SVB Financial (SIVBQ) 10-K 28 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	SIVB
Entity Registrant Name	SVB FINANCIAL GROUP
Entity Central Index Key	719,739
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		52,630,866
Entity Public Float			$ 15,365,101,185

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,571,539	$ 2,923,075
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (cost of $7,862,311 and $11,131,008, respectively)	7,790,043	11,120,664
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost (fair value of $15,188,236 and $12,548,280, respectively)	15,487,442	12,663,455
Non-marketable and other equity securities	941,104	651,053
Total investment securities	24,218,589	24,435,172
Loans, net of unearned income	28,338,280	23,106,316
Allowance for loan losses	(280,903)	(255,024)
Net loans	28,057,377	22,851,292
Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	129,213	128,682
Accrued interest receivable and other assets	951,261	876,246
Total assets	56,927,979	51,214,467
Liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	39,103,422	36,655,497
Interest-bearing deposits	10,225,478	7,598,578
Total deposits	49,328,900	44,254,075
Short-term borrowings	631,412	1,033,730
Other liabilities	1,006,359	911,755
Long-term debt	696,465	695,492
Total liabilities	51,663,136	46,895,052
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19 and Note 25)
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; 52,586,498 shares and 52,835,188 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	53	53
Additional paid-in capital	1,378,438	1,314,377
Retained earnings	3,791,838	2,866,837
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(54,120)	(1,472)
Total SVBFG stockholders’ equity	5,116,209	4,179,795
Noncontrolling interests	148,634	139,620
Total equity	5,264,843	4,319,415
Total liabilities and total equity	$ 56,927,979	$ 51,214,467

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	$ 7,862,311	$ 11,131,008
Held-to-maturity securities	$ 15,188,236	$ 12,548,280
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
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	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	52,586,498	52,835,188
Common stock, shares outstanding	52,586,498	52,835,188

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Interest income:
Loans	$ 1,358,480		$ 1,025,788		$ 834,155
Investment securities:
Taxable	541,605		412,133		346,937
Non-taxable	34,616		5,714		2,234
Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities	35,208		21,505		10,070
Total interest income	1,969,909		1,465,140		1,193,396
Interest expense:
Deposits	29,306		8,676		5,611
Borrowings	46,615		36,095		37,262
Net interest income	75,921		44,771		42,873
Net interest income	1,893,988		1,420,369		1,150,523
Provision for credit losses	87,870		92,304		106,679	[1]
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	1,806,118		1,328,065		1,043,844
Noninterest income:
Gains on investment securities, net	88,094		64,603		51,740
Gains on equity warrant assets, net	89,142		54,555		37,892	[2]
Foreign exchange fees	138,812		115,760		104,183
Credit card fees	94,072		76,543		68,205
Deposit service charges	76,097		58,715		52,524
Client investment fees	130,360		56,136		32,219
Lending related fees	41,949		43,265		33,395
Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees	34,600		28,544		25,644
Other	51,858		59,110		50,750	[2]
Noninterest income	744,984		557,231		456,552
Noninterest expense:
Compensation and benefits	726,980		606,402		514,270
Professional services	158,835		121,935		94,982
Premises and equipment	77,918		71,753		65,502
Net occupancy	54,753		48,397		39,928
Business development and travel	48,180		41,978		40,130
FDIC and state assessments	34,276		35,069		30,285
Correspondent bank fees	13,713		12,976		12,457
Other	73,538		72,145		62,243
Total noninterest expense	1,188,193		1,010,655		859,797	[1]
Income before income tax expense	1,362,909		874,641		640,599
Income tax expense	351,561	[3]	355,463	[3]	250,333
Net income before noncontrolling interests	1,011,348		519,178		390,266
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(37,508)		(28,672)		(7,581)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 973,840	[3]	$ 490,506	[3]	$ 382,685
Earnings per common share—basic (usd per share)	$ 18.35	[3]	$ 9.33	[3]	$ 7.37
Earnings per common share—diluted (usd per share)	$ 18.11	[3]	$ 9.20	[3]	$ 7.31
[1]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects our provision for loan losses and provision for unfunded credit commitments together as our “provision for credit losses”. In prior periods, our provision for unfunded credit commitments were reported separately as a component of noninterest expense.
[2]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects a new line item to separately disclose net gains on equity warrant assets. In prior periods, net gains on equity warrant assets were reported as a component of net gains on derivative instruments. We removed the line item "gains on derivative instruments, net" and reclassified all other gains on derivative instruments, net to other noninterest income.
[3]	Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income before noncontrolling interests		$ 1,011,348	$ 519,178	$ 390,266
Change in foreign currency cumulative translation gains and losses:
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains		(5,999)	6,355	(5,245)
Related tax benefit (expense)		1,669	(2,587)	2,050
Change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains		(22,348)	(47,161)	39,016
Related tax benefit (expense)		6,315	19,282	(15,911)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	[1]	740	5,189	(12,195)
Related tax (benefit) expense	[1]	(205)	(2,098)	4,963
Reclassification of unrealized gains on equity securities to retained earnings for ASU 2016-01	[1]	(40,316)	0	0
Related tax expense	[1]	11,145	0	0
Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity		(4,607)	(6,475)	(7,786)
Related tax benefit		1,277	2,593	3,134
Reclassification of stranded tax effect to retained earnings for ASU 2018-02	[1]	(319)	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		(52,648)	(24,902)	8,026
Comprehensive income		958,700	494,276	398,292
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(37,508)	(28,672)	(7,581)
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG		$ 921,192	$ 465,604	$ 390,711
[1]	See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			51,610,226
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015		$ 3,333,231	$ 52	$ 1,189,032	$ 1,993,646		$ 15,404		$ 3,198,134	$ 135,097
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations (in shares)			600,683
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations		21,819	$ 0	21,819					21,819
Common stock issued under ESOP (in shares)			43,165
Common stock issued under ESOP		4,328		4,328					4,328
Income tax effect from stock options exercised, vesting of restricted stock and other	[1]	(3,640)		(3,640)					(3,640)
Net income		390,266			382,685				382,685	7,581
Capital calls and distributions, net		(8,195)								(8,195)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, net of tax		15,873					15,873		15,873
Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from AFS to HTM, net of tax		(4,652)					(4,652)		(4,652)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax		(3,195)					(3,195)		(3,195)
Share-based compensation, net		31,202		31,202					31,202
Reclassification of stranded tax effect for ASU 2018-02	[2]	0
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016			52,254,074
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016		3,777,037	$ 52	1,242,741	2,376,331		23,430		3,642,554	134,483
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations (in shares)			570,276
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations		24,909	$ 1	24,908					24,909
Common stock issued under ESOP (in shares)			10,838
Common stock issued under ESOP		2,094		2,094					2,094
Income tax effect from stock options exercised, vesting of restricted stock and other	[1]	0		0					0
Net income		519,178			490,506				490,506	28,672
Capital calls and distributions, net		(23,535)								(23,535)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, net of tax		(24,788)					(24,788)		(24,788)
Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from AFS to HTM, net of tax		(3,882)					(3,882)		(3,882)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax		3,768					3,768		3,768
Share-based compensation, net		44,634		44,634					44,634
Reclassification of stranded tax effect for ASU 2018-02	[2]	0
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017			52,835,188
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		4,319,415	$ 53	1,314,377	2,866,837		(1,472)		4,179,795	139,620
Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09	[3]	(5,802)			(5,802)				(5,802)
Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01	[3]	74,595			103,766		(29,171)		74,595
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations (in shares)			456,845
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations		15,810	$ 1	15,809					15,810
Common stock issued under ESOP (in shares)			9,672
Common stock issued under ESOP		2,577		2,577					2,577
Income tax effect from stock options exercised, vesting of restricted stock and other	[1]	0		0					0
Net income		1,011,348			973,840				973,840	37,508
Capital calls and distributions, net		(28,494)								(28,494)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, net of tax		(15,498)					(15,498)		(15,498)
Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from AFS to HTM, net of tax		(3,330)					(3,330)		(3,330)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax		(4,330)					(4,330)		(4,330)
Share-based compensation, net		45,675		45,675					45,675
Reclassification of stranded tax effect for ASU 2018-02	[2]	(319)
Reclassification of stranded tax effect for ASU 2018-02 | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02		(300)			319	[3]	(319)	[3]
Common stock repurchases (in shares)			(715,207)
Common stock repurchases		(147,123)	$ (1)		(147,122)				(147,123)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018			52,586,498
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 5,264,843	$ 53	$ 1,378,438	$ 3,791,838		$ (54,120)		$ 5,116,209	$ 148,634
[1]	During the first quarter of 2017 we adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in this ASU require that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies associated with share-based compensation be recognized in income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.
[2]	See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.
[3]	See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income before noncontrolling interests		$ 1,011,348	$ 519,178	$ 390,266
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses		87,870	92,304	106,679
Gains on investment securities, net	[1]	(88,094)	(45,547)	(21,753)
Distributions of earnings from non-marketable and other equity securities	[1]	72,015	45,867	15,991
Depreciation and amortization		57,906	56,123	46,819
Amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities, net		(28)	2,530	6,582
Amortization of share-based compensation		45,675	36,900	35,494
Amortization of deferred loan fees		(128,077)	(111,738)	(98,150)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense		(21,061)	25,187	(4,235)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares	[2]	(17,989)	(18,014)	0
Losses from the write-off of premises and equipment		7,278	0	0
Other gains		0	(3,308)	(12,195)
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable and payable, net		(55,834)	(31,372)	(3,663)
Accounts receivable and payable, net		(23,020)	3,481	(4,945)
Income tax payable and receivable, net		(5,820)	46,168	3,672
Accrued compensation		56,874	31,689	(15,292)
Foreign exchange spot contracts, net		24,018	(20,891)	3,093
Other, net		(54,039)	15,909	41,684
Net cash provided by operating activities		933,562	646,865	471,760
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(668,264)	(2,420,741)	(429,268)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		474,482	580,871	2,892,460
Proceeds from maturities and pay downs of available-for-sale securities		3,436,064	3,339,574	1,364,398
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities		(4,726,595)	(5,967,223)	(1,306,010)
Proceeds from maturities and paydowns of held-to-maturity securities		1,891,761	1,708,001	1,656,580
Purchases of nonmarketable securities		(81,574)	(44,047)	(48,932)
Proceeds from sales and distributions of capital of non-marketable and other securities	[1]	95,025	51,052	62,925
Net increase in loans		(5,175,409)	(3,170,099)	(3,157,281)
Purchases of premises and equipment		(45,865)	(50,884)	(53,311)
Proceeds from sale of equity valuation services business		0	3,000	0
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities		(4,800,375)	(5,970,496)	981,561
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in deposits		5,074,825	5,274,207	(162,908)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings		(402,318)	521,062	(262,232)
Principal payments of long-term debt		0	(97,781)	0
(Distributions to noncontrolling interests), net of contributions from noncontrolling interests		(28,494)	(23,535)	(8,195)
Common stock repurchase		(147,123)	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP and ESOP		18,387	27,003	26,147
Tax effect from stock exercises	[2]	0	0	(3,640)
Net cash provided by (used for) by financing activities		4,515,277	5,700,956	(410,828)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		648,464	377,325	1,042,493
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		2,923,075	2,545,750	1,503,257
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		3,571,539	2,923,075	2,545,750
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest		75,601	45,592	42,918
Income taxes		376,425	277,823	240,752
Noncash items during the period:
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax		(15,498)	(24,788)	15,873
Distributions of stock from investments		5,277	6,807	1,315
Equity warrant assets
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Changes in fair value of derivatives		(24,417)	(11,862)	(9,251)
Derivative
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Changes in fair value of derivatives		$ (11,043)	$ 14,261	$ (9,036)
[1]	During the first quarter of 2018 we adopted ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This guidance was adopted on a retrospective basis and impacted the presentation between investing and operating activities related to distributions and net gains from our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio. See Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.
[2]	In 2017 we adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts. Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.

Consolidated Statements of Ca_2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,571,539	$ 2,923,075	$ 2,545,750	$ 1,503,257

Nature of Business

Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 diverse set 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 entity, SVB Financial Group (not including subsidiaries). 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 asset management, private wealth management and other investment services. We also offer non-banking products and services, such as funds management, private equity/venture capital investment 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 22—“Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report .

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 equity securities, the valuation of equity warrant assets, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance 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 consolidated entities. We consolidate voting entities in which we have control through voting interests or entities through which we have a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity ("VIE"). We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE by determining if we have (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or (c) the right to receive the expected returns of the entity. Generally, we have significant variable interests if our commitments to a limited partnership investment represent a significant amount of the total commitments to the entity. We also evaluate the impact of related parties on our determination of variable interests in our consolidation conclusions. We consolidate VIEs in which we are the primary beneficiary based on a controlling financial interest. If we are not the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we record our pro-rata interests based on our ownership percentage. VIEs are entities where investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or equity investors and, as a group, lack one of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (c) the right to receive the expected returns of the entity. We assess VIEs to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. A primary beneficiary is defined as a variable interest holder that has a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest requires both: (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of a VIE that could potentially be significant to a VIE. Under this analysis, we also evaluate kick-out rights and other participating rights, which could provide us a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. We also evaluate fees paid to managers of our limited partnership investments. We exclude those fee arrangements that are not deemed to be variable interests from the analysis of our interests in our investments in VIEs and the determination of a primary beneficiary, if any. Fee arrangements based on terms that are customary and commensurate with the services provided are deemed not to be variable interests and are, therefore, excluded. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions with consolidated entities have been eliminated. We have not provided financial or other support during the periods presented to any VIE that we were not previously contractually required to provide. 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 and meeting 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 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. The accretion and amortization of discounts and premiums, respectively, are included in interest income over the contractual terms of the underlying securities replicating the effective interest method. Held-to-Maturity Securities Debt securities purchased in which we have the positive intent and ability to hold to its maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and are recorded at amortized cost. 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 net unrealized gains, 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 Equity Securities Non-marketable and other equity securities include investments in venture capital and private equity funds, SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. (the Bank's joint venture bank in China ("SPD-SVB")), debt funds, private and public portfolio companies, including public equity securities held as a result of equity warrant assets exercised, and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. 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 equity 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) other investments without a readily determinable fair value, (iii) equity method accounting, and (iv) the proportional amortization method which is used only for qualified affordable housing projects. Fair Value Accounting Our managed funds are investment companies under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies (codified in ASC 946) 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 equity 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, and • 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, 2018 is presented in the following table: Limited partnership Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership Managed funds of funds Strategic Investors Fund, LP 12.6 % Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 20.0 Growth Partners, LP 33.0 Managed direct venture funds CP I, LP 10.7 The general partner interests 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 ten percent to twenty percent depending on the sale restrictions which typically range from three to six 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. The general partners of our fund investments 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 30 th , for our December 31 st consolidated financial statements. We adjust the value of our investments 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. Other Investments without a Readily Determinable Fair Value Effective January 1, 2018 we adopted ASU 2016-01 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting and created an additional method of accounting, other investments without a readily determinable fair value. These investments include direct equity investments in private companies. The carrying value is based on the price at which the investment was acquired plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments. We consider a range of factors when adjusting the fair value of these investments, including, but not limited to, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment and a discount for certain investments that have lock-up restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. Equity Method Our equity method non-marketable securities consist of investments in venture capital and private equity funds, privately-held companies, debt funds, and joint ventures. 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 , or in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees' operating and financial policies through board involvement or other influence, are accounted for under the equity method, • Investments in limited partnerships in which we hold voting interests of more than 5 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, and • 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 30 th , for our December 31 st consolidated financial statements. We adjust the value of our investments 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. Proportional Amortization Method In order to fulfill our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act, we invest as a limited partner in low income housing partnerships that operate qualified affordable housing projects and generate tax benefits, including federal low income housing tax credits, for investors. The partnerships are deemed to be VIEs because they do not have sufficient equity investment at risk and are structured with non-substantive voting rights. We are not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and do not consolidate them. Our investments in low income housing partnerships are recorded in non-marketable and other equity securities within our investment securities portfolio on the consolidated balance sheet. As a practical expedient, we amortize the investment in proportion to the allocated tax benefits under the proportional amortization method of accounting and present such benefits net of investment amortization in income tax expense. 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 and incurred 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, 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. The credit risk ratings for each loan are monitored and updated on an ongoing basis. 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 through 9 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 determined based on a qualitative analysis and 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 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; • Reserve for performing impaired 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. Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments We record a liability for probable and estimable incurred 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 and portfolio segment. We use the segment specific 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 and portfolio segment to derive the allowance for unfunded credit commitments, similar to funded loans. The allowance for unfunded credit commitments also includes certain qualitative allocations as deemed appropriate by management. We include the allowance for unfunded credit commitments in other liabilities and the related provision in our provision for credit losses. Uncollectible Loans and Write-offs Our charge-off policy applies to all loans, regardless of portfolio segment. Commercial loans are considered for a full or partial charge-off in the event that principal or interest is over 180 days past due and the loan lacks sufficient collateral and it is not in the process of collection, provided that a loss event has been defined and the charge-off is consistent with GAAP. Consumer loans are considered for a full or partial charge-off in the event that principal or interest is over 120 days past due and the loan lacks sufficient collateral and it is not in the process of collection, provided that a loss event has been defined and the charge-off is consistent with GAAP. 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 financial condition, or c) the expected sale of all or a portion of the borrower's business is insufficient to repay the loan in full, or 2) the loan has been identified for charge-off by regulatory authorities. 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 that does not include sufficient offsetting borrower concessions; (2) interest rate reductions; (3) extension of the maturity date outside of ordinary course extension; (4) principal forgiveness; and/or (5) reduction of accrued interest. We use the factors in ASC 310-40, Receivables, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, in analyzing 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. Impaired Loans 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 contractual terms of the agreement. 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 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)" and could be classified as a performing impaired loan. 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. Nonaccrual 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. 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 nonaccrual. All of our nonaccrual loans have credit risk ratings of 8 or 9 and are classified under the nonperforming impaired category. 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 7 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, 2018 and 2017 . F

Stockholders' Equity and EPS

Stockholders' Equity and EPS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity and EPS	Stockholders' Equity and EPS Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income The following table summarizes the items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Income Statement Location 2018 2017 2016 Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income (1) Gains on investment securities, net $ 740 $ 5,189 $ (12,195 ) Related tax (benefit) expense (1) Income tax expense (205 ) (2,098 ) 4,963 Total reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax (1) $ 535 $ 3,091 $ (7,232 ) (1) See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details. 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 issuable for stock option and restricted stock unit awards outstanding under our 2006 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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic 53,078 52,588 51,915 Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and ESPP 377 385 254 Restricted stock units 317 333 180 Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted 53,772 53,306 52,349 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 18.35 $ 9.33 $ 7.37 Diluted 18.11 9.20 7.31 The following table summarizes the weighted average common shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation due to the antidilutive effect for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Shares in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Stock options 59 73 272 Restricted stock units 85 1 1 Total 144 74 273 Stock Repurchase Program On November 13, 2018, the Company announced a new program to repurchase up to $500 million of our outstanding common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). As of December 31, 2018, we repurchased 715,207 shares of common stock for $147.1 million under the Stock Repurchase Program.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , such that expense was recorded only for those share-based awards that are expected to vest. In 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , we recorded share-based compensation and related benefits as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Share-based compensation expense $ 45,675 $ 36,900 $ 35,494 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense (10,997 ) (12,845 ) (12,505 ) Capitalized compensation costs 1,466 1,071 5,580 Equity Incentive Plan Our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Incentive Plan”) was adopted in May 2006, and is amended from time to time. 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 (subject to either time-and/or performance-based vesting); and (iv) other cash or stock settled equity awards. Eligible participants in the 2006 Incentive Plan include directors, employees and consultants. 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 9,528,505 . Restricted stock awards/units are 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, repurchased by SVB Financial, used to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an award, or otherwise canceled and would otherwise return to the 2006 Incentive Plan, two times the number of such shares will return to the 2006 Incentive Plan and will again become available for issuance. Under the terms of the 2006 Incentive Plan and subject to certain exceptions: (i) restricted stock awards/units are subject to a minimum of at least three years of annual vesting, and (ii) performance-based restricted stock awards/units and stock options are subject to a minimum of at least one year of vesting. Generally in practice, restricted stock awards/units vest annually over four years and require continued employment or other service through the vesting period. Performance-based restricted stock awards/units granted to executives generally vest upon meeting certain performance-based objectives over a three year period and, typically the passage of time, and require continued employment or other service through the vesting period. Stock options typically vest annually over four years, from the grant date based on continued employment or other service, and expire no later than seven years after the grant date. 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 155,181 shares and received $21.6 million in cash under the ESPP in 2018 . At December 31, 2018 , a total of 1,499,218 shares of our common stock were still available for future issuance under the ESPP. Unrecognized Compensation Expense As of December 31, 2018 , unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Unrecognized Expense Weighted Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years Stock options $ 11,994 2.74 Restricted stock units 70,021 2.68 Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense $ 82,015 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 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average expected term of options - in years 4.8 4.9 4.8 Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock 34.7 % 33.7 % 31.7 % Risk-free interest rate 2.82 1.81 1.32 Expected dividend yield — — — Weighted average grant date fair value - stock options $ 105.81 $ 57.81 $ 31.17 Weighted average grant date fair value - restricted stock units 294.50 181.23 100.35 The following weighted average assumptions and fair values were used for our ESPP: ESPP 2018 2017 2016 Expected term in years 0.5 0.5 0.5 Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock 32.2 % 31.2 % 41.8 % Risk-free interest rate 1.79 0.80 0.45 Expected dividend yield — — — Weighted average grant date fair value $ 62.76 $ 41.70 $ 29.16 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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , 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, 2018 : Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life - in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value of In-The-Money Options Outstanding at December 31, 2017 808,049 $ 105.68 Granted 90,375 305.19 Exercised (199,659 ) 83.74 Forfeited (16,769 ) 171.07 Expired (2,337 ) 60.37 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 679,659 137.19 3.51 $ 46,038,508 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018 662,702 135.01 3.46 45,667,197 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 410,897 100.03 2.42 36,986,923 The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options shown in the table above represents the pre-tax intrinsic value based on our closing stock price of $189.92 as of December 31, 2018 . The following table summarizes information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2018 : 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 $54.75 - 67.77 51,651 0.33 $ 63.62 51,651 $ 63.62 67.78 - 79.77 98,097 1.33 71.11 98,097 71.11 79.78 - 105.84 140,703 4.27 104.92 62,996 104.70 105.85 - 108.59 116,254 2.33 107.95 116,254 107.95 108.60 - 149.65 85,263 3.27 128.62 59,319 128.27 149.66 - 173.94 2,939 5.43 169.49 735 169.49 173.95 - 180.62 93,487 5.34 178.39 20,531 178.39 180.63 - 283.09 4,588 5.99 219.46 1,314 227.04 283.10 - 324.77 86,677 6.34 305.96 — — Total 679,659 3.51 137.19 410,897 100.03 We expect to satisfy the exercise of stock options by issuing shares 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, 2018 , 1,816,509 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, 2018 : Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 637,667 $ 135.86 Granted 223,918 294.50 Vested (219,305 ) 130.72 Forfeited (44,984 ) 172.32 Nonvested at December 31, 2018 597,296 194.48 The following table summarizes information regarding stock option and restricted stock unit activity during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 40,681 $ 36,173 $ 18,186 Total grant date fair value of stock options vested 5,823 6,094 7,364 Total intrinsic value of restricted stock vested 63,917 40,925 22,966 Total grant date fair value of restricted stock vested 28,813 23,383 19,454

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments In Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities Our involvement with VIEs includes our investments in venture capital and private equity funds, debt funds, private and public portfolio companies and our investments in qualified affordable housing projects. The following table presents the carrying amounts and classification of significant variable interests in consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Consolidated VIEs Unconsolidated VIEs Maximum Exposure to Loss in Unconsolidated VIEs December 31, 2018: Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,058 $ — $ — Non-marketable and other equity securities (1) 221,646 568,272 568,272 Accrued interest receivable and other assets 228 — — Total assets $ 230,932 $ 568,272 $ 568,272 Liabilities: Other liabilities (1) 919 205,685 — Total liabilities $ 919 $ 205,685 $ — December 31, 2017: Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,674 $ — $ — Non-marketable and other equity securities (1) 190,562 346,097 346,097 Accrued interest receivable and other assets 365 — — Total assets $ 197,601 $ 346,097 $ 346,097 Liabilities: Other liabilities (1) 990 100,891 — Total liabilities $ 990 $ 100,891 $ — (1) Included in our unconsolidated non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are investments in qualified affordable housing projects of $318.6 million and $174.2 million , respectively, and related other liabilities consisting of unfunded credit commitments of $205.7 million and $100.9 million , respectively. Non-marketable and other equity securities Our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. (the Bank's joint venture in China ("SPD-SVB")), debt funds, private and public portfolio companies, including public equity securities held as a result of equity warrant assets exercised and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. A majority of these investments are through third-party funds held by SVB Financial in which we do not have controlling or significant variable interests. These investments represent our unconsolidated VIEs in the table above. Our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio also includes investments from SVB Capital. SVB Capital is the funds management business of SVB Financial Group, which focuses primarily on venture capital investments. 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. We have a controlling and significant variable interest in four of these SVB Capital funds and consolidate these funds for financial reporting purposes. All investments are generally non-redeemable and distributions are expected to be received through the liquidation of the underlying investments throughout the life of the investment fund. Investments may only be sold or transferred subject to the notice and approval provisions of the underlying investment agreement. Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, including the Volcker Rule, we also make commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds. For additional details, see Note 19—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report . The Bank also has variable interests in low income housing tax credit funds, in connection with fulfilling its responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA"), that are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits. These investments are typically limited partnerships in which the general partner, other than the Bank, holds the power over significant activities of the VIE; therefore, these investments are not consolidated. For additional information on our investments in qualified affordable housing projects see Note 8—“Investment Securities" of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report . As of December 31, 2018 , our exposure to loss with respect to the consolidated VIEs is limited to our net assets of $230.0 million and our exposure to loss for our unconsolidated VIEs is equal to our investment in these assets of $568.3 million .

Reserves on Deposit with the Fe

Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Average required reserve balances at FRB San Francisco $ 455,866 $ 397,235 December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 FHLB stock holdings $ 17,250 $ 18,900 FRB stock holdings 41,628 41,120

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and due from banks (1) $ 3,444,971 $ 2,672,290 Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2) 123,611 247,876 Other short-term investment securities 2,957 2,909 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 3,571,539 $ 2,923,075 (1) At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , $1.7 billion and $0.6 billion , 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 $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion , respectively. (2) At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $126 million and $253 million , respectively. None of these securities were sold or repledged as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Additional information regarding our securities purchased under agreements to resell for 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Average securities purchased under agreements to resell $ 132,938 $ 94,094 Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year 375,180 377,073

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment Securities	Investment Securities Our investment securities portfolio consists of: (i) an available-for-sale securities portfolio and a held-to-maturity securities portfolio, both of which represent interest-earning investment securities; and (ii) a non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio, which primarily represents investments managed as part of our funds management business as well as public equity securities held as a result of equity warrant assets exercised. Available-for-Sale Securities The major components of our AFS investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Carrying Available-for-sale securities, at fair value: U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,762,182 $ 11,638 $ (35,562 ) $ 4,738,258 U.S. agency debentures 1,090,426 61 (6,370 ) 1,084,117 Foreign government debt securities 5,815 — (3 ) 5,812 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 1,922,618 — (42,400 ) 1,880,218 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 81,270 383 (15 ) 81,638 Total available-for-sale securities $ 7,862,311 $ 12,082 $ (84,350 ) $ 7,790,043 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Carrying Value Available-for-sale securities, at fair value: U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,865,068 $ 1,113 $ (25,679 ) $ 6,840,502 U.S. agency debentures 1,569,195 3,569 (5,636 ) 1,567,128 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 2,292,311 258 (25,534 ) 2,267,035 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 372,481 1,375 (126 ) 373,730 Equity securities 31,953 40,525 (209 ) 72,269 Total available-for-sale securities $ 11,131,008 $ 46,840 $ (57,184 ) $ 11,120,664 The following table summarizes sale activity of available-for-sale securities as recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Sales proceeds $ 474,482 $ 580,871 $ 2,892,460 Net realized gains and losses: Gross realized gains 127 5,113 15,051 Gross realized losses (867 ) (10,302 ) (2,856 ) Net realized (losses) gains $ (740 ) $ (5,189 ) $ 12,195 The following tables summarize our unrealized losses on our AFS securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months, or 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer (1) Total (Dollars in thousands) Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury securities $ 494,287 $ (3,785 ) $ 3,568,119 $ (31,777 ) $ 4,062,406 $ (35,562 ) U.S. agency debentures 443,790 (1,602 ) 591,216 (4,768 ) 1,035,006 (6,370 ) Foreign government debt securities 5,812 (3 ) — — 5,812 (3 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 13,430 (22 ) 1,866,788 (42,378 ) 1,880,218 (42,400 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate — — 13,516 (15 ) 13,516 (15 ) Total temporarily impaired securities (1) $ 957,319 $ (5,412 ) $ 6,039,639 $ (78,938 ) $ 6,996,958 $ (84,350 ) (1) As of December 31, 2018 , we identified a total of 200 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 162 investments totaling $6.0 billion with unrealized losses of $78.9 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 2018 , we do not intend to sell any of our impaired 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, 2018 , 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 AFS securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis. December 31, 2017 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer (1) Total (Dollars in thousands) Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury securities $ 5,968,914 $ (23,397 ) $ 323,966 $ (2,282 ) $ 6,292,880 $ (25,679 ) U.S. agency debentures 736,541 (2,289 ) 336,196 (3,347 ) 1,072,737 (5,636 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 2,193,277 (25,534 ) — — 2,193,277 (25,534 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 13,843 (3 ) 53,186 (123 ) 67,029 (126 ) Equity securities 624 (209 ) — — 624 (209 ) Total temporarily impaired securities (1) $ 8,913,199 $ (51,432 ) $ 713,348 $ (5,752 ) $ 9,626,547 $ (57,184 ) (1) As of December 31, 2017 , we identified a total of 268 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 46 investments totaling $713.3 million with unrealized losses of $5.8 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. The following table summarizes the fixed income securities, carried at fair value, classified as AFS as of December 31, 2018 by the remaining contractual principal maturities. For U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency debentures and foreign government debt securities, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. 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 AFS 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 interest rate environments. December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Total One Year After One After Five After U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,738,258 $ 1,765,333 $ 2,524,484 $ 448,441 $ — U.S. agency debentures 1,084,117 665,750 418,367 — — Foreign government debt securities 5,812 — 5,812 — — Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 1,880,218 — — 16,030 1,864,188 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 81,638 — — — 81,638 Total $ 7,790,043 $ 2,431,083 $ 2,948,663 $ 464,471 $ 1,945,826 Held-to-Maturity Securities The components of our HTM investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, at cost: U.S. agency debentures (1) $ 640,990 $ 2,148 $ (4,850 ) $ 638,288 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 8,103,638 5,011 (157,767 ) 7,950,882 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 2,183,204 — (62,272 ) 2,120,932 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 214,483 608 (14 ) 215,077 Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,769,706 6,969 (64,374 ) 2,712,301 Municipal bonds and notes 1,575,421 2,304 (26,969 ) 1,550,756 Total held-to-maturity securities $ 15,487,442 $ 17,040 $ (316,246 ) $ 15,188,236 (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. December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, at cost: U.S. agency debentures (1) $ 659,979 $ 3,167 $ (1,601 ) $ 661,545 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 6,304,969 4,854 (43,528 ) 6,266,295 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 2,829,979 23 (54,372 ) 2,775,630 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 255,782 733 (34 ) 256,481 Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,868,985 694 (25,563 ) 1,844,116 Municipal bonds and notes 743,761 3,452 (3,000 ) 744,213 Total held-to-maturity securities $ 12,663,455 $ 12,923 $ (128,098 ) $ 12,548,280 (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 tables summarize our unrealized losses on our HTM securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer (1) Total (Dollars in thousands) Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Held-to-maturity securities: U.S. agency debentures $ 291,432 $ (2,915 ) $ 66,624 $ (1,935 ) $ 358,056 $ (4,850 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 2,493,156 (34,956 ) 3,972,690 (122,811 ) 6,465,846 (157,767 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 16,952 (109 ) 2,103,980 (62,163 ) 2,120,932 (62,272 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 3,364 (1 ) 8,101 (13 ) 11,465 (14 ) Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 177,697 (1,580 ) 1,600,277 (62,794 ) 1,777,974 (64,374 ) Municipal bonds and notes 868,751 (17,075 ) 340,413 (9,894 ) 1,209,164 (26,969 ) Total temporarily impaired securities (1) $ 3,851,352 $ (56,636 ) $ 8,092,085 $ (259,610 ) $ 11,943,437 $ (316,246 ) (1) As of December 31, 2018 , we identified a total of 1244 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 695 investments totaling $8.1 billion with unrealized losses of $259.6 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 2018 , we do not intend to sell any of our impaired 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, 2018 , we deem all impairments to be temporary. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the HTM securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis. December 31, 2017 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 Held-to-maturity securities: U.S. agency debentures $ 104,688 $ (1,601 ) $ — $ — $ 104,688 $ (1,601 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 4,270,377 (34,092 ) 408,913 (9,436 ) 4,679,290 (43,528 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 1,011,709 (13,631 ) 1,741,614 (40,741 ) 2,753,323 (54,372 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate — — 9,812 (34 ) 9,812 (34 ) Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 979,361 (11,566 ) 773,712 (13,997 ) 1,753,073 (25,563 ) Municipal bonds and notes 344,796 (2,103 ) 32,844 (897 ) 377,640 (3,000 ) Total temporarily impaired securities (1) $ 6,710,931 $ (62,993 ) $ 2,966,895 $ (65,105 ) $ 9,677,826 $ (128,098 ) (1) As of December 31, 2017 , we identified a total of 753 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 237 investments totaling $3.0 billion with unrealized losses of $65.1 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities on fixed income investment securities classified as HTM as of December 31, 2018 . For U.S. agency debentures, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. 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 HTM 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 interest rate environments. December 31, 2018 Total One Year or Less After One Year to Five Years After Five Years to Ten Years After Ten Years (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value U.S. agency debentures $ 640,990 $ 638,288 $ — $ — $ 104,550 $ 104,105 $ 536,440 $ 534,183 $ — $ — Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 8,103,638 7,950,883 — — 155,257 152,524 885,622 859,609 7,062,759 6,938,750 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate 2,183,204 2,120,932 — — — — 483,043 466,458 1,700,161 1,654,474 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate 214,483 215,077 — — — — — — 214,483 215,077 Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,769,706 2,712,301 — — — — — — 2,769,706 2,712,301 Municipal bonds and notes 1,575,421 1,550,755 9,725 9,720 75,379 74,670 307,184 300,766 1,183,133 1,165,599 Total $ 15,487,442 $ 15,188,236 $ 9,725 $ 9,720 $ 335,186 $ 331,299 $ 2,212,289 $ 2,161,016 $ 12,930,242 $ 12,686,201 Non-marketable and Other Equity Securities The major components of our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Non-marketable and other equity securities: Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting): Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (1) $ 118,333 $ 128,111 Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (2) 201,098 98,548 Other investments without a readily determinable fair value (3) 25,668 27,680 Other equity securities in public companies (fair value accounting) (4) 20,398 310 Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) (5): Venture capital and private equity fund investments 129,485 89,809 Debt funds 5,826 21,183 Other investments 121,721 111,198 Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net (6) 318,575 174,214 Total non-marketable and other equity securities $ 941,104 $ 651,053 (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, 2018 and 2017 (fair value accounting): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership % Strategic Investors Fund, LP $ 12,452 12.6 % $ 14,673 12.6 % Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 53,957 20.0 54,147 20.0 Growth Partners, LP 50,845 33.0 58,372 33.0 CP I, LP 1,079 10.7 919 10.7 Total consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments $ 118,333 $ 128,111 (2) The carrying value represents investments in 213 and 235 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, where our ownership interest is typically less than 5% of the voting interests of each such fund and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships operating activities and financial policies. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting. On a prospective basis, we will carry our unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments at fair value based on the fund investments' net asset values per share as obtained from the general partners of the investments. For each fund investment, 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 30 th for our December 31 st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period. We recorded a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings on January 1, 2018 for the difference between fair value and cost for these fund investments. The estimated fair value and carrying value of these venture capital and private equity fund investments was $201.1 million as of December 31, 2018 . As of December 31, 2017, these investments were carried at cost and had a carrying value of $98.5 million . (3) Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting. On a prospective basis, we have elected the measurement alternative and will report our other investments in the line item "Other investments without a readily determinable fair value". These investments include direct equity investments in private companies. The carrying value is based on the price at which the investment was acquired plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments. We consider a range of factors when adjusting the fair value of these investments, including, but not limited to, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment and a discount for certain investments that have lock-up restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. The following table shows the carrying amount of other investments without a readily determinable fair value at December 31, 2018, and the amounts recognized in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2018 and on a cumulative basis: (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2018 Cumulative Adjustments Measurement alternative: Carrying value at December 31, 2018 $ 25,668 Carrying value adjustments: Impairment $ — $ — Downward changes for observable prices 1,963 1,963 Upward changes for observable prices 1,711 1,711 (4) Investments classified as other equity securities (fair value accounting) represent shares held in public companies as a result of exercising public equity warrant assets and direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, which requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Prior to January 1, 2018 we reported equity securities in public companies that we held as a result of exercising public equity warrant assets in available-for-sale securities. On a prospective basis, these equity securities will be reported in non-marketable and other equity securities. (5) The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at December 31, 2018 and 2017 (equity method accounting): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership % Venture capital and private equity fund investments: Strategic Investors Fund II, LP $ 4,670 8.6 % $ 6,342 8.6 % Strategic Investors Fund III, LP 17,396 5.9 18,758 5.9 Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP 28,974 5.0 25,551 5.0 Strategic Investors Fund V funds 28,189 Various 16,856 Various CP II, LP (i) 7,122 5.1 6,700 5.1 Other venture capital and private equity fund investments 43,134 Various 15,602 Various Total venture capital and private equity fund investments $ 129,485 $ 89,809 Debt funds: Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (ii) $ 3,901 15.5 % $ 18,690 15.5 % Other debt funds 1,925 Various 2,493 Various Total debt funds $ 5,826 $ 21,183 Other investments: SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. $ 76,412 50.0 % $ 75,337 50.0 % Other investments 45,309 Various 35,861 Various Total other investments $ 121,721 $ 111,198 (i) Our ownership includes direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investments in Strategic Investors Fund II, LP. (ii) Our ownership includes 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 . (6) The following table presents the balances of our investments in qualified affordable housing projects and related unfunded commitments included as a component of "other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net $ 318,575 $ 174,214 Other liabilities 205,685 100,891 The following table presents other information relating to our investments in qualified affordable housing projects for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized $ 24,047 $ 17,296 $ 15,404 Amortization expense included in provision for income taxes (i) 18,876 17,362 12,145 (i) All investments are amortized using the proportional amortization method and amortization expense is included in the provision for income taxes. Included in amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 is a one-time cumulative effect adjustment of $3.8 million due to the decrease in value of deductions in the 2018 tax year and going forward, due to the TCJ Act federal corporate income tax rate reduction. The following table presents the net gains and losses on non-marketable and other equity securities in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 as recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Net gains (losses) on non-marketable and other equity securities: Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting): Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments $ 20,999 $ 27,186 $ 5,964 Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (1) 39,075 21,377 17,816 Other investments without a readily determinable fair value (1) 3,206 3,842 (45 ) Other equity securities in public companies (fair value accounting) (1) (25,483 ) 241 (90 ) Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments 49,341 14,472 4,070 Debt funds 541 8,950 948 Other investments 1,155 (6,276 ) 10,882 Total net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities $ 88,834 $ 69,792 $ 39,545 Less: Realized net losses on the sales and OTTI of non-marketable and other equity securities (2) (26,097 ) (355 ) (4,524 ) Net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities still held $ 114,931 $ 70,147 $ 44,069 (1) Prior period amounts are not determined in a manner consistent with the current period presentation due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01. (2) Realized gains and losses include sales and OTTI of non-marketable and other equity securities. Includes losses of $20.8 million in losses on sales and $5.3 million of OTTI for the period ended December 31, 2018. Includes gains of $3.8 million and $0.2 million on sales and $4.2 million and $4.7 million of OTTI for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losse

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments	Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments 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, data, storage, and electronics), software/internet (such as infrastructure software, applications, software services, digital content and advertising technology), and energy and resource innovation ("ERI"). Because of the diverse nature of ERI products and services, for our loan-related reporting purposes, ERI-related loans are reported under our hardware, software/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 $173 million and $148 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, is presented in the following table: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 6,154,755 $ 6,172,531 Hardware 1,234,557 1,193,599 Private equity/venture capital 14,110,560 9,952,377 Life science/healthcare 2,385,612 1,808,827 Premium wine 249,266 204,105 Other 321,978 365,724 Total commercial loans 24,456,728 19,697,163 Real estate secured loans: Premium wine (1) 710,397 669,053 Consumer loans (2) 2,612,971 2,300,506 Other 40,435 42,068 Total real estate secured loans 3,363,803 3,011,627 Construction loans 97,077 68,546 Consumer loans 420,672 328,980 Total loans, net of unearned income (3) $ 28,338,280 $ 23,106,316 (1) Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $99 million and $100 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. (2) Consumer loans secured by real estate at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were comprised of the following: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Loans for personal residence $ 2,251,292 $ 1,995,840 Loans to eligible employees 290,194 243,118 Home equity lines of credit 71,485 61,548 Consumer loans secured by real estate $ 2,612,971 $ 2,300,506 (3) Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $335 million and $270 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Credit Quality The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $173 million and $148 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 6,154,755 $ 6,172,531 Hardware 1,234,557 1,193,599 Private equity/venture capital 14,110,560 9,952,377 Life science/healthcare 2,385,612 1,808,827 Premium wine 959,663 873,158 Other 459,490 476,338 Total commercial loans 25,304,637 20,476,830 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 2,612,971 2,300,506 Other consumer loans 420,672 328,980 Total consumer loans 3,033,643 2,629,486 Total loans, net of unearned income $ 28,338,280 $ 23,106,316 The following table summarizes the aging of our gross loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) 30 - 59 Days Past Due 60 - 89 Days Past Due Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest December 31, 2018: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 28,134 $ 6,944 $ 378 $ 35,456 $ 6,059,672 $ 378 Hardware 300 34 4 338 1,233,956 4 Private equity/venture capital 59,481 11 — 59,492 14,054,940 — Life science/healthcare 16,082 817 19 16,918 2,410,091 19 Premium wine 2,953 14 — 2,967 956,285 — Other 7,391 163 1 7,555 477,442 1 Total commercial loans 114,341 7,983 402 122,726 25,192,386 402 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 3,598 1,750 1,562 6,910 2,598,496 1,562 Other consumer loans 361 — — 361 420,359 — Total consumer loans 3,959 1,750 1,562 7,271 3,018,855 1,562 Total gross loans excluding impaired loans 118,300 9,733 1,964 129,997 28,211,241 1,964 Impaired loans 2,843 1,181 25,092 29,116 140,958 — Total gross loans $ 121,143 $ 10,914 $ 27,056 $ 159,113 $ 28,352,199 $ 1,964 December 31, 2017: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 14,257 $ 6,526 $ 141 $ 20,924 $ 6,101,147 $ 141 Hardware 1,145 77 50 1,272 1,163,278 50 Private equity/venture capital 86,566 38,580 — 125,146 9,835,317 — Life science/healthcare 4,390 191 — 4,581 1,841,692 — Premium wine 418 — — 418 871,074 — Other 445 — — 445 490,292 — Total commercial loans 107,221 45,374 191 152,786 20,302,800 191 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 2,164 532 — 2,696 2,292,980 — Other consumer loans 796 — — 796 327,234 — Total consumer loans 2,960 532 — 3,492 2,620,214 — Total gross loans excluding impaired loans 110,181 45,906 191 156,278 22,923,014 191 Impaired loans 1,344 11,902 30,403 43,649 131,212 — Total gross loans $ 111,525 $ 57,808 $ 30,594 $ 199,927 $ 23,054,226 $ 191 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 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses Total carrying value of impaired loans Total unpaid principal of impaired loans December 31, 2018: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 49,625 $ 65,225 $ 114,850 $ 131,858 Hardware 1,256 10,250 11,506 12,159 Private equity/venture capital — 3,700 3,700 3,700 Life science/healthcare 17,791 16,276 34,067 44,446 Premium wine — 1,301 1,301 1,365 Other 411 — 411 411 Total commercial loans 69,083 96,752 165,835 193,939 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 3,919 320 4,239 5,969 Other consumer loans — — — — Total consumer loans 3,919 320 4,239 5,969 Total $ 73,002 $ 97,072 $ 170,074 $ 199,908 December 31, 2017: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 49,645 $ 61,009 $ 110,654 $ 129,006 Hardware 15,637 20,713 36,350 41,721 Private equity/venture capital 658 — 658 984 Life science/healthcare 20,521 1,166 21,687 26,360 Premium wine — 2,877 2,877 2,911 Other 32 — 32 165 Total commercial loans 86,493 85,765 172,258 201,147 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 1,331 850 2,181 3,712 Other consumer loans 422 — 422 436 Total consumer loans 1,753 850 2,603 4,148 Total $ 88,246 $ 86,615 $ 174,861 $ 205,295 The following table summarizes our average impaired loans and interest income recognized on impaired loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Average impaired loans Interest income recognized on impaired loans 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 112,493 $ 119,557 $ 89,462 $ 1,513 $ 2,263 $ 1,054 Hardware 28,540 35,022 39,108 312 1,061 2,624 Private equity/venture capital 1,327 556 — — — — Life science/healthcare 30,144 30,842 40,620 756 90 155 Premium wine 2,605 3,249 2,056 68 152 28 Other 171 576 3,442 — — 6 Total commercial loans 175,280 189,802 174,688 2,649 3,566 3,867 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 4,028 1,514 588 15 — — Other consumer loans 358 1,804 1,136 — — 17 Total consumer loans 4,386 3,318 1,724 15 — 17 Total average impaired loans $ 179,666 $ 193,120 $ 176,412 $ 2,664 $ 3,566 $ 3,884 The following tables summarize the activity relating to our allowance for loan losses for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 broken out by portfolio segment: Year ended December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Beginning Balance December 31, 2017 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance December 31, 2018 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 96,104 $ (42,315 ) $ 5,664 $ 45,068 $ (954 ) $ 103,567 Hardware 27,614 (16,148 ) 1,849 6,555 (145 ) 19,725 Private equity/venture capital 82,468 (112 ) 13 16,485 (273 ) 98,581 Life science/healthcare 24,924 (6,662 ) 348 14,347 (777 ) 32,180 Premium wine 3,532 — — (182 ) 5 3,355 Other 3,941 (2,391 ) 3,275 (1,320 ) 53 3,558 Total commercial loans 238,583 (67,628 ) 11,149 80,953 (2,091 ) 260,966 Consumer loans 16,441 (289 ) 487 3,339 (41 ) 19,937 Total allowance for loan losses $ 255,024 $ (67,917 ) $ 11,636 $ 84,292 $ (2,132 ) $ 280,903 Year ended December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Beginning Balance December 31, 2016 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance December 31, 2017 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 97,388 $ (45,012 ) $ 4,649 $ 38,462 $ 617 $ 96,104 Hardware 31,166 (10,414 ) 487 6,051 324 27,614 Private equity/venture capital 50,299 (323 ) — 31,625 867 82,468 Life science/healthcare 25,446 (8,210 ) 189 7,414 85 24,924 Premium wine 4,115 — — (540 ) (43 ) 3,532 Other 4,768 (1,156 ) 1,850 (1,459 ) (62 ) 3,941 Total commercial loans 213,182 (65,115 ) 7,175 81,553 1,788 238,583 Consumer loans 12,184 (1,567 ) 1,363 4,386 75 16,441 Total allowance for loan losses $ 225,366 $ (66,682 ) $ 8,538 $ 85,939 $ 1,863 $ 255,024 Year ended December 31, 2016 Beginning Balance December 31, 2015 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance December 31, 2016 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 103,045 $ (68,784 ) $ 7,278 $ 58,350 $ (2,501 ) $ 97,388 Hardware 23,085 (13,233 ) 1,667 20,851 (1,204 ) 31,166 Private equity/venture capital 35,282 — — 15,114 (97 ) 50,299 Life science/healthcare 36,576 (9,693 ) 1,129 (2,543 ) (23 ) 25,446 Premium wine 5,205 — — (1,260 ) 170 4,115 Other 4,252 (5,045 ) 1,880 3,373 308 4,768 Total commercial loans 207,445 (96,755 ) 11,954 93,885 (3,347 ) 213,182 Consumer loans 10,168 (102 ) 258 1,812 48 12,184 Total allowance for loan losses $ 217,613 $ (96,857 ) $ 12,212 $ 95,697 $ (3,299 ) $ 225,366 The following table summarizes the activity relating to our allowance for unfunded credit commitments for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, beginning balance $ 51,770 $ 45,265 $ 34,415 Provision for unfunded credit commitments 3,578 6,365 10,982 Foreign currency translation adjustments (165 ) 140 (132 ) Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, ending balance (1) $ 55,183 $ 51,770 $ 45,265 (1) See Note 19—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional disclosures related to our commitments to extend credit. The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , broken out by portfolio segment: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Individually Evaluated for Impairment Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Individually Evaluated for Impairment Collectively Evaluated for 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/internet $ 28,527 $ 114,850 $ 75,040 $ 6,039,905 $ 23,088 $ 110,654 $ 73,016 $ 6,061,877 Hardware 1,253 11,506 18,472 1,223,051 8,450 36,350 19,164 1,157,249 Private equity/venture capital — 3,700 98,581 14,106,860 330 658 82,138 9,951,719 Life science/healthcare 7,484 34,067 24,696 2,351,545 9,315 21,687 15,609 1,787,140 Premium wine — 1,301 3,355 958,362 — 2,877 3,532 870,281 Other 411 411 3,147 459,079 32 32 3,909 476,306 Total commercial loans 37,675 165,835 223,291 25,138,802 41,215 172,258 197,368 20,304,572 Total consumer loans 266 4,239 19,671 3,029,404 578 2,603 15,863 2,626,883 Total $ 37,941 $ 170,074 $ 242,962 $ 28,168,206 $ 41,793 $ 174,861 $ 213,231 $ 22,931,455 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).” When full repayment of a criticized loan has been deemed improbable under the original contractual terms but full repayment remains probable overall, the loan is considered to be a “Performing Impaired (Criticized)” loan. All of our nonaccrual loans are risk-rated 8 or 9 and are classified under the nonperforming impaired category. (For a further description of nonaccrual loans, refer to Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report ). 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, 2018 and 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Pass Performing (Criticized) Performing Impaired (Criticized) Nonperforming Impaired (Nonaccrual) Total December 31, 2018: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 5,574,332 $ 520,796 $ 48,069 $ 66,781 $ 6,209,978 Hardware 1,146,985 87,309 10,250 1,256 1,245,800 Private equity/venture capital 14,098,281 16,151 — 3,700 14,118,132 Life science/healthcare 2,291,356 135,653 16,276 17,791 2,461,076 Premium wine 909,965 49,287 1,017 284 960,553 Other 467,653 17,344 — 411 485,408 Total commercial loans 24,488,572 826,540 75,612 90,223 25,480,947 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 2,584,261 21,145 320 3,919 2,609,645 Other consumer loans 419,771 949 — — 420,720 Total consumer loans 3,004,032 22,094 320 3,919 3,030,365 Total gross loans $ 27,492,604 $ 848,634 $ 75,932 $ 94,142 $ 28,511,312 December 31, 2017: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 5,655,739 $ 466,332 $ 31,794 $ 78,860 $ 6,232,725 Hardware 1,112,574 51,976 20,165 16,185 1,200,900 Private equity/venture capital 9,955,082 5,381 — 658 9,961,121 Life science/healthcare 1,720,613 125,660 1,167 20,520 1,867,960 Premium wine 834,537 36,955 2,476 401 874,369 Other 469,721 21,016 — 32 490,769 Total commercial loans 19,748,266 707,320 55,602 116,656 20,627,844 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 2,282,375 13,301 — 2,181 2,297,857 Other consumer loans 326,851 1,179 — 422 328,452 Total consumer loans 2,609,226 14,480 — 2,603 2,626,309 Total gross loans $ 22,357,492 $ 721,800 $ 55,602 $ 119,259 $ 23,254,153 Troubled Debt Restructurings As of December 31, 2018 we had 17 TDRs with a total carrying value of $83.7 million where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, in an attempt to maximize collection. This compares to 22 TDRs with a total carrying value of $147.8 million as of December 31, 2017 . There were unfunded commitments available for funding of $2.7 million to the clients associated with these TDRs as of December 31, 2018 . The following table summarizes our loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Loans modified in TDRs: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 58,089 $ 73,455 Hardware 9,665 51,132 Private equity/venture capital — 350 Life science/healthcare 12,738 19,235 Premium wine 2,883 3,198 Total commercial loans 83,375 147,370 Consumer loans: Other consumer loans 320 423 Total loans modified in TDRs $ 83,695 $ 147,793 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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Loans modified in TDRs during the period: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 30,429 $ 42,184 $ 23,574 Hardware 9,665 51,132 14,870 Private equity/venture capital — 350 — Life science/healthcare 660 — 1,638 Premium wine — 177 677 Total commercial loans 40,754 93,843 40,759 Consumer loans: Other consumer loans 320 — 786 Total loans modified in TDRs during the period (1) $ 41,074 $ 93,843 $ 41,545 (1) There were $4.6 million , $3.0 million , and $3.6 million of partial charge-offs during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. During 2018 , all new TDRs of $41.1 million were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients. During 2017, $93.5 million of new TDRs were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients and $0.3 million were modified through partial forgiveness of principal. During 2016, all new TDRs were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients. 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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : December 31 (Dollars in thousands) 2018 (1) 2017 (1) 2016 TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the period: Commercial loans: Hardware $ — $ — $ 134 Premium wine — — 491 Life science/healthcare — — — Total commercial loans — — 625 Consumer loans: Other consumer loans — — 786 Total TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period $ — $ — $ 1,411 (1) For both the 2018 and 2017 periods, there were no loans modified in TDRs within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during the period. 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 for TDRs was necessary to determine the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2018 .

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Computer software $ 217,017 $ 203,359 Computer hardware 70,247 63,881 Leasehold improvements 98,237 89,225 Furniture and equipment 42,319 38,146 Total 427,820 394,611 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (298,607 ) (265,929 ) Premises and equipment, net $ 129,213 $ 128,682 Depreciation and amortization expense for premises and equipment was $38.1 million , $38.0 million and $33.9 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Deposits

Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits	Deposits The following table presents the composition of our deposits at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Noninterest-bearing demand $ 39,103,422 $ 36,655,497 Interest bearing checking and savings accounts 648,468 556,121 Money market 7,498,205 5,975,220 Money market deposits in foreign offices 152,781 111,201 Sweep deposits in foreign offices 1,875,298 908,890 Time 50,726 47,146 Total deposits $ 49,328,900 $ 44,254,075 The aggregate amount of time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $250,000 totaled $42 million and $37 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. At December 31, 2018 , time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $250,000 totaling $42 million were scheduled to mature within one year.

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 : Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) Maturity Principal value at December 31, 2018 December 31, December 31, Short-term borrowings: Short-term FHLB advances (1) $ 300,000 $ 300,000 $ 700,000 Federal funds purchased — — 330,000 Securities sold under agreement to repurchase (2) 319,414 319,414 — Other short-term borrowings (3) 11,998 11,998 3,730 Total short-term borrowings $ 631,412 $ 1,033,730 Long-term debt: 3.50% Senior Notes January 29, 2025 $ 350,000 $ 347,639 $ 347,303 5.375% Senior Notes September 15, 2020 350,000 348,826 348,189 Total long-term debt $ 696,465 $ 695,492 (1) Represents advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2018 with maturity dates through January 10, 2019. (2) Securities sold under repurchase agreements are effectively short-term borrowings collateralized by U.S Treasury securities. Gross repurchase agreements held at December 31, 2018 have maturity dates through January 16, 2019. (3) Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor. The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Amount 2019 $ — 2020 348,826 2021 — 2022 — 2023 — 2024 and thereafter 347,639 Total $ 696,465 Interest expense related to short-term borrowings and long-term debt was $46.6 million , $36.1 million and $37.3 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 was 2.62 percent as of December 31, 2018 and 1.39 percent as of December 31, 2017 . 3.50% Senior Notes In January 2015, SVB Financial issued $350 million of 3.50% Senior Notes due in January 2025. We received net proceeds of approximately $346.4 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and issuance costs. The balance of our 3.50% Senior Notes at December 31, 2018 was $347.6 million , which is reflective of $2.2 million of debt issuance costs and a $0.2 million discount. 5.375% Senior Notes In September 2010, SVB Financial issued $350 million of 5.375% Senior Notes due in September 2020. 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 In May 2007, the Bank issued 6.05% Subordinated Notes, due in June 2017 , in an aggregate principal amount of $250 million ("6.05% Subordinated Notes"). Concurrent with the issuance of the 6.05% Subordinated Notes, we entered into a fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement. See Note 13—“Derivative Financial Instruments” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details. Our 6.05% Subordinated Notes, issued by the Bank, were repaid on June 1, 2017. The interest rate swap agreement relating to this issuance was terminated upon repayment of the notes. 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures In October 2003, SVB Financial issued $50 million in 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures to a special-purpose trust, SVB Capital II. Distributions to SVB Capital II were cumulative and were payable quarterly at a fixed rate of 7.0% per annum of the face value of the junior subordinated debentures. The junior subordinated debentures were mandatorily redeemable upon maturity in October 2033, or could be redeemed prior to maturity in whole or in part, at our option, at any time. On December 21, 2017, we redeemed in full the outstanding aggregate principal amount of $51.5 million of the 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures due October 15, 2033, relating to our 7.0% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities issued by SVB Capital II and the remaining deferred issuance costs were recognized upon redemption. Short-term Borrowings We have certain facilities in place to enable us to access short-term borrowings on a secured and unsecured basis. Our secured facilities include collateral pledged to the FHLB of San Francisco and the discount window at the FRB (using both fixed income securities and loans as collateral). Our unsecured facility consists of our uncommitted federal funds lines. As of December 31, 2018 , collateral pledged to the FHLB of San Francisco was comprised primarily of fixed income investment securities and loans and had a carrying value of $4.4 billion , of which $3.7 billion was available to support additional borrowings. As of December 31, 2018 , collateral pledged to the discount window at the FRB was comprised of fixed income investment securities and had a carrying value of $0.9 billion , all of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings. Our total unused and available borrowing capacity for our uncommitted federal funds lines totaled $1.8 billion at December 31, 2018. Our total unused and available borrowing capacity under our master repurchase agreements with various financial institutions totaled $2.9 billion at December 31, 2018 .

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, which may include currency exchange rate risks and interest rate risks. 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 are 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). On June 1, 2017, our interest rate swap was terminated upon repayment of the 6.05% Subordinated Notes. 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. 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 recorded in the line item "other" as part of noninterest income, a component of consolidated net 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 in the line item "other" as part of noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. Other Derivative Instruments Also included in our derivative instruments are equity warrant assets and client forward and option contracts, and client interest rate contracts. For further description of these other derivative instruments, refer to Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report . 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 and fair value of our derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Notional or Contractual Amount Fair Value Notional or Contractual Amount Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Derivative Assets (1) Derivative Liabilities (1) Derivative Assets (1) Derivative Liabilities (1) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Currency exchange risks: Foreign exchange forwards $ 263,733 $ 4,767 $ — $ 50,889 $ 414 $ — Foreign exchange forwards 178,310 — 1,094 425,055 — 5,201 Other derivative instruments: Equity warrant assets 223,532 149,238 — 211,253 123,763 — Client foreign exchange forwards 2,759,878 93,876 — 2,203,643 95,035 — Client foreign exchange forwards 2,568,085 — 85,706 2,092,207 — 90,253 Client foreign currency options 93,556 1,759 — 102,678 1,187 — Client foreign currency options 93,579 — 1,759 102,678 — 1,187 Client interest rate derivatives (2) 1,020,416 8,499 — 726,984 11,753 — Client interest rate derivatives 1,337,328 — 9,491 782,586 — 11,940 Total Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 258,139 $ 98,050 $ 232,152 $ 108,581 (1) Derivative assets and liabilities are included in " accrued interest receivable and other assets " and " other liabilities " , respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. (2) The amount reported for December 31, 2018 reflects rule changes implemented by two central clearing houses that allow entities to elect to treat derivative assets, liabilities and the related variation margin as settlement of the related derivative fair values for legal and accounting purposes, as opposed to presenting gross derivative assets and liabilities. As a result, client interest rate derivatives at December 31, 2018 , reflect reductions of approximately $0.4 million of derivative assets that previously would have been reported on a gross basis and approximately $212.3 million in related notional amounts for these derivative assets cleared through central clearing houses. A summary of our derivative activity and the related impact on our consolidated statements of income for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Statement of income location 2018 2017 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate risks: Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps Interest expense—borrowings $ — $ 1,053 $ 2,341 Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps Other noninterest income — (7 ) (35 ) Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives $ — $ 1,046 $ 2,306 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Currency exchange risks: (Losses) gains on revaluations of internal foreign currency instruments, net Other noninterest income $ (373 ) $ 33,161 $ (16,676 ) Gains (losses) on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net Other noninterest income 52 (32,286 ) 16,136 Net (losses) gains associated with internal currency risk $ (321 ) $ 875 $ (540 ) Other derivative instruments: Gains on revaluations of client foreign currency instruments, net Other noninterest income $ 4,998 $ 10,882 $ 4,215 Losses on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net Other noninterest income (4,011 ) (9,969 ) (5,674 ) Net gains (losses) associated with client currency risk $ 987 $ 913 $ (1,459 ) Net gains on equity warrant assets Gains on equity warrant assets, net $ 89,142 $ 54,555 $ 37,892 Net (losses) gains on other derivatives Other noninterest income $ (179 ) $ (564 ) $ 262 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, 2018 and 2017 : (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 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements Net Amount Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received (1) December 31, 2018: Derivative Assets: Foreign exchange forwards $ 98,643 $ — $ 98,643 $ (38,213 ) $ (11,825 ) $ 48,605 Foreign currency options 1,759 — 1,759 (613 ) (90 ) 1,056 Client interest rate derivatives 8,499 — 8,499 (8,416 ) (83 ) — Total derivative assets: 108,901 — 108,901 (47,242 ) (11,998 ) 49,661 Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements 123,611 — 123,611 (123,611 ) — — Total $ 232,512 $ — $ 232,512 $ (170,853 ) $ (11,998 ) $ 49,661 December 31, 2017: Derivative Assets: Foreign exchange forwards (2) $ 95,449 $ — $ 95,449 $ (14,570 ) $ (3,616 ) $ 77,263 Foreign currency options 1,187 — 1,187 (557 ) — 630 Client interest rate derivatives (2) 11,753 — 11,753 (11,627 ) (114 ) 12 Total derivative assets: 108,389 — 108,389 (26,754 ) (3,730 ) 77,905 Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements 247,876 — 247,876 (247,876 ) — — Total $ 356,265 $ — $ 356,265 $ (274,630 ) $ (3,730 ) $ 77,905 (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) For the period ended December 31, 2017, previously reported amounts for our foreign exchange forwards and client interest rate derivatives were reclassified between " Financial Instruments " and " Cash Collateral Received " to properly reflect cash collateral received for these derivative assets subject to master netting arrangements, respectively. The correction of this immaterial error had no impact on the " Net Amount " of derivative assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements. The following table summarizes our liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : (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 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements Net Amount Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged (1) December 31, 2018: Derivative Liabilities: Foreign exchange forwards $ 86,800 $ — $ 86,800 $ (24,778 ) $ (20,732 ) $ 41,290 Foreign currency options 1,759 — 1,759 (1,054 ) — 705 Client interest rate derivatives 9,491 — 9,491 — (9,207 ) 284 Total derivative liabilities: 98,050 — 98,050 (25,832 ) (29,939 ) 42,279 Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements 319,414 — 319,414 — — 319,414 Total $ 417,464 $ — $ 417,464 $ (25,832 ) $ (29,939 ) $ 361,693 December 31, 2017: Derivative Liabilities: Foreign exchange forwards (2) $ 95,454 $ — $ 95,454 $ (10,997 ) $ (69,110 ) $ 15,347 Foreign currency options (2) 1,187 — 1,187 (501 ) (130 ) 556 Client interest rate derivatives (2) 11,940 — 11,940 — (11,924 ) 16 Total derivative liabilities: (2) 108,581 — 108,581 (11,498 ) (81,164 ) 15,919 Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements — — — — — — Total (2) $ 108,581 $ — $ 108,581 $ (11,498 ) $ (81,164 ) $ 15,919 (1) Cash collateral pledged to our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in a liability position and repurchase agreements are recorded as a component of “cash and cash equivalents " on our consolidated balance sheets. (2) For the period ended December 31, 2017, previously reported amounts included in " Financial Instruments " were reclassified to " Cash Collateral Pledged " to properly reflect cash collateral pledged for these derivative liabilities subject to master netting arrangements. The correction of this immaterial error had no impact on the " Net Amount " of derivative liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Noninterest Income	Noninterest Income On January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for the reporting period ended December 31, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our previous accounting methodology under Topic 605. A summary of noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Noninterest income: Gains on investment securities, net $ 88,094 $ 64,603 $ 51,740 Gains on equity warrant assets, net 89,142 54,555 37,892 Foreign exchange fees 138,812 115,760 104,183 Credit card fees 94,072 76,543 68,205 Deposit service charges 76,097 58,715 52,524 Client investment fees 130,360 56,136 32,219 Lending related fees 41,949 43,265 33,395 Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees 34,600 28,544 25,644 Other 51,858 59,110 50,750 Total noninterest income $ 744,984 $ 557,231 $ 456,552 Gains on investment securities, net Net gains on investment securities include both gains and losses from our non-marketable and other equity securities, gains and losses from sales of our AFS debt securities portfolio, when applicable, and carried interest. Our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, our China Joint Venture, debt funds, private and public portfolio companies, which include public equity securities held as a result of exercised equity warrant assets, and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. We experience variability in the performance of our non-marketable and other equity securities from period to period, which results in net gains or losses on investment securities (both realized and unrealized). This variability is due to a number of factors, including unrealized changes in the values of our investments, changes in the amount of realized gains from distributions, changes in liquidity events and general economic and market conditions. Unrealized gains from non-marketable and other equity securities for any single period are typically driven by valuation changes. The extent to which any unrealized gains or losses will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of certain sales restrictions to which these equity securities may be subject to (i.e., lock-up agreements), changes in prevailing market prices, market conditions, the actual sales or distributions of securities, and the timing of such actual sales or distributions, which, to the extent such securities are managed by our managed funds, are subject to our funds' separate discretionary sales/distributions and governance processes. Carried interest is comprised of preferential allocations of profits recognizable when the return on assets of our individual managed fund of funds and direct venture funds exceeds certain performance targets and is payable to us, as the general partners of the managed funds. The carried interest we earn is often shared with employees, who are also members of the general partner entities. We record carried interest on a quarterly basis by measuring fund performance to date versus the performance target. For our unconsolidated managed funds, carried interest is recorded as gains on investment securities, net. For our consolidated managed funds, it is recorded as a component of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Carried interest allocated to others is recorded as a component of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Any carried interest paid to us (or our employees) may be subject to reversal to the extent fund performance declines to a level where inception to date carried interest is lower than actual payments made by the funds. The limited partnership agreements for our funds provide that carried interest is generally not paid to the general partners until the funds have provided a full return of contributed capital to the limited partners. Accrued, but unpaid carried interest may be subject to reversal to the extent that the fund performance declines to a level where inception-to-date carried interest is less than prior amounts recognized. Carried interest income is accounted for under an ownership model based on ASC 323 — Equity Method of Accounting and ASC 810 — Consolidation. Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is a fixed income investment portfolio that is managed with the objective of earning an appropriate portfolio yield over the long-term while maintaining sufficient liquidity and credit diversification as well as addressing our asset/liability management objectives. Though infrequent, sales of debt securities in our AFS securities portfolio may result in net gains or losses and are conducted pursuant to the guidelines of our investment policy related to the management of our liquidity position and interest rate risk. Gains on investment securities are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our investment-related activities. A summary of gains and losses on investment securities for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net $ 88,834 $ 69,792 $ 39,545 (Losses) gains on sales of available-for-sale debt securities, net (740 ) (5,189 ) 12,195 Total gains on investment securities, net $ 88,094 $ 64,603 $ 51,740 Gains on equity warrant assets, net In connection with negotiating credit facilities and certain other services, we often obtain rights to acquire stock in the form of equity warrant assets in primarily private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science/healthcare industries. 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 equity warrant assets, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. Gains on equity warrant assets are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our derivative-related activities. A summary of net gains on equity warrant assets for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Equity warrant assets: Gains on exercises, net $ 58,186 $ 48,275 $ 31,197 Terminations (5,964 ) (4,422 ) (3,015 ) Changes in fair value, net 36,920 10,702 9,710 Total net gains on equity warrant assets $ 89,142 $ 54,555 $ 37,892 Foreign exchange fees Foreign exchange fees represent the income differential between purchases and sales of foreign currency on behalf of our clients, primarily from spot contracts. Foreign exchange spot contract fees are recognized upon the completion of the single performance obligation, the execution of a spot trade in exchange for a fee. In line with customary business practice, the legal right transfers to the client upon execution of a foreign exchange contract on the trade date, and as such, we currently recognize our fees based on the trade date and are typically settled within two business days. Forward contract and option premium fees are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our derivative-related activities. A summary of foreign exchange fee income by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Foreign exchange fees by instrument type: Spot contract commissions $ 127,459 $ 104,344 $ 89,354 Forward contract commissions 10,940 10,934 14,004 Option premium fees 413 482 825 Total foreign exchange fees $ 138,812 $ 115,760 $ 104,183 Credit card fees Credit card fees include interchange income from credit and debit cards and fees earned from processing transactions for merchants. Interchange income is earned after satisfying our performance obligation of providing nightly settlement services to a payment network. Costs related to rewards programs are recorded when the rewards are earned by the customer and presented as a reduction to interchange fee income. Rewards programs continue to be accounted for under ASC 310 - Receivables . Our performance obligations for merchant service fees are to transmit data and funds between the merchant and the payment network. Credit card interchange and merchant service fees are earned daily upon completion of transaction settlement services. Annual card service fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period and continue to be accounted for under ASC 310 - Receivables . A summary of credit card fees by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Credit card fees by instrument type: Card interchange fees, net $ 74,381 $ 60,224 $ 51,513 Merchant service fees 14,420 11,584 12,783 Card service fees 5,271 4,735 3,909 Total credit card fees $ 94,072 $ 76,543 $ 68,205 Deposit service charges Deposit service charges include fees earned from performing cash management activities and other deposit account services. Deposit services include, but are not limited to, the following: receivables services, which include merchant services, remote capture, lockbox, electronic deposit capture, and fraud control services. Payment and cash management products and services include wire transfer and automated clearing house payment services to enable clients to transfer funds more quickly, as well as business bill pay, business credit and debit cards, account analysis, and disbursement services. Deposit service charges are recognized over the period in which the related performance obligation is provided, generally on a monthly basis, and are presented in the "Disaggregation of Revenue from Contracts with Customers" table below. Client investment fees Client investment fees include fees earned from discretionary investment management services for substantially all clients, managing clients’ portfolios based on their investment policies, strategies and objectives and investment advisory fees. Revenue is recognized on a monthly basis upon completion of our performance obligation and consideration is typically received in the subsequent month. Included in our sweep money market fees are Rule 12(b)-1 fees, revenue sharing and 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, typically monthly. Transactional based fees are earned and recognized on fixed income securities when the transaction is executed on the clients' behalf. Amounts paid to third-party service providers are predominantly expensed, such that client investment fees are recorded gross of payments made to third parties. A summary of client investment fees by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Client investment fees by type: Sweep money market fees $ 75,654 $ 28,485 $ 15,147 Asset management fees (1) 23,882 16,831 15,389 Repurchase agreement fees 30,824 10,820 1,683 Total client investment fees (2) $ 130,360 $ 56,136 $ 32,219 (1) Represents fees earned from investments in third-party money market mutual funds and fixed-income securities managed by SVB Asset Management. (2) Represents fees earned on client investment funds which are maintained at third-party financial institutions and are not recorded on our balance sheet. Lending related fees Unused commitment fees, minimum finance fees and unused line fees are recognized as earned on a monthly basis. Fees that qualify for syndication treatment are recognized at the completion of the syndicated loan deal for which the fees were received. Lending related fees are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our lending-related activities. A summary of lending related fees by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Lending related fees by instrument type: Unused commitment fees $ 32,452 $ 34,110 $ 25,654 Other 9,497 9,155 7,741 Total lending related fees $ 41,949 $ 43,265 $ 33,395 Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees 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. 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. Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our lending related activities. Other Other noninterest income primarily includes income from fund management fees and service revenue. 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 generally recognized as earned over the specified contract period, which is generally equal to the life of the individual fund. Fund management fees are calculated as a percentage of committed capital and collected in advance and are received quarterly. Fund management fees for certain of our limited partnership agreements are calculated as a percentage of distributions made by the funds and revenue is recorded only at the time of a distribution event. As distribution events are not predetermined for these certain funds, management fees are considered variable and constrained under the new revenue standard. Other service revenue primarily consists of dividend income on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income, incentive fees related to carried interest and other fee income. We recognize revenue when our performance obligations are met and record revenues on a daily/monthly basis, quarterly, semi-annually or annual basis. For event driven revenue sources, 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. A summary of other noninterest income by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Other noninterest income by instrument type: Fund management fees $ 23,016 $ 21,214 $ 19,195 Net gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments, net of foreign exchange forward contracts (1) 666 1,788 (1,999 ) Other service revenue 28,176 36,108 33,554 Total other noninterest income $ 51,858 $ 59,110 $ 50,750 (1) Represents the net revaluation of client and internal foreign currency denominated financial instruments. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure related to client and internal foreign currency denominated financial instruments. Disaggregation of Revenue from Contracts with Customers The following table presents our revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by revenue source and segment for the year ended December 31, 2018: (Dollars in thousands) Global Commercial Bank SVB Private Bank SVB Capital Other Income Total Revenue from contracts with customers: Spot contract commissions $ 126,445 $ 691 $ — $ 323 $ 127,459 Card interchange fees, gross 134,074 — — 428 134,502 Merchant service fees 14,415 4 — 1 14,420 Deposit service charges 74,348 108 — 1,641 76,097 Client investment fees 53,179 1,526 — 75,655 130,360 Fund management fees — — 23,016 — 23,016 Correspondent bank rebates 5,802 — — — 5,802 Total revenue from contracts with customers $ 408,263 $ 2,329 $ 23,016 $ 78,048 $ 511,656 Revenues outside the scope of ASC 606 (1) 36,384 (48 ) 78,165 118,827 233,328 Total noninterest income $ 444,647 $ 2,281 $ 101,181 $ 196,875 $ 744,984 (1) Amounts are accounted for under separate guidance than ASC 606.

Other Noninterest Expense

Other Noninterest Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Noninterest Expense [Abstract]
Other Noninterest Expense	Other Noninterest Expense A summary of other noninterest expense for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Lending and other client related processing costs $ 24,237 $ 23,768 $ 19,867 Telephone 9,404 10,647 9,793 Data processing services 10,811 10,251 9,014 Dues and publications 4,605 3,263 2,828 Postage and supplies 2,799 2,797 2,851 Other 21,682 21,419 17,890 Total other noninterest expense $ 73,538 $ 72,145 $ 62,243

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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. The components of our provision for income taxes for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Current provision: Federal $ 249,358 $ 263,231 $ 195,249 State 123,264 67,046 59,319 Deferred (benefit) expense: Federal (11,777 ) 24,654 (3,560 ) State (9,284 ) 532 (675 ) Income tax expense $ 351,561 $ 355,463 $ 250,333 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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , is as follows: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of the federal tax effect 7.2 5.8 5.9 Net deferred tax assets revaluation (TCJ Act) — 4.3 — Meals and entertainment 0.3 0.3 0.4 Disallowed officers' compensation 0.2 0.1 0.1 FDIC premiums 0.5 — — Share-based compensation expense on incentive stock options and ESPP (1.4 ) (2.1 ) — Qualified affordable housing project tax credits (0.3 ) (0.4 ) (0.5 ) Tax-exempt interest income (0.6 ) (0.3 ) (0.2 ) Valuation allowance benefit — — (0.3 ) Other, net (0.4 ) (0.7 ) (0.9 ) Effective income tax rate 26.5 % 42.0 % 39.5 % Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Allowance for loan losses $ 93,580 $ 84,812 Net unrealized losses on AFS debt securities 19,704 12,404 Share-based compensation expense 10,642 9,418 State income taxes 13,854 9,186 Accrued compensation 8,291 8,336 Deferred rent 7,940 8,169 Other accruals 7,061 7,165 Net operating loss 2,447 2,300 Loan fee income and costs — 1,189 Other 11,339 3,639 Deferred tax assets 174,858 146,618 Valuation allowance (2,107 ) (2,624 ) Net deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 172,751 143,994 Deferred tax liabilities: Derivative equity warrant assets (32,861 ) (29,127 ) Change in accounting method (section 481(a)) (8,034 ) (15,953 ) Net unrealized gains on AFS equity securities — (11,145 ) Non-marketable and other equity securities (45,759 ) (10,724 ) Premises and equipment and other intangibles (10,284 ) (9,223 ) Other (10,380 ) (3,977 ) Deferred tax liabilities (107,318 ) (80,149 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 65,433 $ 63,845 At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards totaled $2.2 million and $2.5 million , respectively. Our foreign net operating loss carryforwards totaled $7.6 million and $10.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards expire at various dates beginning in 2022. 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 Germany 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 $2.1 million on the deferred tax assets related to these net operating loss carryforwards and research and development credits at December 31, 2018 . 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. We are subject to income tax in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions and have identified our federal and California tax returns as major tax filings. Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2015 and subsequent years remain open to full examination. Our California tax returns for 2013 and subsequent tax years remain open to full examination. At December 31, 2018 , our unrecognized tax benefit was $12.7 million , the recognition of which would reduce our income tax expense by $10.1 million . We do not expect that our unrecognized tax benefit will materially change in the next 12 months. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income before income taxes. Interest and penalties were not material for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . A summary of changes in our unrecognized tax benefit (including interest and penalties) for December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit Interest and Penalties Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 3,357 $ 301 $ 3,658 Additions for tax positions for current year 793 — 793 Additions for tax positions for prior years 1,427 166 1,593 Reduction for tax positions for prior years (271 ) (16 ) (287 ) Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (37 ) (9 ) (46 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 5,269 $ 442 $ 5,711 Additions for tax positions for current year 3,141 — 3,141 Additions for tax positions for prior years 3,378 754 4,132 Reduction for tax positions for prior years (223 ) (1 ) (224 ) Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (60 ) (17 ) (77 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 11,505 $ 1,178 $ 12,683 Additions for tax positions for current year 4,171 — 4,171 Additions for tax positions for prior years 631 823 1,454 Reduction for tax positions for prior years (1,865 ) (243 ) (2,108 ) Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (435 ) (86 ) (521 ) Reduction as a result of settlement (1,318 ) $ (222 ) $ (1,540 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 12,689 $ 1,450 $ 14,139

Employee Compensation and Benef

Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [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) 2006 Incentive Plan; and (ix) ESPP. The 2006 Incentive Plan and the ESPP are described in Note 4—“Share-Based Compensation” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report . A summary of expenses incurred under certain employee compensation and benefit plans for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan $ 160,293 $ 125,584 $ 96,892 Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan 40,578 18,721 21,174 Retention Program 1,438 1,317 1,475 Warrant Incentive Plan 9,112 15,386 4,954 Deferred Compensation Plan — 203 1,318 SVBFG 401(k) Plan 21,323 17,860 16,078 SVBFG ESOP 6,435 4,719 3,159 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 cash incentive program. Awards are based on sales teams' performance as 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 were 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) net 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. Since 2009, no new participants have been added and no new investments have been 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 earned during the plan year. 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 and employer contributions under this plan to key plan participants. The deferred incentives and employer contributions are eligible for investment in the DC Plan during the retention qualifying period or vesting period. Voluntary deferrals under the DC Plan were $5.5 million in 2018 and 2017 and $4.4 million in 2016 , respectively. The DC Plan overall, had investment losses of $1.7 million in 2018 and gains of $4.7 million and $2.4 million in 2017 and 2016 , respectively. 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 $18,500 for 2018 and $18,000 for the 2017 and 2016. We match the employee's contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to five 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 ten percent of the employee's eligible pay earned in the fiscal year. The ESOP contributions vest in equal annual increments over 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 discounted interest rates to eligible employees. Eligible employees may apply for an adjustable rate mortgage for their primary residence, which is a 30 year loan and has an initial fixed interest rate for five , seven , or ten years after which a floating rate will be set annually. 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 fixed-rate loan is written at the then market rate for five year (5/1), seven year (7/1), or ten year (10/1) mortgage loans as determined by us. Floating rates applied at the end of the fixed-rate period will be reset annually at 12 month LIBOR plus two and one quarter percent. For additional details, see Note 9—“Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report .

Related Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Parties	Related Parties We have no material related party transactions requiring disclosure. In the ordinary course of business, the Bank may extend credit to related parties, including executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and their related interests. Additionally, we also provide real estate secured loans to eligible employees through our EHOP. For additional details, see Note 17—“Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report .

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements,

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments	Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments In the normal course of business, we use financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial and standby letters of credit and commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity fund investments. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk. Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss because other parties to the financial instrument fail to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. Commitments to Extend Credit 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, 2018 and 2017 , respectively: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Loan commitments available for funding: (1) Fixed interest rate commitments $ 1,839,190 $ 1,478,157 Variable interest rate commitments 14,821,815 14,034,169 Total loan commitments available for funding 16,661,005 15,512,326 Commercial and standby letters of credit (2) 2,252,016 1,950,211 Total unfunded credit commitments $ 18,913,021 $ 17,462,537 Commitments unavailable for funding (3) $ 2,723,835 $ 2,117,057 Allowance for unfunded credit commitments (4) 55,183 51,770 (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) Our allowance 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 allowance 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. 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, 2018 . 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 $ 2,043,767 $ 33,570 $ 2,077,337 $ 2,077,337 Performance standby letters of credit 133,259 3,746 137,005 137,005 Commercial letters of credit 37,323 351 37,674 37,674 Total $ 2,214,349 $ 37,667 $ 2,252,016 $ 2,252,016 Deferred fees related to financial and performance standby letters of credit were $14.1 million at December 31, 2018 and $12.4 million at December 31, 2017 . At December 31, 2018 , collateral in the form of cash of $1.2 billion was 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 generally makes investments in 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 call most of the capital commitments over 5 to 7 years, and in certain cases, the funds may not call 100% of committed capital. 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, 2018 : (Dollars in thousands) SVBFG Capital Commitments SVBFG Unfunded Commitments SVBFG Ownership of each Fund (3) CP I, LP $ 6,000 $ 270 10.7 % CP II, LP (1) 1,200 162 5.1 Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund (LP) 843 — 6.8 Strategic Investors Fund, LP 15,300 688 12.6 Strategic Investors Fund II, LP 15,000 1,050 8.6 Strategic Investors Fund III, LP 15,000 1,275 5.9 Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP 12,239 2,325 5.0 Strategic Investors Fund V funds 515 131 Various Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 12,688 — 20.0 Growth Partners, LP 24,670 1,340 33.0 Debt funds (equity method accounting) 58,493 — Various Other fund investments (2) 295,722 8,011 Various Total $ 457,670 $ 15,252 (1) Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership of 3.8 percent through our investment in Strategic Investors Fund II, LP. (2) Represents commitments to 216 funds (primarily venture capital funds) where our ownership interest is generally less than five percent of the voting interests of each such fund. (3) 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 of 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, 2018 : (Dollars in thousands) Unfunded Commitments Strategic Investors Fund, LP $ 1,338 Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 1,936 Growth Partners, LP 2,575 Total $ 5,849 Operating Leases We are obligated under a number of noncancelable operating leases for premises and equipment that expire at various dates, through 2030, 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, 2018 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Amount 2019 $ 38,609 2020 37,575 2021 35,854 2022 31,659 2023 30,904 2024 and thereafter 49,071 Net minimum operating lease payments $ 223,672 Rent expense for premises and equipment leased under operating leases totaled $34.6 million , $31.3 million and $24.8 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 and other equity 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. We disclose our method and approach for fair value measurements of assets and liabilities in Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report . 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, 2018 : (Dollars in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance at December 31, 2018 Assets Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,738,258 $ — $ — $ 4,738,258 U.S. agency debentures — 1,084,117 — 1,084,117 Foreign government debt securities 5,812 — — 5,812 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations — f ixed rate — 1,880,218 — 1,880,218 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations— variable rate — 81,638 — 81,638 Total available-for-sale securities 4,744,070 3,045,973 — 7,790,043 Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Non-marketable securities: Venture capital and private equity fund investments measured at net asset value — — — 318,352 Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) — — 1,079 1,079 Other equity securities in public companies 1,181 19,217 — 20,398 Total non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting) 1,181 19,217 1,079 339,829 Other assets: Foreign exchange forward and option contracts — 100,402 — 100,402 Equity warrant assets — 4,039 145,199 149,238 Client interest rate derivatives — 8,499 — 8,499 Total assets $ 4,745,251 $ 3,178,130 $ 146,278 $ 8,388,011 Liabilities Foreign exchange forward and option contracts $ — $ 88,559 $ — $ 88,559 Client interest rate derivatives — 9,491 — 9,491 Total liabilities $ — $ 98,050 $ — $ 98,050 (1) Included in Level 3 assets is $0.9 million 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, 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance at December 31, 2017 Assets Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,840,502 $ — $ — $ 6,840,502 U.S. agency debentures — 1,567,128 — 1,567,128 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations— fixed rate — 2,267,035 — 2,267,035 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations— variable rate — 373,730 — 373,730 Equity securities 158 72,111 — 72,269 Total available-for-sale securities 6,840,660 4,280,004 — 11,120,664 Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Non-marketable securities: Venture capital and private equity fund investments measured at net asset value — — — 127,192 Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) — — 919 919 Other equity securities in public companies (1) 310 — — 310 Total non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting) 310 — 919 128,421 Other assets: Foreign exchange forward and option contracts — 96,636 — 96,636 Equity warrant assets — 2,432 121,331 123,763 Client interest rate derivatives — 11,753 — 11,753 Total assets $ 6,840,970 $ 4,390,825 $ 122,250 $ 11,481,237 Liabilities Foreign exchange forward and option contracts $ — $ 96,641 $ — $ 96,641 Client interest rate derivatives — 11,940 — 11,940 Total liabilities $ — $ 108,581 $ — $ 108,581 (1) Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $0.2 million and $0.8 million , 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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively: (Dollars in thousands) Beginning Balance Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), net Included in Income Sales/Exits Issuances Distributions and Other Settlements Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Balance Year ended December 31, 2018: Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) $ 919 $ 457 $ — $ — $ (297 ) $ — $ 1,079 Other assets: Equity warrant assets (2) 121,331 87,982 (78,752 ) 17,941 — (3,303 ) 145,199 Total assets $ 122,250 $ 88,439 $ (78,752 ) $ 17,941 $ (297 ) $ (3,303 ) $ 146,278 Year ended December 31, 2017: Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) $ 2,040 $ 971 $ (2,092 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 919 Other assets: Equity warrant assets (2) 128,813 54,263 (74,769 ) 14,537 — (1,513 ) 121,331 Total assets $ 130,853 $ 55,234 $ (76,861 ) $ 14,537 $ — $ (1,513 ) $ 122,250 Year ended December 31, 2016: Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) $ 2,040 $ (21 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ 25 $ — $ 2,040 Other assets: Equity warrant assets (2) 135,168 38,091 (56,643 ) 13,405 — (1,208 ) 128,813 Total assets $ 137,208 $ 38,070 $ (56,647 ) $ 13,405 $ 25 $ (1,208 ) $ 130,853 (1) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net,” a component of noninterest income. (2) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “Gains on equity warrant assets, 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, 2018 and 2017 , respectively: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) $ 160 $ (444 ) Other assets: Equity warrant assets (2) 37,564 11,174 Total unrealized gains, net $ 37,724 $ 10,730 Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests (1) $ 143 $ (397 ) (1) Unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on investment securities, net,” a component of noninterest income. (2) Unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on equity warrant assets, net,” a component of noninterest income. The extent to which any unrealized gains or losses 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, 2018 and 2017 . 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, 2018: Venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) $ 1,079 Private company equity pricing (1) (1) Equity warrant assets (public portfolio) 2,757 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 54.7 % Risk-Free interest rate 2.6 Sales restrictions discount (2) 18.5 Equity warrant assets (private portfolio) 142,442 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 38.5 Risk-Free interest rate 2.5 Marketability discount (3) 17.7 Remaining life assumption (4) 45.0 December 31, 2017: Venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) $ 919 Private company equity pricing (1) (1) Equity warrant assets (public portfolio) 1,936 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 47.9 % Risk-Free interest rate 2.1 Sales restrictions discount (2) 15.5 Equity warrant assets (private portfolio) 119,395 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 36.7 Risk-Free interest rate 1.8 Marketability discount (3) 16.4 Remaining life assumption (4) 45.0 (1) In determining the fair value of our venture capital and private equity fund investment portfolio (not measured at net asset value), 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. We use company provided valuation reports, if available, to support our valuation assumptions. 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 three to six 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 upon various option-pricing models. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount. (4) We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on terminations and exercises. At December 31, 2018 , the weighted average contractual remaining term was 6.1 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.7 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption. During 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , we did not have any transfers between Level 2 and Level 1 or transfers between Level 3 and Level 1. All other transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 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. 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, 2018 and 2017 : Estimated Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Carrying Amount Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2018: Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,571,539 $ 3,571,539 $ 3,571,539 $ — $ — Held-to-maturity securities 15,487,442 15,188,236 — 15,188,236 — Non-marketable securities not measured at net asset value 131,453 131,453 — — 131,453 Non-marketable securities measured at net asset value 151,247 151,247 — — — Net commercial loans 25,043,671 25,463,968 — — 25,463,968 Net consumer loans 3,013,706 3,064,093 — — 3,064,093 FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock 58,878 58,878 — — 58,878 Financial liabilities: Short-term borrowings 631,412 631,412 — 631,412 — Non-maturity deposits (1) 49,278,174 49,278,174 49,278,174 — — Time deposits 50,726 50,337 — 50,337 — 3.50% Senior Notes 347,639 336,088 — 336,088 — 5.375% Senior Notes 348,826 361,281 — 361,281 — Off-balance sheet financial assets: Commitments to extend credit — 22,930 — — 22,930 December 31, 2017: Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,923,075 $ 2,923,075 $ 2,923,075 $ — $ — Held-to-maturity securities 12,663,455 12,548,280 — 12,548,280 — Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) not measured at net asset value 120,019 126,345 — — 126,345 Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) measured at net asset value 228,399 331,496 — — — Net commercial loans 20,238,247 20,520,623 — — 20,520,623 Net consumer loans 2,613,045 2,593,538 — — 2,593,538 FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock 60,020 60,020 — — 60,020 Financial liabilities: Short-term borrowings 1,033,730 1,033,730 1,033,730 — — Non-maturity deposits (1) 44,206,929 44,206,929 44,206,929 — — Time deposits 47,146 46,885 — 46,885 — 3.50% Senior Notes 347,303 352,058 — 352,058 — 5.375% Senior Notes 348,189 374,483 — 374,483 — Off-balance sheet financial assets: Commitments to extend credit — 22,208 — — 22,208 (1) Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits. Investments in Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share FASB guidance over certain fund investments requires that we disclose the fair value of funds, significant investment strategies of the investees, redemption features of the investees, restrictions on the ability to sell investments, estimate of the period of time over which the underlying assets are expected to be liquidated by the investee, and unfunded commitments related to the investments. Our investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments generally cannot be redeemed. Alternatively, we expect distributions, if any, to be received primarily through IPOs and M&A activity of the underlying assets of the fund. Subject to applicable requirements under the Volcker Rule, we do not have any plans to sell any of these fund investments. If we decide to sell these investments in the future, the investee fund’s management must approve of the buyer before the sale of the investments can be completed. The fair values of the fund investments have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments, adjusted for any differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example September 30 th , for our December 31 st 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, 2018 : (Dollars in thousands) Carrying Amount Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1) $ 318,352 $ 318,352 $ 12,973 Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2) 129,485 129,485 4,943 Debt funds (2) 5,826 5,826 — Other investments (2) 15,936 15,936 886 Total $ 469,599 $ 469,599 $ 18,802 (1) Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds (consolidated VIEs) and investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments (unconsolidated VIEs). Collectively, these investments in venture capital and private equity funds are 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 $87.1 million and $4.4 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) Venture capital and private equity fund investments, debt funds, and other fund investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include funds 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 funds over the next 5 to 8 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, 2018
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Regulatory Matters	Regulatory Matters SVB Financial 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 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 and the Bank maintain minimum ratios (set forth in the table below) of capital to risk-weighted assets. Effective January 1, 2015, SVB Financial Group and the Bank became subject to a regulatory capital measure called "Common Equity Tier 1" and a related regulatory capital ratio of CET 1 to risk-weighted assets implemented under "Basel III" regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. There are three categories of capital under the new Basel III standards; CET 1, additional Tier 1 and Tier 2. CET 1 includes common stock plus related surplus and retained earnings, less certain deductions. Additional Tier 1 capital includes qualifying preferred stock and trust preferred securities, less certain deductions. Additional Tier 1, together with CET 1, equal total Tier 1 capital. Tier 2 capital includes primarily certain qualifying unsecured subordinated debt and qualifying allowances for loan and lease losses. Tier 1 capital together with Tier 2 capital equal total capital. As of December 31, 2018 , 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, 2018 and 2017 : Capital Ratios Capital Amounts (Dollars in thousands) Actual Well Capitalized Minimum Adequately Capitalized Minimum Actual Well Capitalized Minimum Adequately Capitalized Minimum December 31, 2018: CET 1 risk-based capital: SVB Financial 13.41 % 6.5 % 4.5 % $ 5,167,270 $ 2,504,310 $ 1,733,753 Bank 12.41 6.5 4.5 4,604,689 2,411,765 1,669,684 Tier 1 risk-based capital: SVB Financial 13.58 8.0 6.0 5,231,476 3,082,228 2,311,671 Bank 12.41 8.0 6.0 4,604,689 2,968,326 2,226,245 Total risk-based capital: SVB Financial 14.45 10.0 8.0 5,567,562 3,852,785 3,082,228 Bank 13.32 10.0 8.0 4,940,776 3,710,408 2,968,326 Tier 1 leverage: SVB Financial 9.06 N/A 4.0 5,231,476 N/A 2,308,592 Bank 8.10 5.0 4.0 4,604,689 2,841,139 2,272,912 December 31, 2017: CET 1 risk-based capital: SVB Financial 12.78 % 6.5 % 4.5 % $ 4,182,315 $ 2,127,902 $ 1,473,163 Bank 12.06 6.5 4.5 3,787,988 2,041,227 1,413,157 Tier 1 risk-based capital: SVB Financial 12.97 8.0 6.0 4,246,606 2,618,957 1,964,218 Bank 12.06 8.0 6.0 3,787,988 2,512,279 1,884,209 Total risk-based capital: SVB Financial 13.96 10.0 8.0 4,571,542 3,273,696 2,618,957 Bank 13.04 10.0 8.0 4,094,782 3,140,349 2,512,279 Tier 1 leverage: SVB Financial 8.34 N/A 4.0 4,246,606 N/A 2,036,138 Bank 7.56 5.0 4.0 3,787,988 2,504,636 2,003,709

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 Global Commercial Bank and SVB Private Bank 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, these 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 credit 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 tax expense or the provision for unfunded credit commitments (included in provision for credit losses) 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 primarily 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, treasury management, foreign exchange, trade finance, and other services. We broadly serve clients within the U.S., 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. ◦ SVB Analytics previously provided equity valuation services and currently provides research for investors and companies in the global innovation economy. In September 2017, SVB Analytics sold its equity valuation services business. ◦ Debt Fund Investments is comprised of our investments in certain 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 products, as well as cash and wealth management services. • SVB Capital is the funds management business of SVBFG, which focuses primarily on venture capital investments. 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 from investment returns (including carried interest allocations) 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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Global Commercial Bank (1) SVB Private Bank SVB Capital (1) Other Items (2) Total Year ended December 31, 2018 Net interest income $ 1,623,488 $ 64,902 $ 23 $ 205,575 $ 1,893,988 Provision for credit losses (80,953 ) (3,339 ) — (3,578 ) (87,870 ) Noninterest income 444,647 2,281 101,181 196,875 744,984 Noninterest expense (3) (793,159 ) (25,064 ) (22,792 ) (347,178 ) (1,188,193 ) Income before income tax expense (4) $ 1,194,023 $ 38,780 $ 78,412 $ 51,694 $ 1,362,909 Total average loans, net of unearned income $ 22,354,305 $ 2,850,271 $ — $ 425,944 $ 25,630,520 Total average assets (5) 53,012,381 2,546,904 380,543 (710,768 ) 55,229,060 Total average deposits 46,039,570 1,502,308 — 533,466 48,075,344 Year ended December 31, 2017 Net interest income $ 1,274,366 $ 58,131 $ 48 $ 87,824 $ 1,420,369 Provision for credit losses (81,553 ) (4,386 ) — (6,365 ) (92,304 ) Noninterest income 363,759 2,175 58,992 132,305 557,231 Noninterest expense (3) (707,666 ) (17,693 ) (19,340 ) (265,956 ) (1,010,655 ) Income (loss) before income tax expense (4) $ 848,906 $ 38,227 $ 39,700 $ (52,192 ) $ 874,641 Total average loans, net of unearned income $ 18,479,793 $ 2,423,078 $ — $ 256,523 $ 21,159,394 Total average assets (5) 46,302,350 2,449,763 325,939 (697,780 ) 48,380,272 Total average deposits 41,043,731 1,303,542 — 397,875 42,745,148 Year ended December 31, 2016 Net interest income (expense) $ 1,040,712 $ 53,582 $ (49 ) $ 56,278 $ 1,150,523 Provision for credit losses (93,885 ) (1,812 ) — (10,982 ) (106,679 ) Noninterest income 318,366 2,713 49,365 86,108 456,552 Noninterest expense (3) (630,655 ) (12,379 ) (15,546 ) (201,217 ) (859,797 ) Income (loss) before income tax expense (4) $ 634,538 $ 42,104 $ 33,770 $ (69,813 ) $ 640,599 Total average loans, net of unearned income $ 16,047,545 $ 2,025,381 $ — $ 210,665 $ 18,283,591 Total average assets (5) 41,495,332 2,047,513 338,848 105,758 43,987,451 Total average deposits 37,301,483 1,133,425 — 324,151 38,759,059 (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. Net interest income consists primarily of interest earned from our fixed income investment portfolio, net of FTP. Noninterest income consists primarily of gains on equity warrant assets and gains or losses on the sale of fixed income investments and equity securities from exercised warrant assets. Noninterest expense consists primarily of expenses associated with corporate support functions such as finance, human resources, marketing, legal and other expenses. (3) The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $21.8 million , $25.3 million and $24.9 million for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (4) The internal reporting model used by management to assess segment performance does not calculate income tax expense by segment. Our effective tax rate is a reasonable approximation of the segment rates. (5) Total average assets equal the greater of total average assets or the sum of total average liabilities and total average stockholders’ equity for each segment to reconcile the results to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP.

Parent Company Only Condensed F

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information	Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information The condensed balance sheets of SVB Financial at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , and the related condensed statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , are presented below: Condensed Balance Sheets December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 553,049 $ 457,324 Investment securities 510,836 485,220 Other assets 204,301 196,974 Investment in subsidiaries: Bank subsidiary 4,554,813 3,762,542 Nonbank subsidiaries 116,968 90,540 Total assets $ 5,939,967 $ 4,992,600 Liabilities and SVBFG stockholders’ equity: 3.50% Senior Notes $ 347,639 $ 347,303 5.375% Senior Notes 348,826 348,189 Other liabilities 127,293 117,313 Total liabilities $ 823,758 $ 812,805 SVBFG stockholders’ equity 5,116,209 4,179,795 Total liabilities and SVBFG stockholders’ equity $ 5,939,967 $ 4,992,600 Condensed Statements of Income Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Interest income $ 3,307 $ 2,077 $ 690 Interest expense (32,037 ) (34,932 ) (35,316 ) Dividend income from bank subsidiary 140,000 90,000 40,000 Gains on equity warrant assets, net (1) 89,142 54,555 37,892 Gains on investment securities, net 13,546 37,132 20,644 Fund management fees and other noninterest income (1) 26,388 24,613 21,913 General and administrative expenses (70,976 ) (63,077 ) (55,139 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (14,383 ) 10,367 423 Income before net income of subsidiaries 154,987 120,735 31,107 Equity in undistributed net income of bank subsidiary 793,641 356,769 339,629 Equity in undistributed net income of nonbank subsidiaries 25,212 13,002 11,949 Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 (1) Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects a new line item to separately disclose net gains on equity warrant assets. In prior periods, net gains on equity warrant assets were reported as a component of net gains on derivative instruments. Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation (losses) gains (4,107 ) 3,769 3,071 Changes in unrealized holding gains and losses on AFS securities 120 22,285 654 Equity in other comprehensive (losses) income of bank and nonbank subsidiaries (19,171 ) (50,956 ) 4,301 Reclassifications to retained earnings for the adoption of new accounting guidance (1) (29,490 ) — — Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (52,648 ) (24,902 ) 8,026 Total comprehensive income $ 921,192 $ 465,604 $ 390,711 (1) See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details. Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Gains on equity warrant assets, net (89,142 ) (54,555 ) (37,892 ) Gains on investment securities, net (1) (13,546 ) (17,060 ) (3,106 ) Distributions of earnings from investment securities (1) 47,596 14,015 3,137 Net income of bank subsidiary (933,641 ) (446,769 ) (379,629 ) Net income on nonbank subsidiaries (25,212 ) (13,002 ) (11,949 ) Cash dividends from bank subsidiary 140,000 90,000 40,000 Amortization of share-based compensation 45,675 36,900 35,494 Decrease in other assets 51,169 12,959 35,699 Increase in other liabilities 21,619 11,774 15,293 Other, net (31,024 ) 316 2,999 Net cash provided by operating activities 187,334 125,084 82,731 Cash flows from investing activities: Net decrease (increase) in investment securities from purchases, sales and maturities 73,742 (152,015 ) 34,055 Net decrease (increase) in loans — 13,337 (3,478 ) Increase in investment in bank subsidiary (31,292 ) (38,927 ) (14,738 ) (Increase) decrease in investment in nonbank subsidiaries (5,323 ) 34,374 1,924 Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities 37,127 (143,231 ) 17,763 Cash flows from financing activities: Principal payments of long-term debt — (51,546 ) — Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP and ESOP 18,387 27,003 26,147 Common stock repurchase (147,123 ) — — Tax effect from stock exercises (1) — — (3,640 ) Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (128,736 ) (24,543 ) 22,507 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 95,725 (42,690 ) 123,001 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 457,324 500,014 377,013 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 553,049 $ 457,324 $ 500,014 (1) See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial D

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data Our supplemental consolidated financial information for each three month period in 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Three months ended (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2018: Interest income $ 432,398 $ 481,301 $ 513,313 $ 542,897 Interest expense 12,535 14,858 20,091 28,437 Net interest income 419,863 466,443 493,222 514,460 Provision for credit losses 27,972 29,080 17,174 13,644 Noninterest income 155,518 192,689 210,070 186,707 Noninterest expense 265,417 305,739 309,445 307,592 Income before income tax expense 281,992 324,313 376,673 379,931 Income tax expense 73,966 77,287 95,308 105,000 Net income before noncontrolling interests 208,026 247,026 281,365 274,931 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (13,065 ) (9,228 ) (6,548 ) (8,667 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 194,961 $ 237,798 $ 274,817 $ 266,264 Earnings per common share—basic $ 3.69 $ 4.48 $ 5.16 $ 5.01 Earnings per common share—diluted 3.63 4.42 5.10 4.96 2017: Interest income $ 320,926 $ 353,927 $ 385,271 $ 405,016 Interest expense 10,933 11,231 11,297 11,310 Net interest income 309,993 342,696 373,974 393,706 Provision for credit losses 30,734 15,806 23,522 22,242 Noninterest income 117,659 128,528 158,778 152,266 Noninterest expense 237,633 251,246 257,761 264,015 Income before income tax expense 159,285 204,172 251,469 259,715 Income tax expense 51,405 71,656 97,351 135,051 Net income before noncontrolling interests 107,880 132,516 154,118 124,664 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (6,397 ) (9,323 ) (5,498 ) (7,454 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 101,483 $ 123,193 $ 148,620 $ 117,210 Earnings per common share—basic $ 1.94 $ 2.34 $ 2.82 $ 2.22 Earnings per common share—diluted 1.91 2.32 2.79 2.19

Legal Matters

Legal Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 and/or our affiliates, and we may from time to time be involved in other legal or regulatory proceedings. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish accruals for all such matters, including 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 matters 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 aim to disclose information relating to such potential loss. We also aim to disclose information relating to any material potential loss that is probable but not reasonably estimable. In such cases, where reasonably practicable, we aim to 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 any such matters, nor do we currently expect 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, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On January 4, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Leerink Holdings LLC, the Boston-based parent company of healthcare and life science investment bank Leerink Partners LLC, now SVB Leerink Holdings LLC ("SVB Leerink"). The acquisition was previously announced on November 13, 2018. SVB Leerink is an investment bank specializing in the Equity & Convertible Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Equity Research and Sales & Trading for growth and innovation-minded healthcare and life science companies and will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SVB Financial Group. The acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination. Accordingly, we will begin consolidating SVB Leerink's financial results in our consolidated financial statements in the first quarter of 2019. We acquired Leerink for $280 million in cash up front to the unitholders and, in addition, will provide a retention pool for employees of $60 million to be paid over five years. We are in the process of performing our valuation of the acquired assets and liabilities. Given the recent date of the acquisition, we have not finalized our determination of the fair value of the assets and liabilities as we continue to gather information to determine the assumptions we intend to use in our valuations.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 equity securities, the valuation of equity warrant assets, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance 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 consolidated entities. We consolidate voting entities in which we have control through voting interests or entities through which we have a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity ("VIE"). We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE by determining if we have (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or (c) the right to receive the expected returns of the entity. Generally, we have significant variable interests if our commitments to a limited partnership investment represent a significant amount of the total commitments to the entity. We also evaluate the impact of related parties on our determination of variable interests in our consolidation conclusions. We consolidate VIEs in which we are the primary beneficiary based on a controlling financial interest. If we are not the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we record our pro-rata interests based on our ownership percentage. VIEs are entities where investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or equity investors and, as a group, lack one of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (c) the right to receive the expected returns of the entity. We assess VIEs to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. A primary beneficiary is defined as a variable interest holder that has a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest requires both: (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of a VIE that could potentially be significant to a VIE. Under this analysis, we also evaluate kick-out rights and other participating rights, which could provide us a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. We also evaluate fees paid to managers of our limited partnership investments. We exclude those fee arrangements that are not deemed to be variable interests from the analysis of our interests in our investments in VIEs and the determination of a primary beneficiary, if any. Fee arrangements based on terms that are customary and commensurate with the services provided are deemed not to be variable interests and are, therefore, excluded. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions with consolidated entities have been eliminated. We have not provided financial or other support during the periods presented to any VIE that we were not previously contractually required to provide.
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.
Held-to-Maturity 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 and meeting 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 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. The accretion and amortization of discounts and premiums, respectively, are included in interest income over the contractual terms of the underlying securities replicating the effective interest method. Held-to-Maturity Securities Debt securities purchased in which we have the positive intent and ability to hold to its maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and are recorded at amortized cost. 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 net unrealized gains, 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 Equity Securities Non-marketable and other equity securities include investments in venture capital and private equity funds, SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. (the Bank's joint venture bank in China ("SPD-SVB")), debt funds, private and public portfolio companies, including public equity securities held as a result of equity warrant assets exercised, and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. 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 equity 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) other investments without a readily determinable fair value, (iii) equity method accounting, and (iv) the proportional amortization method which is used only for qualified affordable housing projects.
Fair Value Accounting	Fair Value Accounting Our managed funds are investment companies under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies (codified in ASC 946) 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 equity 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, and • Direct venture funds, which make equity investments in privately held companies The general partner interests 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 ten percent to twenty percent depending on the sale restrictions which typically range from three to six 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. The general partners of our fund investments 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 30 th , for our December 31 st consolidated financial statements. We adjust the value of our investments 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	Equity Method Our equity method non-marketable securities consist of investments in venture capital and private equity funds, privately-held companies, debt funds, and joint ventures. 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 , or in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees' operating and financial policies through board involvement or other influence, are accounted for under the equity method, • Investments in limited partnerships in which we hold voting interests of more than 5 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, and • 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 30 th , for our December 31 st consolidated financial statements. We adjust the value of our investments 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	Proportional Amortization Method In order to fulfill our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act, we invest as a limited partner in low income housing partnerships that operate qualified affordable housing projects and generate tax benefits, including federal low income housing tax credits, for investors. The partnerships are deemed to be VIEs because they do not have sufficient equity investment at risk and are structured with non-substantive voting rights. We are not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and do not consolidate them. Our investments in low income housing partnerships are recorded in non-marketable and other equity securities within our investment securities portfolio on the consolidated balance sheet. As a practical expedient, we amortize the investment in proportion to the allocated tax benefits under the proportional amortization method of accounting and present such benefits net of investment amortization in income tax expense.
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 and incurred 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, 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. The credit risk ratings for each loan are monitored and updated on an ongoing basis. 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 through 9 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 determined based on a qualitative analysis and 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 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; • Reserve for performing impaired 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.
Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments	Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments We record a liability for probable and estimable incurred 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 and portfolio segment. We use the segment specific 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 and portfolio segment to derive the allowance for unfunded credit commitments, similar to funded loans. The allowance for unfunded credit commitments also includes certain qualitative allocations as deemed appropriate by management. We include the allowance for unfunded credit commitments in other liabilities and the related provision in our provision for credit losses.
Uncollectible Loans and Write-offs	Uncollectible Loans and Write-offs Our charge-off policy applies to all loans, regardless of portfolio segment. Commercial loans are considered for a full or partial charge-off in the event that principal or interest is over 180 days past due and the loan lacks sufficient collateral and it is not in the process of collection, provided that a loss event has been defined and the charge-off is consistent with GAAP. Consumer loans are considered for a full or partial charge-off in the event that principal or interest is over 120 days past due and the loan lacks sufficient collateral and it is not in the process of collection, provided that a loss event has been defined and the charge-off is consistent with GAAP. 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 financial condition, or c) the expected sale of all or a portion of the borrower's business is insufficient to repay the loan in full, or 2) the loan has been identified for charge-off by regulatory authorities.
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 that does not include sufficient offsetting borrower concessions; (2) interest rate reductions; (3) extension of the maturity date outside of ordinary course extension; (4) principal forgiveness; and/or (5) reduction of accrued interest. We use the factors in ASC 310-40, Receivables, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, in analyzing 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.
Impaired Loans	Impaired Loans 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 contractual terms of the agreement. 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 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)" and could be classified as a performing impaired loan. 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.
Nonaccrual Loans	Nonaccrual 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. 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 nonaccrual. All of our nonaccrual loans have credit risk ratings of 8 or 9 and are classified under the nonperforming impaired category.
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 7 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, 2018 and 2017 .
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain marketable, non-marketable and other equity 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 on 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, foreign government debt 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 independent pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities and are compared to the average of quoted market prices obtained from independent brokers. We perform a monthly analysis on the values received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The procedures include, but are not limited to, initial and ongoing review of third-party pricing methodologies, review of pricing trends and monitoring of trading volumes. 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. We ensure prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value through the use of observable market inputs including comparable trades, yield curve, spreads and, when available, market indices. As a result of this analysis, if we determine that there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. 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. 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. 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 rate 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. Other equity 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 percent to 20 percent depending on the duration of the sale restrictions which typically range from three to six 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. 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. The valuation techniques are consistent with the market approach, income approach and/or the cost approach used to measure fair value. Below is a summary of the valuation techniques used for each class of Level 3 assets: Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value: 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. 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 percent 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 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 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 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 approaches 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 Refer to Note 14—“Noninterest Income” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report for our fee-based services revenue recognition policies for our contracts with customers.
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. A valuation allowance is provided, when it is determined based upon available evidence, that it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. 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. Substantially all of our warrant agreements 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 equity warrant assets, 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 common stock shares, the basis or value in the common stock shares is reclassified from other assets to investment securities on the balance sheet on the latter of the exercise date or corporate action date. The common stock of public companies are classified as non-marketable and other equity securities. Changes in the fair value of the common stock shares is recorded as gains or losses on investments securities, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. The common stock of private companies are classified as non-marketable and other equity securities. We account for these securities under the new methodology under ASU 2016-01, other investments without a readily determinable fair value. The carrying value in the private common stock without a readily determinable fair value is based on the price at which the investment was acquired plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments and are recorded as gains or losses on investments securities, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net 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 Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates the following significant inputs: • An underlying asset value, which is estimated based on current information available in valuation reports, including any information regarding subsequent rounds of funding or performance of a company. • Stated strike price, which can be adjusted for certain warrants upon the occurrence of subsequent funding rounds or other future events. • Price volatility or risk associated with possible 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 terminations 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. • Number of shares and contingencies associated with obtaining warrant positions such as the funding of associated loans. 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 assets and liabilities. 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 other noninterest income, 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 other noninterest income, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)), which will require for all operating leases the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, in the statement of financial position. The lease cost will be allocated over the lease term on a straight-line basis. There were further amendments, including practical expedients, with the issuance of ASU 2018-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842” in January 2018. In July 2018 the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements," which provides us with the option to apply the new leasing standard to all open leases as of the adoption date, on a prospective basis. We plan to adopt the lease accounting guidance on January 1, 2019, on a prospective basis. We intend to elect the transition "package of expedients" which will result in continuing to account for existing leases for which the commencement date is before January 1, 2019, in accordance with Leases (Topic 840) throughout the lease term, including periods after adoption of the new guidance. We currently expect to elect the short-term lease measurement and recognition exemption and will not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for those leases that qualify under Topic 842. We completed a comprehensive scoping exercise by reviewing our existing lease contracts and service contracts that may include embedded leases. Upon adoption, we expect to recognize additional operating liabilities of approximately $150 million with corresponding right-of-use assets of the same amount associated predominantly with noncancelable operating leases on our consolidated balance sheets. The adoption will not have a material impact to our recorded rent expense included on our consolidated statements of income. In June 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments), which amends the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2020, on a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted, but not before January 1, 2019. We currently have a project team in place and subject matter experts to assist with our review of key interpretive issues and assist in the assessment of our existing credit loss forecasting models and processes against the new guidance to determine what modifications may be required. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity. In August 2018, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement). The ASU primarily modifies certain disclosures with respect to Level 3 fair value measurements. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. This guidance will not have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, and we do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the disclosures in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts, primarily related to the adoption of new accounting guidance, have been reclassified to conform to current period presentations.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 is presented in the following table: Limited partnership Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership Managed funds of funds Strategic Investors Fund, LP 12.6 % Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 20.0 Growth Partners, LP 33.0 Managed direct venture funds CP I, LP 10.7
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 7 years Computer software 3-7 years Computer hardware 3-5 years
Schedule of Changes Due to Adoption of New Revenue Recognition Guidance	The cumulative effect of the changes to our consolidated balance sheets at January 1, 2018, for the adoption of the new revenue standard were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments Due to Adoption of ASC 606 Balance at January 1, 2018 Accrued interest receivable and other assets: Accounts receivable $ 55,946 $ (34,340 ) $ 21,606 Other liabilities: Deferred revenue 27,057 (26,321 ) 736 Current taxes payable 4,675 (2,217 ) 2,458 Stockholders' equity: Retained earnings 2,866,837 (5,802 ) 2,861,035 In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, the disclosure of the impact of adoption on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018 and our statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2018, were as follows: December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Accrued interest receivable and other assets: Accounts receivable $ 55,807 $ 96,479 $ (40,672 ) Other liabilities: Deferred revenue 598 28,478 (27,880 ) Current taxes payable 3,330 531 2,799 Stockholders' equity: Retained earnings 3,791,838 3,799,255 (7,417 ) Year ended December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amount) As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Other noninterest income: Fund management fees $ 23,016 $ 25,213 $ (2,197 ) Income tax expense 351,561 352,143 (582 ) Net income available to common stockholders 973,840 975,455 (1,615 ) Diluted earnings per share 18.11 18.14 (0.03 )

Stockholders' Equity and EPS (T

Stockholders' Equity and EPS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income The following table summarizes the items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Income Statement Location 2018 2017 2016 Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income (1) Gains on investment securities, net $ 740 $ 5,189 $ (12,195 ) Related tax (benefit) expense (1) Income tax expense (205 ) (2,098 ) 4,963 Total reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax (1) $ 535 $ 3,091 $ (7,232 ) (1) See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.
Reconciliation of Basic EPS to Diluted EPS	The following is a reconciliation of basic EPS to diluted EPS for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic 53,078 52,588 51,915 Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and ESPP 377 385 254 Restricted stock units 317 333 180 Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted 53,772 53,306 52,349 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 18.35 $ 9.33 $ 7.37 Diluted 18.11 9.20 7.31
Common Shares Excluded from Diluted EPS Calculation as They Were Deemed to be Anti-Dilutive	2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic 53,078 52,588 51,915 Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and ESPP 377 385 254 Restricted stock units 317 333 180 Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted 53,772 53,306 52,349 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 18.35 $ 9.33 $ 7.37 Diluted 18.11 9.20 7.31 The following table summarizes the weighted average common shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation due to the antidilutive effect for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Shares in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Stock options 59 73 272 Restricted stock units 85 1 1 Total 144 74 273

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share Based Compensation and Related Benefits	In 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , we recorded share-based compensation and related benefits as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Share-based compensation expense $ 45,675 $ 36,900 $ 35,494 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense (10,997 ) (12,845 ) (12,505 ) Capitalized compensation costs 1,466 1,071 5,580
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense	As of December 31, 2018 , unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Unrecognized Expense Weighted Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years Stock options $ 11,994 2.74 Restricted stock units 70,021 2.68 Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense $ 82,015
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 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average expected term of options - in years 4.8 4.9 4.8 Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock 34.7 % 33.7 % 31.7 % Risk-free interest rate 2.82 1.81 1.32 Expected dividend yield — — — Weighted average grant date fair value - stock options $ 105.81 $ 57.81 $ 31.17 Weighted average grant date fair value - restricted stock units 294.50 181.23 100.35
Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Values Used for ESPP	The following weighted average assumptions and fair values were used for our ESPP: ESPP 2018 2017 2016 Expected term in years 0.5 0.5 0.5 Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock 32.2 % 31.2 % 41.8 % Risk-free interest rate 1.79 0.80 0.45 Expected dividend yield — — — Weighted average grant date fair value $ 62.76 $ 41.70 $ 29.16
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, 2018 : Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life - in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value of In-The-Money Options Outstanding at December 31, 2017 808,049 $ 105.68 Granted 90,375 305.19 Exercised (199,659 ) 83.74 Forfeited (16,769 ) 171.07 Expired (2,337 ) 60.37 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 679,659 137.19 3.51 $ 46,038,508 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018 662,702 135.01 3.46 45,667,197 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 410,897 100.03 2.42 36,986,923
Stock Options Outstanding	The following table summarizes information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2018 : 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 $54.75 - 67.77 51,651 0.33 $ 63.62 51,651 $ 63.62 67.78 - 79.77 98,097 1.33 71.11 98,097 71.11 79.78 - 105.84 140,703 4.27 104.92 62,996 104.70 105.85 - 108.59 116,254 2.33 107.95 116,254 107.95 108.60 - 149.65 85,263 3.27 128.62 59,319 128.27 149.66 - 173.94 2,939 5.43 169.49 735 169.49 173.95 - 180.62 93,487 5.34 178.39 20,531 178.39 180.63 - 283.09 4,588 5.99 219.46 1,314 227.04 283.10 - 324.77 86,677 6.34 305.96 — — Total 679,659 3.51 137.19 410,897 100.03
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, 2018 : Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 637,667 $ 135.86 Granted 223,918 294.50 Vested (219,305 ) 130.72 Forfeited (44,984 ) 172.32 Nonvested at December 31, 2018 597,296 194.48
Summary of Information Regarding Stock Option and Restricted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes information regarding stock option and restricted stock unit activity during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 40,681 $ 36,173 $ 18,186 Total grant date fair value of stock options vested 5,823 6,094 7,364 Total intrinsic value of restricted stock vested 63,917 40,925 22,966 Total grant date fair value of restricted stock vested 28,813 23,383 19,454

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments In Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The following table presents the carrying amounts and classification of significant variable interests in consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Consolidated VIEs Unconsolidated VIEs Maximum Exposure to Loss in Unconsolidated VIEs December 31, 2018: Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,058 $ — $ — Non-marketable and other equity securities (1) 221,646 568,272 568,272 Accrued interest receivable and other assets 228 — — Total assets $ 230,932 $ 568,272 $ 568,272 Liabilities: Other liabilities (1) 919 205,685 — Total liabilities $ 919 $ 205,685 $ — December 31, 2017: Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,674 $ — $ — Non-marketable and other equity securities (1) 190,562 346,097 346,097 Accrued interest receivable and other assets 365 — — Total assets $ 197,601 $ 346,097 $ 346,097 Liabilities: Other liabilities (1) 990 100,891 — Total liabilities $ 990 $ 100,891 $ — (1) Included in our unconsolidated non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are investments in qualified affordable housing projects of $318.6 million and $174.2 million , respectively, and related other liabilities consisting of unfunded credit commitments of $205.7 million and $100.9 million , respectively.

Reserves on Deposit with the _2

Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Average required reserve balances at FRB San Francisco $ 455,866 $ 397,235
Shares Held at Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank	December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 FHLB stock holdings $ 17,250 $ 18,900 FRB stock holdings 41,628 41,120

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tabl

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table details our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and due from banks (1) $ 3,444,971 $ 2,672,290 Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2) 123,611 247,876 Other short-term investment securities 2,957 2,909 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 3,571,539 $ 2,923,075 (1) At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , $1.7 billion and $0.6 billion , 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 $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion , respectively. (2) At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $126 million and $253 million , respectively. None of these securities were sold or repledged as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 .
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell	Additional information regarding our securities purchased under agreements to resell for 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Average securities purchased under agreements to resell $ 132,938 $ 94,094 Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year 375,180 377,073

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Major Components of Investment Securities Portfolio	The major components of our AFS investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Carrying Available-for-sale securities, at fair value: U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,762,182 $ 11,638 $ (35,562 ) $ 4,738,258 U.S. agency debentures 1,090,426 61 (6,370 ) 1,084,117 Foreign government debt securities 5,815 — (3 ) 5,812 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 1,922,618 — (42,400 ) 1,880,218 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 81,270 383 (15 ) 81,638 Total available-for-sale securities $ 7,862,311 $ 12,082 $ (84,350 ) $ 7,790,043 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Carrying Value Available-for-sale securities, at fair value: U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,865,068 $ 1,113 $ (25,679 ) $ 6,840,502 U.S. agency debentures 1,569,195 3,569 (5,636 ) 1,567,128 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 2,292,311 258 (25,534 ) 2,267,035 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 372,481 1,375 (126 ) 373,730 Equity securities 31,953 40,525 (209 ) 72,269 Total available-for-sale securities $ 11,131,008 $ 46,840 $ (57,184 ) $ 11,120,664
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss)	The following table summarizes sale activity of available-for-sale securities as recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Sales proceeds $ 474,482 $ 580,871 $ 2,892,460 Net realized gains and losses: Gross realized gains 127 5,113 15,051 Gross realized losses (867 ) (10,302 ) (2,856 ) Net realized (losses) gains $ (740 ) $ (5,189 ) $ 12,195
Summary of Unrealized Losses on Available for Sale Securities	The following tables summarize our unrealized losses on our AFS securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months, or 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer (1) Total (Dollars in thousands) Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury securities $ 494,287 $ (3,785 ) $ 3,568,119 $ (31,777 ) $ 4,062,406 $ (35,562 ) U.S. agency debentures 443,790 (1,602 ) 591,216 (4,768 ) 1,035,006 (6,370 ) Foreign government debt securities 5,812 (3 ) — — 5,812 (3 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 13,430 (22 ) 1,866,788 (42,378 ) 1,880,218 (42,400 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate — — 13,516 (15 ) 13,516 (15 ) Total temporarily impaired securities (1) $ 957,319 $ (5,412 ) $ 6,039,639 $ (78,938 ) $ 6,996,958 $ (84,350 ) (1) As of December 31, 2018 , we identified a total of 200 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 162 investments totaling $6.0 billion with unrealized losses of $78.9 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 2018 , we do not intend to sell any of our impaired 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, 2018 , 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 AFS securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis. December 31, 2017 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer (1) Total (Dollars in thousands) Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury securities $ 5,968,914 $ (23,397 ) $ 323,966 $ (2,282 ) $ 6,292,880 $ (25,679 ) U.S. agency debentures 736,541 (2,289 ) 336,196 (3,347 ) 1,072,737 (5,636 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 2,193,277 (25,534 ) — — 2,193,277 (25,534 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 13,843 (3 ) 53,186 (123 ) 67,029 (126 ) Equity securities 624 (209 ) — — 624 (209 ) Total temporarily impaired securities (1) $ 8,913,199 $ (51,432 ) $ 713,348 $ (5,752 ) $ 9,626,547 $ (57,184 ) (1) As of December 31, 2017 , we identified a total of 268 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 46 investments totaling $713.3 million with unrealized losses of $5.8 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months.
Summary of Remaining Contractual Principal Maturities and Fully Taxable Equivalent Yields on Securities	The following table summarizes the fixed income securities, carried at fair value, classified as AFS as of December 31, 2018 by the remaining contractual principal maturities. For U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency debentures and foreign government debt securities, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. 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 AFS 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 interest rate environments. December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Total One Year After One After Five After U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,738,258 $ 1,765,333 $ 2,524,484 $ 448,441 $ — U.S. agency debentures 1,084,117 665,750 418,367 — — Foreign government debt securities 5,812 — 5,812 — — Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 1,880,218 — — 16,030 1,864,188 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 81,638 — — — 81,638 Total $ 7,790,043 $ 2,431,083 $ 2,948,663 $ 464,471 $ 1,945,826 The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities on fixed income investment securities classified as HTM as of December 31, 2018 . For U.S. agency debentures, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. 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 HTM 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 interest rate environments. December 31, 2018 Total One Year or Less After One Year to Five Years After Five Years to Ten Years After Ten Years (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value U.S. agency debentures $ 640,990 $ 638,288 $ — $ — $ 104,550 $ 104,105 $ 536,440 $ 534,183 $ — $ — Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 8,103,638 7,950,883 — — 155,257 152,524 885,622 859,609 7,062,759 6,938,750 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate 2,183,204 2,120,932 — — — — 483,043 466,458 1,700,161 1,654,474 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate 214,483 215,077 — — — — — — 214,483 215,077 Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,769,706 2,712,301 — — — — — — 2,769,706 2,712,301 Municipal bonds and notes 1,575,421 1,550,755 9,725 9,720 75,379 74,670 307,184 300,766 1,183,133 1,165,599 Total $ 15,487,442 $ 15,188,236 $ 9,725 $ 9,720 $ 335,186 $ 331,299 $ 2,212,289 $ 2,161,016 $ 12,930,242 $ 12,686,201
Held-to-maturity Securities	The components of our HTM investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, at cost: U.S. agency debentures (1) $ 640,990 $ 2,148 $ (4,850 ) $ 638,288 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 8,103,638 5,011 (157,767 ) 7,950,882 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 2,183,204 — (62,272 ) 2,120,932 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 214,483 608 (14 ) 215,077 Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,769,706 6,969 (64,374 ) 2,712,301 Municipal bonds and notes 1,575,421 2,304 (26,969 ) 1,550,756 Total held-to-maturity securities $ 15,487,442 $ 17,040 $ (316,246 ) $ 15,188,236 (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. December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, at cost: U.S. agency debentures (1) $ 659,979 $ 3,167 $ (1,601 ) $ 661,545 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 6,304,969 4,854 (43,528 ) 6,266,295 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 2,829,979 23 (54,372 ) 2,775,630 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 255,782 733 (34 ) 256,481 Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,868,985 694 (25,563 ) 1,844,116 Municipal bonds and notes 743,761 3,452 (3,000 ) 744,213 Total held-to-maturity securities $ 12,663,455 $ 12,923 $ (128,098 ) $ 12,548,280 (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 tables summarize our unrealized losses on our HTM securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer (1) Total (Dollars in thousands) Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Fair Value of Investments Unrealized Losses Held-to-maturity securities: U.S. agency debentures $ 291,432 $ (2,915 ) $ 66,624 $ (1,935 ) $ 358,056 $ (4,850 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 2,493,156 (34,956 ) 3,972,690 (122,811 ) 6,465,846 (157,767 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 16,952 (109 ) 2,103,980 (62,163 ) 2,120,932 (62,272 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate 3,364 (1 ) 8,101 (13 ) 11,465 (14 ) Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 177,697 (1,580 ) 1,600,277 (62,794 ) 1,777,974 (64,374 ) Municipal bonds and notes 868,751 (17,075 ) 340,413 (9,894 ) 1,209,164 (26,969 ) Total temporarily impaired securities (1) $ 3,851,352 $ (56,636 ) $ 8,092,085 $ (259,610 ) $ 11,943,437 $ (316,246 ) (1) As of December 31, 2018 , we identified a total of 1244 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 695 investments totaling $8.1 billion with unrealized losses of $259.6 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of December 31, 2018 , we do not intend to sell any of our impaired 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, 2018 , we deem all impairments to be temporary. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the HTM securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis. December 31, 2017 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 Held-to-maturity securities: U.S. agency debentures $ 104,688 $ (1,601 ) $ — $ — $ 104,688 $ (1,601 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities 4,270,377 (34,092 ) 408,913 (9,436 ) 4,679,290 (43,528 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate 1,011,709 (13,631 ) 1,741,614 (40,741 ) 2,753,323 (54,372 ) Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate — — 9,812 (34 ) 9,812 (34 ) Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities 979,361 (11,566 ) 773,712 (13,997 ) 1,753,073 (25,563 ) Municipal bonds and notes 344,796 (2,103 ) 32,844 (897 ) 377,640 (3,000 ) Total temporarily impaired securities (1) $ 6,710,931 $ (62,993 ) $ 2,966,895 $ (65,105 ) $ 9,677,826 $ (128,098 ) (1) As of December 31, 2017 , we identified a total of 753 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 237 investments totaling $3.0 billion with unrealized losses of $65.1 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months.
Schedule of Nonmarketable and Other Securities	The major components of our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Non-marketable and other equity securities: Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting): Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (1) $ 118,333 $ 128,111 Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (2) 201,098 98,548 Other investments without a readily determinable fair value (3) 25,668 27,680 Other equity securities in public companies (fair value accounting) (4) 20,398 310 Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) (5): Venture capital and private equity fund investments 129,485 89,809 Debt funds 5,826 21,183 Other investments 121,721 111,198 Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net (6) 318,575 174,214 Total non-marketable and other equity securities $ 941,104 $ 651,053 (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, 2018 and 2017 (fair value accounting): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership % Strategic Investors Fund, LP $ 12,452 12.6 % $ 14,673 12.6 % Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 53,957 20.0 54,147 20.0 Growth Partners, LP 50,845 33.0 58,372 33.0 CP I, LP 1,079 10.7 919 10.7 Total consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments $ 118,333 $ 128,111 (2) The carrying value represents investments in 213 and 235 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, where our ownership interest is typically less than 5% of the voting interests of each such fund and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships operating activities and financial policies. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting. On a prospective basis, we will carry our unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments at fair value based on the fund investments' net asset values per share as obtained from the general partners of the investments. For each fund investment, 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 30 th for our December 31 st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period. We recorded a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings on January 1, 2018 for the difference between fair value and cost for these fund investments. The estimated fair value and carrying value of these venture capital and private equity fund investments was $201.1 million as of December 31, 2018 . As of December 31, 2017, these investments were carried at cost and had a carrying value of $98.5 million . (3) Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting. On a prospective basis, we have elected the measurement alternative and will report our other investments in the line item "Other investments without a readily determinable fair value". These investments include direct equity investments in private companies. The carrying value is based on the price at which the investment was acquired plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments. We consider a range of factors when adjusting the fair value of these investments, including, but not limited to, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment and a discount for certain investments that have lock-up restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. The following table shows the carrying amount of other investments without a readily determinable fair value at December 31, 2018, and the amounts recognized in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2018 and on a cumulative basis: (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2018 Cumulative Adjustments Measurement alternative: Carrying value at December 31, 2018 $ 25,668 Carrying value adjustments: Impairment $ — $ — Downward changes for observable prices 1,963 1,963 Upward changes for observable prices 1,711 1,711 (4) Investments classified as other equity securities (fair value accounting) represent shares held in public companies as a result of exercising public equity warrant assets and direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, which requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Prior to January 1, 2018 we reported equity securities in public companies that we held as a result of exercising public equity warrant assets in available-for-sale securities. On a prospective basis, these equity securities will be reported in non-marketable and other equity securities. (5) The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at December 31, 2018 and 2017 (equity method accounting): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Amount Ownership % Amount Ownership % Venture capital and private equity fund investments: Strategic Investors Fund II, LP $ 4,670 8.6 % $ 6,342 8.6 % Strategic Investors Fund III, LP 17,396 5.9 18,758 5.9 Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP 28,974 5.0 25,551 5.0 Strategic Investors Fund V funds 28,189 Various 16,856 Various CP II, LP (i) 7,122 5.1 6,700 5.1 Other venture capital and private equity fund investments 43,134 Various 15,602 Various Total venture capital and private equity fund investments $ 129,485 $ 89,809 Debt funds: Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (ii) $ 3,901 15.5 % $ 18,690 15.5 % Other debt funds 1,925 Various 2,493 Various Total debt funds $ 5,826 $ 21,183 Other investments: SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. $ 76,412 50.0 % $ 75,337 50.0 % Other investments 45,309 Various 35,861 Various Total other investments $ 121,721 $ 111,198 (i) Our ownership includes direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investments in Strategic Investors Fund II, LP. (ii) Our ownership includes 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 . (6) The following table presents the balances of our investments in qualified affordable housing projects and related unfunded commitments included as a component of "other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net $ 318,575 $ 174,214 Other liabilities 205,685 100,891 The following table presents other information relating to our investments in qualified affordable housing projects for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized $ 24,047 $ 17,296 $ 15,404 Amortization expense included in provision for income taxes (i) 18,876 17,362 12,145 (i) All investments are amortized using the proportional amortization method and amortization expense is included in the provision for income taxes. Included in amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 is a one-time cumulative effect adjustment of $3.8 million due to the decrease in value of deductions in the 2018 tax year and going forward, due to the TCJ Act federal corporate income tax rate reduction.
Net Gains on Non-marketable and Other Equity Securities	The following table presents the net gains and losses on non-marketable and other equity securities in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 as recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Net gains (losses) on non-marketable and other equity securities: Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting): Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments $ 20,999 $ 27,186 $ 5,964 Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (1) 39,075 21,377 17,816 Other investments without a readily determinable fair value (1) 3,206 3,842 (45 ) Other equity securities in public companies (fair value accounting) (1) (25,483 ) 241 (90 ) Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments 49,341 14,472 4,070 Debt funds 541 8,950 948 Other investments 1,155 (6,276 ) 10,882 Total net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities $ 88,834 $ 69,792 $ 39,545 Less: Realized net losses on the sales and OTTI of non-marketable and other equity securities (2) (26,097 ) (355 ) (4,524 ) Net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities still held $ 114,931 $ 70,147 $ 44,069 (1) Prior period amounts are not determined in a manner consistent with the current period presentation due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01. (2) Realized gains and losses include sales and OTTI of non-marketable and other equity securities. Includes losses of $20.8 million in losses on sales and $5.3 million of OTTI for the period ended December 31, 2018. Includes gains of $3.8 million and $0.2 million on sales and $4.2 million and $4.7 million of OTTI for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A summary of gains and losses on investment securities for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net $ 88,834 $ 69,792 $ 39,545 (Losses) gains on sales of available-for-sale debt securities, net (740 ) (5,189 ) 12,195 Total gains on investment securities, net $ 88,094 $ 64,603 $ 51,740

Loans, Allowance for Loan Los_2

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses	The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $173 million and $148 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, is presented in the following table: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 6,154,755 $ 6,172,531 Hardware 1,234,557 1,193,599 Private equity/venture capital 14,110,560 9,952,377 Life science/healthcare 2,385,612 1,808,827 Premium wine 249,266 204,105 Other 321,978 365,724 Total commercial loans 24,456,728 19,697,163 Real estate secured loans: Premium wine (1) 710,397 669,053 Consumer loans (2) 2,612,971 2,300,506 Other 40,435 42,068 Total real estate secured loans 3,363,803 3,011,627 Construction loans 97,077 68,546 Consumer loans 420,672 328,980 Total loans, net of unearned income (3) $ 28,338,280 $ 23,106,316 (1) Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $99 million and $100 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. (2) Consumer loans secured by real estate at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were comprised of the following: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Loans for personal residence $ 2,251,292 $ 1,995,840 Loans to eligible employees 290,194 243,118 Home equity lines of credit 71,485 61,548 Consumer loans secured by real estate $ 2,612,971 $ 2,300,506 (3) Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $335 million and $270 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , 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 $173 million and $148 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 6,154,755 $ 6,172,531 Hardware 1,234,557 1,193,599 Private equity/venture capital 14,110,560 9,952,377 Life science/healthcare 2,385,612 1,808,827 Premium wine 959,663 873,158 Other 459,490 476,338 Total commercial loans 25,304,637 20,476,830 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 2,612,971 2,300,506 Other consumer loans 420,672 328,980 Total consumer loans 3,033,643 2,629,486 Total loans, net of unearned income $ 28,338,280 $ 23,106,316
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, 2018 and 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) 30 - 59 Days Past Due 60 - 89 Days Past Due Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest December 31, 2018: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 28,134 $ 6,944 $ 378 $ 35,456 $ 6,059,672 $ 378 Hardware 300 34 4 338 1,233,956 4 Private equity/venture capital 59,481 11 — 59,492 14,054,940 — Life science/healthcare 16,082 817 19 16,918 2,410,091 19 Premium wine 2,953 14 — 2,967 956,285 — Other 7,391 163 1 7,555 477,442 1 Total commercial loans 114,341 7,983 402 122,726 25,192,386 402 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 3,598 1,750 1,562 6,910 2,598,496 1,562 Other consumer loans 361 — — 361 420,359 — Total consumer loans 3,959 1,750 1,562 7,271 3,018,855 1,562 Total gross loans excluding impaired loans 118,300 9,733 1,964 129,997 28,211,241 1,964 Impaired loans 2,843 1,181 25,092 29,116 140,958 — Total gross loans $ 121,143 $ 10,914 $ 27,056 $ 159,113 $ 28,352,199 $ 1,964 December 31, 2017: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 14,257 $ 6,526 $ 141 $ 20,924 $ 6,101,147 $ 141 Hardware 1,145 77 50 1,272 1,163,278 50 Private equity/venture capital 86,566 38,580 — 125,146 9,835,317 — Life science/healthcare 4,390 191 — 4,581 1,841,692 — Premium wine 418 — — 418 871,074 — Other 445 — — 445 490,292 — Total commercial loans 107,221 45,374 191 152,786 20,302,800 191 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 2,164 532 — 2,696 2,292,980 — Other consumer loans 796 — — 796 327,234 — Total consumer loans 2,960 532 — 3,492 2,620,214 — Total gross loans excluding impaired loans 110,181 45,906 191 156,278 22,923,014 191 Impaired loans 1,344 11,902 30,403 43,649 131,212 — Total gross loans $ 111,525 $ 57,808 $ 30,594 $ 199,927 $ 23,054,226 $ 191
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 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses Total carrying value of impaired loans Total unpaid principal of impaired loans December 31, 2018: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 49,625 $ 65,225 $ 114,850 $ 131,858 Hardware 1,256 10,250 11,506 12,159 Private equity/venture capital — 3,700 3,700 3,700 Life science/healthcare 17,791 16,276 34,067 44,446 Premium wine — 1,301 1,301 1,365 Other 411 — 411 411 Total commercial loans 69,083 96,752 165,835 193,939 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 3,919 320 4,239 5,969 Other consumer loans — — — — Total consumer loans 3,919 320 4,239 5,969 Total $ 73,002 $ 97,072 $ 170,074 $ 199,908 December 31, 2017: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 49,645 $ 61,009 $ 110,654 $ 129,006 Hardware 15,637 20,713 36,350 41,721 Private equity/venture capital 658 — 658 984 Life science/healthcare 20,521 1,166 21,687 26,360 Premium wine — 2,877 2,877 2,911 Other 32 — 32 165 Total commercial loans 86,493 85,765 172,258 201,147 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 1,331 850 2,181 3,712 Other consumer loans 422 — 422 436 Total consumer loans 1,753 850 2,603 4,148 Total $ 88,246 $ 86,615 $ 174,861 $ 205,295
Average Impaired Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable	The following table summarizes our average impaired loans and interest income recognized on impaired loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Average impaired loans Interest income recognized on impaired loans 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 112,493 $ 119,557 $ 89,462 $ 1,513 $ 2,263 $ 1,054 Hardware 28,540 35,022 39,108 312 1,061 2,624 Private equity/venture capital 1,327 556 — — — — Life science/healthcare 30,144 30,842 40,620 756 90 155 Premium wine 2,605 3,249 2,056 68 152 28 Other 171 576 3,442 — — 6 Total commercial loans 175,280 189,802 174,688 2,649 3,566 3,867 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 4,028 1,514 588 15 — — Other consumer loans 358 1,804 1,136 — — 17 Total consumer loans 4,386 3,318 1,724 15 — 17 Total average impaired loans $ 179,666 $ 193,120 $ 176,412 $ 2,664 $ 3,566 $ 3,884
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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 broken out by portfolio segment: Year ended December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Beginning Balance December 31, 2017 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance December 31, 2018 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 96,104 $ (42,315 ) $ 5,664 $ 45,068 $ (954 ) $ 103,567 Hardware 27,614 (16,148 ) 1,849 6,555 (145 ) 19,725 Private equity/venture capital 82,468 (112 ) 13 16,485 (273 ) 98,581 Life science/healthcare 24,924 (6,662 ) 348 14,347 (777 ) 32,180 Premium wine 3,532 — — (182 ) 5 3,355 Other 3,941 (2,391 ) 3,275 (1,320 ) 53 3,558 Total commercial loans 238,583 (67,628 ) 11,149 80,953 (2,091 ) 260,966 Consumer loans 16,441 (289 ) 487 3,339 (41 ) 19,937 Total allowance for loan losses $ 255,024 $ (67,917 ) $ 11,636 $ 84,292 $ (2,132 ) $ 280,903 Year ended December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Beginning Balance December 31, 2016 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance December 31, 2017 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 97,388 $ (45,012 ) $ 4,649 $ 38,462 $ 617 $ 96,104 Hardware 31,166 (10,414 ) 487 6,051 324 27,614 Private equity/venture capital 50,299 (323 ) — 31,625 867 82,468 Life science/healthcare 25,446 (8,210 ) 189 7,414 85 24,924 Premium wine 4,115 — — (540 ) (43 ) 3,532 Other 4,768 (1,156 ) 1,850 (1,459 ) (62 ) 3,941 Total commercial loans 213,182 (65,115 ) 7,175 81,553 1,788 238,583 Consumer loans 12,184 (1,567 ) 1,363 4,386 75 16,441 Total allowance for loan losses $ 225,366 $ (66,682 ) $ 8,538 $ 85,939 $ 1,863 $ 255,024 Year ended December 31, 2016 Beginning Balance December 31, 2015 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for (Reduction of) Loan Losses Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance December 31, 2016 Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 103,045 $ (68,784 ) $ 7,278 $ 58,350 $ (2,501 ) $ 97,388 Hardware 23,085 (13,233 ) 1,667 20,851 (1,204 ) 31,166 Private equity/venture capital 35,282 — — 15,114 (97 ) 50,299 Life science/healthcare 36,576 (9,693 ) 1,129 (2,543 ) (23 ) 25,446 Premium wine 5,205 — — (1,260 ) 170 4,115 Other 4,252 (5,045 ) 1,880 3,373 308 4,768 Total commercial loans 207,445 (96,755 ) 11,954 93,885 (3,347 ) 213,182 Consumer loans 10,168 (102 ) 258 1,812 48 12,184 Total allowance for loan losses $ 217,613 $ (96,857 ) $ 12,212 $ 95,697 $ (3,299 ) $ 225,366
Allowance for Unfunded Commitments	The following table summarizes the activity relating to our allowance for unfunded credit commitments for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, beginning balance $ 51,770 $ 45,265 $ 34,415 Provision for unfunded credit commitments 3,578 6,365 10,982 Foreign currency translation adjustments (165 ) 140 (132 ) Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, ending balance (1) $ 55,183 $ 51,770 $ 45,265 (1) See Note 19—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional disclosures related to our commitments to extend credit.
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, 2018 and 2017 , broken out by portfolio segment: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Individually Evaluated for Impairment Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Individually Evaluated for Impairment Collectively Evaluated for 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/internet $ 28,527 $ 114,850 $ 75,040 $ 6,039,905 $ 23,088 $ 110,654 $ 73,016 $ 6,061,877 Hardware 1,253 11,506 18,472 1,223,051 8,450 36,350 19,164 1,157,249 Private equity/venture capital — 3,700 98,581 14,106,860 330 658 82,138 9,951,719 Life science/healthcare 7,484 34,067 24,696 2,351,545 9,315 21,687 15,609 1,787,140 Premium wine — 1,301 3,355 958,362 — 2,877 3,532 870,281 Other 411 411 3,147 459,079 32 32 3,909 476,306 Total commercial loans 37,675 165,835 223,291 25,138,802 41,215 172,258 197,368 20,304,572 Total consumer loans 266 4,239 19,671 3,029,404 578 2,603 15,863 2,626,883 Total $ 37,941 $ 170,074 $ 242,962 $ 28,168,206 $ 41,793 $ 174,861 $ 213,231 $ 22,931,455
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, 2018 and 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Pass Performing (Criticized) Performing Impaired (Criticized) Nonperforming Impaired (Nonaccrual) Total December 31, 2018: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 5,574,332 $ 520,796 $ 48,069 $ 66,781 $ 6,209,978 Hardware 1,146,985 87,309 10,250 1,256 1,245,800 Private equity/venture capital 14,098,281 16,151 — 3,700 14,118,132 Life science/healthcare 2,291,356 135,653 16,276 17,791 2,461,076 Premium wine 909,965 49,287 1,017 284 960,553 Other 467,653 17,344 — 411 485,408 Total commercial loans 24,488,572 826,540 75,612 90,223 25,480,947 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 2,584,261 21,145 320 3,919 2,609,645 Other consumer loans 419,771 949 — — 420,720 Total consumer loans 3,004,032 22,094 320 3,919 3,030,365 Total gross loans $ 27,492,604 $ 848,634 $ 75,932 $ 94,142 $ 28,511,312 December 31, 2017: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 5,655,739 $ 466,332 $ 31,794 $ 78,860 $ 6,232,725 Hardware 1,112,574 51,976 20,165 16,185 1,200,900 Private equity/venture capital 9,955,082 5,381 — 658 9,961,121 Life science/healthcare 1,720,613 125,660 1,167 20,520 1,867,960 Premium wine 834,537 36,955 2,476 401 874,369 Other 469,721 21,016 — 32 490,769 Total commercial loans 19,748,266 707,320 55,602 116,656 20,627,844 Consumer loans: Real estate secured loans 2,282,375 13,301 — 2,181 2,297,857 Other consumer loans 326,851 1,179 — 422 328,452 Total consumer loans 2,609,226 14,480 — 2,603 2,626,309 Total gross loans $ 22,357,492 $ 721,800 $ 55,602 $ 119,259 $ 23,254,153
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, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Loans modified in TDRs: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 58,089 $ 73,455 Hardware 9,665 51,132 Private equity/venture capital — 350 Life science/healthcare 12,738 19,235 Premium wine 2,883 3,198 Total commercial loans 83,375 147,370 Consumer loans: Other consumer loans 320 423 Total loans modified in TDRs $ 83,695 $ 147,793
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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Loans modified in TDRs during the period: Commercial loans: Software/internet $ 30,429 $ 42,184 $ 23,574 Hardware 9,665 51,132 14,870 Private equity/venture capital — 350 — Life science/healthcare 660 — 1,638 Premium wine — 177 677 Total commercial loans 40,754 93,843 40,759 Consumer loans: Other consumer loans 320 — 786 Total loans modified in TDRs during the period (1) $ 41,074 $ 93,843 $ 41,545 (1) There were $4.6 million , $3.0 million , and $3.6 million of partial charge-offs during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : December 31 (Dollars in thousands) 2018 (1) 2017 (1) 2016 TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the period: Commercial loans: Hardware $ — $ — $ 134 Premium wine — — 491 Life science/healthcare — — — Total commercial loans — — 625 Consumer loans: Other consumer loans — — 786 Total TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period $ — $ — $ 1,411 (1) For both the 2018 and 2017 periods, there were no loans modified in TDRs within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during the period.

Premises and Equipment (Tables)

Premises and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Premises and Equipment	Premises and equipment at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Computer software $ 217,017 $ 203,359 Computer hardware 70,247 63,881 Leasehold improvements 98,237 89,225 Furniture and equipment 42,319 38,146 Total 427,820 394,611 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (298,607 ) (265,929 ) Premises and equipment, net $ 129,213 $ 128,682

Deposits (Tables)

Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Deposits [Abstract]
Composition of Deposits	The following table presents the composition of our deposits at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Noninterest-bearing demand $ 39,103,422 $ 36,655,497 Interest bearing checking and savings accounts 648,468 556,121 Money market 7,498,205 5,975,220 Money market deposits in foreign offices 152,781 111,201 Sweep deposits in foreign offices 1,875,298 908,890 Time 50,726 47,146 Total deposits $ 49,328,900 $ 44,254,075

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_2

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 : Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) Maturity Principal value at December 31, 2018 December 31, December 31, Short-term borrowings: Short-term FHLB advances (1) $ 300,000 $ 300,000 $ 700,000 Federal funds purchased — — 330,000 Securities sold under agreement to repurchase (2) 319,414 319,414 — Other short-term borrowings (3) 11,998 11,998 3,730 Total short-term borrowings $ 631,412 $ 1,033,730 Long-term debt: 3.50% Senior Notes January 29, 2025 $ 350,000 $ 347,639 $ 347,303 5.375% Senior Notes September 15, 2020 350,000 348,826 348,189 Total long-term debt $ 696,465 $ 695,492 (1) Represents advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2018 with maturity dates through January 10, 2019. (2) Securities sold under repurchase agreements are effectively short-term borrowings collateralized by U.S Treasury securities. Gross repurchase agreements held at December 31, 2018 have maturity dates through January 16, 2019. (3) Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor.
Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt Obligations	The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Amount 2019 $ — 2020 348,826 2021 — 2022 — 2023 — 2024 and thereafter 347,639 Total $ 696,465

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 and fair value of our derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Notional or Contractual Amount Fair Value Notional or Contractual Amount Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Derivative Assets (1) Derivative Liabilities (1) Derivative Assets (1) Derivative Liabilities (1) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Currency exchange risks: Foreign exchange forwards $ 263,733 $ 4,767 $ — $ 50,889 $ 414 $ — Foreign exchange forwards 178,310 — 1,094 425,055 — 5,201 Other derivative instruments: Equity warrant assets 223,532 149,238 — 211,253 123,763 — Client foreign exchange forwards 2,759,878 93,876 — 2,203,643 95,035 — Client foreign exchange forwards 2,568,085 — 85,706 2,092,207 — 90,253 Client foreign currency options 93,556 1,759 — 102,678 1,187 — Client foreign currency options 93,579 — 1,759 102,678 — 1,187 Client interest rate derivatives (2) 1,020,416 8,499 — 726,984 11,753 — Client interest rate derivatives 1,337,328 — 9,491 782,586 — 11,940 Total Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 258,139 $ 98,050 $ 232,152 $ 108,581 (1) Derivative assets and liabilities are included in " accrued interest receivable and other assets " and " other liabilities " , respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. (2) The amount reported for December 31, 2018 reflects rule changes implemented by two central clearing houses that allow entities to elect to treat derivative assets, liabilities and the related variation margin as settlement of the related derivative fair values for legal and accounting purposes, as opposed to presenting gross derivative assets and liabilities. As a result, client interest rate derivatives at December 31, 2018 , reflect reductions of approximately $0.4 million of derivative assets that previously would have been reported on a gross basis and approximately $212.3 million in related notional amounts for these derivative assets cleared through central clearing houses.
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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Statement of income location 2018 2017 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate risks: Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps Interest expense—borrowings $ — $ 1,053 $ 2,341 Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps Other noninterest income — (7 ) (35 ) Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives $ — $ 1,046 $ 2,306 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Currency exchange risks: (Losses) gains on revaluations of internal foreign currency instruments, net Other noninterest income $ (373 ) $ 33,161 $ (16,676 ) Gains (losses) on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net Other noninterest income 52 (32,286 ) 16,136 Net (losses) gains associated with internal currency risk $ (321 ) $ 875 $ (540 ) Other derivative instruments: Gains on revaluations of client foreign currency instruments, net Other noninterest income $ 4,998 $ 10,882 $ 4,215 Losses on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net Other noninterest income (4,011 ) (9,969 ) (5,674 ) Net gains (losses) associated with client currency risk $ 987 $ 913 $ (1,459 ) Net gains on equity warrant assets Gains on equity warrant assets, net $ 89,142 $ 54,555 $ 37,892 Net (losses) gains on other derivatives Other noninterest income $ (179 ) $ (564 ) $ 262
Offsetting Assets	The following table summarizes our assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : (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 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements Net Amount Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received (1) December 31, 2018: Derivative Assets: Foreign exchange forwards $ 98,643 $ — $ 98,643 $ (38,213 ) $ (11,825 ) $ 48,605 Foreign currency options 1,759 — 1,759 (613 ) (90 ) 1,056 Client interest rate derivatives 8,499 — 8,499 (8,416 ) (83 ) — Total derivative assets: 108,901 — 108,901 (47,242 ) (11,998 ) 49,661 Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements 123,611 — 123,611 (123,611 ) — — Total $ 232,512 $ — $ 232,512 $ (170,853 ) $ (11,998 ) $ 49,661 December 31, 2017: Derivative Assets: Foreign exchange forwards (2) $ 95,449 $ — $ 95,449 $ (14,570 ) $ (3,616 ) $ 77,263 Foreign currency options 1,187 — 1,187 (557 ) — 630 Client interest rate derivatives (2) 11,753 — 11,753 (11,627 ) (114 ) 12 Total derivative assets: 108,389 — 108,389 (26,754 ) (3,730 ) 77,905 Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements 247,876 — 247,876 (247,876 ) — — Total $ 356,265 $ — $ 356,265 $ (274,630 ) $ (3,730 ) $ 77,905 (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) For the period ended December 31, 2017, previously reported amounts for our foreign exchange forwards and client interest rate derivatives were reclassified between " Financial Instruments " and " Cash Collateral Received " to properly reflect cash collateral received for these derivative assets subject to master netting arrangements, respectively. The correction of this immaterial error had no impact on the " Net Amount " of derivative assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements.
Offsetting Liabilities	The following table summarizes our liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : (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 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements Net Amount Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged (1) December 31, 2018: Derivative Liabilities: Foreign exchange forwards $ 86,800 $ — $ 86,800 $ (24,778 ) $ (20,732 ) $ 41,290 Foreign currency options 1,759 — 1,759 (1,054 ) — 705 Client interest rate derivatives 9,491 — 9,491 — (9,207 ) 284 Total derivative liabilities: 98,050 — 98,050 (25,832 ) (29,939 ) 42,279 Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements 319,414 — 319,414 — — 319,414 Total $ 417,464 $ — $ 417,464 $ (25,832 ) $ (29,939 ) $ 361,693 December 31, 2017: Derivative Liabilities: Foreign exchange forwards (2) $ 95,454 $ — $ 95,454 $ (10,997 ) $ (69,110 ) $ 15,347 Foreign currency options (2) 1,187 — 1,187 (501 ) (130 ) 556 Client interest rate derivatives (2) 11,940 — 11,940 — (11,924 ) 16 Total derivative liabilities: (2) 108,581 — 108,581 (11,498 ) (81,164 ) 15,919 Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements — — — — — — Total (2) $ 108,581 $ — $ 108,581 $ (11,498 ) $ (81,164 ) $ 15,919 (1) Cash collateral pledged to our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in a liability position and repurchase agreements are recorded as a component of “cash and cash equivalents " on our consolidated balance sheets. (2) For the period ended December 31, 2017, previously reported amounts included in " Financial Instruments " were reclassified to " Cash Collateral Pledged " to properly reflect cash collateral pledged for these derivative liabilities subject to master netting arrangements. The correction of this immaterial error had no impact on the " Net Amount " of derivative liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements.

Noninterest Income (Tables)

Noninterest Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Summary of Noninterest Income	A summary of noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Noninterest income: Gains on investment securities, net $ 88,094 $ 64,603 $ 51,740 Gains on equity warrant assets, net 89,142 54,555 37,892 Foreign exchange fees 138,812 115,760 104,183 Credit card fees 94,072 76,543 68,205 Deposit service charges 76,097 58,715 52,524 Client investment fees 130,360 56,136 32,219 Lending related fees 41,949 43,265 33,395 Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees 34,600 28,544 25,644 Other 51,858 59,110 50,750 Total noninterest income $ 744,984 $ 557,231 $ 456,552
Summary of Gains and Losses on Investment Securities	The following table presents the net gains and losses on non-marketable and other equity securities in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 as recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Net gains (losses) on non-marketable and other equity securities: Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting): Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments $ 20,999 $ 27,186 $ 5,964 Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (1) 39,075 21,377 17,816 Other investments without a readily determinable fair value (1) 3,206 3,842 (45 ) Other equity securities in public companies (fair value accounting) (1) (25,483 ) 241 (90 ) Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments 49,341 14,472 4,070 Debt funds 541 8,950 948 Other investments 1,155 (6,276 ) 10,882 Total net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities $ 88,834 $ 69,792 $ 39,545 Less: Realized net losses on the sales and OTTI of non-marketable and other equity securities (2) (26,097 ) (355 ) (4,524 ) Net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities still held $ 114,931 $ 70,147 $ 44,069 (1) Prior period amounts are not determined in a manner consistent with the current period presentation due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01. (2) Realized gains and losses include sales and OTTI of non-marketable and other equity securities. Includes losses of $20.8 million in losses on sales and $5.3 million of OTTI for the period ended December 31, 2018. Includes gains of $3.8 million and $0.2 million on sales and $4.2 million and $4.7 million of OTTI for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A summary of gains and losses on investment securities for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net $ 88,834 $ 69,792 $ 39,545 (Losses) gains on sales of available-for-sale debt securities, net (740 ) (5,189 ) 12,195 Total gains on investment securities, net $ 88,094 $ 64,603 $ 51,740
Components of Gains on Equity Warrant Assets	A summary of net gains on equity warrant assets for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Equity warrant assets: Gains on exercises, net $ 58,186 $ 48,275 $ 31,197 Terminations (5,964 ) (4,422 ) (3,015 ) Changes in fair value, net 36,920 10,702 9,710 Total net gains on equity warrant assets $ 89,142 $ 54,555 $ 37,892
Components of Foreign Exchange Fees	A summary of foreign exchange fee income by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Foreign exchange fees by instrument type: Spot contract commissions $ 127,459 $ 104,344 $ 89,354 Forward contract commissions 10,940 10,934 14,004 Option premium fees 413 482 825 Total foreign exchange fees $ 138,812 $ 115,760 $ 104,183
Components of Credit Card Fees	A summary of credit card fees by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Credit card fees by instrument type: Card interchange fees, net $ 74,381 $ 60,224 $ 51,513 Merchant service fees 14,420 11,584 12,783 Card service fees 5,271 4,735 3,909 Total credit card fees $ 94,072 $ 76,543 $ 68,205
Components of Asset Management Fees	A summary of client investment fees by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Client investment fees by type: Sweep money market fees $ 75,654 $ 28,485 $ 15,147 Asset management fees (1) 23,882 16,831 15,389 Repurchase agreement fees 30,824 10,820 1,683 Total client investment fees (2) $ 130,360 $ 56,136 $ 32,219 (1) Represents fees earned from investments in third-party money market mutual funds and fixed-income securities managed by SVB Asset Management. (2) Represents fees earned on client investment funds which are maintained at third-party financial institutions and are not recorded on our balance sheet.
Components of Lending Related Fees	A summary of lending related fees by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Lending related fees by instrument type: Unused commitment fees $ 32,452 $ 34,110 $ 25,654 Other 9,497 9,155 7,741 Total lending related fees $ 41,949 $ 43,265 $ 33,395
Summary of Other Noninterest Income	A summary of other noninterest income by instrument type for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Other noninterest income by instrument type: Fund management fees $ 23,016 $ 21,214 $ 19,195 Net gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments, net of foreign exchange forward contracts (1) 666 1,788 (1,999 ) Other service revenue 28,176 36,108 33,554 Total other noninterest income $ 51,858 $ 59,110 $ 50,750 (1) Represents the net revaluation of client and internal foreign currency denominated financial instruments. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure related to client and internal foreign currency denominated financial instruments.
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table presents our revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by revenue source and segment for the year ended December 31, 2018: (Dollars in thousands) Global Commercial Bank SVB Private Bank SVB Capital Other Income Total Revenue from contracts with customers: Spot contract commissions $ 126,445 $ 691 $ — $ 323 $ 127,459 Card interchange fees, gross 134,074 — — 428 134,502 Merchant service fees 14,415 4 — 1 14,420 Deposit service charges 74,348 108 — 1,641 76,097 Client investment fees 53,179 1,526 — 75,655 130,360 Fund management fees — — 23,016 — 23,016 Correspondent bank rebates 5,802 — — — 5,802 Total revenue from contracts with customers $ 408,263 $ 2,329 $ 23,016 $ 78,048 $ 511,656 Revenues outside the scope of ASC 606 (1) 36,384 (48 ) 78,165 118,827 233,328 Total noninterest income $ 444,647 $ 2,281 $ 101,181 $ 196,875 $ 744,984 (1) Amounts are accounted for under separate guidance than ASC 606.

Other Noninterest Expense (Tabl

Other Noninterest Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Noninterest Expense [Abstract]
Other Noninterest Expense	A summary of other noninterest expense for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Lending and other client related processing costs $ 24,237 $ 23,768 $ 19,867 Telephone 9,404 10,647 9,793 Data processing services 10,811 10,251 9,014 Dues and publications 4,605 3,263 2,828 Postage and supplies 2,799 2,797 2,851 Other 21,682 21,419 17,890 Total other noninterest expense $ 73,538 $ 72,145 $ 62,243

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Provision for Income Taxes	The components of our provision for income taxes for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Current provision: Federal $ 249,358 $ 263,231 $ 195,249 State 123,264 67,046 59,319 Deferred (benefit) expense: Federal (11,777 ) 24,654 (3,560 ) State (9,284 ) 532 (675 ) Income tax expense $ 351,561 $ 355,463 $ 250,333
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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , is as follows: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of the federal tax effect 7.2 5.8 5.9 Net deferred tax assets revaluation (TCJ Act) — 4.3 — Meals and entertainment 0.3 0.3 0.4 Disallowed officers' compensation 0.2 0.1 0.1 FDIC premiums 0.5 — — Share-based compensation expense on incentive stock options and ESPP (1.4 ) (2.1 ) — Qualified affordable housing project tax credits (0.3 ) (0.4 ) (0.5 ) Tax-exempt interest income (0.6 ) (0.3 ) (0.2 ) Valuation allowance benefit — — (0.3 ) Other, net (0.4 ) (0.7 ) (0.9 ) Effective income tax rate 26.5 % 42.0 % 39.5 %
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Allowance for loan losses $ 93,580 $ 84,812 Net unrealized losses on AFS debt securities 19,704 12,404 Share-based compensation expense 10,642 9,418 State income taxes 13,854 9,186 Accrued compensation 8,291 8,336 Deferred rent 7,940 8,169 Other accruals 7,061 7,165 Net operating loss 2,447 2,300 Loan fee income and costs — 1,189 Other 11,339 3,639 Deferred tax assets 174,858 146,618 Valuation allowance (2,107 ) (2,624 ) Net deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 172,751 143,994 Deferred tax liabilities: Derivative equity warrant assets (32,861 ) (29,127 ) Change in accounting method (section 481(a)) (8,034 ) (15,953 ) Net unrealized gains on AFS equity securities — (11,145 ) Non-marketable and other equity securities (45,759 ) (10,724 ) Premises and equipment and other intangibles (10,284 ) (9,223 ) Other (10,380 ) (3,977 ) Deferred tax liabilities (107,318 ) (80,149 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 65,433 $ 63,845
Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefit (Including Interest and Penalties)	A summary of changes in our unrecognized tax benefit (including interest and penalties) for December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit Interest and Penalties Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 3,357 $ 301 $ 3,658 Additions for tax positions for current year 793 — 793 Additions for tax positions for prior years 1,427 166 1,593 Reduction for tax positions for prior years (271 ) (16 ) (287 ) Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (37 ) (9 ) (46 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 5,269 $ 442 $ 5,711 Additions for tax positions for current year 3,141 — 3,141 Additions for tax positions for prior years 3,378 754 4,132 Reduction for tax positions for prior years (223 ) (1 ) (224 ) Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (60 ) (17 ) (77 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 11,505 $ 1,178 $ 12,683 Additions for tax positions for current year 4,171 — 4,171 Additions for tax positions for prior years 631 823 1,454 Reduction for tax positions for prior years (1,865 ) (243 ) (2,108 ) Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (435 ) (86 ) (521 ) Reduction as a result of settlement (1,318 ) $ (222 ) $ (1,540 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 12,689 $ 1,450 $ 14,139

Employee Compensation and Ben_2

Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Summary of Expenses Incurred Under Certain Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans	A summary of expenses incurred under certain employee compensation and benefit plans for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan $ 160,293 $ 125,584 $ 96,892 Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan 40,578 18,721 21,174 Retention Program 1,438 1,317 1,475 Warrant Incentive Plan 9,112 15,386 4,954 Deferred Compensation Plan — 203 1,318 SVBFG 401(k) Plan 21,323 17,860 16,078 SVBFG ESOP 6,435 4,719 3,159

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement_2

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Summary of Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit	The table below summarizes our commercial and standby letters of credit at December 31, 2018 . 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 $ 2,043,767 $ 33,570 $ 2,077,337 $ 2,077,337 Performance standby letters of credit 133,259 3,746 137,005 137,005 Commercial letters of credit 37,323 351 37,674 37,674 Total $ 2,214,349 $ 37,667 $ 2,252,016 $ 2,252,016
Minimum Future Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases	The following table presents minimum future payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 : Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Amount 2019 $ 38,609 2020 37,575 2021 35,854 2022 31,659 2023 30,904 2024 and thereafter 49,071 Net minimum operating lease payments $ 223,672
Commitments to extend credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Summary Information Related to Commitments	The following table summarizes information related to our commitments to extend credit at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively: December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Loan commitments available for funding: (1) Fixed interest rate commitments $ 1,839,190 $ 1,478,157 Variable interest rate commitments 14,821,815 14,034,169 Total loan commitments available for funding 16,661,005 15,512,326 Commercial and standby letters of credit (2) 2,252,016 1,950,211 Total unfunded credit commitments $ 18,913,021 $ 17,462,537 Commitments unavailable for funding (3) $ 2,723,835 $ 2,117,057 Allowance for unfunded credit commitments (4) 55,183 51,770 (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) Our allowance for unfunded credit commitments includes an allowance for both our unfunded loan commitments and our letters of credit.
Commitments to invest in venture capital and equity funds
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Summary Information Related to Commitments	The following table details our total capital commitments, unfunded capital commitments, and our ownership percentage in each fund at December 31, 2018 : (Dollars in thousands) SVBFG Capital Commitments SVBFG Unfunded Commitments SVBFG Ownership of each Fund (3) CP I, LP $ 6,000 $ 270 10.7 % CP II, LP (1) 1,200 162 5.1 Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund (LP) 843 — 6.8 Strategic Investors Fund, LP 15,300 688 12.6 Strategic Investors Fund II, LP 15,000 1,050 8.6 Strategic Investors Fund III, LP 15,000 1,275 5.9 Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP 12,239 2,325 5.0 Strategic Investors Fund V funds 515 131 Various Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 12,688 — 20.0 Growth Partners, LP 24,670 1,340 33.0 Debt funds (equity method accounting) 58,493 — Various Other fund investments (2) 295,722 8,011 Various Total $ 457,670 $ 15,252 (1) Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership of 3.8 percent through our investment in Strategic Investors Fund II, LP. (2) Represents commitments to 216 funds (primarily venture capital funds) where our ownership interest is generally less than five percent of the voting interests of each such fund. (3) 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 of 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, 2018 : (Dollars in thousands) Unfunded Commitments Strategic Investors Fund, LP $ 1,338 Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP 1,936 Growth Partners, LP 2,575 Total $ 5,849

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 : (Dollars in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance at December 31, 2018 Assets Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,738,258 $ — $ — $ 4,738,258 U.S. agency debentures — 1,084,117 — 1,084,117 Foreign government debt securities 5,812 — — 5,812 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations — f ixed rate — 1,880,218 — 1,880,218 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations— variable rate — 81,638 — 81,638 Total available-for-sale securities 4,744,070 3,045,973 — 7,790,043 Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Non-marketable securities: Venture capital and private equity fund investments measured at net asset value — — — 318,352 Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) — — 1,079 1,079 Other equity securities in public companies 1,181 19,217 — 20,398 Total non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting) 1,181 19,217 1,079 339,829 Other assets: Foreign exchange forward and option contracts — 100,402 — 100,402 Equity warrant assets — 4,039 145,199 149,238 Client interest rate derivatives — 8,499 — 8,499 Total assets $ 4,745,251 $ 3,178,130 $ 146,278 $ 8,388,011 Liabilities Foreign exchange forward and option contracts $ — $ 88,559 $ — $ 88,559 Client interest rate derivatives — 9,491 — 9,491 Total liabilities $ — $ 98,050 $ — $ 98,050 (1) Included in Level 3 assets is $0.9 million 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, 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance at December 31, 2017 Assets Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,840,502 $ — $ — $ 6,840,502 U.S. agency debentures — 1,567,128 — 1,567,128 Residential mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations— fixed rate — 2,267,035 — 2,267,035 Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations— variable rate — 373,730 — 373,730 Equity securities 158 72,111 — 72,269 Total available-for-sale securities 6,840,660 4,280,004 — 11,120,664 Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Non-marketable securities: Venture capital and private equity fund investments measured at net asset value — — — 127,192 Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) — — 919 919 Other equity securities in public companies (1) 310 — — 310 Total non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting) 310 — 919 128,421 Other assets: Foreign exchange forward and option contracts — 96,636 — 96,636 Equity warrant assets — 2,432 121,331 123,763 Client interest rate derivatives — 11,753 — 11,753 Total assets $ 6,840,970 $ 4,390,825 $ 122,250 $ 11,481,237 Liabilities Foreign exchange forward and option contracts $ — $ 96,641 $ — $ 96,641 Client interest rate derivatives — 11,940 — 11,940 Total liabilities $ — $ 108,581 $ — $ 108,581 (1) Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $0.2 million and $0.8 million , 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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively: (Dollars in thousands) Beginning Balance Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), net Included in Income Sales/Exits Issuances Distributions and Other Settlements Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Balance Year ended December 31, 2018: Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) $ 919 $ 457 $ — $ — $ (297 ) $ — $ 1,079 Other assets: Equity warrant assets (2) 121,331 87,982 (78,752 ) 17,941 — (3,303 ) 145,199 Total assets $ 122,250 $ 88,439 $ (78,752 ) $ 17,941 $ (297 ) $ (3,303 ) $ 146,278 Year ended December 31, 2017: Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) $ 2,040 $ 971 $ (2,092 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 919 Other assets: Equity warrant assets (2) 128,813 54,263 (74,769 ) 14,537 — (1,513 ) 121,331 Total assets $ 130,853 $ 55,234 $ (76,861 ) $ 14,537 $ — $ (1,513 ) $ 122,250 Year ended December 31, 2016: Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) $ 2,040 $ (21 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ 25 $ — $ 2,040 Other assets: Equity warrant assets (2) 135,168 38,091 (56,643 ) 13,405 — (1,208 ) 128,813 Total assets $ 137,208 $ 38,070 $ (56,647 ) $ 13,405 $ 25 $ (1,208 ) $ 130,853 (1) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net,” a component of noninterest income. (2) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “Gains on equity warrant assets, 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, 2018 and 2017 , respectively: Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1) $ 160 $ (444 ) Other assets: Equity warrant assets (2) 37,564 11,174 Total unrealized gains, net $ 37,724 $ 10,730 Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests (1) $ 143 $ (397 ) (1) Unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on investment securities, net,” a component of noninterest income. (2) Unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on equity warrant assets, 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, 2018 and 2017 . 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, 2018: Venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) $ 1,079 Private company equity pricing (1) (1) Equity warrant assets (public portfolio) 2,757 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 54.7 % Risk-Free interest rate 2.6 Sales restrictions discount (2) 18.5 Equity warrant assets (private portfolio) 142,442 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 38.5 Risk-Free interest rate 2.5 Marketability discount (3) 17.7 Remaining life assumption (4) 45.0 December 31, 2017: Venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) $ 919 Private company equity pricing (1) (1) Equity warrant assets (public portfolio) 1,936 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 47.9 % Risk-Free interest rate 2.1 Sales restrictions discount (2) 15.5 Equity warrant assets (private portfolio) 119,395 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 36.7 Risk-Free interest rate 1.8 Marketability discount (3) 16.4 Remaining life assumption (4) 45.0 (1) In determining the fair value of our venture capital and private equity fund investment portfolio (not measured at net asset value), 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. We use company provided valuation reports, if available, to support our valuation assumptions. 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 three to six 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 upon various option-pricing models. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount. (4) We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on terminations and exercises. At December 31, 2018 , the weighted average contractual remaining term was 6.1 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.7 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, 2018 and 2017 : Estimated Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Carrying Amount Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2018: Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,571,539 $ 3,571,539 $ 3,571,539 $ — $ — Held-to-maturity securities 15,487,442 15,188,236 — 15,188,236 — Non-marketable securities not measured at net asset value 131,453 131,453 — — 131,453 Non-marketable securities measured at net asset value 151,247 151,247 — — — Net commercial loans 25,043,671 25,463,968 — — 25,463,968 Net consumer loans 3,013,706 3,064,093 — — 3,064,093 FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock 58,878 58,878 — — 58,878 Financial liabilities: Short-term borrowings 631,412 631,412 — 631,412 — Non-maturity deposits (1) 49,278,174 49,278,174 49,278,174 — — Time deposits 50,726 50,337 — 50,337 — 3.50% Senior Notes 347,639 336,088 — 336,088 — 5.375% Senior Notes 348,826 361,281 — 361,281 — Off-balance sheet financial assets: Commitments to extend credit — 22,930 — — 22,930 December 31, 2017: Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,923,075 $ 2,923,075 $ 2,923,075 $ — $ — Held-to-maturity securities 12,663,455 12,548,280 — 12,548,280 — Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) not measured at net asset value 120,019 126,345 — — 126,345 Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) measured at net asset value 228,399 331,496 — — — Net commercial loans 20,238,247 20,520,623 — — 20,520,623 Net consumer loans 2,613,045 2,593,538 — — 2,593,538 FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock 60,020 60,020 — — 60,020 Financial liabilities: Short-term borrowings 1,033,730 1,033,730 1,033,730 — — Non-maturity deposits (1) 44,206,929 44,206,929 44,206,929 — — Time deposits 47,146 46,885 — 46,885 — 3.50% Senior Notes 347,303 352,058 — 352,058 — 5.375% Senior Notes 348,189 374,483 — 374,483 — Off-balance sheet financial assets: Commitments to extend credit — 22,208 — — 22,208 (1) Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.
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, 2018 : (Dollars in thousands) Carrying Amount Fair Value Unfunded Commitments Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1) $ 318,352 $ 318,352 $ 12,973 Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting): Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2) 129,485 129,485 4,943 Debt funds (2) 5,826 5,826 — Other investments (2) 15,936 15,936 886 Total $ 469,599 $ 469,599 $ 18,802 (1) Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds (consolidated VIEs) and investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments (unconsolidated VIEs). Collectively, these investments in venture capital and private equity funds are 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 $87.1 million and $4.4 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) Venture capital and private equity fund investments, debt funds, and other fund investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include funds 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 funds over the next 5 to 8 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, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 : Capital Ratios Capital Amounts (Dollars in thousands) Actual Well Capitalized Minimum Adequately Capitalized Minimum Actual Well Capitalized Minimum Adequately Capitalized Minimum December 31, 2018: CET 1 risk-based capital: SVB Financial 13.41 % 6.5 % 4.5 % $ 5,167,270 $ 2,504,310 $ 1,733,753 Bank 12.41 6.5 4.5 4,604,689 2,411,765 1,669,684 Tier 1 risk-based capital: SVB Financial 13.58 8.0 6.0 5,231,476 3,082,228 2,311,671 Bank 12.41 8.0 6.0 4,604,689 2,968,326 2,226,245 Total risk-based capital: SVB Financial 14.45 10.0 8.0 5,567,562 3,852,785 3,082,228 Bank 13.32 10.0 8.0 4,940,776 3,710,408 2,968,326 Tier 1 leverage: SVB Financial 9.06 N/A 4.0 5,231,476 N/A 2,308,592 Bank 8.10 5.0 4.0 4,604,689 2,841,139 2,272,912 December 31, 2017: CET 1 risk-based capital: SVB Financial 12.78 % 6.5 % 4.5 % $ 4,182,315 $ 2,127,902 $ 1,473,163 Bank 12.06 6.5 4.5 3,787,988 2,041,227 1,413,157 Tier 1 risk-based capital: SVB Financial 12.97 8.0 6.0 4,246,606 2,618,957 1,964,218 Bank 12.06 8.0 6.0 3,787,988 2,512,279 1,884,209 Total risk-based capital: SVB Financial 13.96 10.0 8.0 4,571,542 3,273,696 2,618,957 Bank 13.04 10.0 8.0 4,094,782 3,140,349 2,512,279 Tier 1 leverage: SVB Financial 8.34 N/A 4.0 4,246,606 N/A 2,036,138 Bank 7.56 5.0 4.0 3,787,988 2,504,636 2,003,709

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Our segment information for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Global Commercial Bank (1) SVB Private Bank SVB Capital (1) Other Items (2) Total Year ended December 31, 2018 Net interest income $ 1,623,488 $ 64,902 $ 23 $ 205,575 $ 1,893,988 Provision for credit losses (80,953 ) (3,339 ) — (3,578 ) (87,870 ) Noninterest income 444,647 2,281 101,181 196,875 744,984 Noninterest expense (3) (793,159 ) (25,064 ) (22,792 ) (347,178 ) (1,188,193 ) Income before income tax expense (4) $ 1,194,023 $ 38,780 $ 78,412 $ 51,694 $ 1,362,909 Total average loans, net of unearned income $ 22,354,305 $ 2,850,271 $ — $ 425,944 $ 25,630,520 Total average assets (5) 53,012,381 2,546,904 380,543 (710,768 ) 55,229,060 Total average deposits 46,039,570 1,502,308 — 533,466 48,075,344 Year ended December 31, 2017 Net interest income $ 1,274,366 $ 58,131 $ 48 $ 87,824 $ 1,420,369 Provision for credit losses (81,553 ) (4,386 ) — (6,365 ) (92,304 ) Noninterest income 363,759 2,175 58,992 132,305 557,231 Noninterest expense (3) (707,666 ) (17,693 ) (19,340 ) (265,956 ) (1,010,655 ) Income (loss) before income tax expense (4) $ 848,906 $ 38,227 $ 39,700 $ (52,192 ) $ 874,641 Total average loans, net of unearned income $ 18,479,793 $ 2,423,078 $ — $ 256,523 $ 21,159,394 Total average assets (5) 46,302,350 2,449,763 325,939 (697,780 ) 48,380,272 Total average deposits 41,043,731 1,303,542 — 397,875 42,745,148 Year ended December 31, 2016 Net interest income (expense) $ 1,040,712 $ 53,582 $ (49 ) $ 56,278 $ 1,150,523 Provision for credit losses (93,885 ) (1,812 ) — (10,982 ) (106,679 ) Noninterest income 318,366 2,713 49,365 86,108 456,552 Noninterest expense (3) (630,655 ) (12,379 ) (15,546 ) (201,217 ) (859,797 ) Income (loss) before income tax expense (4) $ 634,538 $ 42,104 $ 33,770 $ (69,813 ) $ 640,599 Total average loans, net of unearned income $ 16,047,545 $ 2,025,381 $ — $ 210,665 $ 18,283,591 Total average assets (5) 41,495,332 2,047,513 338,848 105,758 43,987,451 Total average deposits 37,301,483 1,133,425 — 324,151 38,759,059 (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. Net interest income consists primarily of interest earned from our fixed income investment portfolio, net of FTP. Noninterest income consists primarily of gains on equity warrant assets and gains or losses on the sale of fixed income investments and equity securities from exercised warrant assets. Noninterest expense consists primarily of expenses associated with corporate support functions such as finance, human resources, marketing, legal and other expenses. (3) The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $21.8 million , $25.3 million and $24.9 million for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (4) The internal reporting model used by management to assess segment performance does not calculate income tax expense by segment. Our effective tax rate is a reasonable approximation of the segment rates. (5) Total average assets equal the greater of total average assets or the sum of total average liabilities and total average stockholders’ equity for each segment to reconcile the results to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP.

Parent Company Only Condensed_2

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheets	The condensed balance sheets of SVB Financial at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , and the related condensed statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , are presented below: Condensed Balance Sheets December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 553,049 $ 457,324 Investment securities 510,836 485,220 Other assets 204,301 196,974 Investment in subsidiaries: Bank subsidiary 4,554,813 3,762,542 Nonbank subsidiaries 116,968 90,540 Total assets $ 5,939,967 $ 4,992,600 Liabilities and SVBFG stockholders’ equity: 3.50% Senior Notes $ 347,639 $ 347,303 5.375% Senior Notes 348,826 348,189 Other liabilities 127,293 117,313 Total liabilities $ 823,758 $ 812,805 SVBFG stockholders’ equity 5,116,209 4,179,795 Total liabilities and SVBFG stockholders’ equity $ 5,939,967 $ 4,992,600
Condensed Statements of Income	Condensed Statements of Income Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Interest income $ 3,307 $ 2,077 $ 690 Interest expense (32,037 ) (34,932 ) (35,316 ) Dividend income from bank subsidiary 140,000 90,000 40,000 Gains on equity warrant assets, net (1) 89,142 54,555 37,892 Gains on investment securities, net 13,546 37,132 20,644 Fund management fees and other noninterest income (1) 26,388 24,613 21,913 General and administrative expenses (70,976 ) (63,077 ) (55,139 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (14,383 ) 10,367 423 Income before net income of subsidiaries 154,987 120,735 31,107 Equity in undistributed net income of bank subsidiary 793,641 356,769 339,629 Equity in undistributed net income of nonbank subsidiaries 25,212 13,002 11,949 Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 (1) Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects a new line item to separately disclose net gains on equity warrant assets. In prior periods, net gains on equity warrant assets were reported as a component of net gains on derivative instruments.
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income	Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation (losses) gains (4,107 ) 3,769 3,071 Changes in unrealized holding gains and losses on AFS securities 120 22,285 654 Equity in other comprehensive (losses) income of bank and nonbank subsidiaries (19,171 ) (50,956 ) 4,301 Reclassifications to retained earnings for the adoption of new accounting guidance (1) (29,490 ) — — Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (52,648 ) (24,902 ) 8,026 Total comprehensive income $ 921,192 $ 465,604 $ 390,711 (1) See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income available to common stockholders $ 973,840 $ 490,506 $ 382,685 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Gains on equity warrant assets, net (89,142 ) (54,555 ) (37,892 ) Gains on investment securities, net (1) (13,546 ) (17,060 ) (3,106 ) Distributions of earnings from investment securities (1) 47,596 14,015 3,137 Net income of bank subsidiary (933,641 ) (446,769 ) (379,629 ) Net income on nonbank subsidiaries (25,212 ) (13,002 ) (11,949 ) Cash dividends from bank subsidiary 140,000 90,000 40,000 Amortization of share-based compensation 45,675 36,900 35,494 Decrease in other assets 51,169 12,959 35,699 Increase in other liabilities 21,619 11,774 15,293 Other, net (31,024 ) 316 2,999 Net cash provided by operating activities 187,334 125,084 82,731 Cash flows from investing activities: Net decrease (increase) in investment securities from purchases, sales and maturities 73,742 (152,015 ) 34,055 Net decrease (increase) in loans — 13,337 (3,478 ) Increase in investment in bank subsidiary (31,292 ) (38,927 ) (14,738 ) (Increase) decrease in investment in nonbank subsidiaries (5,323 ) 34,374 1,924 Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities 37,127 (143,231 ) 17,763 Cash flows from financing activities: Principal payments of long-term debt — (51,546 ) — Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP and ESOP 18,387 27,003 26,147 Common stock repurchase (147,123 ) — — Tax effect from stock exercises (1) — — (3,640 ) Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (128,736 ) (24,543 ) 22,507 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 95,725 (42,690 ) 123,001 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 457,324 500,014 377,013 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 553,049 $ 457,324 $ 500,014 (1) See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Information	Our supplemental consolidated financial information for each three month period in 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Three months ended (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2018: Interest income $ 432,398 $ 481,301 $ 513,313 $ 542,897 Interest expense 12,535 14,858 20,091 28,437 Net interest income 419,863 466,443 493,222 514,460 Provision for credit losses 27,972 29,080 17,174 13,644 Noninterest income 155,518 192,689 210,070 186,707 Noninterest expense 265,417 305,739 309,445 307,592 Income before income tax expense 281,992 324,313 376,673 379,931 Income tax expense 73,966 77,287 95,308 105,000 Net income before noncontrolling interests 208,026 247,026 281,365 274,931 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (13,065 ) (9,228 ) (6,548 ) (8,667 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 194,961 $ 237,798 $ 274,817 $ 266,264 Earnings per common share—basic $ 3.69 $ 4.48 $ 5.16 $ 5.01 Earnings per common share—diluted 3.63 4.42 5.10 4.96 2017: Interest income $ 320,926 $ 353,927 $ 385,271 $ 405,016 Interest expense 10,933 11,231 11,297 11,310 Net interest income 309,993 342,696 373,974 393,706 Provision for credit losses 30,734 15,806 23,522 22,242 Noninterest income 117,659 128,528 158,778 152,266 Noninterest expense 237,633 251,246 257,761 264,015 Income before income tax expense 159,285 204,172 251,469 259,715 Income tax expense 51,405 71,656 97,351 135,051 Net income before noncontrolling interests 107,880 132,516 154,118 124,664 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (6,397 ) (9,323 ) (5,498 ) (7,454 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 101,483 $ 123,193 $ 148,620 $ 117,210 Earnings per common share—basic $ 1.94 $ 2.34 $ 2.82 $ 2.22 Earnings per common share—diluted 1.91 2.32 2.79 2.19

Nature of Business (Details)

Nature of Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018Segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Ownership Interests in Investments Held Under Fair Value Accounting (Details) - Non-marketable securities - Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments - Fair value accounting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	12.60%	12.60%
Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	20.00%	20.00%
Growth Partners, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	33.00%	33.00%
CP I, LP
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Company Direct and Indirect Ownership in Limited Partnership	10.70%	10.70%

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Sep. 30, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Mar. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Jan. 01, 2019

Jan. 01, 2018

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Retained earnings

$ 3,791,838

$ 2,866,837

$ 3,791,838

$ 2,866,837

$ 2,861,035

Net income available to common stockholders

266,264

$ 274,817

$ 237,798

$ 194,961

117,210

$ 148,620

$ 123,193

$ 101,483

973,840

[1]

490,506

[1]

$ 382,685

Forecast

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Expected right-of-use assets upon adoption of new accounting standard

$ 150,000

Accounting Standards Update 2014-09

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Retained earnings

(5,802)

(5,802)

Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards

[2]

(5,802)

(5,802)

Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Retained earnings

$ (7,417)

(7,417)

Net income available to common stockholders

$ (1,615)

Accounting Standards Update 2016-01

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards

[2]

$ 74,595

$ 74,595

Non-marketable securities | Other investments | Equity method investee | SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd.

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Ownership interest percentage

50.00%

Lower Limit

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Duration of the sale restrictions

3 months

Derivative, Term of Contract

1 year

Lower Limit | Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Equity method investee

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Ownership interest percentage

20.00%

Lower Limit | Non-marketable securities | Investments in limited partnerships | Equity method investee

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Ownership interest percentage

5.00%

Upper Limit

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Duration of the sale restrictions

6 months

Ownership interest percentage

5.00%

5.00%

Derivative, Term of Contract

5 years

[1]

Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.

[2]

See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Maximum Estimated Useful Lives by Asset Classification (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leasehold Improvements
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, 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, estimated useful life	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 | 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

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Adoption of New Accounting Standards (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		$ 55,807				$ 55,946					$ 55,807		$ 55,946			$ 21,606
Deferred revenue		598				27,057					598		27,057			736
Current taxes payable		3,330				4,675					3,330		4,675			2,458
Retained earnings		3,791,838				2,866,837					3,791,838		2,866,837			2,861,035
Fund management fees											23,016		21,214		$ 19,195
Income tax expense		105,000	$ 95,308	$ 77,287	$ 73,966	135,051		$ 97,351	$ 71,656	$ 51,405	351,561	[1]	355,463	[1]	250,333
Net income available to common stockholders		$ 266,264	$ 274,817	$ 237,798	$ 194,961	$ 117,210		$ 148,620	$ 123,193	$ 101,483	$ 973,840	[1]	$ 490,506	[1]	$ 382,685
Earnings per common share—diluted (usd per share)		$ 4.96	$ 5.10	$ 4.42	$ 3.63	$ 2.19		$ 2.79	$ 2.32	$ 1.91	$ 18.11	[1]	$ 9.20	[1]	$ 7.31
Reclassification of stranded tax effect for ASU 2018-02	[2]										$ 319		$ 0		$ 0
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		$ 96,479									96,479
Deferred revenue		28,478									28,478
Current taxes payable		531									531
Retained earnings		3,799,255									3,799,255
Fund management fees											25,213
Income tax expense											352,143
Net income available to common stockholders											$ 975,455
Earnings per common share—diluted (usd per share)											$ 18.14
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable						$ (34,340)							(34,340)
Deferred revenue						(26,321)							(26,321)
Current taxes payable						(2,217)							(2,217)
Retained earnings						(5,802)							(5,802)
Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards	[3]					(5,802)							(5,802)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Total SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards	[3]					(5,802)							(5,802)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		(40,672)									$ (40,672)
Deferred revenue		(27,880)									(27,880)
Current taxes payable		2,799									2,799
Retained earnings		$ (7,417)									(7,417)
Fund management fees											(2,197)
Income tax expense											(582)
Net income available to common stockholders											$ (1,615)
Earnings per common share—diluted (usd per share)											$ (0.03)
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification of stranded tax effect for ASU 2018-02											$ 300
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification of stranded tax effect for ASU 2018-02	[3]										$ 319
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards	[3]					74,595							74,595
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 | Total SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards						74,595	[3]						74,595	[3]		74,600
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment for new accounting standards						$ (29,171)	[3]						$ (29,171)	[3]		$ (29,200)
[1]	Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.
[2]	See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.
[3]	See Note 2- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.

Stockholders' Equity and EPS -

Stockholders' Equity and EPS - Reclassification of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income (1)									$ 88,094		$ 64,603		$ 51,740
Related tax (benefit) expense (1)	$ (105,000)	$ (95,308)	$ (77,287)	$ (73,966)	$ (135,051)	$ (97,351)	$ (71,656)	$ (51,405)	(351,561)	[1]	(355,463)	[1]	(250,333)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 266,264	$ 274,817	$ 237,798	$ 194,961	$ 117,210	$ 148,620	$ 123,193	$ 101,483	973,840	[1]	490,506	[1]	382,685
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 losses (gains) included in net income (1)									740		5,189		(12,195)
Related tax (benefit) expense (1)									(205)		(2,098)		4,963
Net income available to common stockholders									$ 535		$ 3,091		$ (7,232)
[1]	Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.

Stockholders' Equity and EPS _2

Stockholders' Equity and EPS - Reconciliation of Basic EPS to Diluted EPS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 266,264	$ 274,817	$ 237,798	$ 194,961	$ 117,210	$ 148,620	$ 123,193	$ 101,483	$ 973,840	[1]	$ 490,506	[1]	$ 382,685
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares)									53,078		52,588		51,915
Denominator for diluted calculation (in shares)									53,772		53,306		52,349
Earnings per common share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 5.01	$ 5.16	$ 4.48	$ 3.69	$ 2.22	$ 2.82	$ 2.34	$ 1.94	$ 18.35	[1]	$ 9.33	[1]	$ 7.37
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 4.96	$ 5.10	$ 4.42	$ 3.63	$ 2.19	$ 2.79	$ 2.32	$ 1.91	$ 18.11	[1]	$ 9.20	[1]	$ 7.31
Stock options and ESPP
Denominator:
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities (in shares)									377		385		254
Restricted stock units
Denominator:
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities (in shares)									317		333		180
[1]	Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.

Stockholders' Equity and EPS _3

Stockholders' Equity and EPS - Common Shares Excluded from Diluted EPS Calculation (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation (in shares)	144	74	273
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation (in shares)	59	73	272
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation (in shares)	85	1	1

Stockholders' Equity and EPS _4

Stockholders' Equity and EPS - Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($)	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 13, 2018
Equity and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Amount of outstanding common stock approved to be repurchased			$ 500,000,000
Common stock repurchased (in shares)	715,207
Common stock repurchased	$ 147,100,000	$ 147,123,000

Share-Based Compensation - Shar

Share-Based Compensation - Share Based Compensation and Related Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 45,675	$ 36,900	$ 35,494
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	(10,997)	(12,845)	(12,505)
Capitalized compensation costs	$ 1,466	$ 1,071	$ 5,580

Share-Based Compensation - Sh_2

Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected volatility term	5 years
Closing stock price | $ / shares	$ 189.92
Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate number of shares that may be awarded and sold	9,528,505
Conversion ratio for awards granted	2
Conversion ratio for awards forfeited	2
Number of common stock shares available for future issuance	1,816,509
Equity Incentive Plan | Restricted stock units
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Options, exercisable period	4 years
Equity Incentive Plan | Restricted stock units | Lower Limit
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Options, exercisable period	3 years
Equity Incentive Plan | Performance-based restricted stock
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Options, exercisable period	3 years
Equity Incentive Plan | Performance-based restricted stock | Lower Limit
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Options, exercisable period	1 year
Equity Incentive Plan | Stock options
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Options, exercisable period	4 years
Options granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan, expiration period	7 years
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 annual amount allowable for employee contributions | $	$ 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	155,181
Proceeds from issuance of shares under ESPP | $	$ 21,600,000
Number of common stock shares available for future issuance	1,499,218

Share-Based Compensation - Unre

Share-Based Compensation - Unrecognized Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Unrecognized Expense	$ 82,015
Stock option
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Unrecognized Expense	$ 11,994
Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years	2 years 8 months 27 days
Restricted stock units
Unrecognized Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Unrecognized Expense	$ 70,021
Average Expected Recognition Period - in Years	2 years 8 months 5 days

Share-Based Compensation - Weig

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Values Used for Employee Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units (Details) - Equity Incentive Plan - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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 10 months 4 days	4 years 10 months 15 days	4 years 10 months 2 days
Weighted average expected volatility of the Company's underlying common stock	34.70%	33.70%	31.70%
Risk-free interest rate	2.82%	1.81%	1.32%
Expected dividend yield	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value - stock options (usd per share)	$ 105.81	$ 57.81	$ 31.17
Weighted average grant date fair value - restricted stock units (usd per share)	$ 294.50	$ 181.23	$ 100.35

Share-Based Compensation - We_2

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Values Used for ESPP (Details) - Employee Stock Purchase Plan - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	32.20%	31.20%	41.80%
Risk-free interest rate	1.79%	0.80%	0.45%
Expected dividend yield	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value (usd per share)	$ 62.76	$ 41.70	$ 29.16

Share-Based Compensation - Stoc

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Information Related to Equity Incentive Plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Options
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	808,049
Granted (in shares) | shares	90,375
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(199,659)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(16,769)
Expired (in shares) | shares	(2,337)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares) | shares	679,659
Vested and expected to vest (in shares) | shares	662,702
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	410,897
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding, beginning of period (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 105.68
Granted (usd per share) | $ / shares	305.19
Exercised (usd per share) | $ / shares	83.74
Forfeited (usd per share) | $ / shares	171.07
Expired (usd per share) | $ / shares	60.37
Outstanding, end of period (usd per share) | $ / shares	137.19
Vested and expected to vest (usd per share) | $ / shares	135.01
Exercisable (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 100.03
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
Outstanding (in years)	3 years 6 months 5 days
Vested and expected to vest (in years)	3 years 5 months 17 days
Exercisable (in years)	2 years 5 months 2 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of In-The-Money Options
Outstanding | $	$ 46,038,508
Vested and expected to vest | $	45,667,197
Exercisable | $	$ 36,986,923

Share-Based Compensation - St_2

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Options Outstanding (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	679,659
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years 6 months 4 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 137.19
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	410,897
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 100.03
$54.75 - 67.77
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	54.75
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 67.77
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	51,651
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 months 29 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 63.62
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	51,651
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 63.62
67.78 - 79.77
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	67.78
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 79.77
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	98,097
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	1 year 3 months 29 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 71.11
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	98,097
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 71.11
79.78 - 105.84
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	79.78
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 105.84
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	140,703
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	4 years 3 months 7 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 104.92
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	62,996
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 104.70
105.85 - 108.59
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	105.85
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 108.59
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	116,254
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	2 years 3 months 29 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 107.95
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	116,254
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 107.95
108.60 - 149.65
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	108.60
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 149.65
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	85,263
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years 3 months 7 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 128.62
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	59,319
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 128.27
149.66 - 173.94
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	149.66
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 173.94
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	2,939
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	5 years 5 months 5 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 169.49
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	735
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 169.49
173.95 - 180.62
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	173.95
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 180.62
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	93,487
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	5 years 4 months 2 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 178.39
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	20,531
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 178.39
180.63 - 283.09
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	180.63
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 283.09
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	4,588
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	5 years 11 months 27 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 219.46
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	1,314
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 227.04
283.10 - 324.77
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (usd per share)	283.10
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (usd per share)	$ 324.77
Outstanding Options, Shares | shares	86,677
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	6 years 4 months 2 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 305.96
Exercisable Options, Shares | shares	0
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$ 0

Share-Based Compensation - Info

Share-Based Compensation - Information for Restricted Stock Units under Equity Incentive Plan (Details) - Restricted stock units	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Shares
Nonvested, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	637,667
Granted (in shares) | shares	223,918
Vested (in shares) | shares	(219,305)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(44,984)
Nonvested, end of period (in shares) | shares	597,296
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested, beginning of period (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 135.86
Granted (usd per share) | $ / shares	294.50
Vested (usd per share) | $ / shares	130.72
Forfeited (usd per share) | $ / shares	172.32
Nonvested, end of period (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 194.48

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Information Regarding Stock Option and Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 40,681	$ 36,173	$ 18,186
Total grant date fair value of stock options vested	5,823	6,094	7,364
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock vested	63,917	40,925	22,966
Total grant date fair value of restricted stock vested	$ 28,813	$ 23,383	$ 19,454

Variable Interest Entities - Ca

Variable Interest Entities - Carrying Amounts and Classification of Significant Variable Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,571,539	$ 2,923,075	$ 2,545,750	$ 1,503,257
Non-marketable and other equity securities	941,104	651,053
Accrued interest receivable and other assets	951,261	876,246
Total assets	56,927,979	51,214,467
Other liabilities	1,006,359	911,755
Total liabilities	51,663,136	46,895,052
Investments in Affordable Housing Projects [Abstract]
Investments in qualified affordable housing projects	318,575	174,214
Related other liabilities of unfunded credit commitments	205,685	100,891
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	9,058	6,674
Non-marketable and other equity securities	221,646	190,562
Accrued interest receivable and other assets	228	365
Total assets	230,932	197,601
Other liabilities	919	990
Total liabilities	919	990
Maximum Exposure to Loss in Unconsolidated VIEs	230,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Non-marketable and other equity securities	568,272	346,097
Accrued interest receivable and other assets	0	0
Total assets	568,272	346,097
Other liabilities	205,685	100,891
Total liabilities	205,685	100,891
Maximum Exposure to Loss in Unconsolidated VIEs	$ 568,272	$ 346,097

Variable Interest Entities - Ad

Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)entity	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of consolidated entities | entity	4
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum exposure to loss in unconsolidated VIEs	$ 230,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum exposure to loss in unconsolidated VIEs	$ 568,272	$ 346,097

Reserves on Deposit with the _3

Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock - Average Required Reserve Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock [Abstract]
Average required reserve balances at FRB San Francisco	$ 455,866	$ 397,235

Reserves on Deposit with the _4

Reserves on Deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Bank Stock - Shares Held at Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Shares Held At Federal Reserve Bank And Federal Home Loan Bank [Abstract]
FHLB stock holdings	$ 17,250	$ 18,900
FRB stock holdings	$ 41,628	$ 41,120

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Sum

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	$ 3,444,971	$ 2,672,290
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	123,611	247,876
Other short-term investment securities	2,957	2,909
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,571,539	$ 2,923,075	$ 2,545,750	$ 1,503,257

Cash and Cash Equivalents - S_2

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents (Footnote Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate	$ 1,700	$ 600
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions	1,200	1,100
Fair value of securities purchased under agreements to resell	$ 126	$ 253

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Sec

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Securities Purchased Under Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Average securities purchased under agreements to resell	$ 132,938	$ 94,094
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year	$ 375,180	$ 377,073

Investment Securities - Major C

Investment Securities - Major Components of Investment Securities Portfolio (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 7,862,311	$ 11,131,008
Unrealized Gains	12,082	46,840
Unrealized Losses	(84,350)	(57,184)
Carrying Value	7,790,043	11,120,664
U.S. treasury securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	4,762,182	6,865,068
Unrealized Gains	11,638	1,113
Unrealized Losses	(35,562)	(25,679)
Carrying Value	4,738,258	6,840,502
U.S. agency debentures
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,090,426	1,569,195
Unrealized Gains	61	3,569
Unrealized Losses	(6,370)	(5,636)
Carrying Value	1,084,117	1,567,128
Foreign government debt securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	5,815
Unrealized Gains	0
Unrealized Losses	(3)
Carrying Value	5,812
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Fixed rate
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,922,618	2,292,311
Unrealized Gains	0	258
Unrealized Losses	(42,400)	(25,534)
Carrying Value	1,880,218	2,267,035
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Variable rate
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	81,270	372,481
Unrealized Gains	383	1,375
Unrealized Losses	(15)	(126)
Carrying Value	$ 81,638	373,730
Equity securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost		31,953
Unrealized Gains		40,525
Unrealized Losses		(209)
Carrying Value		$ 72,269

Investment Securities - Activit

Investment Securities - Activity of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Sales proceeds	$ 474,482	$ 580,871	$ 2,892,460
Gross realized gains	127	5,113	15,051
Gross realized losses	(867)	(10,302)	(2,856)
Net realized (losses) gains	$ (740)	$ (5,189)	$ 12,195

Investment Securities - Summary

Investment Securities - Summary of Unrealized Losses on Available for Sale Securities (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Investment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Investment
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	$ 957,319	$ 8,913,199
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	(5,412)	(51,432)
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	6,039,639	713,348
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	(78,938)	(5,752)
Fair Value of Investments	6,996,958	9,626,547
Unrealized Losses	$ (84,350)	$ (57,184)
Number of investments in unrealized loss position | Investment	200	268
Number of investments with unrealized losses greater than 12 months | Investment	162	46
U.S. treasury securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	$ 494,287	$ 5,968,914
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	(3,785)	(23,397)
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	3,568,119	323,966
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	(31,777)	(2,282)
Fair Value of Investments	4,062,406	6,292,880
Unrealized Losses	(35,562)	(25,679)
U.S. agency debentures
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	443,790	736,541
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	(1,602)	(2,289)
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	591,216	336,196
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	(4,768)	(3,347)
Fair Value of Investments	1,035,006	1,072,737
Unrealized Losses	(6,370)	(5,636)
Foreign government debt securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	5,812
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	(3)
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Value of Investments	5,812
Unrealized Losses	(3)
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Fixed rate
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	13,430	2,193,277
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	(22)	(25,534)
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	1,866,788	0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	(42,378)	0
Fair Value of Investments	1,880,218	2,193,277
Unrealized Losses	(42,400)	(25,534)
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Variable rate
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments	0	13,843
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses	0	(3)
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments	13,516	53,186
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses	(15)	(123)
Fair Value of Investments	13,516	67,029
Unrealized Losses	$ (15)	(126)
Equity securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 months - Fair Value of Investments		624
Less than 12 months - Unrealized Losses		(209)
12 months or longer - Fair Value of Investments		0
12 months or longer - Unrealized Losses		0
Fair Value of Investments		624
Unrealized Losses		$ (209)

Investment Securities - Summa_2

Investment Securities - Summary of Remaining Contractual Principal Maturities for Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) - Available-for-sale Securities $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Total	$ 7,790,043
One Year or Less	2,431,083
After One Year to Five Years	2,948,663
After Five Years to Ten Years	464,471
After Ten Years	1,945,826
U.S. treasury securities
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Total	4,738,258
One Year or Less	1,765,333
After One Year to Five Years	2,524,484
After Five Years to Ten Years	448,441
After Ten Years	0
U.S. agency debentures
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Total	1,084,117
One Year or Less	665,750
After One Year to Five Years	418,367
After Five Years to Ten Years	0
After Ten Years	0
Foreign government debt securities
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Total	5,812
One Year or Less	0
After One Year to Five Years	5,812
After Five Years to Ten Years	0
After Ten Years	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Fixed rate
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Total	1,880,218
One Year or Less	0
After One Year to Five Years	0
After Five Years to Ten Years	16,030
After Ten Years	1,864,188
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Variable rate
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Total	81,638
One Year or Less	0
After One Year to Five Years	0
After Five Years to Ten Years	0
After Ten Years	$ 81,638
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 - Summa_3

Investment Securities - Summary of Components and Unrealized Losses on Held-to-Maturity Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Investment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Investment
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 15,487,442	$ 12,663,455
Unrealized Gains	17,040	12,923
Unrealized Losses	(316,246)	(128,098)
Fair Value	15,188,236	12,548,280
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	3,851,352	6,710,931
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(56,636)	(62,993)
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	8,092,085	2,966,895
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(259,610)	(65,105)
Fair Value of Investments	11,943,437	9,677,826
Unrealized Losses	$ (316,246)	$ (128,098)
Number of held-to-maturity investments with unrealized loss | Investment	1,244	753
Number of held-to-maturity investments in continuous loss more than 12 months | Investment	695	237
U.S. agency debentures
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 640,990	$ 659,979
Unrealized Gains	2,148	3,167
Unrealized Losses	(4,850)	(1,601)
Fair Value	638,288	661,545
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	291,432	104,688
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(2,915)	(1,601)
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	66,624	0
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(1,935)	0
Fair Value of Investments	358,056	104,688
Unrealized Losses	(4,850)	(1,601)
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	8,103,638	6,304,969
Unrealized Gains	5,011	4,854
Unrealized Losses	(157,767)	(43,528)
Fair Value	7,950,882	6,266,295
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	2,493,156	4,270,377
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(34,956)	(34,092)
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	3,972,690	408,913
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(122,811)	(9,436)
Fair Value of Investments	6,465,846	4,679,290
Unrealized Losses	(157,767)	(43,528)
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Fixed rate
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,183,204	2,829,979
Unrealized Gains	0	23
Unrealized Losses	(62,272)	(54,372)
Fair Value	2,120,932	2,775,630
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	16,952	1,011,709
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(109)	(13,631)
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	2,103,980	1,741,614
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(62,163)	(40,741)
Fair Value of Investments	2,120,932	2,753,323
Unrealized Losses	(62,272)	(54,372)
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations | Variable rate
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	214,483	255,782
Unrealized Gains	608	733
Unrealized Losses	(14)	(34)
Fair Value	215,077	256,481
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	3,364	0
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(1)	0
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	8,101	9,812
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(13)	(34)
Fair Value of Investments	11,465	9,812
Unrealized Losses	(14)	(34)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,769,706	1,868,985
Unrealized Gains	6,969	694
Unrealized Losses	(64,374)	(25,563)
Fair Value	2,712,301	1,844,116
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	177,697	979,361
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(1,580)	(11,566)
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	1,600,277	773,712
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(62,794)	(13,997)
Fair Value of Investments	1,777,974	1,753,073
Unrealized Losses	(64,374)	(25,563)
Municipal bonds and notes
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,575,421	743,761
Unrealized Gains	2,304	3,452
Unrealized Losses	(26,969)	(3,000)
Fair Value	1,550,756	744,213
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments, Less than 12 months	868,751	344,796
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(17,075)	(2,103)
Fair Value of Investments, 12 months or longer	340,413	32,844
Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(9,894)	(897)
Fair Value of Investments	1,209,164	377,640
Unrealized Losses	$ (26,969)	$ (3,000)

Investment Securities - Summa_4

Investment Securities - Summary of Remaining Contractual Principal Maturities for Held-to-Maturity Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 15,188,236	$ 12,548,280
U.S. agency debentures
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	638,288	661,545
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	7,950,882	6,266,295
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,712,301	1,844,116
Municipal bonds and notes
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,550,756	$ 744,213
After One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	75,379
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	307,184
Held-to-maturity securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	15,487,442
Fair Value	15,188,236
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	9,725
One Year or Less - Fair Value	9,720
After One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	335,186
After One Year to Five Years - Fair Value	331,299
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	2,212,289
After Five Years to Ten Years - Fair Value	2,161,016
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	12,930,242
After Ten Years - Fair Value	12,686,201
Held-to-maturity securities | U.S. agency debentures
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	640,990
Fair Value	638,288
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0
One Year or Less - Fair Value	0
After One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	104,550
After One Year to Five Years - Fair Value	104,105
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	536,440
After Five Years to Ten Years - Fair Value	534,183
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	0
After Ten Years - Fair Value	0
Held-to-maturity securities | Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	8,103,638
Fair Value	7,950,883
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0
One Year or Less - Fair Value	0
After One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	155,257
After One Year to Five Years - Fair Value	152,524
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	885,622
After Five Years to Ten Years - Fair Value	859,609
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	7,062,759
After Ten Years - Fair Value	6,938,750
Held-to-maturity securities | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Fixed rate
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,183,204
Fair Value	2,120,932
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0
One Year or Less - Fair Value	0
After One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	0
After One Year to Five Years - Fair Value	0
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	483,043
After Five Years to Ten Years - Fair Value	466,458
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	1,700,161
After Ten Years - Fair Value	1,654,474
Held-to-maturity securities | Residential mortgage-backed securities | Variable rate
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	214,483
Fair Value	215,077
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0
One Year or Less - Fair Value	0
After One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	0
After One Year to Five Years - Fair Value	0
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	0
After Five Years to Ten Years - Fair Value	0
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	214,483
After Ten Years - Fair Value	215,077
Held-to-maturity securities | Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,769,706
Fair Value	2,712,301
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	0
One Year or Less - Fair Value	0
After One Year to Five Years - Amortized Cost	0
After One Year to Five Years - Fair Value	0
After Five Years to Ten Years - Amortized Cost	0
After Five Years to Ten Years - Fair Value	0
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	2,769,706
After Ten Years - Fair Value	2,712,301
Held-to-maturity securities | Municipal bonds and notes
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,575,421
Fair Value	1,550,755
One Year or Less - Amortized Cost	9,725
One Year or Less - Fair Value	9,720
After One Year to Five Years - Fair Value	74,670
After Five Years to Ten Years - Fair Value	300,766
After Ten Years - Amortized Cost	1,183,133
After Ten Years - Fair Value	$ 1,165,599

Investment Securities - Major_2

Investment Securities - Major Components of Non-marketable and Other Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net	$ 318,575	$ 174,214
Total non-marketable and other securities	941,104	651,053
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	118,333	128,111
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Equity method accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	129,485	89,809
Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	201,098	98,548
Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Equity method accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	129,485	89,809
Other investments | Fair value accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	25,668	27,680
Other investments | Equity method accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	121,721	111,198
Equity securities | Fair value accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other equity securities	20,398	310
Debt funds | Equity method accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	$ 5,826	$ 21,183

Investment Securities - Consoli

Investment Securities - Consolidated Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments (Details) - Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments - Fair value accounting - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	$ 118,333	$ 128,111
Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	12,452	14,673
Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	53,957	54,147
Growth Partners, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	50,845	58,372
CP I, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	$ 1,079	$ 919
Non-marketable securities | Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	12.60%	12.60%
Non-marketable securities | Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	20.00%	20.00%
Non-marketable securities | Growth Partners, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	33.00%	33.00%
Non-marketable securities | CP I, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	10.70%	10.70%

Investment Securities - Unconso

Investment Securities - Unconsolidated Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Investment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Investment
Upper Limit
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities | $	$ 201,098	$ 98,548
Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Number of investments | Investment	213	235

Investment Securities - Other I

Investment Securities - Other Investments Without a Readily Determinable Fair Value (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Carrying value at December 31, 2018	$ 25,668
Year end Adjustments
Impairment losses	0
Downward changes for observable prices	1,963
Upward changes for observable prices	1,711
Cumulative Adjustments
Impairment losses	0
Downward changes for observable prices	1,963
Upward changes for observable prices	$ 1,711

Investment Securities - Nonmark

Investment Securities - Nonmarketable Securities Under Equity Method Accounting (Details) - Equity method accounting - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	$ 129,485	$ 89,809
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	4,670	6,342
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	17,396	18,758
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	28,974	25,551
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Strategic Investors Fund V funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	28,189	16,856
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | CP II, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	7,122	6,700
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Other venture capital and private equity fund investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	43,134	15,602
Debt funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	5,826	21,183
Debt funds | Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (ii)
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	3,901	18,690
Debt funds | Other debt funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	1,925	2,493
Other investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	121,721	111,198
Other investments | SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd.
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	76,412	75,337
Other investments | Other investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Nonmarketable securities	$ 45,309	$ 35,861
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	8.60%	8.60%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	5.90%	5.90%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | CP II, LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	5.10%	5.10%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | CP II, LP | Direct ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	1.30%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | CP II, LP | Indirect ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	3.80%
Non-marketable securities | Debt funds | Direct ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	11.50%
Non-marketable securities | Debt funds | Indirect ownership interest
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	4.00%
Non-marketable securities | Debt funds | Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (ii)
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	15.50%	15.50%
Non-marketable securities | Other investments | SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd.
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	50.00%	50.00%

Investment Securities - Qualifi

Investment Securities - Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments in Affordable Housing Projects [Abstract]
Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net	$ 318,575	$ 174,214
Other liabilities	205,685	100,891
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized	24,047	17,296	$ 15,404
Amortization expense included in provision for income taxes	$ 18,876	17,362	$ 12,145
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment		$ 3,800

Investment Securities - Compone

Investment Securities - Components of Gains and Losses (Realized and Unrealized) on Investment Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	$ 88,834	$ 69,792	$ 39,545
Less: Realized net losses on the sales and OTTI of non-marketable and other equity securities	(26,097)	(355)	(4,524)
Net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities still held	114,931	70,147	44,069
Losses on sales of securities	20,800
OTTI	5,300	4,200	4,700
Gains on sales of investments		3,800	200
Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	20,999	27,186	5,964
Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities | Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	39,075	21,377	17,816
Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities | Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	3,206	3,842	(45)
Fair value accounting | Other equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	(25,483)	241	(90)
Equity method accounting | Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	49,341	14,472	4,070
Equity method accounting | Non-marketable securities | Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	1,155	(6,276)	10,882
Equity method accounting | Non-marketable securities | Debt funds
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	$ 541	$ 8,950	$ 948

Loans, Allowance for Loan Los_3

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Deferred loan fee income	$ 173,000	$ 148,000
Loans modified in TDRs	83,695	$ 147,793
Unfunded commitments available for funding	$ 2,700

Loans, Allowance for Loan Los_4

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$ 28,338,280	$ 23,106,316
Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	24,456,728	19,697,163
Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured | Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	6,154,755	6,172,531
Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured | Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,234,557	1,193,599
Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured | Private equity/venture capital
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	14,110,560	9,952,377
Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured | Life science/healthcare
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	2,385,612	1,808,827
Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	249,266	204,105
Commercial Loans Receivable excluding Construction and Real Estate Secured | Commercial Other Financing Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	321,978	365,724
Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	3,363,803	3,011,627
Real estate secured loans | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	710,397	669,053
Real estate secured loans | Real estate secured consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	2,612,971	2,300,506
Real estate secured loans | Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	40,435	42,068
Construction Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	97,077	68,546
Consumer loans | Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	420,672	328,980
Consumer loans | Real estate secured consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	2,612,971	2,300,506
Consumer loans | Real estate secured consumer loans | Loans for personal residence
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	2,251,292	1,995,840
Consumer loans | Real estate secured consumer loans | Loans to eligible employees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	290,194	243,118
Consumer loans | Real estate secured consumer loans | Home equity lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$ 71,485	$ 61,548

Loans, Allowance for Loan Los_5

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned Income (Footnote Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$ 28,338,280	$ 23,106,316
Credit card receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	335,000	270,000
Real estate secured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	3,363,803	3,011,627
Real estate secured loans | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross construction loans	99,000	100,000
Loans, net of unearned income	$ 710,397	$ 669,053

Loans, Allowance for Loan Los_6

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Composition of Loans, Net of Unearned Income, Broken Out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$ 28,338,280	$ 23,106,316
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	3,033,643	2,629,486
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	25,304,637	20,476,830
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	6,154,755	6,172,531
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	1,234,557	1,193,599
Commercial loans | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	14,110,560	9,952,377
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	2,385,612	1,808,827
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	959,663	873,158
Commercial loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	459,490	476,338
Consumer loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	420,672	328,980
Consumer loans | Real estate secured consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans, net of unearned income	$ 2,612,971	$ 2,300,506

Loans, Allowance for Loan Los_7

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Aging of Gross Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	$ 159,113	$ 199,927
Current	28,352,199	23,054,226
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1,964	191
Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	129,997	156,278
Current	28,211,241	22,923,014
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1,964	191
Impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	29,116	43,649
Current	140,958	131,212
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
30 - 59 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	121,143	111,525
30 - 59 Days Past Due | Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	118,300	110,181
30 - 59 Days Past Due | Impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	2,843	1,344
60 - 89 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	10,914	57,808
60 - 89 Days Past Due | Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	9,733	45,906
60 - 89 Days Past Due | Impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1,181	11,902
Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	27,056	30,594
Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1,964	191
Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Impaired loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	25,092	30,403
Commercial loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	122,726	152,786
Current	25,192,386	20,302,800
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	402	191
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	35,456	20,924
Current	6,059,672	6,101,147
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	378	141
Commercial loans | Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	338	1,272
Current	1,233,956	1,163,278
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	4	50
Commercial loans | Private equity/venture capital
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	59,492	125,146
Current	14,054,940	9,835,317
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	16,918	4,581
Current	2,410,091	1,841,692
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	19	0
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	2,967	418
Current	956,285	871,074
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Commercial loans | Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	7,555	445
Current	477,442	490,292
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1	0
Commercial loans | 30 - 59 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	114,341	107,221
Commercial loans | 30 - 59 Days Past Due | Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	28,134	14,257
Commercial loans | 30 - 59 Days Past Due | Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	300	1,145
Commercial loans | 30 - 59 Days Past Due | Private equity/venture capital
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	59,481	86,566
Commercial loans | 30 - 59 Days Past Due | Life science/healthcare
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	16,082	4,390
Commercial loans | 30 - 59 Days Past Due | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	2,953	418
Commercial loans | 30 - 59 Days Past Due | Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	7,391	445
Commercial loans | 60 - 89 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	7,983	45,374
Commercial loans | 60 - 89 Days Past Due | Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	6,944	6,526
Commercial loans | 60 - 89 Days Past Due | Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	34	77
Commercial loans | 60 - 89 Days Past Due | Private equity/venture capital
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	11	38,580
Commercial loans | 60 - 89 Days Past Due | Life science/healthcare
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	817	191
Commercial loans | 60 - 89 Days Past Due | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	14	0
Commercial loans | 60 - 89 Days Past Due | Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	163	0
Commercial loans | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	402	191
Commercial loans | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Software and internet
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	378	141
Commercial loans | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Hardware
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	4	50
Commercial loans | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Private equity/venture capital
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	0
Commercial loans | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Life science/healthcare
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	19	0
Commercial loans | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Premium wine
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	0
Commercial loans | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1	0
Consumer, Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	7,271	3,492
Current	3,018,855	2,620,214
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1,562	0
Consumer, Other | Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	361	796
Consumer, Other | Real estate secured consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	6,910	2,696
Current	2,598,496	2,292,980
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	1,562	0
Consumer, Other | Other Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current	420,359	327,234
Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing Interest	0	0
Consumer, Other | 30 - 59 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	3,959	2,960
Consumer, Other | 30 - 59 Days Past Due | Real estate secured consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	3,598	2,164
Consumer, Other | 30 - 59 Days Past Due | Other Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	361	796
Consumer, Other | 60 - 89 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1,750	532
Consumer, Other | 60 - 89 Days Past Due | Real estate secured consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1,750	532
Consumer, Other | 60 - 89 Days Past Due | Other Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	0
Consumer, Other | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1,562	0
Consumer, Other | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Real estate secured consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1,562	0
Consumer, Other | Equal to or Greater Than 90 Days Past Due | Other Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Past Due	$ 0	$ 0

Loans, Allowance for Loan Los_8

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Impaired Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Total carrying value of impaired loans	$ 170,074	$ 174,861
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	199,908	205,295
Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	73,002	88,246
Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	97,072	86,615
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Total carrying value of impaired loans	165,835	172,258
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	193,939	201,147
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	49,625	49,645
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	65,225	61,009
Total carrying value of impaired loans	114,850	110,654
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	131,858	129,006
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	1,256	15,637
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	10,250	20,713
Total carrying value of impaired loans	11,506	36,350
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	12,159	41,721
Commercial loans | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	0	658
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	3,700	0
Total carrying value of impaired loans	3,700	658
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	3,700	984
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	17,791	20,521
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	16,276	1,166
Total carrying value of impaired loans	34,067	21,687
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	44,446	26,360
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	0	0
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	1,301	2,877
Total carrying value of impaired loans	1,301	2,877
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	1,365	2,911
Commercial loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	411	32
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	0	0
Total carrying value of impaired loans	411	32
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	411	165
Commercial loans | Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	69,083	86,493
Commercial loans | Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	96,752	85,765
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Total carrying value of impaired loans	4,239	2,603
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	5,969	4,148
Consumer loans | Real estate secured consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	3,919	1,331
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	320	850
Total carrying value of impaired loans	4,239	2,181
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	5,969	3,712
Consumer loans | Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	0	422
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	0	0
Total carrying value of impaired loans	0	422
Total unpaid principal of impaired loans	0	436
Consumer loans | Impaired Financing Receivables With Related Allowance
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses	3,919	1,753
Consumer loans | Impaired Financing Receivables With No Related Allowance
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired loans for which there is no related allowance for loan losses	$ 320	$ 850

Loans, Allowance for Loan Los_9

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Average Impaired Loans, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	$ 179,666	$ 193,120	$ 176,412
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	2,664	3,566	3,884
Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans		556
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	175,280	189,802	174,688
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	2,649	3,566	3,867
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	112,493	119,557	89,462
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	1,513	2,263	1,054
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	28,540	35,022	39,108
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	312	1,061	2,624
Commercial loans | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	1,327		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	0	0	0
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	30,144	30,842	40,620
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	756	90	155
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	2,605	3,249	2,056
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	68	152	28
Commercial loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	171	576	3,442
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	0	0	6
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	4,386	3,318	1,724
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	15	0	17
Consumer loans | Real estate secured consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	4,028	1,514	588
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	15	0	0
Consumer loans | Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average impaired loans	358	1,804	1,136
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method	$ 0	$ 0	$ 17

Loans, Allowance for Loan Lo_10

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Activity in Allowance for Loan Losses Broken out by Portfolio Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 255,024	$ 225,366	$ 217,613
Charge-offs	(67,917)	(66,682)	(96,857)
Recoveries	11,636	8,538	12,212
Provision for loan losses	84,292	85,939	95,697
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	(2,132)	1,863	(3,299)
Ending Balance	280,903	255,024	225,366
Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		97,388	103,045
Charge-offs			(68,784)
Recoveries			7,278
Provision for loan losses			58,350
Ending Balance			97,388
Hardware
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		31,166	23,085
Charge-offs			(13,233)
Recoveries			1,667
Provision for loan losses			20,851
Ending Balance			31,166
Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		50,299	35,282
Charge-offs			0
Recoveries			0
Provision for loan losses			15,114
Ending Balance			50,299
Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		25,446	36,576
Charge-offs			(9,693)
Recoveries			1,129
Provision for loan losses			(2,543)
Ending Balance			25,446
Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		4,115	5,205
Charge-offs			0
Recoveries			0
Provision for loan losses			(1,260)
Ending Balance			4,115
Other
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		4,768	4,252
Charge-offs			(5,045)
Recoveries			1,880
Provision for loan losses			3,373
Ending Balance			4,768
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	238,583	213,182	207,445
Charge-offs	(67,628)	(65,115)	(96,755)
Recoveries	11,149	7,175	11,954
Provision for loan losses	80,953	81,553	93,885
Ending Balance	260,966	238,583	213,182
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	96,104	97,388
Charge-offs	(42,315)	(45,012)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts	5,664	4,649
Provision for loan losses	45,068	38,462
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	(954)	617	(2,501)
Ending Balance	103,567	96,104	97,388
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	27,614	31,166
Charge-offs	(16,148)	(10,414)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts	1,849	487
Provision for loan losses	6,555	6,051
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	(145)	324	(1,204)
Ending Balance	19,725	27,614	31,166
Commercial loans | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	82,468	50,299
Charge-offs	(112)	(323)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts	13	0
Provision for loan losses	16,485	31,625
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	(273)	867	(97)
Ending Balance	98,581	82,468	50,299
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	24,924	25,446
Charge-offs	(6,662)	(8,210)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts	348	189
Provision for loan losses	14,347	7,414
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	(777)	85	(23)
Ending Balance	32,180	24,924	25,446
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	3,532	4,115
Charge-offs	0	0
Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts	0	0
Provision for loan losses	(182)	(540)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	5	(43)	170
Ending Balance	3,355	3,532	4,115
Commercial loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	3,941	4,768
Charge-offs	(2,391)	(1,156)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts	3,275	1,850
Provision for loan losses	(1,320)	(1,459)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	53	(62)	308
Ending Balance	3,558	3,941	4,768
Commercial loans | Commercial Loan [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	(2,091)	1,788	(3,347)
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	16,441	12,184	10,168
Charge-offs			(102)
Recoveries			258
Provision for loan losses			1,812
Ending Balance	19,937	16,441	12,184
Consumer loans | Consumer Loan
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	16,441	12,184
Charge-offs	(289)	(1,567)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts	487	1,363
Provision for loan losses	3,339	4,386
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation	$ (41)	75	48
Ending Balance		$ 16,441	$ 12,184

Loans, Allowance for Loan Lo_11

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Allowance for Loan Losses Individually and Collectively Evaluated for Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$ 37,941	$ 41,793
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	170,074	174,861
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	242,962	213,231
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	28,168,206	22,931,455
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	37,675	41,215
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	165,835	172,258
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	223,291	197,368
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	25,138,802	20,304,572
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	28,527	23,088
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	114,850	110,654
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	75,040	73,016
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	6,039,905	6,061,877
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,253	8,450
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	11,506	36,350
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	18,472	19,164
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,223,051	1,157,249
Commercial loans | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0	330
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	3,700	658
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	98,581	82,138
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	14,106,860	9,951,719
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	7,484	9,315
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	34,067	21,687
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	24,696	15,609
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,351,545	1,787,140
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0	0
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,301	2,877
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,355	3,532
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	958,362	870,281
Commercial loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	411	32
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	411	32
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,147	3,909
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	459,079	476,306
Consumer loans | Consumer Loan
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	266	578
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	4,239	2,603
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	19,671	15,863
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$ 3,029,404	$ 2,626,883

Loans, Allowance for Loan Lo_12

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Credit Quality Indicators, Broken out by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	$ 28,511,312	$ 23,254,153
Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	27,492,604	22,357,492
Performing (Criticized)
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	848,634	721,800
Performing Impaired
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	75,932	55,602
Non Performing Impaired
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	94,142	119,259
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	25,480,947	20,627,844
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	6,209,978	6,232,725
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,245,800	1,200,900
Commercial loans | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	14,118,132	9,961,121
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	2,461,076	1,867,960
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	960,553	874,369
Commercial loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	485,408	490,769
Commercial loans | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	24,488,572	19,748,266
Commercial loans | Pass | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	5,574,332	5,655,739
Commercial loans | Pass | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,146,985	1,112,574
Commercial loans | Pass | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	14,098,281	9,955,082
Commercial loans | Pass | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	2,291,356	1,720,613
Commercial loans | Pass | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	909,965	834,537
Commercial loans | Pass | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	467,653	469,721
Commercial loans | Performing (Criticized)
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	826,540	707,320
Commercial loans | Performing (Criticized) | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	520,796	466,332
Commercial loans | Performing (Criticized) | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	87,309	51,976
Commercial loans | Performing (Criticized) | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	16,151	5,381
Commercial loans | Performing (Criticized) | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	135,653	125,660
Commercial loans | Performing (Criticized) | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	49,287	36,955
Commercial loans | Performing (Criticized) | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	17,344	21,016
Commercial loans | Performing Impaired
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	75,612	55,602
Commercial loans | Performing Impaired | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	48,069	31,794
Commercial loans | Performing Impaired | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	10,250	20,165
Commercial loans | Performing Impaired | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	0	0
Commercial loans | Performing Impaired | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	16,276	1,167
Commercial loans | Performing Impaired | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,017	2,476
Commercial loans | Performing Impaired | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	0	0
Commercial loans | Non Performing Impaired
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	90,223	116,656
Commercial loans | Non Performing Impaired | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	66,781	78,860
Commercial loans | Non Performing Impaired | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	1,256	16,185
Commercial loans | Non Performing Impaired | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	3,700	658
Commercial loans | Non Performing Impaired | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	17,791	20,520
Commercial loans | Non Performing Impaired | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	284	401
Commercial loans | Non Performing Impaired | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	411	32
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	3,030,365	2,626,309
Consumer loans | Real estate secured consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	2,609,645	2,297,857
Consumer loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	420,720	328,452
Consumer loans | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	3,004,032	2,609,226
Consumer loans | Pass | Real estate secured consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	2,584,261	2,282,375
Consumer loans | Pass | Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	419,771	326,851
Consumer loans | Performing (Criticized)
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	22,094	14,480
Consumer loans | Performing (Criticized) | Real estate secured consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	21,145	13,301
Consumer loans | Performing (Criticized) | Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	949	1,179
Consumer loans | Performing Impaired
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	320	0
Consumer loans | Performing Impaired | Real estate secured consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	320	0
Consumer loans | Performing Impaired | Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	0	0
Consumer loans | Non Performing Impaired
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	3,919	2,603
Consumer loans | Non Performing Impaired | Real estate secured consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	3,919	2,181
Consumer loans | Non Performing Impaired | Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	$ 0	$ 422

Loans, Allowance for Loan Lo_13

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Summary of Loans Modified in Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs) by Portfolio Segment and Class of Financing Receivables (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)troubled_debt_restructuring	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)troubled_debt_restructuring
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of TDRs | troubled_debt_restructuring	17	22
Loans modified in TDRs	$ 83,695	$ 147,793
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	83,375	147,370
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	58,089	73,455
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	9,665	51,132
Commercial loans | Private Equity And Venture Capital Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	0	350
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	12,738	19,235
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	2,883	3,198
Consumer loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs	$ 320	$ 423

Loans, Allowance for Loan Lo_14

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in TDRs (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)troubled_debt_restructuring	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)troubled_debt_restructuring	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of TDRs | troubled_debt_restructuring	17	22
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	$ 41,074	$ 93,843	$ 41,545
Partial charge-offs on loans classified as TDRs	4,600	3,000	3,600
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	40,754	93,843	40,759
Commercial loans | Software and internet
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	30,429	42,184	23,574
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	9,665	51,132	14,870
Commercial loans | Private equity/venture capital
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0	350	0
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	660	0	1,638
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	0	177	677
Consumer loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	320	0	786
Payment deferrals
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period	$ 41,100	93,500	$ 41,545
Partial forgiveness of principal
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Loans modified in TDRs during the period		$ 300

Loans, Allowance for Loan Lo_15

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in TDRs within Previous 12 months Subsequently Defaulted (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,411
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	0	0	625
Commercial loans | Hardware
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	0	0	134
Commercial loans | Premium wine
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	0	0	491
Commercial loans | Life science/healthcare
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	0	0	0
Consumer loans | Other
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 786

Loans, Allowance for Loan Lo_16

Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments - Activity in Allowance for Unfunded Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Activity in Allowance for Unfunded Commitments [Abstract]
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, beginning balance	$ 51,770	$ 45,265	$ 34,415
Provision for unfunded credit commitments	3,578	6,365	10,982
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(165)	140	(132)
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, ending balance	$ 55,183	$ 51,770	$ 45,265

Premises and Equipment - Compon

Premises and Equipment - Components of Premises and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Computer software	$ 217,017	$ 203,359
Computer hardware	70,247	63,881
Leasehold improvements	98,237	89,225
Furniture and equipment	42,319	38,146
Total	427,820	394,611
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(298,607)	(265,929)
Premises and equipment, net	$ 129,213	$ 128,682

Premises and Equipment - Additi

Premises and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 38.1	$ 38	$ 33.9

Deposits - Composition of Depos

Deposits - Composition of Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deposits [Abstract]
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	$ 39,103,422	$ 36,655,497
Interest bearing checking and savings	648,468	556,121
Money market	7,498,205	5,975,220
Money market deposits in foreign offices	152,781	111,201
Sweep deposits in foreign offices	1,875,298	908,890
Time	50,726	47,146
Total deposits	$ 49,328,900	$ 44,254,075

Deposits - Additional Informati

Deposits - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deposits [Abstract]
Time deposits equal to or greater than $250,000	$ 42	$ 37
Time deposits equal to or greater than $250,000 maturing within one year	$ 42

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_3

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Outstanding Short Term Borrowings and Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2010
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$ 631,412,000	$ 1,033,730,000
Total long-term debt	$ 696,465,000	$ 695,492,000
3.50% Senior Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Principal value			$ 350,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.50%	3.50%
5.375% Senior Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Principal value				$ 350,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.375%
Senior Notes | 3.50% Senior Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Maturity	Jan. 29, 2025
Principal value	$ 350,000,000
Total long-term debt	$ 347,639,000	$ 347,303,000
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Notes
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Maturity	Sep. 15, 2020
Principal value	$ 350,000,000
Total long-term debt	348,826,000	$ 348,189,000
Stated interest rate		5.375%
Short-term FHLB advances
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Principal value	300,000,000
Short-term borrowings	300,000,000	$ 700,000,000
Federal funds purchased
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Principal value	0
Short-term borrowings	0	330,000,000
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Principal value	319,414,000
Short-term borrowings	319,414,000	0
Other short-term borrowings
Debt Outstanding [Line Items]
Principal value	11,998,000
Short-term borrowings	$ 11,998,000	$ 3,730,000

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_4

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,019	$ 0
2,020	348,826
2,021	0
2,022	0
2,023	0
2024 and thereafter	347,639
Total	$ 696,465	$ 695,492

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_5

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Interest Expense and Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2017	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	May 15, 2007	Oct. 31, 2003
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense on debt				$ 46,600,000	$ 36,100,000	$ 37,300,000
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings				2.62%	1.39%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 696,465,000	$ 695,492,000
3.50% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal value		$ 350,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of discount and issuance cost		$ 346,400,000
Debt issuance costs				2,200,000
Discount on debt				200,000
5.375% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal value			$ 350,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of discount and issuance cost			345,000,000
Payments for settlement of 3.875% Convertible Notes			$ 250,000,000
6.05% Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal value							$ 250,000,000
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal value								$ 50,000,000
Aggregate principal amount of debenture redeemed	$ 51,500,000
Senior Notes | 3.50% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal value				350,000,000
Long-term debt				347,639,000	347,303,000
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal value				350,000,000
Long-term debt				$ 348,826,000	$ 348,189,000

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_6

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Short-term Borrowings (Details) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Short-term FHLB advances
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
FHLB advances	$ 4.4
Amount of unused FHLB credit facility	3.7
FRB advances
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Carrying value of collateral pledged	0.9
Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity	0.9
Uncommitted federal funds lines
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity	1.8
Master repurchase agreements
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity	$ 2.9

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Total Notional or Contractual Amounts, Fair Value, Collateral and Net Exposure of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	$ 108,901	$ 108,389
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	98,050	108,581
Variation Margin	400
Variation Margin - Notional Amount	212,300
Foreign exchange forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	98,643	95,449
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	86,800	95,454
Client foreign currency options
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	1,759	1,187
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	1,759	1,187
Client interest rate derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	8,499	11,753
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	9,491	11,940
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	258,139	232,152
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	98,050	108,581
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forwards | Other assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Notional or Contractual Amount	263,733	50,889
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	4,767	414
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forwards | Other liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Notional or Contractual Amount	178,310	425,055
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	1,094	5,201
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Notional or Contractual Amount	223,532	211,253
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	149,238	123,763
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client foreign exchange forwards | Other assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Notional or Contractual Amount	2,759,878	2,203,643
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	93,876	95,035
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client foreign exchange forwards | Other liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Notional or Contractual Amount	2,568,085	2,092,207
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	85,706	90,253
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client foreign currency options | Other assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Notional or Contractual Amount	93,556	102,678
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	1,759	1,187
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client foreign currency options | Other liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Notional or Contractual Amount	93,579	102,678
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	1,759	1,187
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Notional or Contractual Amount	1,020,416	726,984
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	8,499	11,753
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Notional or Contractual Amount	1,337,328	782,586
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	$ 9,491	$ 11,940

Derivative Financial Instrume_4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Derivative Activity and Related Impact on Consolidated Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest rate risks | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	$ 0	$ 1,046	$ 2,306
Interest rate risks | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest expense—borrowings
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	0	1,053	2,341
Interest rate risks | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other noninterest income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	0	(7)	(35)
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	(321)	875	(540)
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Revaluations of internal foreign currency instruments, net | Other noninterest income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	(373)	33,161	(16,676)
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward contracts, net | Other noninterest income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	52	(32,286)	16,136
Other derivative instruments | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	987	913	(1,459)
Other derivative instruments | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other noninterest income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	(179)	(564)	262
Other derivative instruments | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Revaluations of internal foreign currency instruments, net | Other noninterest income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	4,998	10,882	4,215
Other derivative instruments | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward contracts, net | Other noninterest income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	(4,011)	(9,969)	(5,674)
Equity warrant assets
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	24,417	11,862	9,251
Equity warrant assets | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Gains on equity warrant assets, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	$ 89,142	$ 54,555	$ 37,892

Derivative Financial Instrume_5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Balance Sheet Offsetting, Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$ 108,901	$ 108,389
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	108,901	108,389
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(47,242)	(26,754)
Cash Collateral Received	(11,998)	(3,730)
Net Amount	49,661	77,905
Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	123,611	247,876
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	123,611	247,876
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(123,611)	(247,876)
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	0	0
Total
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	232,512	356,265
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	232,512	356,265
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(170,853)	(274,630)
Cash Collateral Received	(11,998)	(3,730)
Net Amount	49,661	77,905
Foreign exchange forwards
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	98,643	95,449
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	98,643	95,449
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(38,213)	(14,570)
Cash Collateral Received	(11,825)	(3,616)
Net Amount	48,605	77,263
Client foreign currency options
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	1,759	1,187
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	1,759	1,187
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(613)	(557)
Cash Collateral Received	(90)	0
Net Amount	1,056	630
Client interest rate derivatives
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	8,499	11,753
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	8,499	11,753
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(8,416)	(11,627)
Cash Collateral Received	(83)	(114)
Net Amount	$ 0	$ 12

Derivative Financial Instrume_6

Derivative Financial Instruments - Balance Sheet Offsetting, Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	$ 98,050	$ 108,581
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	98,050	108,581
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(25,832)	(11,498)
Cash Collateral Pledged	(29,939)	(81,164)
Net Amount	42,279	15,919
Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Gross	319,414	0
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Asset	0	0
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase	319,414	0
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Net Amount	319,414	0
Total
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	417,464	108,581
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	417,464	108,581
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(25,832)	(11,498)
Cash Collateral Pledged	(29,939)	(81,164)
Net Amount	361,693	15,919
Foreign exchange forwards
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	86,800	95,454
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	86,800	95,454
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(24,778)	(10,997)
Cash Collateral Pledged	(20,732)	(69,110)
Net Amount	41,290	15,347
Client foreign currency options
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	1,759	1,187
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	1,759	1,187
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	(1,054)	(501)
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	(130)
Net Amount	705	556
Client interest rate derivatives
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	9,491	11,940
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	9,491	11,940
Financial Instruments (Collateral)	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	(9,207)	(11,924)
Net Amount	$ 284	$ 16

Noninterest Income - Summary of

Noninterest Income - Summary of Noninterest Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of noninterest income [Abstract]
Gains on investment securities, net									$ 88,094	$ 64,603	$ 51,740
Gains on equity warrant assets, net									89,142	54,555	37,892	[1]
Foreign exchange fees									138,812	115,760	104,183
Credit card fees									94,072	76,543	68,205
Deposit service charges									76,097	58,715	52,524
Client investment fees									130,360	56,136	32,219
Lending related fees									41,949	43,265	33,395
Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees									34,600	28,544	25,644
Other									51,858	59,110	50,750	[1]
Noninterest income	$ 186,707	$ 210,070	$ 192,689	$ 155,518	$ 152,266	$ 158,778	$ 128,528	$ 117,659	$ 744,984	$ 557,231	$ 456,552
[1]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects a new line item to separately disclose net gains on equity warrant assets. In prior periods, net gains on equity warrant assets were reported as a component of net gains on derivative instruments. We removed the line item "gains on derivative instruments, net" and reclassified all other gains on derivative instruments, net to other noninterest income.

Noninterest Income - Gains on I

Noninterest Income - Gains on Investment Securities, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Gains and Losses on Investments [Abstract]
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net	$ 88,834	$ 69,792	$ 39,545
(Losses) gains on sales of available-for-sale debt securities, net	(740)	(5,189)	12,195
Gains on investment securities, net	$ 88,094	$ 64,603	$ 51,740

Noninterest Income - Gains on E

Noninterest Income - Gains on Equity Warrant Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Gains and Losses on Derivatives [Abstract]
Gains on exercises, net	$ 58,186	$ 48,275	$ 31,197
Terminations	(5,964)	(4,422)	(3,015)
Changes in fair value, net	36,920	10,702	9,710
Gains on equity warrant assets, net	$ 89,142	$ 54,555	$ 37,892	[1]
[1]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects a new line item to separately disclose net gains on equity warrant assets. In prior periods, net gains on equity warrant assets were reported as a component of net gains on derivative instruments. We removed the line item "gains on derivative instruments, net" and reclassified all other gains on derivative instruments, net to other noninterest income.

Noninterest Income - Foreign Ex

Noninterest Income - Foreign Exchange Fees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 511,656
Revenue not from contracts with customer	233,328
Foreign exchange fees	138,812	$ 115,760	$ 104,183
Spot contract commissions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	127,459	104,344	89,354
Forward contract commissions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue not from contracts with customer	10,940	10,934	14,004
Option premium fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue not from contracts with customer	$ 413	$ 482	$ 825

Noninterest Income - Credit Car

Noninterest Income - Credit Card Fees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Card interchange fees, net	$ 74,381	$ 60,224	$ 51,513
Revenue from contracts with customers	511,656
Revenue not from contracts with customer	233,328
Total credit card fees	94,072	76,543	68,205
Merchant service fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	14,420	11,584	12,783
Card service fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue not from contracts with customer	$ 5,271	$ 4,735	$ 3,909

Noninterest Income - Client Inv

Noninterest Income - Client Investment Fees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 511,656
Sweep money market fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	75,654	$ 28,485	$ 15,147
Asset management fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	23,882	16,831	15,389
Repurchase agreement fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	30,824	10,820	1,683
Client investment fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 130,360	$ 56,136	$ 32,219

Noninterest Income - Lending Re

Noninterest Income - Lending Related Fees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Lending related fees	$ 41,949	$ 43,265	$ 33,395
Unused commitment fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Lending related fees	32,452	34,110	25,654
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Lending related fees	$ 9,497	$ 9,155	$ 7,741

Noninterest Income - Summary _2

Noninterest Income - Summary of Other Noninterest Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Fund management fees	$ 23,016	$ 21,214	$ 19,195
Net gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments, net of foreign exchange forward contracts(1)	666	1,788	(1,999)
Other service revenue	28,176	36,108	33,554
Other	$ 51,858	$ 59,110	$ 50,750	[1]
[1]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects a new line item to separately disclose net gains on equity warrant assets. In prior periods, net gains on equity warrant assets were reported as a component of net gains on derivative instruments. We removed the line item "gains on derivative instruments, net" and reclassified all other gains on derivative instruments, net to other noninterest income.

Noninterest Income - Disaggrega

Noninterest Income - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									$ 511,656
Revenue not from contracts with customer									233,328
Noninterest income	$ 186,707	$ 210,070	$ 192,689	$ 155,518	$ 152,266	$ 158,778	$ 128,528	$ 117,659	744,984	$ 557,231	$ 456,552
Global Commercial Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									408,263
Revenue not from contracts with customer									36,384
Noninterest income									444,647
SVB Private Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									2,329
Revenue not from contracts with customer									(48)
Noninterest income									2,281
SVB Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									23,016
Revenue not from contracts with customer									78,165
Noninterest income									101,181
Other Income
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									78,048
Revenue not from contracts with customer									118,827
Noninterest income									196,875
Spot contract commissions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									127,459	104,344	89,354
Spot contract commissions | Global Commercial Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									126,445
Spot contract commissions | SVB Private Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									691
Spot contract commissions | SVB Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Spot contract commissions | Other Income
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									323
Card interchange fees, gross
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									134,502
Card interchange fees, gross | Global Commercial Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									134,074
Card interchange fees, gross | SVB Private Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Card interchange fees, gross | SVB Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Card interchange fees, gross | Other Income
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									428
Merchant service fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									14,420
Merchant service fees | Global Commercial Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									14,415
Merchant service fees | SVB Private Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									4
Merchant service fees | SVB Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Merchant service fees | Other Income
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									1
Deposit service charges
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									76,097
Deposit service charges | Global Commercial Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									74,348
Deposit service charges | SVB Private Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									108
Deposit service charges | SVB Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Deposit service charges | Other Income
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									1,641
Client investment fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									130,360	$ 56,136	$ 32,219
Client investment fees | Global Commercial Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									53,179
Client investment fees | SVB Private Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									1,526
Client investment fees | SVB Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Client investment fees | Other Income
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									75,655
Fund management fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									23,016
Fund management fees | Global Commercial Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Fund management fees | SVB Private Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Fund management fees | SVB Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									23,016
Fund management fees | Other Income
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Correspondent bank rebates
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									5,802
Correspondent bank rebates | Global Commercial Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									5,802
Correspondent bank rebates | SVB Private Bank
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Correspondent bank rebates | SVB Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									0
Correspondent bank rebates | Other Income
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers									$ 0

Other Noninterest Expense (Deta

Other Noninterest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Noninterest Expense [Abstract]
Lending and other client related processing costs	$ 24,237	$ 23,768	$ 19,867
Telephone	9,404	10,647	9,793
Data processing services	10,811	10,251	9,014
Dues and publications	4,605	3,263	2,828
Postage and supplies	2,799	2,797	2,851
Other	21,682	21,419	17,890
Total other noninterest expense	$ 73,538	$ 72,145	$ 62,243

Income Taxes - Components of Pr

Income Taxes - Components of Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Current provision:
Federal									$ 249,358		$ 263,231		$ 195,249
State									123,264		67,046		59,319
Deferred expense (benefit):
Federal									(11,777)		24,654		(3,560)
State									(9,284)		532		(675)
Income tax expense	$ 105,000	$ 95,308	$ 77,287	$ 73,966	$ 135,051	$ 97,351	$ 71,656	$ 51,405	$ 351,561	[1]	$ 355,463	[1]	$ 250,333
[1]	Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.

Income Taxes - Reconciliation b

Income Taxes - Reconciliation between Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of the federal tax effect	7.20%	5.80%	5.90%
Net deferred tax assets revaluation (TCJ Act)	0.00%	4.30%	0.00%
Meals and entertainment	0.30%	0.30%	0.40%
Disallowed officer's compensation	0.20%	0.10%	0.10%
FDIC premiums	0.50%	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based compensation expense on incentive stock options and ESPP	(1.40%)	(2.10%)	0.00%
Qualified affordable housing project tax credits	(0.30%)	(0.40%)	(0.50%)
Tax-exempt interest income	(0.60%)	(0.30%)	(0.20%)
Valuation allowance benefit	0.00%	0.00%	(0.30%)
Other, net	(0.40%)	(0.70%)	(0.90%)
Effective income tax rate	26.50%	42.00%	39.50%

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$ 93,580	$ 84,812
Net unrealized losses on AFS debt securities	19,704	12,404
Share-based compensation expense	10,642	9,418
State income taxes	13,854	9,186
Accrued compensation	8,291	8,336
Deferred rent	7,940	8,169
Other accruals	7,061	7,165
Net operating loss	2,447	2,300
Loan fee income and costs	0	1,189
Other	11,339	3,639
Deferred tax assets	174,858	146,618
Valuation allowance	(2,107)	(2,624)
Net deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	172,751	143,994
Deferred tax liabilities:
Derivative equity warrant assets	(32,861)	(29,127)
Change in accounting method (section 481(a))	(8,034)	(15,953)
Net unrealized gains on AFS equity securities	0	(11,145)
Non-marketable and other equity securities	(45,759)	(10,724)
Premises and equipment and other intangibles	(10,284)	(9,223)
Other	(10,380)	(3,977)
Deferred tax liabilities	(107,318)	(80,149)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 65,433	$ 63,845

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ (2,107)	$ (2,624)
Unrecognized tax benefit	14,139	12,683	$ 5,711	$ 3,658
Unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would reduce income tax expense	10,100
Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	2,200	2,500
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	7,600	10,600
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Before Interest And Penalties
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefit	$ 12,689	$ 11,505	$ 5,269	$ 3,357

Income Taxes - Changes in Unrec

Income Taxes - Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefit (Including Interest and Penalties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 12,683	$ 5,711	$ 3,658
Additions for tax positions for current year	4,171	3,141	793
Additions for tax positions for prior years	1,454	4,132	1,593
Reduction for tax positions for prior years	(2,108)	(224)	(287)
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(521)	(77)	(46)
Reduction as a result of settlement	(1,540)
Ending Balance	14,139	12,683	5,711
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Before Interest And Penalties
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	11,505	5,269	3,357
Additions for tax positions for current year	4,171	3,141	793
Additions for tax positions for prior years	631	3,378	1,427
Reduction for tax positions for prior years	(1,865)	(223)	(271)
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(435)	(60)	(37)
Reduction as a result of settlement	(1,318)
Ending Balance	12,689	11,505	5,269
Interest & Penalties
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,178	442	301
Additions for tax positions for current year	0	0	0
Additions for tax positions for prior years	823	754	166
Reduction for tax positions for prior years	(243)	(1)	(16)
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(86)	(17)	(9)
Reduction as a result of settlement	(222)
Ending Balance	$ 1,450	$ 1,178	$ 442

Employee Compensation and Ben_3

Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans - Expenses Incurred Under Certain Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Incentive Compensation Plan	$ 160,293	$ 125,584	$ 96,892
Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan	40,578	18,721	21,174
Retention Program	1,438	1,317	1,475
Warrant Incentive Plan	9,112	15,386	4,954
Deferred Compensation Plan	0	203	1,318
SVBFG 401(k) Plan	21,323	17,860	16,078
SVBFG ESOP	$ 6,435	$ 4,719	$ 3,159

Employee Compensation and Ben_4

Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Employee Home Ownership Plan | 12 month LIBOR
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Basis spread on EHOP loans	2.25%
Defined Contribution Plan, The 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 annual amount allowable for employee contributions	$ 18,500	$ 18,000	$ 18,000
Maximum percentage of employer matching contributions towards 401(k) plan	5.00%
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%
Deferrals under the DC Plan	$ 5,500,000		4,400,000
DC Plan investment gains	$ 1,700,000	$ 4,700,000	$ 2,400,000
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]
Amortization period	30 years
EHOP loan term, option one	5 years
EHOP loan term, option two	7 years
EHOP loan term, option three	10 years
Maximum loan amount percentage lesser of purchase price or the appraised value	80.00%

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement_3

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Summary Information Related to Commitments to Extend Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed interest rate commitments	$ 1,839,190	$ 1,478,157
Variable interest rate commitments	14,821,815	14,034,169
Total loan commitments available for funding	16,661,005	15,512,326
Commercial and standby letters of credit	2,252,016	1,950,211
Total unfunded credit commitments	18,913,021	17,462,537
Commitments unavailable for funding	2,723,835	2,117,057
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments	$ 55,183	$ 51,770	$ 45,265	$ 34,415

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement_4

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Summary of Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Expires In One Year or Less	$ 2,214,349
Expires After One Year	37,667
Total Amount Outstanding	2,252,016
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	2,252,016
Financial standby letters of credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Expires In One Year or Less	2,043,767
Expires After One Year	33,570
Total Amount Outstanding	2,077,337
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	2,077,337
Performance standby letters of credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Expires In One Year or Less	133,259
Expires After One Year	3,746
Total Amount Outstanding	137,005
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	137,005
Commercial letters of credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Expires In One Year or Less	37,323
Expires After One Year	351
Total Amount Outstanding	37,674
Maximum Amount of Future Payments	$ 37,674

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement_5

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	$ 598	$ 27,057		$ 736
Rent expense for premises and equipment leased under operating leases	$ 34,600	31,300	$ 24,800
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Commitments expiration period	10 years
Unrestricted percentage of committed capital to call	100.00%
Consolidated 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
Consolidated 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 revenue	$ 14,100	$ 12,400
Collateral in the form of cash	$ 1,200,000

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement_6

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Total Capital Commitments, Unfunded Capital Commitments, and Our Ownership in Each Fund (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	$ 5,849
Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	1,338
Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	1,936
Growth Partners, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	2,575
Parent Company
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	457,670
Unfunded Commitments	15,252
Parent Company | CP I, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	6,000
Unfunded Commitments	$ 270
Ownership interest percentage	10.70%
Parent Company | CP II, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 1,200
Unfunded Commitments	$ 162
Ownership interest percentage	5.10%
Parent Company | Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund (LP)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 843
Unfunded Commitments	$ 0
Ownership interest percentage	6.80%
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 15,300
Unfunded Commitments	$ 688
Ownership interest percentage	12.60%
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 15,000
Unfunded Commitments	$ 1,050
Ownership interest percentage	8.60%
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 15,000
Unfunded Commitments	$ 1,275
Ownership interest percentage	5.90%
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 12,239
Unfunded Commitments	$ 2,325
Ownership interest percentage	5.00%
Parent Company | Strategic Investors Fund V funds
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 515
Unfunded Commitments	131
Parent Company | Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	12,688
Unfunded Commitments	$ 0
Ownership interest percentage	20.00%
Parent Company | Growth Partners, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 24,670
Unfunded Commitments	$ 1,340
Ownership interest percentage	33.00%
Parent Company | Debt funds (equity method accounting)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	$ 58,493
Unfunded Commitments	0
Parent Company | Other fund investments
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Commitments	295,722
Unfunded Commitments	$ 8,011

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement_7

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Total Capital Commitments, Unfunded Capital Commitments, and Our Ownership in Each Fund (Footnote Information) (Details) - Investment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Upper Limit
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Indirect ownership interest | CP II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	1.30%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Direct ownership interest | CP II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	3.80%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Equity method accounting | CP II, LP
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	5.10%	5.10%
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Equity method accounting | Other fund investments
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Number of other funds with investment commitments	216
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Equity method accounting | Other fund investments | Upper Limit
Venture Capital and Private Equity Fund Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage	5.00%

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement_8

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Remaining Unfunded Commitments to Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds by our Consolidated Managed Funds (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	$ 5,849
Strategic Investors Fund, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	1,338
Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	1,936
Growth Partners, LP
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded Commitments	$ 2,575

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement_9

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments - Minimum Future Payments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,019	$ 38,609
2,020	37,575
2,021	35,854
2,022	31,659
2,023	30,904
2024 and thereafter	49,071
Net minimum operating lease payments	$ 223,672

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 7,790,043	$ 11,120,664
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	108,901	108,389
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	98,050	108,581
Client interest rate derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	8,499	11,753
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	9,491	11,940
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	258,139	232,152
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	98,050	108,581
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	149,238	123,763
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	8,499	11,753
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	9,491	11,940
U.S. treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	4,738,258	6,840,502
U.S. agency debentures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,084,117	1,567,128
Foreign government debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	5,812
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value		72,269
Measured on a recurring basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	7,790,043	11,120,664
Total assets	8,388,011	11,481,237
Total liabilities	98,050	108,581
Measured on a recurring basis | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	100,402	96,636
Measured on a recurring basis | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	88,559	96,641
Measured on a recurring basis | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	149,238	123,763
Measured on a recurring basis | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	8,499	11,753
Measured on a recurring basis | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	9,491	11,940
Measured on a recurring basis | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	339,829	128,421
Measured on a recurring basis | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	1,079	919
Measured on a recurring basis | Other securities | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	20,398	310
Measured on a recurring basis | U.S. treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	4,738,258	6,840,502
Measured on a recurring basis | U.S. agency debentures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,084,117	1,567,128
Measured on a recurring basis | Foreign government debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	5,812
Measured on a recurring basis | Fixed rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,880,218	2,267,035
Measured on a recurring basis | Variable rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	81,638	373,730
Measured on a recurring basis | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value		72,269
Measured on a recurring basis | 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	4,744,070	6,840,660
Total assets	4,745,251	6,840,970
Total liabilities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | 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	1,181	310
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other securities | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	1,181	310
Measured on a recurring basis | 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	4,738,258	6,840,502
Measured on a recurring basis | 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
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Foreign government debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	5,812
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fixed rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Variable rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | 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		158
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	3,045,973	4,280,004
Total assets	3,178,130	4,390,825
Total liabilities	98,050	108,581
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	100,402	96,636
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	88,559	96,641
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	4,039	2,432
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	8,499	11,753
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	9,491	11,940
Measured on a recurring basis | 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	19,217	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other securities | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	19,217	0
Measured on a recurring basis | 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	0
Measured on a recurring basis | 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	1,084,117	1,567,128
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign government debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,880,218	2,267,035
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Variable rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	81,638	373,730
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value		72,111
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	0	0
Total assets	146,278	122,250
Total liabilities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange forward and option contracts | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity warrant assets | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	145,199	121,331
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Assets	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Client interest rate derivatives | Other liability
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	1,079	919
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	1,079	919
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other securities | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | 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	0
Measured on a recurring basis | 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
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign government debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fixed rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Variable rate | Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value	0	0
Measured on a recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value		0
Measured on a recurring basis | Measured at net asset value | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Non-marketable securities	$ 318,352	$ 127,192

Fair Value of Financial Instr_4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Footnote Information) (Details) - Measured on a recurring basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 8,388,011	$ 11,481,237
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	4,745,251	6,840,970
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	146,278	122,250
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	3,178,130	4,390,825
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		200
Noncontrolling Interests | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 900	$ 800

Fair Value of Financial Instr_5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information about Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Measured on a recurring basis - Fair value accounting - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 122,250	$ 130,853	$ 137,208
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	88,439	55,234	38,070
Sales	(78,752)	(76,861)	(56,647)
Issuances	17,941	14,537	13,405
Distributions and Other Settlements	(297)	0	25
Transfers Out of Level 3	(3,303)	(1,513)	(1,208)
Ending Balance	146,278	122,250	130,853
Equity warrant assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	121,331	128,813	135,168
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	87,982	54,263	38,091
Sales	(78,752)	(74,769)	(56,643)
Issuances	17,941	14,537	13,405
Distributions and Other Settlements	0	0	0
Transfers Out of Level 3	(3,303)	(1,513)	(1,208)
Ending Balance	145,199	121,331	128,813
Non-marketable securities | Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	919	2,040	2,040
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income	457	971	(21)
Sales	0	(2,092)	(4)
Issuances	0	0	0
Distributions and Other Settlements	(297)	0	25
Transfers Out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 1,079	$ 919	$ 2,040

Fair Value of Financial Instr_6

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Unrealized Gains Included in Earnings Attributable to Level 3 Assets Held (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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	$ 37,724	$ 10,730
Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests	143	(397)
Equity warrant assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Unrealized Gains (Losses) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains included in earnings attributable to Level 3 assets still held	37,564	11,174
Non-marketable securities | Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | 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	$ 160	$ (444)

Fair Value of Financial Instr_7

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs (Details) - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 142,442	$ 119,395
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,757	1,936
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 1,079	$ 919
Volatility | Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.385	0.367
Volatility | Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.547	0.479
Risk-Free Interest Rate | Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.025	0.018
Risk-Free Interest Rate | Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.026	0.021
Sales restrictions discount | Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.185	0.155
Marketability discount | Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.177	0.164
Remaining life assumption | Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.450	0.450

Fair Value of Financial Instr_8

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs (Footnote Information) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Lower Limit
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Duration of the sale restrictions	3 months
Upper Limit
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Duration of the sale restrictions	6 months
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio) | Sales restrictions discount | Lower Limit
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.1
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio) | Sales restrictions discount | Upper Limit
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted Average	0.2
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Weighted average contractual remaining term	6 years 26 days
Estimated remaining life	2 years 8 months 23 days

Fair Value of Financial Instr_9

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities	$ 15,188,236	$ 12,548,280
Net loans	28,057,377	22,851,292
Time deposits	50,726	47,146
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,571,539	2,923,075
Held-to-maturity securities	15,487,442	12,663,455
Non-marketable securities not measured at net asset value	131,453	120,019
Non-marketable securities measured at net asset value	151,247	228,399
FHLB and FRB stock	58,878	60,020
Non-maturity deposits	49,278,174	44,206,929
Time deposits	50,726	47,146
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	631,412	1,033,730
Carrying Amount | 3.50% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	347,639	347,303
Carrying Amount | 5.375% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	348,826	348,189
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,571,539	2,923,075
Held-to-maturity securities	15,188,236	12,548,280
Non-marketable securities not measured at net asset value	131,453	126,345
Non-marketable securities measured at net asset value	151,247	331,496
FHLB and FRB stock	58,878	60,020
Non-maturity deposits	49,278,174	44,206,929
Time deposits	50,337	46,885
Commitments to extend credit	22,930	22,208
Estimated Fair Value | Other short-term borrowings
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	631,412	1,033,730
Estimated Fair Value | 3.50% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	336,088	352,058
Estimated Fair Value | 5.375% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	361,281	374,483
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	3,571,539	2,923,075
Held-to-maturity securities	0	0
Non-marketable securities not measured at net asset value	0	0
FHLB and FRB stock	0	0
Non-maturity deposits	49,278,174	44,206,929
Time deposits	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	0	1,033,730
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 | 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	15,188,236	12,548,280
Non-marketable securities not measured at net asset value	0	0
FHLB and FRB stock	0	0
Non-maturity deposits	0	0
Time deposits	50,337	46,885
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	631,412	0
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | 3.50% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	336,088	352,058
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	361,281	374,483
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	0	0
Non-marketable securities not measured at net asset value	131,453	126,345
FHLB and FRB stock	58,878	60,020
Non-maturity deposits	0	0
Time deposits	0	0
Commitments to extend credit	22,930	22,208
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
Commercial loans | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	25,043,671	20,238,247
Commercial loans | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	25,463,968	20,520,623
Commercial loans | Estimated Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	0	0
Commercial loans | Estimated Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	0	0
Commercial loans | Estimated Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	25,463,968	20,520,623
Consumer loans | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	3,013,706	2,613,045
Consumer loans | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	3,064,093	2,593,538
Consumer loans | Estimated Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	0	0
Consumer loans | Estimated Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	0	0
Consumer loans | Estimated Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net loans	$ 3,064,093	$ 2,593,538

Fair Value of Financial Inst_10

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Investments and Remaining Unfunded Commitments for Each Major Category of Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$ 469,599
Fair Value	469,599
Unfunded Commitments	18,802
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Fair value accounting
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	318,352
Fair Value	318,352
Unfunded Commitments	12,973
Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments | Equity method accounting
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	129,485
Fair Value	129,485
Unfunded Commitments	4,943
Non-marketable securities | Debt funds | Equity method accounting
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	5,826
Fair Value	5,826
Unfunded Commitments	0
Non-marketable securities | Other investments | Equity method accounting
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	15,936
Fair Value	15,936
Unfunded Commitments	$ 886

Fair Value of Financial Inst_11

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Investments and Remaining Unfunded Commitments for Each Major Category of Investments (Textual) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 469,599
Unfunded commitments	18,802
Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value	318,352
Unfunded commitments	12,973
Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities | Noncontrolling Interests | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value	87,100
Unfunded commitments	$ 4,400
Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities | Lower Limit | Consolidated 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
Fair value accounting | Non-marketable securities | Upper Limit | Consolidated 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
Equity method accounting | Non-marketable securities | Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 129,485
Unfunded commitments	4,943
Equity method accounting | Non-marketable securities | Other investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair value	15,936
Unfunded commitments	$ 886
Equity method accounting | Non-marketable securities | Lower Limit | Other investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Estimated future period of distributions from the fund investments	5 years
Equity method accounting | Non-marketable securities | Upper Limit | Other investments
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Estimated future period of distributions from the fund investments	8 years

Regulatory Matters - Capital Ra

Regulatory Matters - Capital Ratios for Company and Bank under Federal Regulatory Guidelines (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SVB Financial Group
CET 1 risk-based capital, actual ratio	13.41%	12.78%
CET 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum ratio	6.50%	6.50%
CET 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	4.50%	4.50%
CET 1 risk-based capital, actual amount	$ 5,167,270	$ 4,182,315
CET 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	2,504,310	2,127,902
CET 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$ 1,733,753	$ 1,473,163
Tier 1 risk-based capital, actual ratio	13.58%	12.97%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, actual amount	$ 5,231,476	$ 4,246,606
Tier 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	3,082,228	2,618,957
Tier 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$ 2,311,671	$ 1,964,218
Total risk-based capital, actual ratio	14.45%	13.96%
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	$ 5,567,562	$ 4,571,542
Total risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	3,852,785	3,273,696
Total risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$ 3,082,228	$ 2,618,957
Tier 1 leverage, actual ratio	9.06%	8.34%
Tier 1 leverage, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier 1 leverage, actual amount	$ 5,231,476	$ 4,246,606
Tier 1 leverage, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$ 2,308,592	$ 2,036,138
Silicon Valley Bank
CET 1 risk-based capital, actual ratio	12.41%	12.06%
CET 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum ratio	6.50%	6.50%
CET 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	4.50%	4.50%
CET 1 risk-based capital, actual amount	$ 4,604,689	$ 3,787,988
CET 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	2,411,765	2,041,227
CET 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$ 1,669,684	$ 1,413,157
Tier 1 risk-based capital, actual ratio	12.41%	12.06%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital, actual amount	$ 4,604,689	$ 3,787,988
Tier 1 risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	2,968,326	2,512,279
Tier 1 risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$ 2,226,245	$ 1,884,209
Total risk-based capital, actual ratio	13.32%	13.04%
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	$ 4,940,776	$ 4,094,782
Total risk-based capital, well capitalized minimum amount	3,710,408	3,140,349
Total risk-based capital, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$ 2,968,326	$ 2,512,279
Tier 1 leverage, actual ratio	8.10%	7.56%
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	$ 4,604,689	$ 3,787,988
Tier 1 leverage, well capitalized minimum amount	2,841,139	2,504,636
Tier 1 leverage, adequately capitalized minimum amount	$ 2,272,912	$ 2,003,709

Segment Reporting - Segment Inf

Segment Reporting - Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment									3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income	$ 514,460	$ 493,222	$ 466,443	$ 419,863	$ 393,706	$ 373,974	$ 342,696	$ 309,993	$ 1,893,988	$ 1,420,369	$ 1,150,523
Provision for credit losses	(13,644)	(17,174)	(29,080)	(27,972)	(22,242)	(23,522)	(15,806)	(30,734)	(87,870)	(92,304)	(106,679)
Noninterest income	186,707	210,070	192,689	155,518	152,266	158,778	128,528	117,659	744,984	557,231	456,552
Noninterest expense	$ (307,592)	$ (309,445)	$ (305,739)	$ (265,417)	$ (264,015)	$ (257,761)	$ (251,246)	$ (237,633)	(1,188,193)	(1,010,655)	(859,797)	[1]
Income before income tax expense									1,362,909	874,641	640,599
Total average loans, net of unearned income									25,630,520	21,159,394	18,283,591
Total average assets									55,229,060	48,380,272	43,987,451
Total average deposits									48,075,344	42,745,148	38,759,059
Global Commercial Bank
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Noninterest income									444,647
Income before income tax expense									1,194,023	848,906
SVB Private Bank
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Noninterest income									2,281
Income before income tax expense									38,780	38,227
SVB Capital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Noninterest income									101,181
Income before income tax expense									78,412	39,700
Operating segments | Global Commercial Bank
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income									1,623,488	1,274,366	1,040,712
Provision for credit losses									(80,953)	(81,553)	(93,885)
Noninterest income									444,647	363,759	318,366
Noninterest expense									(793,159)	(707,666)	(630,655)
Income before income tax expense											634,538
Total average loans, net of unearned income									22,354,305	18,479,793	16,047,545
Total average assets									53,012,381	46,302,350	41,495,332
Total average deposits									46,039,570	41,043,731	37,301,483
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization									21,800	25,300	24,900
Operating segments | SVB Private Bank
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income									64,902	58,131	53,582
Provision for credit losses									(3,339)	(4,386)	(1,812)
Noninterest income									2,281	2,175	2,713
Noninterest expense									(25,064)	(17,693)	(12,379)
Income before income tax expense											42,104
Total average loans, net of unearned income									2,850,271	2,423,078	2,025,381
Total average assets									2,546,904	2,449,763	2,047,513
Total average deposits									1,502,308	1,303,542	1,133,425
Operating segments | SVB Capital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income									23	48	(49)
Provision for credit losses									0	0	0
Noninterest income									101,181	58,992	49,365
Noninterest expense									(22,792)	(19,340)	(15,546)
Income before income tax expense											33,770
Total average loans, net of unearned income									0	0	0
Total average assets									380,543	325,939	338,848
Total average deposits									0	0	0
Other Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest income									205,575	87,824	56,278
Provision for credit losses									(3,578)	(6,365)	(10,982)
Noninterest income									196,875	132,305	86,108
Noninterest expense									(347,178)	(265,956)	(201,217)
Income before income tax expense									51,694	(52,192)	(69,813)
Total average loans, net of unearned income									425,944	256,523	210,665
Total average assets									(710,768)	(697,780)	105,758
Total average deposits									$ 533,466	$ 397,875	$ 324,151
[1]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects our provision for loan losses and provision for unfunded credit commitments together as our “provision for credit losses”. In prior periods, our provision for unfunded credit commitments were reported separately as a component of noninterest expense.

Parent Company Only Condensed_3

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information - Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,571,539	$ 2,923,075	$ 2,545,750	$ 1,503,257
Investment securities	24,218,589	24,435,172
Other assets	951,261	876,246
Total assets	56,927,979	51,214,467
Liabilities and total equity
Other liabilities	1,006,359	911,755
Total liabilities	51,663,136	46,895,052
SVBFG stockholders' equity	5,116,209	4,179,795
Total liabilities and total equity	56,927,979	51,214,467
Parent Company
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	553,049	457,324	$ 500,014	$ 377,013
Investment securities	510,836	485,220
Other assets	204,301	196,974
Total assets	5,939,967	4,992,600
Liabilities and total equity
Other liabilities	127,293	117,313
Total liabilities	823,758	812,805
SVBFG stockholders' equity	5,116,209	4,179,795
Total liabilities and total equity	5,939,967	4,992,600
Parent Company | 3.50% Senior Notes
Liabilities and total equity
Senior Notes	347,639	347,303
Parent Company | 5.375% Senior Notes
Liabilities and total equity
Senior Notes	348,826	348,189
Parent Company | Bank Subsidiaries
Assets:
Investment in subsidiaries	4,554,813	3,762,542
Parent Company | Nonbank Subsidiaries
Assets:
Investment in subsidiaries	$ 116,968	$ 90,540

Parent Company Only Condensed_4

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information - Condensed Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest income	$ 542,897	$ 513,313	$ 481,301	$ 432,398	$ 405,016	$ 385,271	$ 353,927	$ 320,926	$ 1,969,909		$ 1,465,140		$ 1,193,396
Interest expense	(28,437)	(20,091)	(14,858)	(12,535)	(11,310)	(11,297)	(11,231)	(10,933)	(75,921)		(44,771)		(42,873)
Gains on equity warrant assets, net									89,142		54,555		37,892	[1]
Gains on investment securities, net									88,094		64,603		51,740
Fund management fees									23,016		21,214		19,195
Income tax expense	(105,000)	(95,308)	(77,287)	(73,966)	(135,051)	(97,351)	(71,656)	(51,405)	(351,561)	[2]	(355,463)	[2]	(250,333)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 266,264	$ 274,817	$ 237,798	$ 194,961	$ 117,210	$ 148,620	$ 123,193	$ 101,483	973,840	[2]	490,506	[2]	382,685
Parent Company
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									3,307		2,077		690
Interest expense									(32,037)		(34,932)		(35,316)
Dividend income from subsidiary									140,000		90,000		40,000
Gains on equity warrant assets, net									89,142		54,555		37,892
Gains on investment securities, net									13,546		37,132		20,644
Fund management fees									26,388		24,613		21,913
General and administrative expenses									(70,976)		(63,077)		(55,139)
Income tax expense									(14,383)		10,367		423
Loss before net income of subsidiaries									154,987		120,735		31,107
Net income available to common stockholders									973,840		490,506		382,685
Parent Company | Bank Subsidiaries
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Loss before net income of subsidiaries									933,641		446,769		379,629
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary									793,641		356,769		339,629
Parent Company | Nonbank Subsidiaries
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Loss before net income of subsidiaries									25,212		13,002		11,949
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary									$ 25,212		$ 13,002		$ 11,949
[1]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects a new line item to separately disclose net gains on equity warrant assets. In prior periods, net gains on equity warrant assets were reported as a component of net gains on derivative instruments. We removed the line item "gains on derivative instruments, net" and reclassified all other gains on derivative instruments, net to other noninterest income.
[2]	Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.

Parent Company Only Condensed_5

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information - Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 266,264	$ 274,817	$ 237,798	$ 194,961	$ 117,210	$ 148,620	$ 123,193	$ 101,483	$ 973,840	[1]	$ 490,506	[1]	$ 382,685
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(52,648)		(24,902)		8,026
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG									921,192		465,604		390,711
Parent Company
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income available to common stockholders									973,840		490,506		382,685
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)									(4,107)		3,769		3,071
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale									120		22,285		654
Equity in other comprehensive income (losses) of subsidiaries									(19,171)		(50,956)		4,301
Reclassifications due to new accounting guidance									(29,490)		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(52,648)		(24,902)		8,026
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG									$ 921,192		$ 465,604		$ 390,711
[1]	Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.

Parent Company Only Condensed_6

Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Gains on equity warrant assets, net		$ (89,142)	$ (54,555)	$ (37,892)	[1]
Amortization of share-based compensation		45,675	36,900	35,494
Other, net		(54,039)	15,909	41,684
Net cash provided by operating activities		933,562	646,865	471,760
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in loans		(5,175,409)	(3,170,099)	(3,157,281)
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities		(4,800,375)	(5,970,496)	981,561
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments of long-term debt		0	(97,781)	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP and ESOP		18,387	27,003	26,147
Common stock repurchase		(147,123)	0	0
Tax effect from stock exercises	[2]	0	0	(3,640)
Net cash provided by (used for) by financing activities		4,515,277	5,700,956	(410,828)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		648,464	377,325	1,042,493
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		2,923,075	2,545,750	1,503,257
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		3,571,539	2,923,075	2,545,750
Parent Company
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income available to common stockholders		973,840	490,506	382,685
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Gains on equity warrant assets, net		(89,142)	(54,555)	(37,892)
Gains on investment securities, net		(13,546)	(17,060)	(3,106)
Distributions of earnings on investments		47,596	14,015	3,137
Net income of subsidiaries		(154,987)	(120,735)	(31,107)
Cash dividends from bank subsidiary		140,000	90,000	40,000
Amortization of share-based compensation		45,675	36,900	35,494
Decrease (increase) in other assets		51,169	12,959	35,699
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities		21,619	11,774	15,293
Other, net		(31,024)	316	2,999
Net cash provided by operating activities		187,334	125,084	82,731
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in investment securities from purchases, sales and maturities		73,742	(152,015)	34,055
Net decrease (increase) in loans		0	13,337	(3,478)
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities		37,127	(143,231)	17,763
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments of long-term debt		0	(51,546)	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP and ESOP		18,387	27,003	26,147
Common stock repurchase		147,123	0	0
Tax effect from stock exercises		0	0	(3,640)
Net cash provided by (used for) by financing activities		(128,736)	(24,543)	22,507
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		95,725	(42,690)	123,001
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		457,324	500,014	377,013
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		553,049	457,324	500,014
Bank Subsidiaries | Parent Company
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Net income of subsidiaries		(933,641)	(446,769)	(379,629)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Increase (decrease) in investment in subsidiaries		(31,292)	(38,927)	(14,738)
Nonbank Subsidiaries | Parent Company
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Net income of subsidiaries		(25,212)	(13,002)	(11,949)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Increase (decrease) in investment in subsidiaries		$ (5,323)	$ 34,374	$ 1,924
[1]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects a new line item to separately disclose net gains on equity warrant assets. In prior periods, net gains on equity warrant assets were reported as a component of net gains on derivative instruments. We removed the line item "gains on derivative instruments, net" and reclassified all other gains on derivative instruments, net to other noninterest income.
[2]	In 2017 we adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts. Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial_3

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data - Supplemental Consolidated Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 542,897	$ 513,313	$ 481,301	$ 432,398	$ 405,016	$ 385,271	$ 353,927	$ 320,926	$ 1,969,909		$ 1,465,140		$ 1,193,396
Interest expense	28,437	20,091	14,858	12,535	11,310	11,297	11,231	10,933	75,921		44,771		42,873
Net interest income	514,460	493,222	466,443	419,863	393,706	373,974	342,696	309,993	1,893,988		1,420,369		1,150,523
Provision for credit losses	13,644	17,174	29,080	27,972	22,242	23,522	15,806	30,734	87,870		92,304		106,679
Noninterest income	186,707	210,070	192,689	155,518	152,266	158,778	128,528	117,659	744,984		557,231		456,552
Noninterest expense	307,592	309,445	305,739	265,417	264,015	257,761	251,246	237,633	1,188,193		1,010,655		859,797	[1]
Income before income tax expense	379,931	376,673	324,313	281,992	259,715	251,469	204,172	159,285
Income tax expense	105,000	95,308	77,287	73,966	135,051	97,351	71,656	51,405	351,561	[2]	355,463	[2]	250,333
Net income before noncontrolling interests	274,931	281,365	247,026	208,026	124,664	154,118	132,516	107,880	1,011,348		519,178		390,266
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8,667)	(6,548)	(9,228)	(13,065)	(7,454)	(5,498)	(9,323)	(6,397)	(37,508)		(28,672)		(7,581)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 266,264	$ 274,817	$ 237,798	$ 194,961	$ 117,210	$ 148,620	$ 123,193	$ 101,483	$ 973,840	[2]	$ 490,506	[2]	$ 382,685
Earnings per common share—basic (usd per share)	$ 5.01	$ 5.16	$ 4.48	$ 3.69	$ 2.22	$ 2.82	$ 2.34	$ 1.94	$ 18.35	[2]	$ 9.33	[2]	$ 7.37
Earnings per common share—diluted (usd per share)	$ 4.96	$ 5.10	$ 4.42	$ 3.63	$ 2.19	$ 2.79	$ 2.32	$ 1.91	$ 18.11	[2]	$ 9.20	[2]	$ 7.31
[1]	Our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was modified from prior periods’ presentation to conform to the current period's presentation, which reflects our provision for loan losses and provision for unfunded credit commitments together as our “provision for credit losses”. In prior periods, our provision for unfunded credit commitments were reported separately as a component of noninterest expense.
[2]	Included in income tax expense, net income available to common stockholders, earnings per common share-basic and earnings for common share-diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are tax benefits recognized associated with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of 2017. This guidance was adopted on a prospective basis with no change to prior period amounts.

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Leerink Holdings LLC - Subsequent event $ in Millions	Jan. 04, 2019USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash paid up front for acquisition	$ 280
Retention pool for acquiree employees	$ 60
Vesting period of retention pool for acquiree employees	5 years