Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Affordable Housing Real Estate Joint Ventures
Dec. 31, 2011
Affordable Housing Real Estate Joint Ventures
Sep. 30, 2012
Real Estate Joint Ventures
Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate Joint Ventures
Sep. 30, 2012
Fixed-Rate Senior Mortgage Loan Commitments
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed-Rate Senior Mortgage Loan Commitments
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]              
Number of ventures invested by company   27 28 8 11    
Mortgage loans, carrying value $ 16.4         $ 1.7 $ 7.0
Losses realizable if tax credits received were recaptured   $ 12.8 $ 13.2        
Maximum exposure to loss, required compliance period, years 15 years