| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 05, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Entity Registrant Name | SVB Financial Group |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-15637 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 91-1962278 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3003 Tasman Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Clara |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95054-1191 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 654-7400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000719739 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SIVB |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Amendment Flag | false |
