	2020 and thereafter		403,281
	Total		$	453,443

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
					31-Dec-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			$	4,609			$	2,970			$	1,639			$	45,964			$	6,492		$	5,080	$	1,412
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency exchange risks:
	Foreign exchange forwards		Other assets		200,957				5,050				2,441				2,609				140,760				1,423			—		1,423
	Foreign exchange forwards		Other liabilities		6,226				(489		)		—				(489		)		62,649				(634		)	—		(634		)
	Net exposure								4,561				2,441				2,120								789			—		789
	Other derivative instruments:
	Equity warrant assets		Other assets		197,878				116,604				—				116,604				179,934				103,513			—		103,513
	Other derivatives:
	Client foreign exchange forwards		Other assets		801,487				28,954				2,370				26,584				424,983				13,673			—		13,673
	Client foreign exchange forwards		Other liabilities		774,355				(27,647		)		—				(27,647		)		367,079				(11,549		)	—		(11,549		)
	Client foreign currency options		Other assets		34,926				227				—				227				91,854				434			—		434
	Client foreign currency options		Other liabilities		34,926				(227		)		—				(227		)		91,854				(434		)	—		(434		)
	Loan conversion options		Other assets		—				—				—				—				3,455				314			—		314
	Client interest rate derivatives		Other assets		387,410				2,546				—				2,546				216,773				1,265			—		1,265
	Client interest rate derivatives		Other liabilities		387,410				(2,748		)		—				(2,748		)		216,773				(1,396		)	—		(1,396		)
	Net exposure								1,105				2,370				(1,265		)						2,307			—		2,307
	Net								$	126,879			$	7,781			$	119,098							$	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 December 31, 2014 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings for the year ended December 31, 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 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
					Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		Statement of income location		2014				2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate risks:
	Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps		Interest expense—borrowings		$	2,553			$	2,536			$	5,154
	Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps		Net gains on derivative instruments		(50		)		14				603
	Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives				$	2,503			$	2,550			$	5,757
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency exchange risks:
	(Losses) gains on revaluations of foreign currency instruments		Other noninterest income		$	(21,636	)		$	3,016			$	1,677
	Gains (losses) on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net		Net gains on derivative instruments		21,598				(4,213		)		(103		)
	Net (losses) gains associated with currency risk				$	(38	)		$	(1,197	)		$	1,574
	Other derivative instruments:
	Net gains on equity warrant assets		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	71,012			$	46,101			$	19,385
	Gains (losses) on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	5,081			$	(452	)		$	460
	Net (losses) gains on other derivatives (1)		Net gains on derivative instruments		$	(796	)		$	734			$	(1,666	)
	-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 December 31, 2014 and 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
	31-Dec-14
	Derivative Assets:
	Interest rate swaps		$	4,609			$	—			$	4,609			$	(1,639	)		$	(2,970	)		$	—
	Foreign exchange forwards		34,004				—				34,004				(17,843		)		(4,811		)		11,350
	Foreign currency options		501				(274		)		227				(144		)		—				83
	Client interest rate derivatives		2,546				—				2,546				(2,546		)		—				—
	Total derivative assets:		41,660				(274		)		41,386				(22,172		)		(7,781		)		11,433
	Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements		95,611				—				95,611				(95,611		)		—				—
	Total		$	137,271			$	(274	)		$	136,997			$	(117,783	)		$	(7,781	)		$	11,433
	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 December 31, 2014 and 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
	31-Dec-14
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Foreign exchange forwards		$	28,136			$	—			$	28,136			$	(16,808	)		$	—			$	11,328
	Foreign currency options		501				(274		)		227				(83		)		—				144
	Client interest rate derivatives		2,748				—				2,748				(2,748		)		—				—
	Total derivative liabilities:		31,385				(274		)		31,111				(19,639		)		—				11,472
	Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements		—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total		$	31,385			$	(274	)		$	31,111			$	(19,639	)		$	—			$	11,472
	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 assets:		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_Income_Loss_1

Other Noninterest Income (Loss) and Other Noninterest Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Summary of Other Noninterest Income	A summary of other noninterest (loss) income for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013		2012
	Fund management fees		$	13,498		$	11,163	$	11,057
	Service-based fee income		8,801			7,807		7,937
	Net gains on the sale of certain assets related to our equity management services business		—			—		4,243
	Net losses on the sale of certain assets related to our SVBIF business		(13,934		)	—		—
	(Losses) gains on revaluation of foreign currency instruments (1)		(21,636		)	3,016		1,677
	Other (2)		12,011			14,153		11,449
	Total other noninterest (loss) income		$	(1,260	)	$	36,139	$	36,363
	-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 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013		2012
	Client services		$	10,692		$	8,181	$	6,910
	Tax credit fund amortization		9,691			6,436		3,911
	Data processing services		8,079			7,895		5,876
	Telephone		7,250			6,258		6,528
	Postage and supplies		3,196			2,462		2,482
	Dues and publications		2,549			1,745		2,067
	Other		12,939			8,950		8,188
	Total other noninterest expense		$	54,396		$	41,927	$	35,962

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Provision for Income Taxes	The components of our provision for income taxes for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Current provision:
	Federal	$	172,492			$	99,480			$	87,635
	State	44,666				25,498				23,752
	Deferred expense (benefit):
	Federal	(36,197		)		11,244				2,385
	State	(7,199		)		2,836				(503		)
	Income tax expense	$	173,762			$	139,058			$	113,269
Reconciliation between Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate	Our effective tax rate is calculated by dividing income tax expense by the sum of income before income tax expense and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. The reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate and our effective income tax rate for 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of the federal tax effect	5.6			5.1			5.8
	Meals and entertainment	0.3			0.5			0.5
	Disallowed officer's compensation	0.3			0.1			0.1
	Share-based compensation expense on incentive stock options and ESPP	0.1			(0.3	)		0.4
	Tax-exempt interest income	(0.3	)		(0.3	)		(0.4	)
	Low-income housing tax credits	(1.8	)		(1.6	)		(1.2	)
	Other, net	0.5			0.7			(0.9	)
	Effective income tax rate	39.7	%		39.2	%		39.3	%
Deferred Tax (Liabilities) Assets	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for loan losses	$	80,554			$	69,616
	Share-based compensation expense	15,249				14,535
	Loan fee income	9,738				7,804
	State income taxes	9,428				6,194
	Net operating loss	8,641				9,682
	Other accruals not currently deductible	7,601				4,869
	Premises and equipment and other intangibles	1,344				734
	Net unrealized losses on foreign currency translation	802				5,228
	Research and development credit	324				324
	Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities	—				27,686
	Other	2,983				36
	Deferred tax assets	136,664				146,708
	Valuation allowance	(8,965		)		(10,006		)
	Net deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	127,699				136,702
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	(29,600		)		—
	Non-marketable and other securities	(27,858		)		(55,921		)
	Derivative equity warrant assets	(19,090		)		(10,344		)
	FHLB stock dividend	(1,230		)		(1,236		)
	Other	—				(964		)
	Deferred tax liabilities	(77,778		)		(68,465		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	49,921			$	68,237
Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefit (Including Interest and Penalties)	A summary of changes in our unrecognized tax benefit (including interest and penalties) in 2014 is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit				Interest & Penalties				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	252			$	91			$	343
	Additions for tax positions for current year	2,879				—				2,879
	Additions for tax positions for prior years	349				47				396
	Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(83		)		(38		)		(121		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	3,397			$	100			$	3,497

Employee_Compensation_and_Bene1

Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Expenses Incurred under Certain Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans	A summary of expenses incurred under certain employee compensation and benefit plans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Incentive Compensation Plan	$	78,014	$	66,232	$	46,467
	Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan	20,153		22,941		24,556
	Retention Program	1,792		2,577		2,076
	Warrant Incentive Plan	3,926		5,818		2,523
	Deferred Compensation Plan	2,458		2,650		1,767
	SVBFG 401(k) Plan	11,996		11,277		9,947
	SVBFG ESOP	6,691		7,429		10,324

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_1

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Off Balance Sheet Arrangements Guarantees And Other Commitments Additional Information [Abstract]
Minimum Future Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases	The following table presents minimum future payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014:
	Year ended December 31, (dollars in thousands) :		Amount
	2015		$	21,683
	2016		20,771
	2017		20,510
	2018		21,142
	2019		21,074
	2020 and thereafter		84,198
	Net minimum operating lease payments		$	189,378
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
			December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Loan commitments available for funding: (1)
	Fixed interest rate commitments		$	1,591,408	$	1,392,781
	Variable interest rate commitments		11,860,039		9,101,973
	Total loan commitments available for funding		13,451,447		10,494,754
	Commercial and standby letters of credit (2)		1,254,338		975,968
	Total unfunded credit commitments		$	14,705,785	$	11,470,722
	Commitments unavailable for funding (3)		$	1,868,489	$	1,006,168
	Maximum lending limits for accounts receivable factoring arrangements (4)		1,044,548		894,276
	Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (5)		36,419		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 December 31, 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 Year or Less		Expires After One Year		Total Amount Outstanding		Maximum Amount of Future Payments
	Financial standby letters of credit		$	1,118,548	$	65,333	$	1,183,881	$	1,183,881
	Performance standby letters of credit		59,034		5,157		64,191		64,191
	Commercial letters of credit		6,266		—		6,266		6,266
	Total		$	1,183,848	$	70,490	$	1,254,338	$	1,254,338
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 December 31, 2014:
	Our Ownership in Private Equity/Venture Capital 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
	SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund		935		—		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		1,275		5.9
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		12,239		2,325		5
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		515		209		Various
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		—		—		—
	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)		64,170		4,950		Various
	Other fund investments (3)		299,913		19,449		Various
	Total		$	501,968	$	41,468
	-1	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership 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 us from sponsoring or having ownership interests in “covered” funds including venture capital and private equity funds. See “Business - Supervision and Regulation” under Part I, Item 1 in this report.
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 December 31, 2014:
	Limited Partnership		Unfunded Commitments
	(Dollars in thousands)
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP		$	2,250
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP		5,133
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP		12,706
	SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP		36,503
	Strategic Investors Fund V Funds		140,362
	Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds		254,248
	SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP		5,163
	SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP		5,872
	Other private equity fund		77
	Total		$	462,314

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Balance at December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities:
	U.S. treasury securities		$	7,302,273	$	—		$	—	$	7,302,273
	U.S. agency debentures		—		3,561,556			—		3,561,556
	Residential mortgage-backed securities:
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations -		—		1,884,843			—		1,884,843
	fixed rate
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations -		—		784,475			—		784,475
	variable rate
	Equity securities		4,290		3,218			—		7,508
	Total available-for-sale securities		7,306,563		6,234,092			—		13,540,655
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Non-marketable securities:
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		—		—			1,130,882		1,130,882
	Other venture capital investments		—		—			71,204		71,204
	Other securities		108,251		—			—		108,251
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)		108,251		—			1,202,086		1,310,337
	Other assets:
	Interest rate swaps		—		4,609			—		4,609
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		—		34,231			—		34,231
	Equity warrant assets		—		1,906			114,698		116,604
	Client interest rate derivatives		—		2,546			—		2,546
	Total assets (1)		$	7,414,814	$	6,277,384		$	1,316,784	$	15,008,982
	Liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward and option contracts		$	—	$	28,363		$	—	$	28,363
	Client interest rate derivatives		—		2,748			—		2,748
	Total liabilities		$	—	$	31,111		$	—	$	31,111
	-1	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $100 million and $1.1 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 -		—		3,325,758			—		3,325,758
	fixed rate
	Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations -		—		1,186,573			—		1,186,573
	variable rate
	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 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 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Beginning		Total Realized and Unrealized Gains, net Included in Income			Purchases		Sales			Issuances		Distributions and Other Settlements			Transfers Into Level 3		Transfers Out of Level 3			Ending
			Balance																				Balance
	Year ended December 31, 2014:
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	862,972	$	263,484		$	224,233	$	—		$	—	$	(219,807	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,130,882
	Other venture capital investments		32,839		12,793			51,407		(20,362		)	—		(5,347		)	—		(126		)	71,204
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		319,249		103,864			—		(46,840		)	—		3,863			—		(380,136		)	—
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		1,215,060		380,141			275,640		(67,202		)	—		(221,291		)	—		(380,262		)	1,202,086
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (2)		99,891		71,516			—		(70,875		)	13,671		2,215			—		(1,720		)	114,698
	Total assets		$	1,314,951	$	451,657		$	275,640	$	(138,077	)	$	13,671	$	(219,076	)	$	—	$	(381,982	)	$	1,316,784
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	665,921	$	169,219		$	146,564	$	—		$	—	$	(118,732	)	$	—	$	—		$	862,972
	Other venture capital investments		127,091		5,745			2,712		(1,224		)	—		(97,924		)	—		(3,561		)	32,839
	Other securities (fair value accounting)		—		222,368			—		—			—		96,881			—		—			319,249
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		793,012		397,332			149,276		(1,224		)	—		(119,775		)	—		(3,561		)	1,215,060
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (2)		66,129		22,929			—		(16,680		)	9,098		1,540			24,217		(7,342		)	99,891
	Total assets		$	859,141	$	420,261		$	149,276	$	(17,904	)	$	9,098	$	(118,235	)	$	24,217	$	(10,903	)	$	1,314,951
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	611,824	$	44,283		$	122,238	$	—		$	—	$	(112,424	)	$	—	$	—		$	665,921
	Other venture capital investments		124,121		46,711			13,123		(9,716		)	—		(39,558		)	—		(7,590		)	127,091
	Other investments		987		21			—		—			—		(1,008		)	—		—			—
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)		736,932		91,015			135,361		(9,716		)	—		(152,990		)	—		(7,590		)	793,012
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (2)		63,030		13,697			—		(21,077		)	11,978		(78		)	—		(1,421		)	66,129
	Total assets		$	799,962	$	104,712		$	135,361	$	(30,793	)	$	11,978	$	(153,068	)	$	—	$	(9,011	)	$	859,141
	-1	Realized and unrealized gains, net are recorded on the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
	-2	Realized and unrealized gains are recorded on 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively:
			Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014		2013
	Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments		$	276,686	$	168,567
	Other venture capital investments (1)		3,044		6,207
	Other securities (1)		—		222,368
	Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (2)		279,730		397,142
	Other assets:
	Equity warrant assets (3)		36,516		30,579
	Total unrealized gains, net		$	316,246	$	427,721
	Unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	255,131	$	346,954
	-1	2013 included total unrealized valuation gains of $219 million attributable to two of our portfolio companies, FireEye and Twitter.
	-2	Unrealized gains are recorded on the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
	-3	Unrealized gains are recorded on 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 December 31, 2014. 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
	December 31, 2014:
	Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)		$	71,204	Private company equity pricing		-1	-1
	Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)		1,681		Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	42.6	%
							Risk-Free interest rate	1.7
							Sales restrictions discount (2)	17.8
	Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)		113,017		Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Volatility	38.3
							Risk-Free interest rate	0.9
							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 best estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At December 31, 2014, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 2.7 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 5.9 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
					Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	December 31, 2014:
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,796,062	$	1,796,062		$	—	$	—
	Held-to-maturity securities		7,421,042		—			7,415,656		—
	Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)		418,551		—			—		512,473
	Net commercial loans		12,947,869		—			—		13,082,487
	Net consumer loans		1,271,048		—			—		1,247,336
	Net long-lived assets held-for-sale		44,253		—			—		45,410
	FHLB and FRB stock		53,496		—			—		53,496
	Accrued interest receivable		94,180		—			94,180		—
	Financial liabilities:
	Other short-term borrowings		7,781		7,781			—		—
	Non-maturity deposits (1)		34,215,372		34,215,372			—		—
	Time deposits		128,127		—			128,107		—
	5.375% Senior Notes		348,436		—			392,616		—
	6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)		50,162		—			53,537		—
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures		54,845		—			52,990		—
	Accrued interest payable		6,998		—			6,998		—
	Off-balance sheet financial assets:
	Commitments to extend credit		—		—			—		29,097
	December 31, 2013:
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,538,779	$	1,538,779		$	—	$	—
	Non-marketable 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 FRB 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was $4.6 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 December 31, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount		Fair Value			Unfunded Commitments
	Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)		$	1,130,882	$	1,130,882		$	462,314
	Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
	Other investments (2)		47,876		49,066			5,836
	Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
	Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)		140,551		234,053			18,563
	Total		$	1,319,309	$	1,414,001		$	486,713
	-1	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable and other 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 science & healthcare companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $1.0 billion and $459 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 science & healthcare companies. 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.
	-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 science & healthcare companies. 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 the terms of the funds.

Regulatory_Matters_Tables

Regulatory Matters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Capital Ratios for Company and Bank under Federal Regulatory Guidelines, Compared to Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements for Adequately Capitalized and Well Capitalized Depository Institution	The following table presents the capital ratios for the Company and the Bank under federal regulatory guidelines, compared to the minimum regulatory capital requirements for an adequately capitalized and a well-capitalized depository institution, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Capital Ratios						Capital Amounts
	(Dollars in thousands)	Actual		Well Capitalized Minimum		Adequately Capitalized Minimum		Actual		Well Capitalized Minimum		Adequately Capitalized Minimum
	December 31, 2014:
	Total risk-based capital:
	SVB Financial	13.92	%	10	%	8	%	$	3,030,150	$	2,176,210	$	1,740,968
	Bank	12.12		10		8		2,600,011		2,145,788		1,716,630
	Tier 1 risk-based capital:
	SVB Financial	12.91		6		4		2,808,948		1,305,726		870,484
	Bank	11.09		6		4		2,379,991		1,287,473		858,315
	Tier 1 leverage:
	SVB Financial	7.74		N/A		4		2,808,948		N/A		1,450,927
	Bank	6.64		5		4		2,379,991		1,793,264		1,434,611
	December 31, 2013:
	Total risk-based capital:
	SVB Financial	13.13	%	10	%	8	%	$	2,218,996	$	1,690,150	$	1,352,120
	Bank	11.32		10		8		1,880,254		1,661,287		1,329,030
	Tier 1 risk-based capital:
	SVB Financial	11.94		6		4		2,018,455		1,014,090		676,060
	Bank	10.11		6		4		1,680,212		996,772		664,515
	Tier 1 leverage:
	SVB Financial	8.31		N/A		4		2,018,455		N/A		972,130
	Bank	7.04		5		4		1,680,212		1,194,012		955,210

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Our segment information for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Global			SVB Private			SVB Capital			Other Items			Total
			Commercial			Bank			(1)			-2
			Bank (1)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Net interest income		$	742,274		$	31,427		$	58		$	82,836		$	856,595
	Provision for loan losses		(58,622		)	(864		)	—			—			(59,486		)
	Noninterest income		213,084			1,494			58,058			299,603			572,239
	Noninterest expense (3)		(510,165		)	(10,571		)	(12,668		)	(183,467		)	(716,871		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	386,571		$	21,486		$	45,448		$	198,972		$	652,477
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	10,286,448		$	1,157,024		$	—		$	59,469		$	11,502,941
	Total average assets (5)		30,286,374			1,150,835			320,129			1,206,857			32,964,195
	Total average deposits		27,364,246			890,062			—			66,517			28,320,825
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Net interest income		$	641,384		$	26,701		$	20		$	29,239		$	697,344
	(Provision for) reduction of loan losses		(65,290		)	1,597			—			—			(63,693		)
	Noninterest income		202,404			1,209			75,037			394,556			673,206
	Noninterest expense (3)		(429,650		)	(9,195		)	(10,737		)	(172,098		)	(621,680		)
	Income before income tax expense (4)		$	348,848		$	20,312		$	64,320		$	251,697		$	685,177
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	8,401,943		$	919,831		$	—		$	29,604		$	9,351,378
	Total average assets (5)		21,395,501			955,441			289,328			570,477			23,210,747
	Total average deposits		19,072,608			524,398			—			22,188			19,619,194
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Net interest income		$	593,770		$	21,807		$	15		$	2,272		$	617,864
	(Provision for) reduction of loan losses		(45,417		)	1,087			—			—			(44,330		)
	Noninterest income		188,821			681			27,435			118,609			335,546
	Noninterest expense (3)		(393,151		)	(7,388		)	(11,263		)	(134,196		)	(545,998		)
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (4)		$	344,023		$	16,187		$	16,187		$	(13,315	)	$	363,082
	Total average loans, net of unearned income		$	6,750,951		$	758,471		$	—		$	49,506		$	7,558,928
	Total average assets (5)		19,557,289			759,251			239,335			755,297			21,311,172
	Total average deposits		17,574,001			313,836			—			22,251			17,910,088
	-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".
	-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 $20.9 million, $18.7 million and $14.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 equals the greater of total average assets or the sum of total liabilities and total stockholders’ equity for each segment.

Parent_Company_Only_Condensed_1

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheets	Condensed Balance Sheets
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	314,236		$	218,148
	Investment securities	229,604			234,398
	Net loans	16,684			4,791
	Other assets	159,244			136,897
	Investment in subsidiaries:
	Bank subsidiary	2,404,101			1,639,024
	Nonbank subsidiaries	149,558			160,271
	Total assets	$	3,273,427		$	2,393,529
	Liabilities and SVBFG stockholders’ equity:
	5.375% Senior Notes	$	348,435		$	348,209
	7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	54,845			55,020
	Other liabilities	52,385			24,030
	Total liabilities	455,665			427,259
	SVBFG stockholders’ equity	2,817,762			1,966,270
	Total liabilities and SVBFG stockholders’ equity	$	3,273,427		$	2,393,529
Condensed Statements of Income	Condensed Statements of Income
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Interest income	$	2,534		$	3,545		$	3,282
	Interest expense	(21,863		)	(24,408		)	(23,037		)
	Dividend income from bank subsidiary	—			10,000			—
	Gains on derivative instruments, net	66,604			47,421			17,289
	Gains on investment securities, net	8,750			15,238			15,329
	Impairment loss on cumulative foreign currency translation losses	(9,564		)	—			—
	General and administrative expenses	(53,912		)	(54,389		)	(66,812		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit	(15,038		)	(15,824		)	12,200
	Loss before net income of subsidiaries	(22,489		)	(18,417		)	(41,749		)
	Equity in undistributed net income of nonbank subsidiaries	37,009			58,075			21,457
	Equity in undistributed net income of bank subsidiary	249,405			176,195			195,395
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	263,925		$	215,853		$	175,103
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
		Year ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income attributable to SVBFG	$	263,925		$	215,853		$	175,103
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
	Gains on derivative instruments, net	(66,604		)	(47,421		)	(17,289		)
	Gains on investment securities, net	(8,750		)	(15,238		)	(15,329		)
	Net income of bank subsidiary	(249,405		)	(186,195		)	(195,395		)
	Net income on nonbank subsidiaries	(37,009		)	(58,075		)	(21,457		)
	Cash dividends from bank subsidiary	—			10,000			—
	Amortization of share-based compensation	29,545			25,413			21,861
	Decrease (increase) in other assets	44,006			(11,901		)	5,463
	Increase in other liabilities	28,303			1,506			3,952
	Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction	9,564			—			—
	Other, net	584			(1,269		)	2,273
	Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	14,159			(67,327		)	(40,818		)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Net decrease in investment securities from purchases, sales and maturities	15,469			70,479			11,833
	Net (increase) decrease in loans	(11,893		)	4,078			2,034
	(Increase) decrease in investment in bank subsidiary	(432,804		)	(21,469		)	12,180
	Decrease in investment in nonbank subsidiaries	44,714			9,925			13,012
	Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities	(384,514		)	63,013			39,059
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Principal payments of other long-term debt	—			—			(1,222		)
	Tax benefit from stock exercises	9,431			6,826			5,581
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock and ESPP	22,146			46,569			29,282
	Net proceeds from public equity offering	434,866			—			—
	Net cash provided by financing activities	466,443			53,395			33,641
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	96,088			49,081			31,882
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	218,148			169,067			137,185
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	314,236		$	218,148		$	169,067

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_1

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Information	Our supplemental consolidated financial information for each three month period in 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Three months ended
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
	2014:00:00
	Interest income	$	205,024		$	213,841		$	229,326		$	243,725
	Interest expense	(8,696		)	(8,876		)	(8,761		)	(8,988		)
	Net interest income	196,328			204,965			220,565			234,737
	Provision for loan losses	(494		)	(1,947		)	(16,610		)	(40,435		)
	Noninterest income	310,225			14,210			80,167			167,637
	Noninterest expense	(172,436		)	(173,446		)	(181,989		)	(189,000		)
	Income before income tax expense	333,623			43,782			102,133			172,939
	Income tax expense	58,917			33,582			38,961			42,302
	Net income before noncontrolling interests	274,706			10,200			63,172			130,637
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(183,405		)	40,597			(177		)	(71,805		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	91,301		$	50,797		$	62,995		$	58,832
	Earnings per common share—basic	$	1.99		$	1.05		$	1.24		$	1.16
	Earnings per common share—diluted	1.95			1.04			1.22			1.14
	2013:00:00
	Interest income	$	171,014		$	177,983		$	185,240		$	195,384
	Interest expense	(7,845		)	(7,902		)	(8,144		)	(8,386		)
	Net interest income	163,169			170,081			177,096			186,998
	Provision for loan losses	(5,813		)	(18,572		)	(10,638		)	(28,670		)
	Noninterest income	78,604			98,239			257,650			238,713
	Noninterest expense	(149,014		)	(143,292		)	(160,524		)	(168,850		)
	Income before income tax expense	86,946			106,456			263,584			228,191
	Income tax expense	26,401			29,968			47,404			35,285
	Net income before noncontrolling interests	60,545			76,488			216,180			192,906
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19,654		)	(27,904		)	(148,559		)	(134,149		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	40,891		$	48,584		$	67,621		$	58,757
	Earnings per common share—basic	$	0.91		$	1.08		$	1.48		$	1.29
	Earnings per common share—diluted	0.9			1.06			1.46			1.27

Nature_of_Business_Details

Nature of Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Ownership Interests in Investments Held Under Fair Value Accounting (Detail) (Fair value accounting)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	12.60%		12.60%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	8.60%		8.60%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	5.90%		5.90%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	5.00%		5.00%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	20.00%		20.00%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital-NT Growth Partners, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	33.00%		33.00%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Other private equity fund
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	58.20%	[1]	58.20%	[1]
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital Partners II, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	5.10%	[2]	5.10%	[2]
Other venture capital investments | Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	10.70%		10.70%
Other venture capital investments | SVB Capital Partners II, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	5.10%	[3]	5.10%	[3]
Other venture capital investments | SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	6.80%		6.80%
[1]	At December 31, 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]	At December 31, 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.
[3]	At December 31, 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.

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interest held by the company for investments accounted for under the equity method		5.00%
Effect of change on income	$10
Lower Limit
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Marketability discount	10.00%
Duration of the sale restrictions	3 months
Upper Limit
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Marketability discount	20.00%
Percentage of voting interest held by the company for investments accounted for under the equity method	5.00%
Duration of the sale restrictions	6 months
Investments in limited partnerships | Lower Limit
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interest held by the company for investments accounted for under the equity method	5.00%
Investments in limited partnerships | Upper Limit
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interest held by the company for investments accounted for under the equity method	50.00%
Percentage of ownership interest held by the company for investments accounted for under the cost method	5.00%
Privately Held Companies | Lower Limit
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interest held by the company for investments accounted for under the equity method	20.00%
Privately Held Companies | Upper Limit
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interest held by the company for investments accounted for under the equity method	50.00%
Percentage of ownership interest held by the company for investments accounted for under the cost method	20.00%
Retained earnings
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Effect of change on equity	$5

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Maximum Estimated Useful Lives by Asset Classification (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leasehold Improvements
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, description of estimated useful life	Lesser of lease term or asset life
Furniture and equipment
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, description of estimated useful life	3 years
Furniture and equipment | Upper Limit
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Software
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, description of estimated useful life	3-7 years
Software | Lower Limit
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Software | Upper Limit
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, estimated useful life	7 years
Computer hardware
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, description of estimated useful life	3-5 years
Computer hardware | Lower Limit
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Computer hardware | Upper Limit
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, estimated useful life	5 years

Stockholders_Equity_and_Earnin

Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Share ("EPS") - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$434,900	$434,866	$0	$0
Common stock
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Common stock issued in public offering	4,485,000	4,485,000
Common stock offering price per share (usd per share)	$101

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Re

Stockholders' Equity and EPS Reclassification of AOCI (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Related tax expense	$42,302	$38,961	$33,582	$58,917	$35,285	$47,404	$29,968	$26,401	($173,762)	($139,058)	($113,269)
Net income available to common stockholders	58,832	62,995	50,797	91,301	58,757	67,621	48,584	40,891	263,925	215,853	175,103
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income									18,598	-538	-4,241
Related tax expense									-7,510	218	1,661
Net income available to common stockholders									$11,088	($320)	($2,580)

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Re1

Stockholders' Equity and EPS Reconciliation of Basic EPS to Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income available to common stockholders	$58,832	$62,995	$50,797	$91,301	$58,757	$67,621	$48,584	$40,891	$263,925	$215,853	$175,103
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic									48,931	45,309	44,242
Denominator for diluted calculation									49,662	45,944	44,764
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$1.16	$1.24	$1.05	$1.99	$1.29	$1.48	$1.08	$0.91	$5.39	$4.76	$3.96
Diluted	$1.14	$1.22	$1.04	$1.95	$1.27	$1.46	$1.06	$0.90	$5.31	$4.70	$3.91
Stock options and ESPP
Denominator:
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities									485	431	370
Restricted stock units
Denominator:
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities									246	204	152

Stockholders_Equity_and_EPS_Co

Stockholders' Equity and EPS Common Shares Excluded from Diluted EPS Calculation as They Were Deemed to be Anti-Dilutive (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation	161	366	695
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation	161	261	695
Restricted stock unit
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation	0	105	0

Share_Based_Compensation_and_R

Share Based Compensation and Related Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	$29,545	$25,413	$21,861
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	-9,923	-7,989	-6,011
Capitalized compensation costs	$2,048	$2,809	$2,647

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected volatility term	5 years
Closing stock price	$116.07
Number of shares available for issuance	3,208,414
Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate number of shares that may be awarded and sold	7,543,321
Conversion ratio for awards granted	2
Conversion ratio for awards forfeited	2
Options granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan, expiration period	7 years
Options, exercisable period	4 years
Equity Incentive Plan | Restricted stock units | Lower Limit
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Equity Incentive Plan | Performance-based restricted stock | Lower Limit
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period	12 months
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of gross compensation that participating employees may annually contribute towards ESPP	10.00%
Maximum amount that participating employees may annually contribute towards ESPP	$25,000
Percentage of fair market value of common stock at which employees may purchase shares under ESPP	85.00%
Number of shares issued under ESPP	130,110
Proceeds from issuance of shares under ESPP	$11,900,000
Number of shares available for issuance	566,199

ShareBased_Compensation_Unreco

Share-Based Compensation Unrecognized Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Unrecognized Expense	$45,047
Stock option
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Unrecognized Expense	14,341
Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years	2 years 6 months 4 days
Restricted stock units
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Unrecognized Expense	$30,706
Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years	2 years 5 months 0 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Weight

Share-Based Compensation Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Values Used for Employee Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value-restricted stock units	$107.76
Equity Incentive Plan
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Weighted average expected term of options in years	4 years 7 months 3 days	4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 7 months 0 days
Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock	35.90%	44.60%	50.40%
Risk-free interest rate	1.72%	0.70%	0.83%
Expected dividend yield	$0	$0	$0
Weighted average grant date fair value-stock options	$35.65	$27.28	$27
Weighted average grant date fair value-restricted stock units	$107.76	$71.57	$63.07

ShareBased_Compensation_Weight1

Share-Based Compensation Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Values Used for ESPP (Detail) (Employee Stock Purchase Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Expected term in years	6 months	6 months	6 months
Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock	23.70%	22.30%	43.50%
Risk-free interest rate	0.08%	0.11%	0.11%
Expected dividend yield	$0	$0	$0
Weighted average fair value	$24	$15.35	$14.43

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-Based Compensation Stock Option Information Related to Equity Incentive Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Options
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,514,159
Granted	249,303
Exercised	-330,898
Forfeited	-37,676
Outstanding, end of period	1,394,888
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	1,352,289
Exercisable, end of period	687,696
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding, beginning of period	$55.27
Granted	$108.05
Exercised	$47.70
Forfeited	$72.45
Outstanding, end of period	$66.03
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	$65.35
Exercisable, end of period	$50.60
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
Outstanding, end of period	4 years 1 month 3 days
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	4 years 0 months 14 days
Exercisable, end of period	2 years 10 months 20 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of In-The-Money Options
Outstanding, end of period	$69,834,175
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	68,622,901
Exercisable, end of period	$45,022,407

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_1

Share-Based Compensation Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Outstanding Options, Shares	1,394,888
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	4 years 1 month 2 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$66.03
Exercisable Options, Shares	687,696
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.60
$19.48-45.15
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$19.48
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$45.15
Outstanding Options, Shares	139,582
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	1 year 6 months 18 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.86
Exercisable Options, Shares	137,576
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.63
45.16-49.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$45.16
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$49.01
Outstanding Options, Shares	101,374
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	1 year 7 months 20 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$46.98
Exercisable Options, Shares	99,564
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$46.98
49.02-60.14
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$49.02
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$60.14
Outstanding Options, Shares	162,117
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	2 years 7 months 28 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.89
Exercisable Options, Shares	145,697
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.24
60.15-60.51
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$60.15
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$60.51
Outstanding Options, Shares	191,999
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years 3 months 25 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$60.37
Exercisable Options, Shares	127,497
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$60.37
60.52-64.40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$60.52
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$64.40
Outstanding Options, Shares	269,220
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	4 years 3 months 28 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$64.31
Exercisable Options, Shares	114,437
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$64.30
64.41-67.77
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$64.41
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$67.77
Outstanding Options, Shares	2,842
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	4 years 3 months
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$64.43
Exercisable Options, Shares	884
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$64.43
67.78-73.76
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$67.78
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$73.76
Outstanding Options, Shares	274,906
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	5 years 3 months 28 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$71.11
Exercisable Options, Shares	60,161
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$71.11
73.77-107.93
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$73.77
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$107.93
Outstanding Options, Shares	31,639
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	6 years 3 months 23 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$99.24
Exercisable Options, Shares	1,880
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$85.15
107.94-122.55
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$107.94
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$122.55
Outstanding Options, Shares	221,209
Outstanding Options ,Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	6 years 4 months 8 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$108.43
Exercisable Options, Shares	0
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0

ShareBased_Compensation_Inform

Share-Based Compensation Information for Restricted Stock Units under Equity Incentive Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested, beginning of period	$65.93
Granted	$107.76
Vested	$63.89
Forfeited	$74.39
Nonvested, end of period	$79.92
Restricted stock units
Shares
Nonvested, beginning of period	682,347
Granted	201,464
Vested	-233,759
Forfeited	-35,386
Nonvested, end of period	614,666

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation Summary of Information Regarding Stock Option and Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$21,288	$25,520	$17,419
Total grant date fair value of stock options vested	20,291	18,168	17,169
Restricted stock unit
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock vested	25,453	14,176	12,747
Total grant date fair value of restricted stock vested	$14,935	$10,940	$10,176

Reserves_on_Deposit_with_the_F2

Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock Average Required Reserve Balances (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock [Abstract]
Average required reserve balances at FRB San Francisco	$168,387	$131,374

Reserves_on_Deposit_with_the_F3

Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock Shares Held at Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Shares Held At Federal Reserve Bank And Federal Home Loan Bank [Abstract]
FHLB stock holdings	$25,000	$25,000
FRB stock holdings	$28,496	$15,632

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Deta

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	$1,694,329	[1]	$1,349,688	[1]
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	95,611	[2]	172,989	[2]
Other short-term investment securities	6,122		16,102
Total cash and cash equivalents	$1,796,062		$1,538,779		$1,008,983	$1,114,948
[1]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, $861 million and $715 million, respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the FRB and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $440 million and $300 million, respectively.
[2]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $98 million and $176 million, respectively. None of these securities were sold or repledged as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Foot

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Footnote Information) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	$861	$715
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions	440	300
Fair value of securities purchased under agreements to resell	98	176
Fair value of securities received as collateral that have been resold or repledged	$0	$0

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Secu

Cash and Cash Equivalents Securities Purchased Under Agreements (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Securities Purchased Under Agreements [Abstract]
Average securities purchased under agreements to resell	$108,910	$96,309
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year	$283,215	$338,687

Investment_Securities_Major_Co

Investment Securities - Major Components of Investment Securities Portfolio (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$13,497,945	$12,055,524
Unrealized Gains	70,853	91,695
Unrealized Losses	-28,143	-160,398
Carrying Value	13,540,655	11,986,821
U.S. treasury securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	7,289,135
Unrealized Gains	17,524
Unrealized Losses	-4,386
Carrying Value	7,302,273
U.S. agency debentures
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	3,540,055	4,344,652
Unrealized Gains	30,478	41,365
Unrealized Losses	-8,977	-40,785
Carrying Value	3,561,556	4,345,232
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
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	1,884,450	3,386,670
Unrealized Gains	14,851	24,510
Unrealized Losses	-14,458	-85,422
Carrying Value	1,884,843	3,325,758
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	779,103	1,183,333
Unrealized Gains	5,372	3,363
Unrealized Losses	0	-123
Carrying Value	784,475	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	5,202	4,842
Unrealized Gains	2,628	692
Unrealized Losses	-322	-483
Carrying Value	$7,508	$5,051

Investment_Securities_Summary_

Investment Securities - Summary of Available for Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Investment
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	$3,209,821	[1]	$5,978,236
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-8,301	[1]	-152,383
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	961,186	[1]	154,250
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	-19,842	[1]	-8,015
Fair Value of Investments	4,171,007	[1]	6,132,486
Unrealized Losses	-28,143	[1]	-160,398
Number of investments in unrealized loss position	115
Number of investments with unrealized losses greater than 12 months	33
U.S. treasury securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	2,297,895
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-4,386
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Value of Investments	2,297,895
Unrealized Losses	-4,386
U.S. agency debentures
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	249,266		1,821,045
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-489		-40,785
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	507,385		0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	-8,488		0
Fair Value of Investments	756,651		1,821,045
Unrealized Losses	-8,977		-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 - Fair Value of Investments			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	662,092		2,098,137
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-3,104		-79,519
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	453,801		134,420
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	-11,354		-5,903
Fair Value of Investments	1,115,893		2,232,557
Unrealized Losses	-14,458		-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 - Fair Value of Investments			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 - Fair Value of Investments			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 - Fair Value of Investments			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	568		910
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	-322		-483
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	0		0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	0		0
Fair Value of Investments	568		910
Unrealized Losses	($322)		($483)
[1]	As of December 31, 2014, we identified a total of 115 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 33 investments totaling $961.2 million with unrealized losses of $19.8 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 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 December 31, 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Carrying Value	13,533,147
Weighted- Average Yield	1.34%
One Year or Less - Carrying Value	1,069,561
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	1.48%
After One Year to Five Years - Carrying Value	8,683,092
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.13%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Carrying Value	1,638,392
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.27%
After Ten Years - Carrying Value	2,142,102
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.39%
U.S. treasury securities
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Carrying Value	7,302,273
Weighted- Average Yield	1.08%
One Year or Less - Carrying Value	200,098
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	0.20%
After One Year to Five Years - Carrying Value	6,406,273
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.02%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Carrying Value	695,902
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.99%
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]
Carrying Value	3,561,556
Weighted- Average Yield	1.64%
One Year or Less - Carrying Value	869,463
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	1.78%
After One Year to Five Years - Carrying Value	2,276,819
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.46%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Carrying Value	415,274
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.36%
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]
Carrying Value	1,884,843
Weighted- Average Yield	2.00%
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	527,216
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.57%
After Ten Years - Carrying Value	1,357,627
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.79%
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Carrying Value	784,475
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	784,475
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.71%
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

Investment_Securities_Summary_2

Investment Securities - Summary Held to Maturity Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Jun. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Investment
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Transfers from available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity, carrying value	$5,418,572,000		$5,400,000,000	$0	$0
Unrealized gains for transferred securities			22,500,000
Amortized Cost	7,421,042,000
Unrealized Gains	16,314,000
Unrealized Losses	-21,700,000
Fair Value	7,415,656,000			0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	3,438,894,000	[1]
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-16,520,000	[1]
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	783,558,000	[1],[2]
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-5,180,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value of Investments	4,222,452,000	[1]
Unrealized Losses	-21,700,000	[1]
Number of held-to-maturity investments with unrealized loss	292
Number of held-to-maturity investments in continuous loss more than 12 months	26
U.S. agency debentures
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	405,899,000	[3]
Unrealized Gains	4,589,000	[3]
Unrealized Losses	-38,000	[3]
Fair Value	410,450,000	[3]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	48,335,000
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-38,000
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	0	[2]
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[2]
Fair Value of Investments	48,335,000
Unrealized Losses	-38,000
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,799,923,000
Unrealized Gains	5,789,000
Unrealized Losses	-2,320,000
Fair Value	2,803,392,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	999,230,000
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-2,320,000
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	0	[2]
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[2]
Fair Value of Investments	999,230,000
Unrealized Losses	-2,320,000
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	3,185,109,000
Unrealized Gains	4,521,000
Unrealized Losses	-14,885,000
Fair Value	3,174,745,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	1,682,348,000
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-9,705,000
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	783,558,000	[2]
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-5,180,000	[2]
Fair Value of Investments	2,465,906,000
Unrealized Losses	-14,885,000
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	131,580,000
Unrealized Gains	371,000
Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Value	131,951,000
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	814,589,000
Unrealized Gains	1,026,000
Unrealized Losses	-3,800,000
Fair Value	811,815,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	629,840,000
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-3,800,000
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	0	[2]
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[2]
Fair Value of Investments	629,840,000
Unrealized Losses	-3,800,000
Municipal bonds and notes
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	83,942,000
Unrealized Gains	18,000
Unrealized Losses	-657,000
Fair Value	83,303,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	79,141,000
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-657,000
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	0	[2]
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[2]
Fair Value of Investments	79,141,000
Unrealized Losses	($657,000)
[1]	As of December 31, 2014, we identified a total of 292 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 26 investments totaling $783.6 million with unrealized losses of $5.2 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 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 December 31, 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Amortized Cost	$7,421,042	$0
Held-to-maturity securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	7,421,042
Weighted- Average Yield	2.10%
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	3,442
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	5.37%
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	74,794
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	3.83%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	1,299,134
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.54%
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	6,043,672
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	1.99%
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
U.S. agency debentures | Held-to-maturity securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	405,899
Weighted- Average Yield	2.87%
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	405,899
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.87%
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	0
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	0.00%
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities | Held-to-maturity securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,799,923
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	43,809
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.39%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	853,331
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.21%
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	1,902,783
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.51%
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	3,185,109
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	3,185,109
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	131,580
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	131,580
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	814,589
Weighted- Average Yield	2.15%
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	814,589
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	2.15%
Municipal bonds and notes | Held-to-maturity securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	83,942
Weighted- Average Yield	6.00%
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	3,442
One Year or Less - Weighted- Average Yield	5.37%
One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	30,985
After One Year to Five Years - Weighted- Average Yield	5.86%
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	39,904
After Five Years to Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	6.10%
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	$9,611
After Ten Years - Weighted- Average Yield	6.27%

Investment_Securities_Nonmarke

Investment Securities - Non-marketable and Other Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
					Investment
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Total non-marketable and other securities	$1,728,888,000		$1,595,494,000
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities	75,000,000
Ownership interest percentage			5.00%
Upper Limit
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	5.00%
Fair value accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	108,251,000	[1]	321,374,000	[1]
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	1,130,882,000	[2]	862,972,000	[2]
Non-marketable securities	234,000,000		215,000,000
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	24,645,000		29,104,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	12.60%		12.60%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	97,250,000		96,185,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	8.60%		8.60%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	269,821,000		260,272,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	5.90%		5.90%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	291,291,000		226,729,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	5.00%		5.00%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	226,111,000		118,181,000
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	89,605,000		7,944,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	0.00%		0.20%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	62,110,000		59,028,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	20.00%		20.00%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Capital-NT Growth Partners, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	61,973,000		61,126,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	33.00%		33.00%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Capital Partners II, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	302,000	[3]	708,000	[3]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	5.10%	[3]	5.10%	[3]
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Direct ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	1.30%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Indirect ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	3.80%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | Other private equity fund
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	7,774,000	[4]	3,695,000	[4]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	58.20%	[4]	58.20%	[4]
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | Other private equity fund | Direct ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	41.50%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Cost method accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	140,551,000	[5]	148,994,000	[5]
Number of investments	281		288		324
Other venture capital investments | Fair value accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	71,204,000	[6]	32,839,000	[6]
Other venture capital investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Capital Partners II, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	20,481,000	[7]	22,684,000	[7]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	5.10%	[7]	5.10%	[7]
Other venture capital investments | Fair value accounting | Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	3,291,000		6,564,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	10.70%		10.70%
Other venture capital investments | Fair value accounting | Capital Partners III, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	41,055,000		0
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	0.00%		0.00%
Other venture capital investments | Fair value accounting | SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	6,377,000		3,591,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	6.80%		6.80%
Other investments | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital-NT Growth Partners, LP | Indirect ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	12.60%
Other investments | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Direct ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	1.30%
Other investments | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Indirect ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	3.80%
Other investments | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Other private equity fund | Direct ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	41.50%
Other investments | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP | Indirect ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	4.10%
Other investments | Equity method accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	142,674,000	[8]	142,883,000	[8]
Other investments | Equity method accounting | Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	21,294,000	[9]	21,867,000	[9]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	15.50%	[9]	15.50%	[9]
Other investments | Equity method accounting | Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP | Direct ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	11.50%
Other investments | Equity method accounting | Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP | Indirect ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	4.00%
Other investments | Equity method accounting | China Joint Venture investment
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	79,569,000		79,940,000
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	50.00%		50.00%
Other investments | Equity method accounting | Other investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	41,811,000		41,076,000
Other investments | Cost method accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	16,676,000		14,191,000
Low income housing tax credit funds | Equity method accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	$118,650,000		$72,241,000
[1]	Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. At December 31, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $75 million in 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 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting): December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP $24,645 12.6% $29,104 12.6%SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP 97,250 8.6 96,185 8.6SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP 269,821 5.9 260,272 5.9SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP 291,291 5.0 226,729 5.0Strategic Investors Fund V Funds 226,111 Various 118,181 VariousStrategic Investors Fund VI Funds 89,605 — 7,944 0.2SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 62,110 20.0 59,028 20.0SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP 61,973 33.0 61,126 33.0SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i) 302 5.1 708 5.1Other private equity fund (ii) 7,774 58.2 3,695 58.2Total venture capital and private equity fund investments $1,130,882 $862,972 (i)At December 31, 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 December 31, 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]	At December 31, 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.
[4]	At December 31, 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
[5]	Represents investments in 281 and 288 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where our ownership interest is 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 $141 million, and $234 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of the venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $149 million, and $215 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.
[6]	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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting): December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP $3,291 10.7% $6,564 10.7%SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i) 20,481 5.1 22,684 5.1Capital Partners III, LP 41,055 — — —SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund 6,377 6.8 3,591 6.8Total other venture capital investments $71,204 $32,839 (i)At December 31, 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.
[7]	At December 31, 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.
[8]	The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (equity method accounting): December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (i) $21,294 15.5% $21,867 15.5%China Joint Venture investment 79,569 50.0 79,940 50.0Other investments 41,811 Various 41,076 VariousTotal other investments (equity method accounting) $142,674 $142,883 (i)At December 31, 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]	At December 31, 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.

Investment_Securities_Componen

Investment Securities - Components of Gains and Losses (Realized and Unrealized) on Investment Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	$551,453,000		$455,531,000		$203,321,000
Gross losses on investment securities	-284,430,000		-36,123,000		-81,207,000
Gains on investment securities, net	267,023,000		419,408,000		122,114,000
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	0				0
Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Recognized other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses	800,000		1,400,000		1,000,000
Number of other-than-temporary impaired investments	27		43		46
Number of investments	281		288		324
Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	658,000	[1]	3,887,000	[1]	6,380,000	[1]
Gross losses on investment securities	-19,255,000	[1]	-3,349,000	[1]	-2,139,000	[1]
Marketable Securities [Member] | Fair value accounting
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	0		0		8,863,000
Gross losses on investment securities	0		0		-1,675,000
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	349,747,000		186,404,000		107,507,000
Gross losses on investment securities	-86,263,000		-17,185,000		-63,146,000
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	17,309,000		9,241,000		58,409,000
Gross losses on investment securities	-4,516,000		-3,496,000		-11,062,000
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	151,007,000		227,252,000		0
Gross losses on investment securities	-170,890,000		-2,962,000		0
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	0		0		21,000
Non-marketable securities | Equity method accounting | Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	10,937,000		18,235,000		16,923,000
Gross losses on investment securities	-2,320,000		-3,111,000		-1,987,000
Non-marketable securities | Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	16,001,000		10,081,000		3,503,000
Gross losses on investment securities	-827,000	[2]	-1,700,000	[2]	-1,079,000	[2]
Non-marketable securities | Cost method accounting | Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains on investment securities	5,794,000		431,000		1,715,000
Gross losses on investment securities	-359,000	[3]	-4,320,000	[3]	-119,000	[3]
Recognized other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses			$3,900,000
[1]	Includes realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale securities that are recognized in the income statement. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. The cost basis of available-for-sale securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
[2]	Includes OTTI of $0.8 million from the declines in value for 27 of the 281 investments, $1.4 million from the declines in value for 43 of the 288 investments, and $1.0 million from the declines in value for 46 of the 324 investments held at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. We concluded that any declines in value for the remaining investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized.
[3]	No OTTI was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2014. We concluded that any declines in value for the investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized. There was $3.9 million of OTTI recognized for the year ended December 31, 2013 on a single direct equity investment and there was no recognized OTTI for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L2

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred loan fee income	$104,000,000		$89,000,000
Loans modified in TDRs	7,151,000		22,433,000
Unfunded commitments available for funding	3,100,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	2,738,000	[1]	13,848,000	[1]	28,723,000	[1]
Forgiveness Of Principal [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	1,000,000		0		9,000,000
Payment Deferrals Granted
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	$1,700,000				$19,000,000
[1]	During 2014 we had no partial charge-offs. In 2013 and 2012 we had partial charge-offs of $11.1 million and $14.3 million respectively, on loans classified as TDRs.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L3

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned income (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$14,384,276	[1]	$10,906,386	[1]
Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,764,519		1,418,991
Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	4,954,676		4,102,636
Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,131,006		1,213,032
Venture capital/private equity
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	4,582,906		2,386,054
Life science
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,289,904		1,170,220
Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	794,321		664,834
Premium wine | Non-real Estate Secured Commercial Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	187,568		149,841
Premium wine | Real Estate Secured Commercial Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	606,753	[2]	514,993	[2]
Commercial, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	352,828		396,644
Commercial, Other | Construction Loans Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	78,626		76,997
Commercial, Other | Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	234,551		288,904
Real estate, Other | Real Estate Secured Commercial Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	39,651		30,743
Consumer, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	160,520		99,711
Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,118,115		873,255
Real estate secured loans | Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,118,115	[3]	873,255	[3]
Total consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,278,635		972,966
Total commercial loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	13,105,641		9,933,420
Total commercial loans | Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$12,380,611		$9,310,687
[1]	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $131 million and $85 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $112 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013.
[3]	Consumer loans secured by real estate at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were comprised of the following: December 31,(Dollars in thousands) 2014 2013Loans for personal residence $918,629 $685,327Loans to eligible employees 133,568 121,548Home equity lines of credit 65,918 66,380Consumer loans secured by real estate $1,118,115 $873,255

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L4

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned income (Footnote Information) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$14,384,276,000	[1]	$10,906,386,000	[1]
Credit Card Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card loans	131,000,000		85,000,000
Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,118,115,000		873,255,000
Real estate secured loans | Loans for personal residence
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	918,629,000		685,327,000
Real estate secured loans | Loans to eligible employees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	133,568,000		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	65,918,000		66,380,000
Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	794,321,000		664,834,000
Gross construction loans	112,000,000		112,000,000
Total consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$1,278,635,000		$972,966,000
[1]	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $131 million and $85 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Composition_of_Loans_Net_of_Un

Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned Income, Broken Out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$14,384,276	[1]	$10,906,386	[1]
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	4,954,676		4,102,636
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,131,006		1,213,032
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	4,582,906		2,386,054
Life science
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,289,904		1,170,220
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	794,321		664,834
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	352,828		396,644
Total commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	13,105,641		9,933,420
Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,118,115		873,255
Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	160,520		99,711
Total consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$1,278,635		$972,966
[1]	Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $131 million and $85 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L5

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Aging of Gross Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$38,137	$51,649
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	42,899	73,271
30 - 59 Days Past Due	68,292	19,367
60 - 89 Days Past Due	4,176	12,572
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	23,622	4,438
Total Past Due	96,090	36,377
Current	14,392,676	10,958,891
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1,302	99
Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	33,287	27,618
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	34,218	28,316
30 - 59 Days Past Due	10,989	9,804
60 - 89 Days Past Due	1,627	1,291
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	52	99
Total Past Due	12,668	11,194
Current	4,950,291	4,102,546
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	52	99
Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	2,521	19,667
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	2,535	35,317
30 - 59 Days Past Due	13,424	2,679
60 - 89 Days Past Due	126	3,965
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	13,550	6,644
Current	1,124,423	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]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	40
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0	40
30 - 59 Days Past Due	40,773	4
60 - 89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	40,773	4
Current	4,580,526	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]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	475	1,278
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	2,453	4,727
30 - 59 Days Past Due	738	395
60 - 89 Days Past Due	786	131
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	1,524	526
Current	1,298,728	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]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	1,304	1,442
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,743	1,778
30 - 59 Days Past Due	0	0
60 - 89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	795,345	665,755
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Commercial, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	233	690
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	233	718
30 - 59 Days Past Due	178	1,580
60 - 89 Days Past Due	3	142
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	181	1,722
Current	354,939	397,416
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Commercial loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	37,820	50,735
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	41,182	70,896
30 - 59 Days Past Due	66,102	14,462
60 - 89 Days Past Due	2,542	5,529
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	52	99
Total Past Due	68,696	20,090
Current	13,104,252	9,951,730
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	52	99
Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	192	244
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,412	1,434
30 - 59 Days Past Due	1,592	240
60 - 89 Days Past Due	341	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,250	0
Total Past Due	3,183	240
Current	1,114,286	872,586
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1,250	0
Consumer, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	125	670
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	305	941
30 - 59 Days Past Due	0	8
60 - 89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	8
Current	160,212	98,965
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	317	914
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,717	2,375
30 - 59 Days Past Due	1,592	248
60 - 89 Days Past Due	341	0
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,250	0
Total Past Due	3,183	248
Current	1,274,498	971,551
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1,250	0
Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
30 - 59 Days Past Due	67,694	14,710
60 - 89 Days Past Due	2,883	5,529
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	1,302	99
Total Past Due	71,879	20,338
Current	14,378,750	10,923,281
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1,302	99
Impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
30 - 59 Days Past Due	598	4,657
60 - 89 Days Past Due	1,293	7,043
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	22,320	4,339
Total Past Due	24,211	16,039
Current	13,926	35,610
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	35,523	48,037
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	33,287	27,308
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	1,403	19,329
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Venture capital/private equity
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	40
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Life science
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	475	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Commercial, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	233	690
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Commercial loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	35,398	47,367
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Consumer, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	125	670
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	125	670
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	2,614	3,612
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	310
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	1,118	338
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Venture capital/private equity
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Life science
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	1,278
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	1,304	1,442
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Commercial, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Commercial loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	2,422	3,368
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	192	244
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Consumer, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$192	$244

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L6

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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$38,137	$51,649
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	42,899	73,271
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	33,287	27,618
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	34,218	28,316
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	2,521	19,667
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	2,535	35,317
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	40
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0	40
Life science
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	475	1,278
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	2,453	4,727
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	1,304	1,442
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,743	1,778
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	233	690
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	233	718
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	37,820	50,735
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	41,182	70,896
Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	192	244
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,412	1,434
Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	125	670
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	305	941
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	317	914
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,717	2,375
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	2,614	3,612
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	310
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	1,118	338
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Life science
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	1,278
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	1,304	1,442
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	2,422	3,368
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	192	244
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance [Member] | Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	192	244
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	35,523	48,037
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	33,287	27,308
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	1,403	19,329
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	40
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Life science
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	475	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	233	690
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	35,398	47,367
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	125	670
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance [Member] | Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$125	$670

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L7

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Average Impaired Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	$24,516	$40,846	$35,814
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	14,357	6,254	2,223
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	6,634	24,508	19,242
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	0	37	0
Life science
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	516	334	345
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	1,381	2,210	3,513
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	1,088	3,601	3,558
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	23,976	36,944	28,881
Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	218	2,957	5,037
Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	322	945	1,896
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	$540	$3,902	$6,933

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L8

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Activity in Allowance for Loan Losses Broken out by Portfolio Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				$142,886				$110,651	$142,886	$110,651	$89,947
Charge-offs									-43,168	-42,666	-33,319
Recoveries									6,155	11,208	9,693
Provision for (Reduction of)	40,435	16,610	1,947	494	28,670	10,638	18,572	5,813	59,486	63,693	44,330
Ending Balance	165,359				142,886				165,359	142,886	110,651
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				36,553				29,761	36,553	29,761	16,810
Charge-offs									-15,265	-18,819	-20,247
Recoveries									2,238	2,677	1,107
Provision for (Reduction of)									2,334	22,934	32,091
Ending Balance	25,860				36,553				25,860	36,553	29,761
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				64,084				42,648	64,084	42,648	38,263
Charge-offs									-21,031	-8,861	-4,316
Recoveries									1,425	1,934	4,874
Provision for (Reduction of)									36,503	28,363	3,827
Ending Balance	80,981				64,084				80,981	64,084	42,648
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				16,385				9,963	16,385	9,963	7,319
Charge-offs									0	0	0
Recoveries									0	0	0
Provision for (Reduction of)									11,612	6,422	2,644
Ending Balance	27,997				16,385				27,997	16,385	9,963
Life science
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				11,926				13,606	11,926	13,606	10,243
Charge-offs									-2,951	-6,010	-5,080
Recoveries									374	1,860	334
Provision for (Reduction of)									5,859	2,470	8,109
Ending Balance	15,208				11,926				15,208	11,926	13,606
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				3,914				3,523	3,914	3,523	3,914
Charge-offs									-35	0	-584
Recoveries									240	170	650
Provision for (Reduction of)									354	221	-457
Ending Balance	4,473				3,914				4,473	3,914	3,523
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				3,680				3,912	3,680	3,912	5,817
Charge-offs									-3,886	-8,107	-2,485
Recoveries									1,499	2,995	1,377
Provision for (Reduction of)									1,960	4,880	-797
Ending Balance	3,253				3,680				3,253	3,680	3,912
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				136,542				103,413	136,542	103,413	82,366
Charge-offs									-43,168	-41,797	-32,712
Recoveries									5,776	9,636	8,342
Provision for (Reduction of)									58,622	65,290	45,417
Ending Balance	157,772				136,542				157,772	136,542	103,413
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				6,344				7,238	6,344	7,238	7,581
Charge-offs									0	-869	-607
Recoveries									379	1,572	1,351
Provision for (Reduction of)									864	-1,597	-1,087
Ending Balance	$7,587				$6,344				$7,587	$6,344	$7,238

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Loan_L9

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Allowance for Loan Losses Individually and Collectively Evaluated for Impairment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$15,051	$21,277
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	38,137	51,648
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	150,308	121,609
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	14,346,139	10,854,738
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	13,695	11,261
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	33,287	27,617
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	67,286	52,823
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,921,389	4,075,019
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,133	9,673
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,521	19,667
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	24,727	26,880
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,128,485	1,193,365
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0	19
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0	39
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	27,997	16,366
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,582,906	2,386,015
Life science
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	121	0
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	475	1,278
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	15,087	11,926
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,289,429	1,168,942
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0	0
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,304	1,442
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,473	3,914
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	793,017	663,392
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	71	156
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	233	690
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,182	3,524
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	352,595	395,954
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	15,020	21,109
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	37,820	50,733
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	142,752	115,433
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	13,067,821	9,882,687
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	31	168
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	317	915
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	7,556	6,176
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$1,278,318	$972,051

Recovered_Sheet1

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Credit Quality Indicators, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	$14,488,766	$10,995,268
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	4,996,246	4,141,358
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,140,494	1,224,480
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	4,621,299	2,408,426
Life science
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,300,727	1,181,266
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	796,649	667,197
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	355,353	399,828
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	13,210,768	10,022,555
Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,117,661	873,070
Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	160,337	99,643
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,277,998	972,713
Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	13,729,421	10,371,201
Pass | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	4,611,253	3,875,043
Pass | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	945,998	995,055
Pass | Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	4,615,231	2,408,386
Pass | Life science
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,165,266	1,091,993
Pass | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	774,962	652,747
Pass | Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	346,153	383,602
Pass | Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	12,458,863	9,406,826
Pass | Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,112,396	868,789
Pass | Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	158,162	95,586
Pass | Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,270,558	964,375
Performing (Criticized)
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	721,208	572,418
Performing (Criticized) | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	351,706	238,697
Performing (Criticized) | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	191,975	209,758
Performing (Criticized) | Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	6,068	0
Performing (Criticized) | Life science
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	134,986	87,995
Performing (Criticized) | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	20,383	13,008
Performing (Criticized) | Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	8,967	15,536
Performing (Criticized) | Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	714,085	564,994
Performing (Criticized) | Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	5,073	4,037
Performing (Criticized) | Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	2,050	3,387
Performing (Criticized) | Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	7,123	7,424
Impaired
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	38,137	51,649
Impaired | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	33,287	27,618
Impaired | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	2,521	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	475	1,278
Impaired | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,304	1,442
Impaired | Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	233	690
Impaired | Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	37,820	50,735
Impaired | Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	192	244
Impaired | Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	125	670
Impaired | Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	$317	$914

Recovered_Sheet2

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 $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
	troubled_debt_restructuring		troubled_debt_restructuring
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Financing Receivables, Impaired, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Write-down	$0		$11,100,000		$14,300,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts	7		18
Loans modified in TDRs	7,151,000		22,433,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	2,738,000	[1]	13,848,000	[1]	28,723,000	[1]
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	3,784,000		5,860,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	1,033,000		4,932,000		1,939,000
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	1,118,000		13,329,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	1,118,000		8,143,000		20,514,000
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	0		77,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		77,000		0
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	1,891,000		1,442,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	587,000		0		1,024,000
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	233,000		1,055,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		690,000		4,878,000
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	7,026,000		21,763,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	2,738,000		13,842,000		28,355,000
Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		0		368,000
Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	125,000		670,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		6,000		0
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	125,000		670,000
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		6,000		368,000
Forgiveness Of Principal [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	$1,000,000		$0		$9,000,000
[1]	During 2014 we had no partial charge-offs. In 2013 and 2012 we had partial charge-offs of $11.1 million and $14.3 million respectively, on loans classified as TDRs.

Recovered_Sheet3

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in TDRs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	$2,738,000	[1]	$13,848,000	[1]	$28,723,000	[1]
Financing Receivables, Impaired, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Write-down	0		11,100,000		14,300,000
Loans modified in TDRs	7,151,000		22,433,000
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	1,033,000		4,932,000		1,939,000
Loans modified in TDRs	3,784,000		5,860,000
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	1,118,000		8,143,000		20,514,000
Loans modified in TDRs	1,118,000		13,329,000
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		77,000		0
Loans modified in TDRs	0		77,000
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	587,000		0		1,024,000
Loans modified in TDRs	1,891,000		1,442,000
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		690,000		4,878,000
Loans modified in TDRs	233,000		1,055,000
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	2,738,000		13,842,000		28,355,000
Loans modified in TDRs	7,026,000		21,763,000
Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		0		368,000
Consumer, Other
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		6,000		0
Loans modified in TDRs	125,000		670,000
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0		6,000		368,000
Loans modified in TDRs	125,000		670,000
Forgiveness Of Principal [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	1,000,000		0		9,000,000
Payment Deferrals Granted
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	$1,700,000				$19,000,000
[1]	During 2014 we had no partial charge-offs. In 2013 and 2012 we had partial charge-offs of $11.1 million and $14.3 million respectively, on loans classified as TDRs.

Recovered_Sheet4

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in TDRs within Previous 12 months Subsequently Defaulted (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	$2,036	$1,988
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	1,627	1,868
Venture capital/private equity
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	38	0
Commercial, Other
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	365	0
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	2,030	1,868
Real estate secured loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	0	120
Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	6	0
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	$6	$120

Premises_and_Equipment_Compone

Premises and Equipment Components of Premises and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Computer software	$149,579	$128,129
Computer hardware	52,203	45,241
Leasehold improvements	48,780	40,851
Furniture and equipment	24,320	19,434
Total	274,882	233,655
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-195,037	-166,170
Premises and equipment, net	$79,845	$67,485

Premises_and_Equipment_Additio

Premises and Equipment Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense	$30	$29.10	$23.70
Write-off of assets		$1.20

Disposal_Assets_HeldforSale_In

Disposal - Assets Held-for-Sale - Income Statement Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction	$13,934		$0	$0
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | SVB India Finance Private Limited, (SVBIF)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Losses primarily attributable to cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	12,934
Transaction-related expenses	1,000
Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction	13,934	[1]
Tax impact of undistributed earnings of SVBIF	2,900
Tax impact from net losses on SVBIF Sale Transaction	-5,398
Net tax impact included in income tax expense	-2,498
Net loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction	$11,436
[1]	The total impairment loss is included in noninterest income in our Global Commercial Bank operating segment as reported in Note 21—”Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Disposal_Assets_HeldforSale_Ba

Disposal - Assets Held-for-Sale - Balance Sheet Information (Details) (SVB India Finance Private Limited, (SVBIF), USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Global Commercial Bank
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total assets of SVBIF held-for-sale	$44,300
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and due from banks	3,054
Securities purchased under agreement to resell and other short-term investments	11,898
Net loans	26,800
Premises and equipment, net	24
Accrued interest receivable and other assets	7,163
Total assets of SVBIF held-for-sale	48,939	[1]
Other liabilities	4,686
Total liabilities of SVBIF held-for-sale	$4,686	[1]
[1]	Net assets of $44.3 million are included in our Global Commercial Bank operating segment as reported in Note 21—”Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Deposits_Composition_of_Deposi

Deposits Composition of Deposits (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deposits [Abstract]
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	$24,583,682	$15,894,360
Negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW)	254,462	151,746
Money market	6,186,044	4,373,974
Money market deposits in foreign offices	242,526	181,299
Sweep deposits in foreign offices	2,948,658	1,657,740
Time	128,127	213,860
Total deposits	$34,343,499	$22,472,979

Deposits_Additional_Informatio

Deposits Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deposits [Abstract]
Time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000	$116	$197
Interest expense paid on time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000	0.3	0.6	0.5
Time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000 scheduled to mature within one year	$116

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT2

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt Outstanding Short Term Borrowings and Long Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2010
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$7,781		$5,080
Total long-term debt	453,443		455,216
Other short-term borrowings
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Principal value	7,781	[1]
Short-term borrowings	7,781	[1]	5,080	[1]
5.375% Senior Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Maturity	15-Sep-20		15-Sep-20
Principal value	350,000				350,000
Senior Notes	348,436		348,209
6.05% Subordinated Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Maturity	1-Jun-17
Principal value	45,964
Subordinated Notes	50,162	[2]	51,987	[2]
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Maturity	15-Oct-33		15-Oct-33
Principal value	50,000
Junior Subordinated Debentures	$54,845		$55,020
[1]	Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor, which includes an interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
[2]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes were $4.6 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 (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
3.875% Convertible Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Stated interest rate
5.375% Senior Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.38%
Maturity	15-Sep-20	15-Sep-20
5.70% Senior Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Stated interest rate
6.05% Subordinated Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.05%	6.05%
Fair value of the interest rate swap associated with the notes	4,600	6,500
Maturity	1-Jun-17
6.05% Subordinated Notes | Interest rate swaps
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Fair value of the interest rate swap associated with the notes	4,600	6,500
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		7.00%
Maturity	15-Oct-33	15-Oct-33

Aggregate_Annual_Maturities_of

Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$0
2016	0
2017	50,162
2018	0
2019	0
2020 and thereafter	403,281
Total	$453,443	$455,216

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT4

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2010

15-May-07

Oct. 30, 2003

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Interest expense, debt

$23,200,000

$23,100,000

$24,200,000

Weighted average interest rates associated with short-term borrowings

0.08%

0.08%

Distributions

8,988,000

8,761,000

8,876,000

8,696,000

8,386,000

8,144,000

7,902,000

7,845,000

35,321,000

32,277,000

30,854,000

Special Purpose Trust Entity

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Distributions

3,500,000

3,500,000

3,500,000

5.375% Senior Notes

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Stated interest rate

5.38%

5.38%

Principal value

350,000,000

350,000,000

350,000,000

Maturity

15-Sep-20

15-Sep-20

Payments for settlement of 3.875% Convertible Notes

250,000,000

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of discount and issuance cost

345,000,000

3.875% Convertible Notes

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Stated interest rate

5.70% Senior Notes

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Stated interest rate

6.05% Subordinated Notes

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Discount on issuance of debt

250,000,000

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Principal value

50,000,000

50,000,000

Debt issuance costs

2,200,000

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Market value of collateral pledged

1,300,000,000

1,300,000,000

Unused and available funds

Federal Reserve Bank Advances

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Market value of collateral pledged

1,000,000,000

1,000,000,000

Unused and available funds

6.05% Subordinated Notes

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Stated interest rate

6.05%

6.05%

6.05%

6.05%

Principal value

45,964,000

45,964,000

Maturity

1-Jun-17

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Stated interest rate

7.00%

7.00%

Principal value

$50,000,000

$50,000,000

Maturity

15-Oct-33

15-Oct-33

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Managing interest rate risk for senior notes and subordinated notes	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.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments Total Notional or Contractual Amounts, Fair Value, Collateral and Net Exposure of Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Exposure Derivative Instruments	$119,098	[1]	$108,021	[1]
Fair value	126,879		113,101
Collateral	7,781	[2]	5,080	[2]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	45,964		45,964
Fair value	4,609		6,492
Collateral	2,970	[2]	5,080	[2]
Net Exposure	1,639	[1]	1,412	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value	4,561		789
Net Exposure Derivative Instruments	2,120	[1]	789	[1]
Collateral	2,441	[2]	0	[2]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Foreign exchange forwards | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	200,957		140,760
Fair value	5,050		1,423
Collateral	2,441	[2]	0	[2]
Net Exposure	2,609	[1]	1,423	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Foreign exchange forwards | Other liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	6,226		62,649
Fair value	-489		-634
Net Exposure Derivative Instruments Liabilities	-489	[1]	-634	[1]
Collateral	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	197,878		179,934
Fair value	116,604		103,513
Collateral	0	[2]	0	[2]
Net Exposure	116,604	[1]	103,513	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value	1,105		2,307
Net Exposure Derivative Instruments	-1,265	[1]	2,307	[1]
Collateral	2,370	[2]	0	[2]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Foreign exchange forwards | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	801,487		424,983
Fair value	28,954		13,673
Collateral	2,370	[2]	0	[2]
Net Exposure	26,584	[1]	13,673	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Foreign exchange forwards | Other liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	774,355		367,079
Fair value	-27,647		-11,549
Net Exposure Derivative Instruments Liabilities	-27,647	[1]	-11,549	[1]
Collateral	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Foreign currency options | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	34,926		91,854
Fair value	227		434
Collateral	0	[2]	0	[2]
Net Exposure	227	[1]	434	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Foreign currency options | Other liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	34,926		91,854
Fair value	-227		-434
Net Exposure Derivative Instruments Liabilities	-227	[1]	-434	[1]
Collateral	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Loan conversion options | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	0		3,455
Fair value	0		314
Collateral	0	[2]	0	[2]
Net Exposure	0	[1]	314	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Client interest rate derivatives | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	387,410		216,773
Fair value	2,546		1,265
Collateral	0	[2]	0	[2]
Net Exposure	2,546	[1]	1,265	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional or Contractual Amount	387,410		216,773
Fair value	-2,748		-1,396
Net Exposure Derivative Instruments Liabilities	-2,748	[1]	-1,396	[1]
Collateral	$0	[2]	$0	[2]
[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 December 31, 2014 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings for the year ended December 31, 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 Total Notional or Contractual Amounts, Fair Value, Collateral and Net Exposure of Derivative Financial Instruments (Footnote Information) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit rating of institutional counterparties	The credit ratings of our institutional counterparties as of December 31, 2014 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings for the year ended December 31, 2014

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments Summary of Derivative Activity and Related Impact on Consolidated Statements of Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	$22,139	$31,508	$10,123
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	2,553	2,536	5,154
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Net gains on derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	-50	14	603
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate risk
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	2,503	2,550	5,757
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	-38	-1,197	1,574
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Loans | Other noninterest income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	-21,636	3,016	1,677
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Foreign exchange forwards | Net gains on derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	21,598	-4,213	-103
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Foreign exchange forwards | Net gains on derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	5,081	-452	460
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Net gains on derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	71,012	46,101	19,385
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Other derivatives | Net gains on derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	($796)	$734	($1,666)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments Master Netting Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Assets	$137,271	$196,346
Gross Assets Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	-274	-70
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	136,997	196,276
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	31,111	14,013
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-117,783	-181,547
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	-7,781	-5,080
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	11,433	9,649
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Liabilities	31,385	14,083
Gross Liabilities Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	274	70
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-19,639	-9,648
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	11,472	4,365
Derivative [Member]
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Assets	41,660	23,357
Gross Assets Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	-274	-70
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	41,386	23,287
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	31,111	14,013
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-22,172	-8,558
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	-7,781	-5,080
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	11,433	9,649
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Liabilities	31,385	14,083
Gross Liabilities Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	274	70
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-19,639	-9,648
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	11,472	4,365
Derivative [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Assets	4,609	6,492
Gross Assets Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	4,609	6,492
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-1,639	-1,412
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	-2,970	-5,080
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Derivative [Member] | Foreign exchange forwards
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Assets	34,004	15,096
Gross Assets Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	34,004	15,096
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	28,136	12,183
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-17,843	-6,735
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	-4,811	0
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	11,350	8,361
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Liabilities	28,136	12,183
Gross Liabilities Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-16,808	-8,282
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	11,328	3,901
Derivative [Member] | Foreign currency options
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Assets	501	504
Gross Assets Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	-274	-70
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	227	434
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	227	434
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-144	-155
Cash Collateral Received Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Assets After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	83	279
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Liabilities	501	504
Gross Liabilities Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	-274	-70
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-83	-279
Cash Collateral Pledged Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Liabilities After Deducting Amounts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements	144	155
Derivative [Member] | Client interest rate derivatives
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Assets	2,546	1,265
Gross Assets Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	2,546	1,265
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	2,748	1,396
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-2,546	-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	2,748	1,396
Gross Liabilities Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Gross Liabilities Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-2,748	-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 [Member]
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangements [Line Items]
Gross Amounts Of Recognized Assets	95,611	172,989
Gross Assets Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	0	0
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	95,611	172,989
Net Amounts Of Assets Presented in Statement Of Financial Position	0	0
Gross Assets Subject To Master Netting Arrangement Not Offset	-95,611	-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 Liabilities Offset Under Master Netting Arrangements	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_Income_Loss_2

Other Noninterest Income (Loss) and Other Noninterest Expense - Summary of Other Noninterest Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Fund management fees	$13,498		$11,163		$11,057
Service-based fee income	8,801		7,807		7,937
Gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments	-21,636	[1]	3,016	[1]	1,677	[1]
Net gains on the sale of certain assets related to our equity management services business	0		0		4,243
Net losses on the sale of certain assets related to our SVBIF business	-13,934		0		0
Other	12,011	[2]	14,153	[2]	11,449	[2]
Total other noninterest income	($1,260)		$36,139		$36,363
[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_Income_Loss_3

Other Noninterest Income (Loss) and Other Noninterest Expense - Summary of Other Noninterest Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Client services	$10,692	$8,181	$6,910
Data processing services	8,079	7,895	5,876
Tax credit fund amortization	9,691	6,436	3,911
Telephone	7,250	6,258	6,528
Postage and supplies	3,196	2,462	2,482
Dues and publications	2,549	1,745	2,067
Other	12,939	8,950	8,188
Total other noninterest expense	$54,396	$41,927	$35,962

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	16,000,000	$16,000,000
State net operating loss carryforward	8,000,000	8,000,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards Foreign	13,000,000	19,000,000
Valuation allowance	-8,965,000	-10,006,000
Unrecognized tax benefit	3,497,000	343,000
Reduction in income tax expense resulting from recognition of unrecognized tax benefit	2,400,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination description	Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2011 and subsequent years remain open to full examination. Our California tax returns for 2010 and subsequent tax years remain open to full examination. Massachusetts tax returns for 2011 and subsequent years remain open to full examination.
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards subject to limitations	2,000,000
Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards subject to limitations	7,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Before Interest And Penalties [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefit	3,397,000	$252,000

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes Components of Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current provision:
Federal									$172,492	$99,480	$87,635
State									44,666	25,498	23,752
Deferred expense (benefit):
Federal									-36,197	11,244	2,385
State									-7,199	2,836	-503
Income tax expense	($42,302)	($38,961)	($33,582)	($58,917)	($35,285)	($47,404)	($29,968)	($26,401)	$173,762	$139,058	$113,269

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_be

Income Taxes Reconciliation between Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of the federal tax effect	5.60%	5.10%	5.80%
Meals and entertainment	0.30%	0.50%	0.50%
Disallowed officer's compensation	0.30%	0.10%	0.10%
Share-based compensation expense on incentive stock options and ESPP	0.10%	-0.30%	0.40%
Tax-exempt interest income	-0.30%	-0.30%	-0.40%
Low-income housing tax credit	-1.80%	-1.60%	-1.20%
Other, net	0.50%	0.70%	-0.90%
Effective income tax rate	39.70%	39.20%	39.30%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Liab

Income Taxes Deferred Tax (Liabilities) Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards Foreign	$13,000,000	$19,000,000
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	80,554,000	69,616,000
Share-based compensation expense	15,249,000	14,535,000
Loan fee income	9,738,000	7,804,000
State income taxes	9,428,000	6,194,000
Net operating loss	8,641,000	9,682,000
Other accruals not currently deductible	7,601,000	4,869,000
Premises and equipment and other intangibles	1,344,000	734,000
Net unrealized losses on foreign currency translation	802,000	5,228,000
Research and development credit	324,000	324,000
Share-based compensation expense	0	27,686,000
Other	2,983,000	36,000
Deferred tax assets	136,664,000	146,708,000
Valuation allowance	-8,965,000	-10,006,000
Net deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	127,699,000	136,702,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	-29,600,000	0
Nonmarketable securities	-27,858,000	-55,921,000
Derivative equity warrant assets	-19,090,000	-10,344,000
FHLB stock dividend	-1,230,000	-1,236,000
Other	0	-964,000
Deferred tax liabilities	-77,778,000	-68,465,000
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets	$49,921,000	$68,237,000

Income_Taxes_Changes_in_Unreco

Income Taxes Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefit (Including Interest and Penalties) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	$2,879
Beginning Balance	343
Additions for tax positions for prior years	396
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	-121
Ending Balance	3,497
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Before Interest And Penalties [Member]
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	2,879
Beginning Balance	252
Additions for tax positions for prior years	349
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	-83
Ending Balance	3,397
Interest & Penalties
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	0
Beginning Balance	91
Additions for tax positions for prior years	47
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	-38
Ending Balance	$100

Employee_Compensation_and_Bene2

Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans Expenses Incurred Under Certain Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Plans	$78,014	$66,232	$46,467
Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan	20,153	22,941	24,556
Retention Program	1,792	2,577	2,076
Warrant Incentive Plan	3,926	5,818	2,523
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	2,458	2,650	1,767
SVBFG 401(k) Plan	11,996	11,277	9,947
SVBFG Employee Stock Ownership Plan	$6,691	$7,429	$10,324

Employee_Compensation_and_Bene3

Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Number Of Days Loan Rate Locked	30 days
Defined Contribution Plan Description of 401 K Plan
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of pre-tax income employees are allowed to contribute towards 401(k) plan	75.00%
Maximum amount of pre-tax income employees are allowed to contribute towards 401(k) plan	$17,500	$17,500	$17,000
Maximum percentage of employer matching contributions towards 401(k) plan	5.00%
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Plan
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of employee's eligible pay earned in the fiscal year contributed by the company in cash or common stock towards ESOP	10.00%
ESOP contributions vesting period	5 years
Employee Home Ownership Plan
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Fixed-rate mortgage loan term, minimum	5 years
Fixed-rate mortgage loan term, maximum	7 years
Amortization period	30 years
Maximum loan amount percentage lesser of purchase price or the appraised value	80.00%
Mortgage loans rate	2.00%
Variable rate description	The loan rate shall not be less than the greater of either the jumbo conforming market rate (corresponding to the maturity of the loan) or the monthly Applicable Federal Rate for medium-term loans as published by the Internal Revenue Service. The loan rate will be fixed at the time of approval and locked in for 30 days.
Employee Home Ownership Plan | Five year loan
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Note period		5 years
Employee Home Ownership Plan | Seven year loan | Lower Limit
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Note period		7 years
Deferred Compensation Plan
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of base salary that may be deferred under the DC Plan	50.00%
Maximum percentage of eligible bonus payment that may be deferred under the DC Plan	100.00%
Maximum deferral term under the DC Plan	12 months
Deferrals under the DC Plan	3,900,000	3,600,000	3,200,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Employee Mandatory Retention Incentive Deferrals	12,700,000
DC Plan investment gains	$1,400,000	$3,100,000	$700,000

Related_Parties_Additional_Inf

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 04, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Highest outstanding balance by SVB under facility	$23,000,000
Revolving line of credit facility, outstanding amount	0		23,000,000
Gold Hill Capital Twenty Zero Eight LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	83.80%
Equity method investment | Other investments | Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	15.50%	[1]	15.50%	[1]
Equity method investment | Direct ownership interest | Other investments | Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	11.50%
Equity method investment | Indirect ownership interest | Other investments | Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	4.00%
Gold Hill 08 Funds
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity					$65,000,000
Gold Hill 08 Funds
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Variable interest rate description	national Prime plus one percent
Gold Hill 08 Funds | Prime
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Basis spread on related party debt	1.00%
[1]	At December 31, 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.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_2

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments Minimum Future Payments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Minimum Future Payments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases [Abstract]
2015	$21,683
2016	20,771
2017	20,510
2018	21,142
2019	21,074
2020 and thereafter	84,198
Net minimum operating lease payments	$189,378

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_3

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments Summary Information Related to Commitments to Extend Credit (Excluding Letters of Credit) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Summary Information Related To Commitments To Extend Credit [Abstract]
Fixed interest rate commitments	$1,591,408		$1,392,781
Variable interest rate commitments	11,860,039		9,101,973
Total loan commitments available for funding	13,451,447	[1]	10,494,754	[1]
Commercial and standby letters of credit	1,254,338	[2]	975,968	[2]
Total unfunded credit commitments	14,705,785		11,470,722
Commitments unavailable for funding	1,868,489	[3]	1,006,168	[3]
Maximum lending limits for accounts receivable factoring arrangements	1,044,548	[4]	894,276	[4]
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments	$36,419	[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_4

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments Summary of Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Expires In One Year or Less	$1,183,848
Expires After One Year	70,490
Total Amount Outstanding	1,254,338	[1]	975,968	[1]
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	1,254,338
Financial standby letters of credit
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Expires In One Year or Less	1,118,548
Expires After One Year	65,333
Total Amount Outstanding	1,183,881
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	1,183,881
Performance standby letters of credit
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Expires In One Year or Less	59,034
Expires After One Year	5,157
Total Amount Outstanding	64,191
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	64,191
Commercial letters of credit
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Expires In One Year or Less	6,266
Expires After One Year	0
Total Amount Outstanding	6,266
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	$6,266
[1]	See below for additional information on our commercial and standby letters of credit.

OffBalance_Sheet_Arrangements_5

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Rent expense for premises and equipment leased under operating leases	$20.30	$16.30	$14.50
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Commitments to invest, period from the inception of the fund	10 years
Committed capital call not generally restricted	100.00%
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Lower Limit
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected commitment period to invest in venture capital and private equity funds (in years)	5 years
Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Upper Limit
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected commitment period to invest in venture capital and private equity funds (in years)	7 years
Standby Letter of Credit
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred fees	8	8
Collateral in the form of cash	$510

Total_Capital_Commitments_Unfu

Total Capital Commitments, Unfunded Capital Commitments, and Our Ownership in Each Fund (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	462,314
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	2,250
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	5,133
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	12,706
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	36,503
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	140,362
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	254,248
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	5,163
SVB Capital-NT Growth Partners, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	5,872
Other private equity fund
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	77
Parent Company
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	501,968
Unfunded Commitments	41,468
Parent Company | Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	6,000
Unfunded Commitments	270
Ownership of each Fund	10.70%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Capital Partners II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	1,200	[2]
Unfunded Commitments	162	[2]
Ownership of each Fund	5.10%	[1],[2]
Parent Company | SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	935
Unfunded Commitments	0
Ownership of each Fund	6.80%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	15,300
Unfunded Commitments	688
Ownership of each Fund	12.60%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	15,000
Unfunded Commitments	1,050
Ownership of each Fund	8.60%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	15,000
Unfunded Commitments	1,275
Ownership of each Fund	5.90%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	12,239
Unfunded Commitments	2,325
Ownership of each Fund	5.00%	[1]
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	515
Unfunded Commitments	209
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	0
Unfunded Commitments	0
Ownership of each Fund	0.00%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	12,688
Unfunded Commitments	0
Ownership of each Fund	20.00%	[1]
Parent Company | SVB Capital-NT Growth Partners, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	24,670
Unfunded Commitments	1,340
Ownership of each Fund	33.00%	[1]
Parent Company | Other private equity fund
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	9,338	[3]
Unfunded Commitments	0	[3]
Ownership of each Fund	58.20%	[1],[3]
Parent Company | Partners for Growth, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	25,000
Unfunded Commitments	9,750
Ownership of each Fund	50.00%	[1]
Parent Company | Debt Funds (Equity Method Accounting) [Member]
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	64,170
Unfunded Commitments	4,950
Parent Company | Other Fund Investments
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	299,913	[4]
Unfunded Commitments	19,449	[4]
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital Partners II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	5.10%	[5]	5.10%	[5]
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	12.60%		12.60%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	8.60%		8.60%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	5.90%		5.90%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	5.00%		5.00%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	0.00%		0.20%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	20.00%		20.00%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | SVB Capital-NT Growth Partners, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	33.00%		33.00%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Other private equity fund
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	58.20%	[6]	58.20%	[6]
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Direct ownership interest | SVB Capital Partners II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	1.30%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Direct ownership interest | Other private equity fund
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	41.50%
Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments | Indirect ownership interest | SVB Capital Partners II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of each Fund	3.80%
[1]	We are subject to the Volcker Rule which restricts or limits us from sponsoring or having ownership interests in “covered” funds including venture capital and private equity funds. See “Business - Supervision and Regulation” under Part I, Item 1 in this report.
[2]	Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership 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.
[5]	At December 31, 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 December 31, 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

Total_Capital_Commitments_Unfu1

Total Capital Commitments, Unfunded Capital Commitments, and Our Ownership in Each Fund (Footnote Information) (Detail) (Venture capital and private equity fund investments)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Fair value accounting
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	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]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	1.30%
SVB Capital Partners II, LP | Fair value accounting | Indirect ownership interest
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	3.80%
Other private equity fund | Fair value accounting
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	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]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	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]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	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]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	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]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	4.10%
[1]	At December 31, 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 December 31, 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

Remaining_Unfunded_Commitments

Remaining Unfunded Commitments to Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds by our Consolidated Managed Funds (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	$462,314
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	2,250
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	5,133
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	12,706
SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	36,503
Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	140,362
Strategic Investors Fund VI Funds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	254,248
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	5,163
SVB Capital-NT Growth Partners, LP
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	5,872
Other private equity fund
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	$77

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$13,540,655		$11,986,821
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	4,609		6,492
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	116,604		103,513
Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	108,251	[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	1,130,882	[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	71,204	[3]	32,839	[3]
U.S. treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	7,302,273
U.S. agency debentures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	3,561,556		4,345,232
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
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	1,884,843		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	784,475		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	7,508		5,051
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	13,540,655		11,986,821
Total assets	15,008,982	[4]	13,331,120	[5]
Total liabilities	31,111		14,013
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	4,609		6,492
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	34,231		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	28,363		12,617
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	116,604		103,513
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Loan conversion options | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value			314
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	2,546		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	2,748		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	1,310,337		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	1,130,882		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	71,204		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	108,251		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	7,302,273
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. agency debentures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	3,561,556		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	1,884,843		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	784,475		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	7,508		5,051
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	7,306,563		3,732
Total assets	7,414,814	[4]	5,857	[5]
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Loan conversion options | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	108,251		2,125
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fair value accounting | Other Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	108,251		2,125
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | U.S. treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	7,302,273
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	4,290		3,732
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	6,234,092		11,983,089
Total assets	6,277,384	[4]	12,010,312	[5]
Total liabilities	31,111		14,013
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	4,609		6,492
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	34,231		15,530
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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	28,363		12,617
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	1,906		3,622
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Loan conversion options | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value			314
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	2,546		1,265
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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	2,748		1,396
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. agency debentures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	3,561,556		4,345,232
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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	1,884,843		3,325,758
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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	784,475		1,186,573
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	3,218		1,319
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	0		0
Total assets	1,316,784	[4]	1,314,951	[5]
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate risks | Interest rate swaps | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Currency exchange risks | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	114,698		99,891
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Loan conversion options | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivative instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	1,202,086		1,215,060
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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	1,130,882		862,972
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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	71,204		32,839
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$0		$0
[1]	Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. At December 31, 2014, the amount primarily includes total unrealized gains of $75 million in 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 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting): December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP $24,645 12.6% $29,104 12.6%SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP 97,250 8.6 96,185 8.6SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP 269,821 5.9 260,272 5.9SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP 291,291 5.0 226,729 5.0Strategic Investors Fund V Funds 226,111 Various 118,181 VariousStrategic Investors Fund VI Funds 89,605 — 7,944 0.2SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 62,110 20.0 59,028 20.0SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP 61,973 33.0 61,126 33.0SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i) 302 5.1 708 5.1Other private equity fund (ii) 7,774 58.2 3,695 58.2Total venture capital and private equity fund investments $1,130,882 $862,972 (i)At December 31, 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (fair value accounting): December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership %Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP $3,291 10.7% $6,564 10.7%SVB Capital Partners II, LP (i) 20,481 5.1 22,684 5.1Capital Partners III, LP 41,055 — — —SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund 6,377 6.8 3,591 6.8Total other venture capital investments $71,204 $32,839 (i)At December 31, 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 $100 million and $1.1 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 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 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Footnote Information) (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	$15,008,982	[1]	$13,331,120	[2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	7,414,814	[1]	5,857	[2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	1,316,784	[1]	1,314,951	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	6,277,384	[1]	12,010,312	[2]
Noncontrolling Interests | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	100,000		2,000
Noncontrolling Interests | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	$1,100,000		$1,100,000
[1]	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $100 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
[2]	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $2 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Additional Information about Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Unrealized valuation gains	$219,000,000
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers Out of Level 3			-3,600,000
Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers Out of Level 3	-380,136,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,314,951,000		859,141,000		799,962,000
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	-451,657,000		-420,261,000		-104,712,000
Purchases	275,640,000		149,276,000		135,361,000
Sales	-138,077,000		-17,904,000		-30,793,000
Issuances	13,671,000		9,098,000		11,978,000
Distributions and Other Settlements	-219,076,000		-118,235,000		-153,068,000
Transfers Into Level 3	0		24,217,000		0
Transfers Out of Level 3	-381,982,000		-10,903,000		-9,011,000
Ending Balance	1,316,784,000		1,314,951,000		859,141,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	99,891,000	[1]	66,129,000	[1]	63,030,000	[1]
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	-71,516,000	[1]	-22,929,000	[1]	-13,697,000	[1]
Purchases	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Sales	-70,875,000	[1]	-16,680,000	[1]	-21,077,000	[1]
Issuances	13,671,000	[1]	9,098,000	[1]	11,978,000	[1]
Distributions and Other Settlements	2,215,000	[1]	1,540,000	[1]	-78,000	[1]
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	24,217,000	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers Out of Level 3	-1,720,000	[1]	-7,342,000	[1]	-1,421,000	[1]
Ending Balance	114,698,000	[1]	99,891,000	[1]	66,129,000	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair value accounting | Other Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	319,249,000
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	-103,864,000
Purchases	0
Sales	-46,840,000
Issuances	0
Distributions and Other Settlements	3,863,000
Transfers Into Level 3	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,215,060,000	[2]	793,012,000	[2]	736,932,000	[2]
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	-380,141,000	[2]	-397,332,000	[2]	-91,015,000	[2]
Purchases	275,640,000	[2]	149,276,000	[2]	135,361,000	[2]
Sales	-67,202,000	[2]	-1,224,000	[2]	-9,716,000	[2]
Issuances	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Distributions and Other Settlements	-221,291,000	[2]	-119,775,000	[2]	-152,990,000	[2]
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Transfers Out of Level 3	-380,262,000	[2]	-3,561,000	[2]	-7,590,000	[2]
Ending Balance	1,202,086,000	[2]	1,215,060,000	[2]	793,012,000	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	862,972,000		665,921,000		611,824,000
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	-263,484,000		-169,219,000		-44,283,000
Purchases	224,233,000		146,564,000		122,238,000
Sales	0		0		0
Issuances	0		0		0
Distributions and Other Settlements	-219,807,000		-118,732,000		-112,424,000
Transfers Into Level 3	0		0		0
Transfers Out of Level 3	0		0		0
Ending Balance	1,130,882,000		862,972,000		665,921,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other venture capital investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	32,839,000		127,091,000		124,121,000
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	-12,793,000		-5,745,000		-46,711,000
Purchases	51,407,000		2,712,000		13,123,000
Sales	-20,362,000		-1,224,000		-9,716,000
Issuances	0		0		0
Distributions and Other Settlements	-5,347,000		-97,924,000		-39,558,000
Transfers Into Level 3	0		0		0
Transfers Out of Level 3	-126,000		-3,561,000		-7,590,000
Ending Balance	71,204,000		32,839,000		127,091,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Ending Balance	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-marketable securities | Fair value accounting | Other investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			0		987,000
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income			-222,368,000		-21,000
Purchases			0		0
Sales			0		0
Issuances			0		0
Distributions and Other Settlements			96,881,000		-1,008,000
Transfers Into Level 3			0		0
Transfers Out of Level 3			0		0
Ending Balance			$319,249,000		$0
[1]	Realized and unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
[2]	Realized and unrealized gains, net are recorded on 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 Unrealized Gains Included in Earnings Attributable to Level 3 Assets Held (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 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	$316,246		$427,721
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests	255,131		346,954
Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
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	36,516	[1]	30,579	[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	279,730	[2]	397,142	[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	276,686		168,567
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	3,044	[3]	6,207	[3]
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	[3]	$222,368	[3]
[1]	Unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
[2]	Unrealized gains are recorded on the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
[3]	2013 included total unrealized valuation gains of $219 million attributable to two of our portfolio companies, FireEye and Twitter.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru6

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs (Detail) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Equity warrant assets | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
Sales Restrictions Discount	17.80%	[1]	13.70%	[1]
Volatility	42.60%		41.30%
Risk-Free interest rate	1.70%		1.70%
Equity warrant assets | Investments [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,681		24,217
Equity Warrant Asset, Private Portfolio | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model		Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
Volatility	38.30%		40.10%
Risk-Free interest rate	0.90%		0.80%
Marketability discount	20.00%	[2]	22.50%	[2]
Remaining Life Assumption	45.00%	[3]	45.00%	[3]
Equity Warrant Asset, Private Portfolio | Investments [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	113,017		75,674
Other venture capital investments | Fair value accounting
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value	71,204		32,839
Valuation Technique	Private company equity pricing		Private company equity pricing
Other Securities | Fair value accounting
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value			319,249
Valuation Technique			Modified stock price
Sales Restrictions Discount			12.00%	[1]
[1]	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.
[2]	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.
[3]	We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our best estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At December 31, 2014, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 2.7 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 5.9 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru7

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs (Footnote Information) (Detail) (Other Assets [Member], Equity warrant assets)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Member] | Equity warrant assets
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Weighted average contractual remaining term	2 years 8 months 5 days
Estimated remaining life	5 years 11 months 12 days

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru8

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis, Transfers From Level 2 To Level 1	$0		$0		$3,100
6.05% Subordinated Notes
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.05%		6.05%
5.70% Senior Notes
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Stated interest rate
5.375% Senior Notes
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.38%
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.00%
Other venture capital investments | Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3			-3,600
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Transfers Into Level 3	0		24,217		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-381,982		-10,903		-9,011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	-380,262	[1]	-3,561	[1]	-7,590	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other venture capital investments | Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Transfers Into Level 3	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	($126)		($3,561)		($7,590)
[1]	Realized and unrealized gains, net are recorded on the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru9

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$7,415,656		$0
Short-term borrowings	7,781		5,080
Time Deposits	128,127		213,860
Other short-term borrowings
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	7,781	[1]	5,080	[1]
5.375% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	348,436		348,209
6.05% Subordinated Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Subordinated Notes	50,162	[2]	51,987	[2]
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Junior Subordinated Debentures	54,845		55,020
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,796,062		1,538,779
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	7,421,042
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)	418,551		378,309
Net commercial loans	12,947,869		9,796,878
Net consumer loans	1,271,048		966,622
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	44,253
FHLB and FRB stock	53,496		40,632
Accrued interest receivable	94,180		67,772
Deposits	34,215,372	[3]	22,259,119	[3]
Time Deposits	128,127		213,860
Accrued interest payable	6,998		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	7,781		5,080
Carrying Amount | 5.375% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	348,436		348,209
Carrying Amount | 6.05% Subordinated Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Subordinated Notes	50,162	[4]	51,987	[4]
Carrying Amount | 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Junior Subordinated Debentures	54,845		55,020
Estimated Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,796,062		1,538,779
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)	0		0
Net commercial loans	0		0
Net consumer loans	0		0
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0
FHLB and FRB stock	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Deposits	34,215,372	[3]	22,259,119	[3]
Time Deposits	0		0
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Commitments to extend credit	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other short-term borrowings
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	7,781		5,080
Estimated Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | 5.375% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	7,415,656
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)	0		0
Net commercial loans	0		0
Net consumer loans	0		0
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0
FHLB and FRB stock	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	94,180		67,772
Deposits	0	[3]	0	[3]
Time Deposits	128,107		213,874
Accrued interest payable	6,998		6,858
Commitments to extend credit	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other short-term borrowings
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | 5.375% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	392,616		383,782
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | 6.05% Subordinated Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Subordinated Notes	53,537	[4]	56,297	[4]
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Junior Subordinated Debentures	52,990		51,915
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)	512,473		447,783
Net commercial loans	13,082,487		9,935,917
Net consumer loans	1,247,336		1,005,080
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	45,410
FHLB and FRB stock	53,496		40,632
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Deposits	0	[3]	0	[3]
Time Deposits	0		0
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Commitments to extend credit	29,097		24,285
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other short-term borrowings
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | 5.375% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0		0
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 | Significant Unobservable Inputs (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, which includes an interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
[2]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes were $4.6 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was $4.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.

Recovered_Sheet5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value (Footnote Information) (Detail) (6.05% Subordinated Notes, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of the interest rate swap associated with the notes	$4,600	$6,500
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of the interest rate swap associated with the notes	$4,600		$6,500

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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$1,319,309
Fair Value	1,414,001
Unfunded Commitments	486,713
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	1,130,882	[1]
Fair Value	1,130,882	[1]
Unfunded Commitments	462,314	[1]
Non-marketable securities | Equity method accounting | Other investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	47,876	[2]
Fair Value	49,066	[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	140,551	[3]
Fair Value	234,053	[3]
Unfunded Commitments	$18,563	[3]
[1]	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable and other 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 science & healthcare companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $1.0 billion and $459 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 science & healthcare companies. 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.
[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 science & healthcare companies. 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 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,414,001
Unfunded Commitments	486,713
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	1,130,882	[1]
Unfunded Commitments	462,314	[1]
Non-marketable securities | Equity method accounting | Other investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	49,066	[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	234,053	[3]
Unfunded Commitments	18,563	[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	1,000,000
Unfunded Commitments	459,000
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]
Estimated future period of distributions from the fund investments	10 years
Non-marketable securities | Lower Limit | Equity method accounting | Other investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Estimated future period of distributions from the fund investments	10 years
Non-marketable securities | Lower Limit | Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Estimated future period of distributions from the fund investments	10 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]
Estimated future period of distributions from the fund investments	13 years
Non-marketable securities | Upper Limit | Equity method accounting | Other investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Estimated future period of distributions from the fund investments	13 years
Non-marketable securities | Upper Limit | Cost method accounting | Venture capital and private equity fund investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Estimated future period of distributions from the fund investments	13 years
[1]	Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable and other 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 science & healthcare companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $1.0 billion and $459 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 science & healthcare companies. 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.
[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 science & healthcare companies. 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 the terms of the funds.

Regulatory_Matters_Capital_Rat

Regulatory Matters Capital Ratios for Company and Bank under Federal Regulatory Guidelines, Compared to Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements for Adequately Capitalized and Well Capitalized Depository Institution (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
SVB Financial Group
Total risk-based capital, actual ratio	13.92%	13.13%
Total risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Total risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Total risk-based capital, actual amount	$3,030,150	$2,218,996
Total risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	2,176,210	1,690,150
Total risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	1,740,968	1,352,120
Tier 1 risk-based capital, actual ratio	12.91%	11.94%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, actual amount	2,808,948	2,018,455
Tier 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	1,305,726	1,014,090
Tier 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	870,484	676,060
Tier 1 leverage, actual ratio	7.74%	8.31%
Tier 1 leverage, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier 1 leverage, actual amount	2,808,948	2,018,455
Tier 1 leverage, adequately capitalized minimum amount	1,450,927	972,130
Silicon Valley Bank
Total risk-based capital, actual ratio	12.12%	11.32%
Total risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Total risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Total risk-based capital, actual amount	2,600,011	1,880,254
Total risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	2,145,788	1,661,287
Total risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	1,716,630	1,329,030
Tier 1 risk-based capital, actual ratio	11.09%	10.11%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, actual amount	2,379,991	1,680,212
Tier 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	1,287,473	996,772
Tier 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	858,315	664,515
Tier 1 leverage, actual ratio	6.64%	7.04%
Tier 1 leverage, well capitalized minimum ratio	5.00%	5.00%
Tier 1 leverage, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier 1 leverage, actual amount	2,379,991	1,680,212
Tier 1 leverage, well capitalized minimum amount	1,793,264	1,194,012
Tier 1 leverage, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$1,434,611	$955,210

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Info

Segment Reporting Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income	$234,737	$220,565	$204,965	$196,328	$186,998	$177,096	$170,081	$163,169	$856,595		$697,344		$617,864
(Provision for) reduction of loan losses	-40,435	-16,610	-1,947	-494	-28,670	-10,638	-18,572	-5,813	-59,486		-63,693		-44,330
Noninterest income	167,637	80,167	14,210	310,225	238,713	257,650	98,239	78,604	572,239		673,206		335,546
Noninterest expense	-189,000	-181,989	-173,446	-172,436	-168,850	-160,524	-143,292	-149,014	-716,871	[1]	-621,680	[1]	-545,998	[1]
Income before income tax expense									652,477	[2]	685,177	[2]	363,082	[2]
Total average loans, net of unearned income									11,502,941		9,351,378		7,558,928
Total average assets									32,964,195	[3]	23,210,747	[3]	21,311,172	[3]
Total average deposits									28,320,825		19,619,194		17,910,088
Global Commercial Bank
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income									742,274	[4]	641,384	[4]	593,770	[4]
(Provision for) reduction of loan losses									-58,622	[4]	-65,290	[4]	-45,417	[4]
Noninterest income									213,084	[4]	202,404	[4]	188,821	[4]
Noninterest expense									-510,165	[1],[4]	-429,650	[1],[4]	-393,151	[1],[4]
Income before income tax expense									386,571	[2],[4]	348,848	[2],[4]	344,023	[2],[4]
Total average loans, net of unearned income									10,286,448	[4]	8,401,943	[4]	6,750,951	[4]
Total average assets									30,286,374	[3],[4]	21,395,501	[3],[4]	19,557,289	[3],[4]
Total average deposits									27,364,246	[4]	19,072,608	[4]	17,574,001	[4]
SVB Private Bank
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income									31,427		26,701		21,807
(Provision for) reduction of loan losses									-864		1,597		1,087
Noninterest income									1,494		1,209		681
Noninterest expense									-10,571	[1]	-9,195	[1]	-7,388	[1]
Income before income tax expense									21,486	[2]	20,312	[2]	16,187	[2]
Total average loans, net of unearned income									1,157,024		919,831		758,471
Total average assets									1,150,835	[3]	955,441	[3]	759,251	[3]
Total average deposits									890,062		524,398		313,836
SVB Capital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income									58	[4]	20	[4]	15	[4]
(Provision for) reduction of loan losses									0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Noninterest income									58,058	[4]	75,037	[4]	27,435	[4]
Noninterest expense									-12,668	[1],[4]	-10,737	[1],[4]	-11,263	[1],[4]
Income before income tax expense									45,448	[2],[4]	64,320	[2],[4]	16,187	[2],[4]
Total average loans, net of unearned income									0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Total average assets									320,129	[3],[4]	289,328	[3],[4]	239,335	[3],[4]
Total average deposits									0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Other Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income									82,836	[5]	29,239	[5]	2,272	[5]
(Provision for) reduction of loan losses									0	[5]	0	[5]	0	[5]
Noninterest income									299,603	[5]	394,556	[5]	118,609	[5]
Noninterest expense									-183,467	[1],[5]	-172,098	[1],[5]	-134,196	[1],[5]
Income before income tax expense									198,972	[2],[5]	251,697	[2],[5]	-13,315	[2],[5]
Total average loans, net of unearned income									59,469	[5]	29,604	[5]	49,506	[5]
Total average assets									1,206,857	[3],[5]	570,477	[3],[5]	755,297	[3],[5]
Total average deposits									$66,517	[5]	$22,188	[5]	$22,251	[5]
[1]	The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $20.9 million, $18.7 million and $14.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 equals 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".
[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_Information_Additional

Segment Information (Additional Information) (Detail) (Global Commercial Bank, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Global Commercial Bank
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$20.90	$18.70	$14.40

Parent_Company_Only_Condensed_2

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information Condensed Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,796,062	$1,538,779	$1,008,983	$1,114,948
Investment securities	22,690,585	13,582,315
Net loans	14,218,917	10,763,500
Other assets	559,231	465,110
Total assets	39,344,640	26,417,189
Liabilities and total equity
Other liabilities	483,493	404,586
Total liabilities	35,288,216	23,337,861
SVBFG stockholders' equity	2,817,762	1,966,270
Total liabilities and total equity	39,344,640	26,417,189
Parent Company
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	314,236	218,148	169,067	137,185
Investment securities	229,604	234,398
Net loans	16,684	4,791
Other assets	159,244	136,897
Total assets	3,273,427	2,393,529
Liabilities and total equity
Other liabilities	52,385	24,030
Total liabilities	455,665	427,259
SVBFG stockholders' equity	2,817,762	1,966,270
Total liabilities and total equity	3,273,427	2,393,529
Parent Company | 5.375% Senior Notes
Liabilities and total equity
Notes payable	348,435	348,209
Parent Company | 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Liabilities and total equity
Notes payable	54,845	55,020
Parent Company | Bank Subsidiaries
Assets:
Investment in subsidiaries	2,404,101	1,639,024
Parent Company | Nonbank Subsidiaries
Assets:
Investment in subsidiaries	$149,558	$160,271

Parent_Company_Only_Condensed_3

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information Condensed Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Interest income	$243,725	$229,326	$213,841	$205,024	$195,384	$185,240	$177,983	$171,014	$891,916	$729,621	$648,718
Interest expense	-8,988	-8,761	-8,876	-8,696	-8,386	-8,144	-7,902	-7,845	-35,321	-32,277	-30,854
Gains on derivative instruments, net									96,845	42,184	18,679
Gains on investment securities, net									267,023	419,408	122,114
Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction									-13,934	0	0
Income tax expense	42,302	38,961	33,582	58,917	35,285	47,404	29,968	26,401	-173,762	-139,058	-113,269
Net income available to common stockholders	58,832	62,995	50,797	91,301	58,757	67,621	48,584	40,891	263,925	215,853	175,103
Parent Company
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Interest income									2,534	3,545	3,282
Interest expense									-21,863	-24,408	-23,037
Dividend income from subsidiary									0	10,000	0
Gains on derivative instruments, net									66,604	47,421	17,289
Gains on investment securities, net									8,750	15,238	15,329
Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction									-9,564	0	0
General and administrative expenses									-53,912	-54,389	-66,812
Income tax expense									-15,038	-15,824	12,200
Loss before net income of subsidiaries									-22,489	-18,417	-41,749
Net income available to common stockholders									263,925	215,853	175,103
Parent Company | Nonbank Subsidiaries
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Loss before net income of subsidiaries									37,009	58,075	21,457
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary									37,009	58,075	21,457
Parent Company | Bank Subsidiaries
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Loss before net income of subsidiaries									249,405	186,195	195,395
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary									$249,405	$176,195	$195,395

Parent_Company_Only_Condensed_4

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Gains on derivative instruments, net	($96,845)	($42,184)	($18,679)
Gains on investment securities, net	-267,023	-419,408	-122,114
Amortization of share-based compensation	29,545	25,413	21,861
Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction	13,934	0	0
Other, net	20,044	-22,684	15,143
Net cash used for operating activities	255,517	171,778	196,108
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net (increase) decrease in loans	-3,480,531	-1,943,650	-1,964,250
Net cash used for investing activities	-12,233,931	-2,838,988	-2,886,368
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments of other long term debt	0	0	-1,222
Tax benefit from stock exercises	9,602	6,826	5,581
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and ESPP	22,146	46,569	29,282
Net proceeds from public equity offering	434,866	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	12,250,649	3,197,006	2,584,295
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	272,235	529,796	-105,965
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,538,779	1,008,983	1,114,948
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,796,062	1,538,779	1,008,983
Parent Company
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to SVBFG	263,925	215,853	175,103
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Gains on derivative instruments, net	-66,604	-47,421	-17,289
Gains on investment securities, net	-8,750	-15,238	-15,329
Net income of subsidiaries	22,489	18,417	41,749
Cash dividends from bank subsidiary	0	10,000	0
Amortization of share-based compensation	29,545	25,413	21,861
Decrease (increase) in other assets	44,006	-11,901	5,463
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	28,303	1,506	3,952
Impairment loss on SVBIF Sale Transaction	9,564	0	0
Other, net	584	-1,269	2,273
Net cash used for operating activities	14,159	-67,327	-40,818
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net decrease in investment securities from purchases, sales and maturities	15,469	70,479	11,833
Net (increase) decrease in loans	-11,893	4,078	2,034
Net cash used for investing activities	-384,514	63,013	39,059
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments of other long term debt	0	0	-1,222
Tax benefit from stock exercises	9,431	6,826	5,581
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and ESPP	22,146	46,569	29,282
Net proceeds from public equity offering	434,866	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	466,443	53,395	33,641
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	96,088	49,081	31,882
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	218,148	169,067	137,185
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	314,236	218,148	169,067
Parent Company | Bank Subsidiaries
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Net income of subsidiaries	-249,405	-186,195	-195,395
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries	-432,804	-21,469	12,180
Parent Company | Nonbank Subsidiaries
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Net income of subsidiaries	-37,009	-58,075	-21,457
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries	$44,714	$9,925	$13,012

Parent_Company_Only_Condensed_5

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income available to common stockholders	$58,832	$62,995	$50,797	$91,301	$58,757	$67,621	$48,584	$40,891	$263,925	$215,853	$175,103
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									91,468	-157,317	23,154
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG									355,393	58,536	198,257
Parent Company
Net income available to common stockholders									263,925	215,853	175,103
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)									3,012	-3,128	-114
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale									1,232	-1,449	2,074
Equity in other comprehensive income (losses) of subsidiaries									87,224	-152,740	21,194
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									91,468	-157,317	23,154
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG									$355,393	$58,536	$198,257

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data Supplemental Consolidated Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest income	$243,725	$229,326	$213,841	$205,024	$195,384	$185,240	$177,983	$171,014	$891,916		$729,621		$648,718
Interest expense	-8,988	-8,761	-8,876	-8,696	-8,386	-8,144	-7,902	-7,845	-35,321		-32,277		-30,854
Net interest income	234,737	220,565	204,965	196,328	186,998	177,096	170,081	163,169	856,595		697,344		617,864
Provision for loan losses	-40,435	-16,610	-1,947	-494	-28,670	-10,638	-18,572	-5,813	-59,486		-63,693		-44,330
Noninterest income	167,637	80,167	14,210	310,225	238,713	257,650	98,239	78,604	572,239		673,206		335,546
Noninterest expense	-189,000	-181,989	-173,446	-172,436	-168,850	-160,524	-143,292	-149,014	-716,871	[1]	-621,680	[1]	-545,998	[1]
Income (loss) before income tax expense	172,939	102,133	43,782	333,623	228,191	263,584	106,456	86,946
Income tax expense	42,302	38,961	33,582	58,917	35,285	47,404	29,968	26,401	-173,762		-139,058		-113,269
Net income before noncontrolling interests	130,637	63,172	10,200	274,706	192,906	216,180	76,488	60,545	478,715		546,119		249,813
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-71,805	-177	40,597	-183,405	-134,149	-148,559	-27,904	-19,654	-214,790		-330,266		-74,710
Net income available to common stockholders	$58,832	$62,995	$50,797	$91,301	$58,757	$67,621	$48,584	$40,891	$263,925		$215,853		$175,103
Earnings per common share—basic, in dollars per share	$1.16	$1.24	$1.05	$1.99	$1.29	$1.48	$1.08	$0.91	$5.39		$4.76		$3.96
Earnings per common share—diluted, in dollars per share	$1.14	$1.22	$1.04	$1.95	$1.27	$1.46	$1.06	$0.90	$5.31		$4.70		$3.91
[1]	The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $20.9 million, $18.7 million and $14.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Subsequent_Events_Impact_of_ch

Subsequent Events Impact of change in stock price (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			2 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 26, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gains on investment securities, net	$267,023	$419,408	$122,114
FireEye Inc. | Fair value accounting
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares	2.5
FireEye Inc. | Fair value accounting | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gains on investment securities, net				14,600
FireEye Inc. | Fair value accounting | Parent | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gains on investment securities, net				$2,800

Subsequent_Events_Debt_Issuanc

Subsequent Events Debt Issuance (Details) (3.5% Senior Notes due January 2025, Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2015	Jan. 29, 2015
3.5% Senior Notes due January 2025 | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal value	$350,000,000	$350,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of discount and issuance cost	$346,400,000