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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Entity Registrant Name	UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000857855
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 483,964,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,435,474
Non-Voting Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,316,794

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Interest revenue:
Loans, including fees	$ 217,140	$ 239,056	$ 277,904
Investment securities:
Taxable	43,657	55,251	58,821
Tax exempt	956	1,009	1,137
Deposits in banks and short-term investments	3,986	2,321	3,260
Total interest revenue	265,739	297,637	341,122
Deposits:
NOW	2,049	3,998	6,966
Money market	2,518	5,456	7,552
Savings	150	234	331
Time	19,518	39,151	66,883
Total deposit interest expense	24,235	48,839	81,732
Short-term borrowings	2,987	4,250	4,235
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	907	2,042	3,355
Long-term debt	10,201	10,544	10,749
Total interest expense	38,330	65,675	100,071
Net interest revenue	227,409	231,962	241,051
Provision for loan losses	62,500	251,000	223,000
Net interest revenue after provision for loan losses	164,909	(19,038)	18,051
Fee revenue:
Service charges and fees	31,670	29,110	30,127
Mortgage loan and other related fees	10,483	5,419	7,019
Brokerage fees	3,082	2,986	2,662
Securities gains, net	7,078	842	2,552
Losses on prepayment of borrowings	(6,681)	(791)	(2,233)
Other	11,139	12,342	8,421
Total fee revenue	56,771	49,908	48,548
Total revenue	221,680	30,870	66,599
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits	96,026	100,095	96,618
Occupancy	14,304	15,645	15,394
Communications and equipment	12,940	13,135	13,781
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges	10,097	14,259	13,747
Professional fees	8,792	9,727	9,254
Postage, printing and supplies	3,899	4,256	4,072
Advertising and public relations	3,855	4,291	4,625
Amortization of intangibles	2,917	3,016	3,160
Foreclosed property	13,993	78,905	65,707
Goodwill impairment			210,590
Loss on sale of nonperforming assets			45,349
Other	19,951	18,270	16,594
Total operating expenses	186,774	261,599	498,891
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	34,906	(230,729)	(432,292)
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,050	(3,983)	71,217
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	33,856	(226,746)	(503,509)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes			(101)
Gain from sale of subsidiary, net of income taxes and selling costs			1,266
Net income (loss)	33,856	(226,746)	(502,344)
Preferred stock dividends	12,148	11,838	10,316
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 21,708	$ (238,584)	$ (512,660)
Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share - basic / diluted	$ 0.38	$ (5.97)	$ (27.15)
Income (loss) per common share - basic / diluted	$ 0.38	$ (5.97)	$ (27.09)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic / diluted	57,857	39,943	18,925

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, Before-tax Amount	$ 34,906	$ (230,729)	$ (432,292)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(1,050)	3,983	(71,217)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	33,856	(226,746)	(503,509)
Loss from discontinued operations, Tax (Expense) Benefit			62
Loss from discontinued operations, Before-tax Amount			(163)
Loss from discontinued operations, Net of Tax Amount			(101)
Gain from sale of subsidiary, Before-tax Amount			2,110
Gain from sale of subsidiary, Tax (Expense) Benefit			(776)
Gain from sale of subsidiary, Net of Tax Amount			1,266
Unrealized (losses) gains on available for sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, Before-tax Amount	748	(1,275)	(6,624)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(273)	361	2,268
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, Net of Tax Amount	475	(914)	(4,356)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (loss), Before-tax Amount	(7,078)	(842)	(2,552)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (loss), Tax (Expense) Benefit	2,753	328	993
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (loss), Net of Tax Amount	(4,325)	(514)	(1,559)
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, Before-tax Amount
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(2,480)	(689)	(3,261)
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, Before-tax Amount	(2,480)	(689)	(3,261)
Net unrealized losses, Before-tax Amount	(6,330)	(2,117)	(9,176)
Net unrealized losses, Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net unrealized losses, Net of Tax Amount	(6,330)	(2,117)	(9,176)
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Before-tax Amount	(1,988)	(2,177)	(1,527)
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Tax (Expense) Benefit	773	846	594
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Net of Tax Amount	(1,215)	(1,331)	(933)
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from the amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Before-tax Amount
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from the amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(773)	(846)	(594)
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from the amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity, Net of Tax Amount	(773)	(846)	(594)
Net unrealized losses, Before-tax Amount	(1,988)	(2,177)	(1,527)
Net unrealized losses, Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net unrealized losses, Net of Tax Amount	(1,988)	(2,177)	(1,527)
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Before-tax Amount	(3,712)	(15,116)	(16,081)
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Tax (Expense) Benefit	1,444	5,880	6,374
Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Net of Tax Amount	(2,268)	(9,236)	(9,707)
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Before-tax Amount	(8,739)
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Tax (Expense) Benefit	3,400
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, Net of Tax Amount	(5,339)
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses and amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on cash flow hedges, Before-tax Amount
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses and amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on cash flow hedges, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(4,844)	(5,880)	(6,374)
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses and amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on cash flow hedges, Net of Tax Amount	(4,844)	(5,880)	(6,374)
Net unrealized losses, Before-tax Amount	(12,451)	(15,116)	(16,081)
Net unrealized losses, Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net unrealized losses, Net of Tax Amount	(12,451)	(15,116)	(16,081)
Reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses, Before-tax Amount		(4,750)
Reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses, Tax (Expense) Benefit		1,848
Reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses, Net of Tax Amount		(2,902)
Net actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan, Tax (Expense) Benefit	69
Net actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan, Before-tax Amount	(177)
Net actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan, Net of Tax Amount	(108)
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(240)
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan, Before-tax Amount	615	1,540	414
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan, Net of Tax Amount	375
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses and amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses, Before-tax Amount
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses and amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses, Tax (Expense) Benefit	171	(1,848)
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses and amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses, Net of Tax Amount	171	(1,848)
Net defined benefit pension plan activity, Before-tax Amount	438	(4,750)
Net defined benefit pension plan activity, Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net defined benefit pension plan activity, Net of Tax Amount	438	(4,750)
Total other comprehensive loss, Before-tax Amount	(20,331)	(24,160)	(26,784)
Total other comprehensive loss, Tax (Expense) Benefit
Total other comprehensive loss, Net of Tax Amount	(20,331)	(24,160)	(26,784)
Comprehensive income (loss), Before-tax Amount	14,575	(254,889)	(457,197)
Comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Expense) Benefit	(1,050)	3,983	(71,931)
Comprehensive income (loss), Net of Tax Amount	$ 13,525	$ (250,906)	$ (529,128)

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$ 66,536	$ 53,807
Interest-bearing deposits in banks	124,613	139,609
Short-term investments	60,000	185,000
Cash and cash equivalents	251,149	378,416
Securities available for sale	1,834,593	1,790,047
Securities held to maturity (fair value $261,131 and $343,531)	244,184	330,203
Mortgage loans held for sale	28,821	23,881
Loans, net of unearned income	4,175,008	4,109,614
Less allowance for loan losses	(107,137)	(114,468)
Loans, net	4,067,871	3,995,146
Assets covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC	47,467	78,145
Premises and equipment, net	168,920	175,088
Bank owned life insurance	81,867	80,599
Accrued interest receivable	18,659	20,693
Goodwill and other intangible assets	5,510	8,428
Foreclosed property	18,264	32,859
Other assets	34,954	69,915
Total assets	6,802,259	6,983,420
Deposits:
Demand	1,252,605	992,109
NOW	1,316,453	1,509,896
Money market	1,149,912	1,038,778
Savings	227,308	199,007
Time:
Less than $100,000	1,055,271	1,332,394
Greater than $100,000	705,558	847,152
Brokered	245,033	178,647
Total deposits	5,952,140	6,097,983
Short-term borrowings	52,574	102,577
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	40,125	40,625
Long-term debt	124,805	120,225
Unsettled securities purchases		10,325
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	51,210	36,199
Total liabilities	6,220,854	6,407,934
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	42,424	41,647
Common stock issuable; 133,238 and 93,681 shares	3,119	3,233
Capital surplus	1,057,951	1,054,940
Accumulated deficit	(709,153)	(730,861)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(23,640)	(3,309)
Total shareholders' equity	581,405	575,486
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	6,802,259	6,983,420
Series A Preferred Stock
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	217	217
Total shareholders' equity	217	217
Series B Preferred Stock
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	178,557	177,092
Total shareholders' equity	178,557	177,092
Series D Preferred Stock
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	16,613	16,613
Total shareholders' equity	16,613	16,613
Non-Voting Common Stock
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	15,317	15,914
Total shareholders' equity	$ 15,317	$ 15,914

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Held to maturity, fair value	$ 261,131	$ 343,531
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	42,423,870	41,647,100
Common stock, shares outstanding	42,423,870	41,647,100
Common stock issuable, shares	133,238	93,681
Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value	$ 10	$ 10
Preferred stock, shares issued	21,700	21,700
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	21,700	21,700
Series B Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	180,000	180,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	180,000	180,000
Series D Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	16,613	16,613
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	16,613	16,613
Non-Voting Common Stock
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,316,794	15,914,209
Common stock, shares outstanding	15,316,794	15,914,209

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Series A Preferred Stock	Series B Preferred Stock	Series D Preferred Stock	Series F Preferred Stock	Series G Preferred Stock	Non-Voting Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock Issuable	Capital Surplus	Retained Earning (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 962,321	$ 217	$ 174,408					$ 18,809	$ 3,597	$ 697,271	$ 20,384	$ 47,635
Net income/loss	(502,344)										(502,344)
Other comprehensive loss	(26,784)											(26,784)
Issuance of equity instruments in private equity transaction	39,813									39,813
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans	1,835							122		1,713
Amortization of stock option and restricted stock	2,459									2,459
Vesting of restricted stock awards (64,839 common shares issued, 36,673 common shares deferred in 2012, 12,239 common shares issued, 6,382 common shares deferred in 2011 and 2,113 common shares issued, 8,304 common shares deferred in 2010)								2	607	(609)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend equivalents	295								295
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (4,611 common shares in 2012, 6,266 common shares in 2011 and 3,990 common shares in 2010)	(4)							4	(605)	597
Preferred stock dividends:
Series A	(13)										(13)
Series B, including accretion	(9,000)		1,303								(10,303)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2010	468,578	217	175,711					18,937	3,894	741,244	(492,276)	20,851
Net income/loss	(226,746)										(226,746)
Other comprehensive loss	(24,160)											(24,160)
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans	1,453							156		1,297
Penalty received on incomplete private equity transaction	3,250									3,250
Preferred for common equity exchange related to tax benefits preservation plan (1,551,126 common shares)				16,613				(1,551)		(15,062)
Common and preferred stock issued (3,467,699 common shares)	361,560				195,872	151,185		3,468		11,035
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (597,415 shares in 2012 and Series F and Series G Preferred Stock (20,618,156 voting and 15,914,209 non-voting common shares) in 2011)					(195,872)	(151,185)	15,914	20,618		310,525
Amortization of stock option and restricted stock	2,144									2,144
Vesting of restricted stock awards (64,839 common shares issued, 36,673 common shares deferred in 2012, 12,239 common shares issued, 6,382 common shares deferred in 2011 and 2,113 common shares issued, 8,304 common shares deferred in 2010)								13	54	(67)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend equivalents	241								241
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (4,611 common shares in 2012, 6,266 common shares in 2011 and 3,990 common shares in 2010)								6	(956)	950
Tax on option exercise and restricted stock vesting	(376)									(376)
Preferred stock dividends:
Series A	(13)										(13)
Series B, including accretion	(9,020)		1,381								(10,401)
Series D	(1,425)										(1,425)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	575,486	217	177,092	16,613			15,914	41,647	3,233	1,054,940	(730,861)	(3,309)
Net income/loss	33,856										33,856
Other comprehensive loss	(20,331)											(20,331)
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans	900							110		790
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (597,415 shares in 2012 and Series F and Series G Preferred Stock (20,618,156 voting and 15,914,209 non-voting common shares) in 2011)							(597)	597
Amortization of stock option and restricted stock	1,976									1,976
Vesting of restricted stock awards (64,839 common shares issued, 36,673 common shares deferred in 2012, 12,239 common shares issued, 6,382 common shares deferred in 2011 and 2,113 common shares issued, 8,304 common shares deferred in 2010)								65	155	(220)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend equivalents	201								201
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (4,611 common shares in 2012, 6,266 common shares in 2011 and 3,990 common shares in 2010)								5	(470)	465
Preferred stock dividends:
Series A	(12)										(12)
Series B, including accretion	(9,000)		1,465								(10,465)
Series D	(1,671)										(1,671)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 581,405	$ 217	$ 178,557	$ 16,613			$ 15,317	$ 42,424	$ 3,119	$ 1,057,951	$ (709,153)	$ (23,640)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Common stock issued to dividend reinvestment plan and employee benefit plans	109,905	156,816	121,777
Common and preferred stock, shares issued		3,467,699
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan			3,990
Series D Preferred Stock
Preferred for common equity exchange related to tax benefits preservation plan, shares		1,551,126
Series F Preferred Stock
Number of voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		20,618,156
Number of non-voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		15,914,209
Common and preferred stock, shares issued		3,467,699
Series G Preferred Stock
Number of voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		20,618,156
Number of non-voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		15,914,209
Common and preferred stock, shares issued		3,467,699
Non-Voting Common Stock
Number of voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		20,618,156
Number of non-voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		15,914,209
Conversion of stocks, shares	597,415
Common Stock
Preferred for common equity exchange related to tax benefits preservation plan, shares		1,551,126
Number of voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		20,618,156
Number of non-voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		15,914,209
Common stock issued to dividend reinvestment plan and employee benefit plans	109,905	156,816	121,777
Common and preferred stock, shares issued		3,467,699
Conversion of stocks, shares	597,415
Vesting of restricted stock, shares issued	64,839	12,239	2,113
Vesting of restricted stock, shares deferred	36,673	6,382	8,304
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan	4,611	6,266	3,990
Common Stock Issuable
Vesting of restricted stock, shares issued	64,839	12,239	2,113
Vesting of restricted stock, shares deferred	36,673	6,382	8,304
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan	4,611	6,266	3,990
Capital Surplus
Preferred for common equity exchange related to tax benefits preservation plan, shares		1,551,126
Number of voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		20,618,156
Number of non-voting common shares in Conversion of Series F and Series G Preferred Stock		15,914,209
Common stock issued to dividend reinvestment plan and employee benefit plans	109,905	156,816	121,777
Common and preferred stock, shares issued		3,467,699
Vesting of restricted stock, shares issued	64,839	12,239	2,113
Vesting of restricted stock, shares deferred	36,673	6,382	8,304
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan	4,611	6,266	3,990

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 33,856	$ (226,746)	$ (502,344)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	32,562	21,084	16,388
Provision for loan losses	62,500	251,000	223,000
Goodwill impairment charges			210,590
Stock based compensation	1,976	2,144	2,459
Deferred income tax expense			69,254
Securities gains, net	(7,078)	(842)	(2,552)
Losses on prepayment of borrowings	6,681	791	2,233
Losses and write downs on sales of other real estate owned	8,875	68,406	49,326
Gain from sale of subsidiary			(2,110)
Loss on sale of nonperforming assets			45,349
Change in assets and liabilities:
Other assets and accrued interest receivable	43,738	27,188	25,881
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,908	(3,171)	(8,406)
Mortgage loans held for sale	(4,940)	12,027	(5,682)
Net cash provided by operating activities	183,078	151,881	123,386
Investment securities held to maturity:
Proceeds from maturities and calls	82,801	76,764	102,567
Purchases		(144,506)	(55,513)
Investment securities available for sale:
Proceeds from sales	469,167	128,217	75,528
Proceeds from maturities and calls	629,896	493,276	779,963
Purchases	(1,166,653)	(1,184,013)	(872,513)
Net (increase) decrease in loans	(159,814)	53,104	160,217
Proceeds from loan sales		99,298	27,823
Proceeds collected from FDIC under loss sharing agreements	14,292	33,572	27,562
Purchases of premises and equipment	(4,117)	(7,210)	(7,128)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment	1,059	737	103
Net cash received from sale of subsidiary			2,842
Net cash received from sale of nonperforming assets			20,618
Proceeds from sale of other real estate	31,356	86,789	111,222
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(102,013)	(363,972)	373,291
Financing activities, net of effects of business combinations:
Net change in deposits	(145,843)	(371,189)	(154,902)
Net change in short-term borrowings	(54,483)	1,510	(322)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances	1,789,000
Settlement of Federal Home Loan Bank advances	(1,791,701)	(15,291)	(61,181)
Repayments of long-term debt	(30,500)	(30,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	35,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans	894	1,453	1,831
Proceeds from issuance of common and preferred stock, net of offering costs		361,560
Proceeds from penalty on incomplete private equity transaction		3,250
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock	(12)	(13)	(13)
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock	(9,000)	(9,020)	(9,000)
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock	(1,687)	(1,210)
Net cash used in financing activities	(208,332)	(58,950)	(223,587)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(127,267)	(271,041)	273,090
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	378,416	649,457	376,367
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	251,149	378,416	649,457
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	42,107	68,068	112,171
Income taxes paid (refunds received)	$ (26,164)	$ 138	$ (37,184)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Segments shares
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments \| Segments		1
Real estate secured loan portfolio		85.00%
Minimum nonaccrual loan relationships		$ 500,000
Minimum accruing relationships rated substandard		$ 2,000,000
Maximum percentage of amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit likely of being realized on examination		50.00%
Common Stock
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock issued during period shares reverse stock splits \| shares		1
Non-Voting Common Stock
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock issued during period shares reverse stock splits \| shares		5
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization over the estimated useful life		10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Buildings and improvements [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful Life		40 years
Maximum [Member] \| Land Improvements [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful Life		35 years
Maximum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful Life		10 years
Minimum [Member] \| Buildings and improvements [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful Life		15 years
Minimum [Member] \| Land Improvements [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful Life		10 years
Minimum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful Life		3 years
Brintech [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Sales price	$ 2,900,000
Net pre-tax gain	$ 2,100,000
Federal Funds [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum maturity period of investments and reverse repurchase agreements		1 day
Commercial Paper [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum maturity period of investments and reverse repurchase agreements		90 days

Mergers and Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered assets	$ 47,467	$ 78,145
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	33,416	54,482
Covered foreclosed property	7,278	10,371
Estimated loss reimbursement from the FDIC	6,773	13,292
Total covered assets	47,467	78,145
Construction and land development [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	4,117	11,139
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	22,823	32,934
Residential mortgage [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	5,418	8,115
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	959	2,133
Consumer Installment [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	99	161
Purchased Impaired Loans [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	521	697
Covered foreclosed property	0
Estimated loss reimbursement from the FDIC	0
Total covered assets	521	697
Purchased Impaired Loans [Member] \| Construction and land development [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	405	547
Purchased Impaired Loans [Member] \| Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	0
Purchased Impaired Loans [Member] \| Residential mortgage [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	116	145
Purchased Impaired Loans [Member] \| Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	0
Purchased Impaired Loans [Member] \| Consumer Installment [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans		5
Other Purchased Loans [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	32,895	53,785
Covered foreclosed property	0
Estimated loss reimbursement from the FDIC	0
Total covered assets	32,895	53,785
Other Purchased Loans [Member] \| Construction and land development [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	3,712	10,592
Other Purchased Loans [Member] \| Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	22,823	32,934
Other Purchased Loans [Member] \| Residential mortgage [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	5,302	7,970
Other Purchased Loans [Member] \| Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	959	2,133
Other Purchased Loans [Member] \| Consumer Installment [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	99	156
Other [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	0
Covered foreclosed property	7,278	10,371
Estimated loss reimbursement from the FDIC	6,773	13,292
Total covered assets	14,051	$ 23,663
Other [Member] \| Construction and land development [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	0
Other [Member] \| Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	0
Other [Member] \| Residential mortgage [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	0
Other [Member] \| Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	0
Other [Member] \| Consumer Installment [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Schedule of components of covered assets
Total covered loans	$ 0

Mergers and Acquisitions (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Mergers and Acquisitions (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Mergers and Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Exceeding sharing agreements losses	$ 109
Southern Community Bank [Member] \| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [Member]
Mergers and Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of absorption of losses by FDIC under terms of loss sharing agreements	80.00%
Percentage of recoveries of losses by FDIC under the terms of the loss sharing agreements	80.00%
Percentage of absorption of losses exceeding by FDIC under the terms of the loss sharing agreements	95.00%
Percentage of recoveries of losses exceeding by FDIC under the terms of the loss sharing agreements	95.00%
Exceeding sharing agreements losses	$ 109
Term for loss sharing loans	10 years
Term for other loss sharing loans	5 years
Average life of indemnification asset	4 years
Valuation allowance	$ 0

Cash Flows (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Cash Flows (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash Flows (Textual) [Abstract]
Non-accrual loans transferred to foreclosed property	$ 34,000	$ 65,700	$ 238,000
Sale of foreclosed assets	9,400	21,100	$ 56,900
Unsettled securities purchases		$ 10,325
Unsettled securities sold	$ 5,760

- Definition

Aggregate amounts payable to broker-dealers and clearing organizations include amounts payable for securities failed to receive, certain deposits received for securities loaned, amounts payable to clearing organizations on open transactions, and floor-brokerage payables. In addition, the net receivable or payable arising from unsettled trades would be reflected in those captions. A broker-dealer that purchases securities, either for its own account or for a customer's account, but does not receive the securities on the settlement date records the amount of money representing the purchase price of the securities, including any accrued interest, as a liability to the selling broker-dealer. This liability is paid when the securities are received by the purchasing broker-dealer.

+ References + Details

Reverse Repurchase Agreements / Securities Lending Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of amounts outstanding under reverse repurchase agreements
Assets	$ 375,000	$ 245,000
Liabilities	315,000	60,000
Net Balance (Asset)	$ 60,000	$ 185,000
Weighted average interest rate - Assets	1.18%	1.07%
Weighted average interest rate - Liabilities	0.43%	0.38%
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements subject to master netting agreements [Member]
Summary of amounts outstanding under reverse repurchase agreements
Assets	$ 265,000	$ 60,000
Liabilities	265,000	60,000
Net Balance (Asset)	0
Offsetting securities lending transactions subject to master netting arrangements [Member]
Summary of amounts outstanding under reverse repurchase agreements
Assets	50,000
Liabilities	50,000
Net Balance (Asset)	0
Other reverse repurchase agreements [Member]
Summary of amounts outstanding under reverse repurchase agreements
Assets	60,000	185,000
Liabilities	0
Net Balance (Asset)	$ 60,000	$ 185,000

Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	$ 244,184	$ 330,203
Gross Unrealized Gains	16,947	13,683
Gross Unrealized Losses		355
Fair value	261,131	343,531
U.S. Government agencies [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost		5,000
Gross Unrealized Gains		6
Fair value		5,006
State and political subdivisions [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	51,780	51,903
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,486	4,058
Gross Unrealized Losses		13
Fair value	57,266	55,948
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity
Amortized Cost	192,404	273,300
Gross Unrealized Gains	11,461	9,619
Gross Unrealized Losses		342
Fair value	$ 203,865	$ 282,577

Investment Securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale
Amortized Cost	$ 1,817,774	$ 1,766,134
Gross Unrealized Gains	26,852	35,491
Gross Unrealized Losses	10,033	11,578
Fair value	1,834,593	1,790,047
U.S. Government agencies [Member]
Cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale
Amortized Cost		43,592
Gross Unrealized Gains		158
Fair value		43,750
State and political subdivisions [Member]
Cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale
Amortized Cost	27,717	24,997
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,354	1,345
Gross Unrealized Losses	19	3
Fair value	29,052	26,339
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale
Amortized Cost	1,408,042	1,576,064
Gross Unrealized Gains	22,552	33,988
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,092	143
Fair value	1,428,502	1,609,909
Corporate bonds [Member]
Cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale
Amortized Cost	169,783	119,110
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,052
Gross Unrealized Losses	7,173	11,432
Fair value	163,662	107,678
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale
Amortized Cost	209,411
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,894
Gross Unrealized Losses	749
Fair value	210,556
Other [Member]
Cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale
Amortized Cost	2,821	2,371
Fair value	$ 2,821	$ 2,371

Investment Securities (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Summary of held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$ 10,967
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	342
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	363
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	13
Fair Value, Total	11,330
Unrealized Loss, Total	355
State and political subdivisions [Member]
Summary of held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	363
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	13
Fair Value, Total	363
Unrealized Loss, Total	13
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	10,967
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	342
Fair Value, Total	10,967
Unrealized Loss, Total	$ 342

Investment Securities (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$ 433,595	$ 141,551
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	2,994	5,307
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	93,913	87,495
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	7,039	6,271
Fair Value, Total	527,508	229,046
Unrealized Loss, Total	10,033	11,578
State and political subdivisions [Member]
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	3,674
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	17
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	10	11
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	2	3
Fair Value, Total	3,684	11
Unrealized Loss, Total	19	3
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	326,485	98,687
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	2,092	110
Fair Value, 12 Months or More		22,719
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More		33
Fair Value, Total	326,485	121,406
Unrealized Loss, Total	2,092	143
Corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	21,248	42,864
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	136	5,197
Fair Value, 12 Months or More	93,903	64,765
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or More	7,037	6,235
Fair Value, Total	115,151	107,629
Unrealized Loss, Total	7,173	$ 11,432
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Summary of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	82,188
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	749
Fair Value, Total	82,188
Unrealized Loss, Total	$ 749

Investment Securities (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Investment Securities (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of securities sales activity with realized gains and losses derived using specific identification method
Proceeds from sales	$ 469,167	$ 128,217	$ 75,528
Gross gains on sales	7,364	1,173	3,751
Gross losses on sales	(286)	(331)	(249)
Impairment losses	0	0	(950)
Net gains on sales of securities	7,078	842	2,552
Income tax expense attributable to sales	$ 2,753	$ 328	$ 993

- Definition

The amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 35
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16383099&loc=d3e25351-111560

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15C
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 16B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-2/124-2
-Paragraph 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Investment Securities (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortized cost and fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities by contractual maturity
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	$ 1,817,774	$ 1,766,134
Fair value	1,834,593	1,790,047
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost	244,184	330,203
Fair value	261,131	343,531
U.S. Government agencies [Member]
Amortized cost and fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities by contractual maturity
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost		5,000
Fair value		5,006
State and political subdivisions [Member]
Amortized cost and fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities by contractual maturity
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	5,328
Available for Sale, Fair Value, Within 1 year	5,334
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	15,023
Available for Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	15,962
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	6,518
Available for Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	6,823
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	848
Available for Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	933
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	27,717
Fair value	29,052
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	9,084
Held to Maturity, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	9,842
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	26,054
Held to Maturity, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	28,819
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	16,642
Held to Maturity, Fair Value, More than 10 years	18,605
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost	51,780	51,903
Fair value	57,266	55,948
Corporate bonds [Member]
Amortized cost and fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities by contractual maturity
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	38,063
Available for Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	38,103
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	120,964
Available for Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	115,504
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	10,756
Available for Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	10,055
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	169,783
Fair value	163,662
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost
Fair value
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost and fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities by contractual maturity
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	50,301
Available for Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	50,071
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	139,546
Available for Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	140,724
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	19,564
Available for Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	19,761
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	209,411
Fair value	210,556
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost
Fair value
Other [Member]
Amortized cost and fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities by contractual maturity
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	2,821
Available for Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	2,821
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	2,821
Fair value	2,821
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost
Fair value
Total securities other than mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost and fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities by contractual maturity
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, Within 1 year	5,328
Available for Sale, Fair Value, Within 1 year	5,334
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	103,387
Available for Sale, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	104,136
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	267,028
Available for Sale, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	263,051
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	33,989
Available for Sale, Fair Value, More than 10 years	33,570
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost, 1 to 5 years	9,084
Held to Maturity, Fair Value, 1 to 5 years	9,842
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost, 5 to 10 years	26,054
Held to Maturity, Fair Value, 5 to 10 years	28,819
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost, More than 10 years	16,642
Held to Maturity, Fair Value, More than 10 years	18,605
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost and fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities by contractual maturity
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	1,408,042
Fair value	1,428,502
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost	192,404	273,300
Fair value	$ 203,865	$ 282,577

Investment Securities (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Securities	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Investment Securities (Textual) [Abstract]
Securities available for sale with a fair value				$ 315,000
Unrealized gain				7,100
Carrying value of secure public deposits, FHLB advances and other secured borrowings		$ 1,400,000	$ 1,720,000
Number of available for sale securities in unrealized loss position \| Securities		68
Number of held to maturity securities in unrealized loss position \| Securities		0
Impairment charges		$ 0	$ 0	$ 950
Increase in interest revenue due to change in accounting estimate	$ 2,000
Increase in EPS due to change in accounting estimate \| $ / shares	$ 0.03

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Classifications of loans
Total commercial	$ 2,426,380	$ 2,413,818
Total loans	4,175,008	4,109,614	$ 4,604,126
Less allowance for loan losses	(107,137)	(114,468)	(174,695)	$ (155,602)
Loans, net	4,067,871	3,995,146
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member]
Classifications of loans
Total commercial	1,813,365	1,821,414
Total loans	1,813,365	1,821,414	1,761,424
Less allowance for loan losses	(27,847)	(31,644)	(31,191)	(19,208)
Commercial & industrial [Member]
Classifications of loans
Total commercial	458,246	428,249
Total loans	458,246	428,249	441,518
Less allowance for loan losses	(5,537)	(5,681)	(7,580)	(6,892)
Commercial construction [Member]
Classifications of loans
Total commercial	154,769	164,155
Total loans	154,769	164,155	296,582
Less allowance for loan losses	(8,389)	(6,097)	(6,780)	(5,861)
Residential mortgage [Member]
Classifications of loans
Total loans	1,214,203	1,134,902	1,278,780
Less allowance for loan losses	(26,642)	(29,076)	(22,305)	(17,266)
Residential construction [Member]
Classifications of loans
Total loans	381,677	448,391	695,166
Less allowance for loan losses	(26,662)	(30,379)	(92,571)	(93,585)
Consumer installment [Member]
Classifications of loans
Total loans	152,748	112,503	130,656
Less allowance for loan losses	$ (2,747)	$ (2,124)	$ (3,030)	$ (2,545)

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Changes in the allowance for loan losses
Balance beginning of period	$ 114,468	$ 174,695	$ 155,602
Provision for loan losses	62,500	251,000	223,000
Total loans charged-off	74,633	316,305	224,723
Total recoveries	4,802	5,078	20,816
Net charge-offs	69,831	311,227	203,907
Balance end of period	107,137	114,468	174,695
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member]
Changes in the allowance for loan losses
Balance beginning of period	31,644	31,191	19,208
Provision for loan losses	18,573	59,473	44,409
Total loans charged-off	23,062	59,468	33,593
Total recoveries	692	448	1,167
Balance end of period	27,847	31,644	31,191
Commercial & industrial [Member]
Changes in the allowance for loan losses
Balance beginning of period	5,681	7,580	6,892
Provision for loan losses	1,176	22,024	9,763
Total loans charged-off	2,424	24,890	10,837
Total recoveries	1,104	967	1,762
Balance end of period	5,537	5,681	7,580
Commercial construction [Member]
Changes in the allowance for loan losses
Balance beginning of period	6,097	6,780	5,861
Provision for loan losses	7,592	54,844	10,481
Total loans charged-off	5,411	55,730	9,993
Total recoveries	111	203	431
Balance end of period	8,389	6,097	6,780
Residential mortgage [Member]
Changes in the allowance for loan losses
Balance beginning of period	29,076	22,305	17,266
Provision for loan losses	14,029	59,740	32,978
Total loans charged-off	17,262	53,707	28,806
Total recoveries	799	738	867
Balance end of period	26,642	29,076	22,305
Residential construction [Member]
Changes in the allowance for loan losses
Balance beginning of period	30,379	92,571	93,585
Provision for loan losses	19,271	55,046	120,282
Total loans charged-off	24,260	118,916	136,666
Total recoveries	1,272	1,678	15,370
Balance end of period	26,662	30,379	92,571
Consumer Installment [Member]
Changes in the allowance for loan losses
Balance beginning of period	2,124	3,030	2,545
Provision for loan losses	2,013	1,644	4,094
Total loans charged-off	2,214	3,594	4,828
Total recoveries	824	1,044	1,219
Balance end of period	$ 2,747	$ 2,124	$ 3,030

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance beginning of period	$ 114,468	$ 174,695	$ 155,602
Charge-offs	(74,633)	(316,305)	(224,723)
Recoveries	4,802	5,078	20,816
Provision	62,500	251,000	223,000
Balance end of period	107,137	114,468	174,695
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				$ 11,644	$ 14,825	$ 1,049
Collectively evaluated for impairment				95,493	99,643	173,646
Total ending allowance balance	114,468	174,695	155,602	107,137	114,468	174,695
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				252,810	257,259	122,976
Collectively evaluated for impairment				3,922,198	3,852,355	4,481,150
Total loans				4,175,008	4,109,614	4,604,126
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance beginning of period	31,644	31,191	19,208
Charge-offs	(23,062)	(59,468)	(33,593)
Recoveries	692	448	1,167
Provision	18,573	59,473	44,409
Balance end of period	27,847	31,644	31,191
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				6,106	7,491	268
Collectively evaluated for impairment				21,741	24,153	30,923
Total ending allowance balance	31,644	31,191	19,208	27,847	31,644	31,191
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				104,409	107,831	41,818
Collectively evaluated for impairment				1,708,956	1,713,583	1,719,606
Total loans				1,813,365	1,821,414	1,761,424
Commercial & industrial [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance beginning of period	5,681	7,580	6,892
Charge-offs	(2,424)	(24,890)	(10,837)
Recoveries	1,104	967	1,762
Provision	1,176	22,024	9,763
Balance end of period	5,537	5,681	7,580
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				490	1,117
Collectively evaluated for impairment				5,047	4,564	7,580
Total ending allowance balance	5,681	7,580	6,892	5,537	5,681	7,580
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				51,501	57,828	5,874
Collectively evaluated for impairment				406,745	370,421	435,644
Total loans				458,246	428,249	441,518
Commercial construction [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance beginning of period	6,097	6,780	5,861
Charge-offs	(5,411)	(55,730)	(9,993)
Recoveries	111	203	431
Provision	7,592	54,844	10,481
Balance end of period	8,389	6,097	6,780
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				2,239	236
Collectively evaluated for impairment				6,150	5,861	6,780
Total ending allowance balance	6,097	6,780	5,861	8,389	6,097	6,780
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				40,168	26,245	20,311
Collectively evaluated for impairment				114,601	137,910	276,271
Total loans				154,769	164,155	296,582
Residential mortgage [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance beginning of period	29,076	22,305	17,266
Charge-offs	(17,262)	(53,707)	(28,806)
Recoveries	799	738	867
Provision	14,029	59,740	32,978
Balance end of period	26,642	29,076	22,305
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				2,165	2,234	137
Collectively evaluated for impairment				24,477	26,842	22,168
Total ending allowance balance	29,076	22,305	17,266	26,642	29,076	22,305
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				22,247	18,376	15,468
Collectively evaluated for impairment				1,191,956	1,116,526	1,263,312
Total loans				1,214,203	1,134,902	1,278,780
Residential construction [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance beginning of period	30,379	92,571	93,585
Charge-offs	(24,260)	(118,916)	(136,666)
Recoveries	1,272	1,678	15,370
Provision	19,271	55,046	120,282
Balance end of period	26,662	30,379	92,571
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				625	3,731	644
Collectively evaluated for impairment				26,037	26,648	91,927
Total ending allowance balance	30,379	92,571	93,585	26,662	30,379	92,571
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				34,055	46,687	39,505
Collectively evaluated for impairment				347,622	401,704	655,661
Total loans				381,677	448,391	695,166
Consumer Installment [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance beginning of period	2,124	3,030	2,545
Charge-offs	(2,214)	(3,594)	(4,828)
Recoveries	824	1,044	1,219
Provision	2,013	1,644	4,094
Balance end of period	2,747	2,124	3,030
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				19	16
Collectively evaluated for impairment				2,728	2,108	3,030
Total ending allowance balance	2,124	3,030	2,545	2,747	2,124	3,030
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment				430	292
Collectively evaluated for impairment				152,318	112,211	130,656
Total loans				152,748	112,503	130,656
Unallocated [Member]
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance beginning of period	9,467	11,238	10,245
Provision	(154)	(1,771)	993
Balance end of period	9,313	9,467	11,238
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
Collectively evaluated for impairment				9,313	9,467	11,238
Total ending allowance balance	$ 9,467	$ 11,238	$ 10,245	$ 9,313	$ 9,467	$ 11,238

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 3) - Executive Officers and Directors [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Summary of loans outstanding to executive officers and directors of the holding company
Beginning balance	$ 5,765
New loans and advances	4,970
Repayments	(4,108)
Adjustment for changes in executive officers and directors	(17)
Ending balance	$ 6,610

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Recorded investments in individually evaluated impaired loans
Total	$ 252,810	$ 257,259	$ 122,976
Allowance for loan losses allocated	11,644	14,825	$ 1,049
Year-end loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses [Member]
Recorded investments in individually evaluated impaired loans
Total	156,962	188,509
Year-end loans with allocated allowance for loan losses [Member]
Recorded investments in individually evaluated impaired loans
Total	$ 95,848	$ 68,750

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans
Average of individually impaired loans during year	$ 276,178	$ 126,640	$ 170,039
Interest income recognized during impairment	9,531	2,662
Cash-basis interest income recognized	$ 12,332	$ 3,483

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	$ 218,351	$ 238,305
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	100,431	69,148
Unpaid Principal Balance	318,782	307,453
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	156,962	188,509
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	95,848	68,750
Recorded Investment	252,810	257,259
Allowance for loan losses allocated	11,644	14,825	$ 1,049
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	172,576	185,442
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	70,311	39,642
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	129,486	152,452
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	66,592	39,452
Allowance for loan losses allocated	8,835	8,844
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Allowance for loan losses allocated	6,106	7,491	268
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	74,066	82,887
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	44,395	31,806
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	62,609	76,215
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	41,800	31,616
Allowance for loan losses allocated	6,106	7,491
Commercial & industrial [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Allowance for loan losses allocated	490	1,117
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	74,572	77,628
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	2,170	5,200
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	49,572	52,628
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	1,929	5,200
Allowance for loan losses allocated	490	1,117
Commercial construction [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Allowance for loan losses allocated	2,239	236
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	23,938	24,927
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	23,746	2,636
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	17,305	23,609
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	22,863	2,636
Allowance for loan losses allocated	2,239	236
Residential mortgage [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	10,336	13,845
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	14,267	7,642
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	8,383	10,804
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	13,864	7,572
Allowance for loan losses allocated	2,165	2,234	137
Residential construction [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded	35,439	38,955
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	15,412	21,629
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded	19,093	25,190
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	14,962	21,497
Allowance for loan losses allocated	625	3,731	$ 644
Consumer installment [Member]
Loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans
Unpaid Principal Balance, With no related allowance recorded		63
Unpaid Principal Balance, With an allowance recorded	441	235
Recorded Investment, With no related allowance recorded		63
Recorded Investment, With allowance recorded	430	229
Allowance for loan losses allocated	$ 19	$ 16

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	$ 109,894	$ 127,479
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	77,808	78,590
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	22,148	27,322
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	31,817	34,613
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	23,843	16,655
Residential mortgage [Member]
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	12,589	22,358
Residential construction [Member]
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	18,702	25,523
Consumer installment [Member]
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class
Nonaccrual Loans	$ 795	$ 1,008

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	$ 27,732	$ 32,730
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	8,266	12,154
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	23,129	31,920
Loans, Total Past Due	59,127	76,804
Loans Not Past Due	4,115,881	4,032,810
Total loans	4,175,008	4,109,614	$ 4,604,126
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	11,887	12,071
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	3,661	4,593
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	12,833	12,149
Loans, Total Past Due	28,381	28,813
Loans Not Past Due	2,397,999	2,385,005
Total loans	2,426,380	2,413,818
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Total loans	1,813,365	1,821,414	1,761,424
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	8,106	8,036
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	3,232	4,182
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	7,476	10,614
Loans, Total Past Due	18,814	22,832
Loans Not Past Due	1,794,551	1,798,582
Total loans	1,813,365	1,821,414
Commercial & industrial [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Total loans	458,246	428,249	441,518
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	1,565	3,869
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	429	411
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	867	407
Loans, Total Past Due	2,861	4,687
Loans Not Past Due	455,385	423,562
Total loans	458,246	428,249
Commercial construction [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Total loans	154,769	164,155	296,582
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	2,216	166
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	4,490	1,128
Loans, Total Past Due	6,706	1,294
Loans Not Past Due	148,063	162,861
Total loans	154,769	164,155
Residential mortgage [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	12,292	15,185
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	2,426	4,617
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	4,848	9,071
Loans, Total Past Due	19,566	28,873
Loans Not Past Due	1,194,637	1,106,029
Total loans	1,214,203	1,134,902	1,278,780
Residential construction [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	2,233	3,940
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	1,934	2,636
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	5,159	10,270
Loans, Total Past Due	9,326	16,846
Loans Not Past Due	372,351	431,545
Total loans	381,677	448,391	695,166
Consumer installment [Member]
Aging of the recorded investment in past due loans
Loans Past Due, 30 - 59 Days	1,320	1,534
Loans Past Due, 60 - 89 Days	245	308
Loans Past Due, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	289	430
Loans, Total Past Due	1,854	2,272
Loans Not Past Due	150,894	110,231
Total loans	$ 152,748	$ 112,503	$ 130,656

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 9) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Contract	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Contract
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts \| Contract	388	271
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 172,727	$ 126,401
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 160,763	$ 123,730
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts \| Contract	153	103
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 125,290	$ 89,239
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 116,399	$ 87,913
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts \| Contract	96	74
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 80,261	$ 70,380
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 75,340	$ 69,054
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts \| Contract	32	18
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 7,492	$ 806
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 7,250	$ 806
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts \| Contract	25	11
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 37,537	$ 18,053
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 33,809	$ 18,053
Residential mortgage [Member]
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts \| Contract	117	80
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 20,323	$ 11,943
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 19,296	$ 11,379
Residential construction [Member]
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts \| Contract	67	54
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 25,822	$ 24,921
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 23,786	$ 24,145
Consumer installment [Member]
Additional information on troubled debt restructurings
Number of Contracts \| Contract	51	34
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 1,292	$ 298
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 1,282	$ 293

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 10) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Contract	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Contract
Loans modified under the terms of a TDR
Number of Contracts \| Contract	237	231
Recorded Investment	$ 107,458	$ 107,788
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 102,509	$ 105,506
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts \| Contract	43	37
Troubled Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment	$ 13,999	$ 3,574
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans modified under the terms of a TDR
Number of Contracts \| Contract	96	81
Recorded Investment	$ 72,083	$ 73,991
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 70,478	$ 73,041
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts \| Contract	13	6
Troubled Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment	$ 7,582	$ 1,499
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans modified under the terms of a TDR
Number of Contracts \| Contract	54	57
Recorded Investment	$ 34,450	$ 56,981
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 32,928	$ 56,031
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts \| Contract	7	4
Troubled Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment	$ 3,287	$ 1,447
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans modified under the terms of a TDR
Number of Contracts \| Contract	22	15
Recorded Investment	$ 3,619	$ 767
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 3,616	$ 767
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts \| Contract	3	2
Troubled Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment	$ 71	$ 52
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Loans modified under the terms of a TDR
Number of Contracts \| Contract	20	9
Recorded Investment	$ 34,014	$ 16,243
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 33,934	$ 16,243
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts \| Contract	3
Troubled Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment	$ 4,224
Residential mortgage [Member]
Loans modified under the terms of a TDR
Number of Contracts \| Contract	67	75
Recorded Investment	$ 15,132	$ 11,008
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 14,303	$ 10,444
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts \| Contract	10	9
Troubled Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment	$ 650	$ 718
Residential construction [Member]
Loans modified under the terms of a TDR
Number of Contracts \| Contract	49	44
Recorded Investment	$ 19,909	$ 22,584
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 17,400	$ 21,821
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts \| Contract	16	9
Troubled Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment	$ 5,728	$ 1,289
Consumer installment [Member]
Loans modified under the terms of a TDR
Number of Contracts \| Contract	25	31
Recorded Investment	$ 334	$ 205
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 328	$ 200
Post-Modification Outstanding Number of Contracts \| Contract	4	13
Troubled Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment	$ 39	$ 68

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details 11) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	$ 4,175,008	$ 4,109,614	$ 4,604,126
Pass [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	3,640,802	3,459,003
Watch [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	161,428	193,753
Substandard [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	371,836	455,948
Doubtful / Loss [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Not Rated [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	942	910
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	2,426,380	2,413,818
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Pass [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	2,097,728	2,045,364
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Watch [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	93,746	111,633
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Substandard [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	233,964	255,911
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Doubtful / Loss [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Not Rated [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	942	910
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,813,365	1,821,414
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Pass [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,591,826	1,561,204
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Watch [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	80,997	89,830
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Substandard [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	140,542	170,380
Commercial (secured by real estate) [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Doubtful / Loss [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	458,246	428,249
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Pass [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	401,607	369,343
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Watch [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	54,054	7,630
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Substandard [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	50,293	50,366
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Doubtful / Loss [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Commercial & industrial [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Not Rated [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	942	910
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	154,769	164,155
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Pass [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	104,295	114,817
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Watch [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	7,345	14,173
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Substandard [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	43,129	35,165
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] \| Doubtful / Loss [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Residential mortgage [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,214,203	1,134,902
Residential mortgage [Member] \| Pass [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,103,069	993,779
Residential mortgage [Member] \| Watch [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	33,689	42,323
Residential mortgage [Member] \| Substandard [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	77,445	98,800
Residential mortgage [Member] \| Doubtful / Loss [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Residential construction [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	381,677	448,391
Residential construction [Member] \| Pass [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	291,940	312,527
Residential construction [Member] \| Watch [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	32,907	38,386
Residential construction [Member] \| Substandard [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	56,830	97,478
Residential construction [Member] \| Doubtful / Loss [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans
Consumer installment [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	152,748	112,503
Consumer installment [Member] \| Pass [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	148,065	107,333
Consumer installment [Member] \| Watch [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	1,086	1,411
Consumer installment [Member] \| Substandard [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans	3,597	3,759
Consumer installment [Member] \| Doubtful / Loss [Member]
Risk category of loans by class of loans
Total loans

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Sale of classified loans		$ 267,000,000
Increased charge-offs		$ 186,000,000
Reduction charge-offs	$ 7,270,000
Criteria amount for evaluation of impairment			$ 500,000
Accruing substandard relationship			2,000,000
Loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest			0	$ 0
Nonaccrual Loans			109,894,000	127,479,000
Specific reserves			9,500,000	8,650,000
Loans outstanding classified as troubled debt restructurings			689,000	1,120,000
FHLB [Member]
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Textual) [Abstract]
Pledged as collateral to secure FHLB advances			$ 1,900,000,000	$ 1,520,000,000

Foreclosed Property (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	$ 25,218	$ 51,841
Less valuation allowance	6,954	18,982	$ 16,565	$ 7,433
Foreclosed property, net	$ 18,264	$ 32,859
Balance as a percentage of original loan unpaid principal	39.70%	35.90%
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	$ 8,572	$ 14,202
Commercial real estate [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	6,368	10,866
Commercial construction [Member] \| Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	2,204	3,336
Residential mortgage [Member]
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	5,192	7,840
Residential construction [Member]
Classifications of foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed property	$ 11,454	$ 29,799

Foreclosed Property (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Foreclosed Property (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Activity in the valuation allowance for foreclosed property
Balance at beginning of year	$ 18,982	$ 16,565	$ 7,433
Additions charged to expense	6,951	57,368	25,755
Charge-offs upon disposition	(18,979)	(54,951)	(16,623)
Balance at end of year	$ 6,954	$ 18,982	$ 16,565

Foreclosed Property (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Foreclosed Property (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Expenses related to foreclosed assets
Net loss on sales	$ 1,924	$ 11,038	$ 23,571
Provision for unrealized losses	6,951	57,368	25,755
Operating expenses, net of rental income	5,118	10,499	16,381
Total foreclosed property expense	$ 13,993	$ 78,905	$ 65,707

Premises and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments	$ 263,145	$ 262,210
Less accumulated depreciation	94,225	87,122
Premises and equipment, net	168,920	175,088
Land and land improvements [Member]
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments	81,272	81,395
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments	114,127	115,226
Furniture and equipment [Member]
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments	66,565	64,581
Construction in progress [Member]
Premises and equipments
Premises and equipments	$ 1,181	$ 1,008

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References + Details

Premises and Equipment (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Rent commitments under operating leases
2013	$ 2,591
2014	782
2015	612
2016	386
2017	371
Thereafter	1,974
Total	$ 6,716

Premises and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Premises and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 9,260	$ 9,830	$ 10,600
Rent expense	$ 2,300	$ 2,250	$ 2,230

- Definition

This element represents the payments that the lessee is obligated to make or can be required to make in connection with a property under the terms of an agreement classified as an operating lease, excluding contingent rentals and a guarantee by the lessee of the lessor's debt and the lessee's obligation to pay (apart from the rental payments) executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes.

+ References + Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Summary of changes in goodwill
Beginning Balance	$ 210,590
Impairment charges	(210,590)
Ending Balance

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13854-109267

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13777-109266

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of core deposit intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	$ 32,652	$ 32,652
Less accumulated amortization	27,142	24,224
Net carrying amount	$ 5,510	$ 8,428

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Estimated amortization expense
2013	$ 2,030
2014	1,349
2015	956
2016	879
2017	$ 263

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets	$ 2,917	$ 3,016	$ 3,160
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortized period of core deposit intangibles	10 years

Deposits (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Summary of contractual maturities of time deposits
2013	$ 1,264,184
2014	157,598
2015	134,584
2016	67,963
2017	15,634
thereafter	275,755
Total	$ 1,915,718

Deposits (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Deposits (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deposits (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Certificates of deposit	$ 155,000,000	$ 179,000,000
Average balance of brokered deposits	$ 156,000,000	$ 401,000,000
Weighted average rates paid	1.09%	1.53%
Weighted average rate	2.51%
Overdrawn deposit accounts	$ 942,000	$ 910,000
Allowance for loan losses	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum [Member] \| Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Deposits (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturities of time deposits	20 years
Minimum [Member] \| Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Deposits (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturities of time deposits	15 years

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Maturing In:
2013	$ 40,000
2016	125
Total	$ 40,125
FHLB Range1 [Member]
Maturing In:
Current Rate Range, Range from	0.18%
Current Rate Range, Range to	0.19%

- Definition

Amount of federal home loan bank advances. Advances are loans from the federal home loan bank system to a member (shareholder).

+ References + Details

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Textual) [Abstract]
Fixed rate advances	$ 40,100	$ 40,600
Outstanding amount to be matured	$ 125
Interest payment rates	0.19%
Weighted average interest rate advances	0.18%	4.25%
Maximum [Member]
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal home loan bank advances maturities period	20 days

Short-term Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amounts of short-term borrowings outstanding
Total short-term borrowings	$ 52,574	$ 102,577
Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Amounts of short-term borrowings outstanding
Total short-term borrowings	$ 52,574	$ 102,577

Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 124,805	$ 120,225
2012 senior debentures [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 35,000
Issue Date	2012
Stated maturity date	2017
Earliest call date	2017
Interest rate	9.00%
Total senior debentures [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 35,000
2002 subordinated debentures [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt		30,500
Issue Date	2002
Stated maturity date	2012
Earliest call date	2012
Interest rate	6.75%
2003 subordinated debentures [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 35,000	35,000
Issue Date	2003
Stated maturity date	2015
Earliest call date	2010
Interest rate	7.50%		7.50%
Total subordinated debentures [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 35,000	65,500
United Community Capital Trust [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 21,650	21,650
Issue Date	1998
Stated maturity date	2028
Earliest call date	2008
Interest rate	8.125%
United Community Statutory Trust I [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 5,155	5,155
Issue Date	2000
Stated maturity date	2030
Earliest call date	2010
Interest rate	10.60%
United Community Capital Trust II [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 10,309	10,309
Issue Date	2000
Stated maturity date	2030
Earliest call date	2010
Interest rate	11.295%
Southern Bancorp Capital Trust I [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 4,382	4,382
Issue Date	2004
Stated maturity date	2034
Earliest call date	2009
Prime + Interest rate	1.00%
United Community Statutory Trust II [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 12,077	12,004
Issue Date	2008
Stated maturity date	2038
Earliest call date	2013
Interest rate	9.00%
United Community Statutory Trust III [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 1,232	1,225
Issue Date	2008
Stated maturity date	2038
Earliest call date	2013
Prime + Interest rate	3.00%
Total trust preferred securities [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt	$ 54,805	$ 54,725

Long-term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2010
2012 senior debentures [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Debentures date	Oct. 15, 2017
Increased interest rate	9.00%
Debentures matured date	2017
2003 subordinated debentures [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Increased interest rate	7.50%	7.50%
Debentures matured date	2015
2002 subordinated debentures [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Increased interest rate	6.75%
Cash acquired through acquisition of Southern Community Bank	$ 1
Debentures matured date	2012
Total trust preferred securities [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock exercise price	$ 100

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accrued dividends on preferred stock, including accretion of discounts
Total preferred stock dividends	$ 12,148	$ 11,838	$ 10,316
Series A - 6% fixed [Member]
Accrued dividends on preferred stock, including accretion of discounts
Total preferred stock dividends	12	13	13
Series B - 5% fixed until December 6, 2013, 9% thereafter [Member]
Accrued dividends on preferred stock, including accretion of discounts
Total preferred stock dividends	10,465	10,401	$ 10,303
Series D - LIBOR plus 9.6875%, resets quarterly [Member]
Accrued dividends on preferred stock, including accretion of discounts
Total preferred stock dividends	$ 1,671	$ 1,425

Earnings Per Share (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Computation of basic and diluted loss per share
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 21,708	$ (238,584)	$ (512,660)
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$ 0.38	$ (5.97)	$ (27.09)
Diluted	$ 0.38	$ (5.97)	$ (27.09)
Weighted average common shares:
Basic	57,857	39,943	18,925
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options
Warrants
Diluted	57,857	39,943	18,925

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares $ / units shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2009 $ / shares	Dec. 05, 2008 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants					426,540
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted to employees \| $ / shares	$ 97.73	$ 94.48	$ 93.00	$ 91.50
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Dilutive securities, outstanding	0	0	0
Dilution from potentially dilutive securities \| $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Fletcher International Ltd [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise of price warrants \| $ / units	21.25
Shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants	1,411,765
Elm Ridge Parties [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise of price warrants \| $ / units	12.50
Shares issuable upon exercise of grants	1,551,126
Series A - 6% fixed [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Fixed percentage of dividend rate on preferred stock	6.00%
Series B - 5% fixed until December 6, 2013, 9% thereafter [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Fixed percentage of dividend rate on preferred stock	5.00%
Future percentage of dividend rate on preferred stock	9.00%
Exercise of price warrants \| $ / units	61.40
Shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants	219,909
Series D - LIBOR plus 9.6875%, resets quarterly [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
LIBOR variable percentage of dividend rate on preferred stock	9.6875%
Trust preferred securities [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise of price warrants \| $ / units	100
United's Series B preferred stock issued	129,670
Employees [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issuable upon exercise of grants	482,528
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted to employees \| $ / shares	$ 97.73
Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Vesting of restricted stock awards	485,584

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income tax expense (benefit)
Current	$ 1,050	$ (3,983)	$ 1,963
Deferred	9,446	(94,808)	(88,124)
Increase in valuation allowance	(9,446)	94,808	157,378
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,050	$ (3,983)	$ 71,217

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Differences between the provision for income taxes and statutory federal income tax rate
Pretax income (loss) at statutory rates	$ 12,217	$ (80,755)	$ (151,302)
Add (deduct):
State taxes, net of federal benefit	577	(9,210)	(9,431)
Nondeductible goodwill impairment charges			71,561
Bank owned life insurance earnings	(444)	(556)	(606)
Adjustment to reserve for uncertain tax positions	(577)	(4,593)	2,903
Tax-exempt interest revenue	(816)	(836)	(993)
Nondeductible interest expense	18	34	62
Tax credits	(460)	(350)	(501)
Increase in valuation allowance	(9,446)	94,808	157,378
Other	(19)	(2,525)	2,146
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,050	$ (3,983)	$ 71,217

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Allowances for loan losses	$ 41,521	$ 44,528
Net operating loss carryforwards	221,335	226,716
Deferred compensation	5,526	7,032
Reserve for losses on foreclosed properties	3,702	8,804
Nonqualified share based compensation	4,424	4,260
Accrued expenses	1,960	779
Investment in low income housing tax credit partnerships	1,443	1,562
Unamortized pension actuarial losses and prior service cost	1,677	1,848
Acquired intangible assets	890	74
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	3,048
Other	3,919	2,431
Total deferred tax assets	289,445	298,034
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges		1,796
Unrealized gains on securities available for sale	6,629	9,882
Premises and equipment	3,414	3,989
Loan origination costs	3,876	3,503
Gain from acquisition of Southern Community Bank	4,021	4,629
Prepaid expenses	1,082	1,279
Total deferred tax liabilities	19,022	25,078
Less valuation allowance	270,423	272,956
Net deferred tax asset

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit
Balance at beginning of year	$ 5,985	$ 11,133	$ 8,252
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	130
Decreases based on tax positions related to prior years		(3,369)	(119)
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	500	585	3,982
Decreases resulting from a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations	(957)	(1,362)	(982)
Decreases based on settlements with taxing authorities	(589)	(1,002)
Balance at end of year	$ 5,069	$ 5,985	$ 11,133

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income taxes (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%
Federal alternative minimum tax credits	$ 2,900,000
Unrecognized tax benefit	4,010,000
Interest and penalties	120,000	$ 1,270,000	$ 235,000
Accrued for interest and penalties	85,000	$ 330,000
Begin to expire in 2023 [Member]
Income taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
State net operating loss carryforwards	32,000,000
Begin to expire in 2028 [Member]
Income taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
State net operating loss carryforwards	659,000,000
Federal general business tax credits	2,300,000
Begin to expire in 2029 [Member]
Income taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	530,000,000
Begin to expire in 2013 [Member]
Income taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
State tax credit carryforward	$ 7,100,000

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Change in benefit obligation:
Beginning benefit obligation	$ 12,064	$ 8,684
Service cost	598	477	$ 338
Interest cost	537	489	402
Plan amendments		1,540
Actuarial losses	41	1,026
Benefits paid	(210)	(152)
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	13,030	12,064	8,684
Change in plan assets, at fair value:
Beginning plan assets
Actual return
Employer contribution	209	152
Benefits paid	(209)	(152)
Ending plan assets
Funded status at end of year (plan assets less benefit obligations)	$ (13,030)	$ (12,064)

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net actuarial losses	$ 2,152	$ 2,226
Prior service cost	2,159	2,524
Total amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 4,311	$ 4,750

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income
Service cost	$ 598	$ 477	$ 338
Interest cost	537	489	402
Amortization of prior service cost	365	279	163
Amortization of net losses	115	27
Net periodic benefit cost	1,614	1,272	903
Net actuarial loss	41	1,026	500
Amortization of net loss	(115)	(27)
Prior service cost	615	1,540	414
Amortization of prior service cost	(365)	(279)	(163)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(439)	2,260	751
Total net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 1,175	$ 3,532	$ 1,654

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension benefit obligations at year end and net periodic pension cost
Discount rate for disclosures	4.00%	4.50%
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost	4.50%	5.15%
Rate of compensation increase
Measurement date	12/31/2012	12/31/2011

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service
2013	$ 517
2014	693
2015	689
2016	755
2017	778
Following five years	$ 4,709

Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation		$ 13,000,000	$ 13,000,000	$ 12,100,000
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Employee matching contributions	5.00%		5.00%
Duration of service period to receive matching contribution			1 year
Vesting period of benefits			3 years
Maximum matching contributions		50.00%
Employee eligible compensation contributions		5.00%
Compensation expense			$ 1,660,000	$ 2,860,000	$ 2,970,000
Plan purchased by employee			86,350	372,363	89,833
Recognized deferred compensation from continuing operation			$ 24,000	$ 24,000	$ 31,000
Discretionary Contribution			0	0	0
Expenses incurred for post-retirement benefits			1,870,000	160,000	1,500,000
Reclassification of unamortized actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs				2,240,000
Estimated net loss and prior service costs			167,000
Amortization of estimated net loss and prior service cost from accumulated other comprehensive income			365,000	279,000	$ 163,000
Modified Retirement Plan [Member]
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation		$ 0	$ 0	$ 12,100,000
Maximum [Member]
Pension and Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Discretionary profit sharing contributions			3.50%

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other assets [Member]
Derivatives accounted for as hedges under ASC 815
Derivatives accounted for as hedges, Interest Rate Products, Balance Sheet Location	Other assets	Other assets
Derivatives accounted for as hedges, Asset derivatives. Fair Value	$ 23
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges under ASC 815
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges, Interest Rate Products, Balance Sheet Location	Other assets	Other assets
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges, Asset derivatives, Fair Value	$ 635
Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives accounted for as hedges under ASC 815
Derivatives accounted for as hedges, Interest Rate Products, Balance Sheet Location	Other liabilities	Other liabilities
Derivatives accounted for as hedges, Liability derivatives, Fair Value	$ 11,900	$ 422
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges under ASC 815
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges, Interest Rate Products, Balance Sheet Location	Other liabilities	Other liabilities
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges, Liability derivatives, Fair Value	$ 643

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Fair value hedging [Member] - Other fee revenue [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Effect of fair value hedging derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of operations
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Other fee revenue
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	$ 540	$ 328	$ (3,760)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item	$ 330	$ (291)	$ 3,975

- Definition

The amount of net gains and losses recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments.

+ References + Details

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 2) - Cash flow hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Effect of cash flow hedging derivative financial instruments on other comprehensive income
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ (8,739)		$ 2,314
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 3,713	$ 15,120	$ 18,696
Interest revenue [Member]
Effect of cash flow hedging derivative financial instruments on other comprehensive income
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income	Interest revenue	Interest revenue	Interest revenue
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 3,475	$ 10,157	$ 17,326
Other income [Member]
Effect of cash flow hedging derivative financial instruments on other comprehensive income
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income	Other income	Other income	Other income
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 238	$ 4,963	$ 1,370
Interest rate products [Member]
Effect of cash flow hedging derivative financial instruments on other comprehensive income
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ (8,739)		$ 2,314

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Contract	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Derivative_Instruments Contract	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Total notional amount designated as cash flow hedges	$ 400,000,000
Aggregate notional amount designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk	166,000,000	$ 14,800,000
Credit risk [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Collateral pledged toward derivatives	$ 11,500,000
Fair value hedging [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of derivative contracts outstanding \| Contract	13	1
Recognized net gain related to ineffectiveness of the fair value hedging relationships	$ 870,000	$ 37,000	$ 215,000
Write off of prepaid broker fees on brokered deposits	$ 449,000
Cash flow hedging [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of derivative contracts outstanding \| Contract	5
Derivative instruments outstanding \| Derivative_Instruments		0
Estimated additional amount of deferred gains reclassified to interest revenue	$ 904,000
Other fee revenue [Member] \| Cash flow hedging [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Recognized net gain related to ineffectiveness of the fair value hedging relationships	238,000	$ 4,960,000	1,370,000
Interest expense [Member] \| Fair value hedging [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Net reduction of interest expense	$ 2,420,000	$ 110,000	$ 3,970,000

Regulatory Matters (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Risk-based ratios:
Tier 1 capital, Minimum	4.00%
Tier 1 capital, Well Capitalized	6.00%
Tier 1 capital	14.16%	13.69%
Total capital, Minimum	8.00%
Total capital, Well Capitalized	10.00%
Total capital	15.73%	15.41%
Leverage ratio, Minimum	3.00%
Leverage ratio	9.64%	8.83%
Tier 1 capital	$ 652,692	$ 618,695
Total capital	$ 724,915	$ 696,881
Parent [Member]
Risk-based ratios:
Tier 1 capital	14.48%	13.60%
Total capital	15.74%	14.87%
Leverage ratio	9.86%	8.78%
Tier 1 capital	$ 666,585	$ 614,532
Total capital	$ 724,738	$ 671,718

Regulatory Matters (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 05, 2008
Regulatory Matters (Textual) [Abstract]
Warrants to purchase shares				426,540
Shares adjusted for stock dividend				219,909
Regulatory Matters (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio for well capitalized purpose.		6.00%
Minimum Total risk-based capital ratio for well capitalized purpose		10.00%
Minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio require to be maintained by the bank		3.00%
Minimum total risk based capital ratio to be maintained by the bank		8.00%
Amount available for dividend distribution with approval from regulatory		$ 24,000
Percentage reduction in United's recent stock offering				50.00%
Aggregate purchase price of common stock	$ 180,000		$ 39,813
Dividend per share	$ 0.45
Maximum percentage of credit to affiliate under federal reserve act		10.00%
Maximum percentage of credit to all affiliates under federal reserve act		20.00%
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Regulatory Matters (Textual) [Abstract]
Selling of United's Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock				180,000
Warrants to purchase shares				426,540
Shares adjusted for stock dividend				219,909

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments to extend credit [Member]
The contract amount of off-balance sheet instruments
Financial instruments	$ 313,798	$ 415,093
Letter of credit [Member]
The contract amount of off-balance sheet instruments
Financial instruments	13,683	15,888
Minimum Lease Payments [Member]
The contract amount of off-balance sheet instruments
Financial instruments	$ 6,716	$ 9,124

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 22, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
litigation charges establish to litigation reserve		$ 4
Common stock in form of reverse stock split	1-for-5

Preferred Stock (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 22, 2011 shares	Dec. 05, 2008 USD ($) $ / units shares	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / units shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) shares	Dec. 05, 2011 $ / shares
Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Warrants to purchase shares		426,540
Sale of qualifying common equity \| $			$ 42,424	$ 41,647
Number of shares issuable under the warrants		219,909
Preferred Stock (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized			10,000,000	10,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares issued			21,700	21,700
Preferred stock, shares outstanding			21,700	21,700
Fixed percentage of dividend rate on preferred stock			6.00%
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares issued		180,000	180,000	180,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding			180,000	180,000
Fixed percentage of dividend rate on preferred stock		5.00%
Warrants to purchase shares		426,540
Adjustment of shares for stock dividend		439,817
Allocated amount to Series B preferred stock \| $		$ 173,000
Allocated amount to warrants \| $		$ 6,900
Exercise of price warrants \| $ / units		63.30
Warrant exercise price as adjusted for subsequent stock dividend \| $ / units		61.40
Reduction in the warrants		50.00%
Sale of qualifying common equity \| $		$ 211,000
Number of shares issuable under the warrants		219,909
Cumulative dividend after five years		9.00%
Selling of United's Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock		180,000
Redemption of Series B preferred stock per share \| $ / shares					$ 1,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member] \| Warrant [Member]
Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of shares and warrants \| $		$ 180,000
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares issued			16,613	16,613
Preferred stock, shares outstanding			16,613	16,613
Warrants to purchase shares	1,551,126
Exercise of price warrants \| $ / units			12.50
Warrants expiration date			Aug. 22, 2013
Transfer of share	1,551,126			1,551,126
Common stock in exchange by Company's cumulative perpetual preferred stock	16,613

Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restricted stock and options outstanding and activity
Options, Outstanding Shares, Beginning Balance	583,647	678,313	732,688
Options, Granted	0	10,000	2,500
Options, Exercised	0	0
Options, Cancelled	(101,119)	(104,666)	(56,875)
Options, Outstanding Shares, Ending Balance	482,528	583,647	678,313
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$ 94.48	$ 93.00	$ 91.50
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted		11.20	24.55
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled	78.98	76.87	70.40
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$ 97.73	$ 94.48	$ 93.00
Options, Exercisable, Shares	461,491
Options, Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 101.10
Options, Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	3 years 4 months 24 days
Options, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted stock and options outstanding and activity
Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	414,644	23,214	33,509
Shares, Granted	200,612	410,051	86
Shares, Exercised	(114,673)	(18,621)	(10,381)
Shares, Cancelled	(14,999)
Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	485,584	414,644	23,214
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$ 12.19	$ 59.67	$ 64.30
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	8.73	10.15	25.10
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Exercised	14.77	26.77	74.26
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Cancelled	10.25
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$ 10.72	$ 12.19	$ 59.67
Share Exercisable	15,490
Weighted average grant date fair value, exercisable	$ 35.62
Stock Options [Member]
Restricted stock and options outstanding and activity
Weighted Average Remaining Term	3 years 6 months 26 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable

Shareholders' Equity (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Details 1)	Dec. 31, 2012 $ / shares shares
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	482,528
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 10.00
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	170.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 97.73
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	3 years 6 months 26 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	461,491
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 101.10
Exercise Price Range One [Member]
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	12,023
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 10.00
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	30.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 13.53
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	8 years 3 months 7 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	3,767
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 16.15
Exercise Price Range Two [Member]
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	52,574
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 30.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	50.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 31.64
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	6 years 3 months 26 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	39,793
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 31.70
Exercise Price Range Three [Member]
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	91,901
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 50.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	70.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 66.29
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	5 years 1 month 24 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	91,901
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 66.29
Exercise Price Range Four [Member]
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	69,042
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 70.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	90.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 78.84
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	5 months 23 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	69,042
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 78.84
Exercise Price Range Five [Member]
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	36,722
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 90.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	110.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 106.96
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	2 years 2 months 19 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	36,722
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 106.96
Exercise Price Range Six [Member]
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	62,276
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 110.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	130.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 114.10
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	1 year 9 months
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	62,276
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 114.10
Exercise Price Range Seven [Member]
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	152,587
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 130.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	150.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 143.80
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	3 years 8 months 27 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	152,587
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 143.80
Exercise Price Range Eight [Member]
Summary of stock options outstanding
Options Outstanding, Shares \| shares	5,403
Options Outstanding, Range Minimum	$ 150.01
Options Outstanding, Range Maximum	170.00
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$ 152.10
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Life	4 years 2 months 16 days
Options, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	5,403
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 152.10

Shareholders' Equity (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assumptions used to determine the fair value of options
Expected volatility	0.00%	33.00%	52.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected life (in years)	0 years	5 years	6 years 1 month 24 days
Risk-free rate	0.00%	2.10%	3.10%

Shareholders' Equity (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income
Unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net of tax	$ 2,556	$ 10,874
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax	(21,885)	(9,433)
Unamortized actuarial gains and losses under defined benefit plans, net of amortization	(4,311)	(4,750)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (23,640)	$ (3,309)

- Definition

Accumulated change, net of tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (j-k)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669686-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph i
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669686-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14, 17, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Shares granted to executive officers as a part of their base compensation	0	10,000	2,500
Deferred income tax expense			$ 69,254,000
Compensation expense	$ 1,660,000	$ 2,860,000	$ 2,970,000
Shareholders' Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Awards of options, restricted stock awards, stock awards, performance share	500,000
Additional awards granted under 2000 Plan	1,204,000
Vesting period under Plan	4 years
Exercisable period under plan	10 years
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award number of option available for grant	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted		$ 3.64	$ 13.19
Options, Granted	0	10,000	2,500
Estimated option forfeiture rate	3.00%
Options, Exercised	0	0
Compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for restricted stock	$ 1,660,000	$ 1,250,000	$ 493,000
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock	4,570,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options	$ 3,450,000
Weighted average period over which compensation cost is expected to be recognized	1 year 11 months 9 days
Aggregate grant date fair value of options and restricted stock that vested during the period	$ 2,520,000
Shares issued in connection with DRIP	0	538	7,062
Shares purchased by United's 401(k) retirement plan	86,350	372,363	89,833
Discount offered to employees under United has an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) to purchase shares of common stock	5.00%
Commission charges on purchase shares	$ 0
Stock issued during period shares employee stock pension plan	23,555	31,573	24,882
Common stock issuable shares under deferred compensation plan	133,238	93,681
Stock Options [Member]
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Deferred income tax expense	$ 99,000	$ 325,000	$ 780,000
Compensation expense	$ 256,000	$ 835,000	$ 1,970,000
Executive Officer [Member]
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Shares granted to executive officers as a part of their base compensation	20,489	10,140
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award awards granted during period aggregate fair value	$ 172,000	$ 86,000
Shareholders' Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Options, Granted	20,489	10,140

Fair Value (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets:
Assets, fair value	$ 1,838,352	$ 1,792,906
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	170,285	16,388
U.S. Government agencies [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value		43,750
State and political subdivisions [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	29,052	26,339
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	1,428,502	1,609,909
Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	163,662	107,678
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	210,556
Other [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	2,821	2,371
Deferred compensation plan assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	3,101	2,859
Deferred compensation plan liability [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	3,101	2,859
Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	154,641	13,107
Derivative financial instruments [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	658
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	12,543	422
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	3,101	2,859
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	3,101	2,859
Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Government agencies [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 [Member] \| State and political subdivisions [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 [Member] \| Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 [Member] \| Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 [Member] \| Asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 1 [Member] \| Deferred compensation plan assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	3,101	2,859
Level 1 [Member] \| Deferred compensation plan liability [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	3,101	2,859
Level 1 [Member] \| Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 1 [Member] \| Derivative financial instruments [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	1,834,901	1,789,697
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	167,184	13,529
Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. Government agencies [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value		43,750
Level 2 [Member] \| State and political subdivisions [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	29,052	26,339
Level 2 [Member] \| Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	1,428,502	1,609,909
Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	163,312	107,328
Level 2 [Member] \| Asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	210,556
Level 2 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	2,821	2,371
Level 2 [Member] \| Deferred compensation plan assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 2 [Member] \| Deferred compensation plan liability [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 2 [Member] \| Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	154,641	13,107
Level 2 [Member] \| Derivative financial instruments [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	658
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value	12,543	422
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	350	350
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| U.S. Government agencies [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| State and political subdivisions [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value	350	350
Level 3 [Member] \| Asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| Deferred compensation plan assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| Deferred compensation plan liability [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value
Level 3 [Member] \| Derivative financial instruments [Member]
Assets:
Assets, fair value
Liabilities:
Liabilities, fair value

Fair Value (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Fair Value (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs
Balance at beginning of period	$ 350	$ 5,284	$ 38,892
Amounts included in earnings		(19)	(78)
Impairment losses			(950)
Paydowns		(1,119)
Other comprehensive income			(700)
Transfers between valuation levels, net		(3,796)	(31,880)
Balance at end of period	$ 350	$ 350	$ 5,284

Fair Value (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Presentation of United's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis
Loans	$ 3,957,669	$ 3,800,343
Level 1 [Member]
Presentation of United's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis
Loans
Level 3 [Member]
Presentation of United's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis
Loans	3,957,669
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Presentation of United's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis
Loans	165,751	133,828
Foreclosed properties	14,788	29,102
Total assets	180,539	162,930
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Presentation of United's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis
Loans
Foreclosed properties
Total assets
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Presentation of United's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis
Loans
Foreclosed properties
Total assets
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Presentation of United's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis
Loans	165,751	133,828
Foreclosed properties	14,788	29,102
Total assets	$ 180,539	$ 162,930

Fair Value (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets:
Securities held to maturity, Carrying Amount	$ 244,184	$ 330,203
Securities held to maturity, Fair Value	261,131	343,531
Loans, net, Carrying Amount	4,067,871	3,995,146
Loans, net, Fair Value	3,957,669	3,800,343
Liabilities:
Deposits, Carrying Amount	5,952,140	6,097,983
Deposits, Fair Value	5,988,743	6,093,772
Federal Home Loan Bank advances, Carrying Amount	40,125	40,625
Federal Home Loan Bank advances, Fair Value	40,125	43,236
Long-term debt, Carrying Amount	124,805	120,225
Long-term debt, Fair Value	118,626	$ 115,327
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Securities held to maturity, Fair Value
Loans, net, Fair Value
Liabilities:
Deposits, Fair Value
Federal Home Loan Bank advances, Fair Value
Long-term debt, Fair Value
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Securities held to maturity, Fair Value	261,131
Liabilities:
Deposits, Fair Value	5,988,743
Federal Home Loan Bank advances, Fair Value	40,125
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Loans, net, Fair Value	3,957,669
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 118,626

Fair Value (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Investment	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Fair Value (Textual) [Abstract]
Negative mark to fair value		$ 700,000
Fair Value (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum remaining maturity of financial instruments having no defined maturity	180 days
Percentage of written down in appraisal value of nonaccrual impaired loans	80.00%
Percentage of written down in appraisal value of foreclosed properties	80.00%
Percentage of written down in asking price of foreclosed properties	90.00%
First Investment [Member]
Fair Value (Textual) [Abstract]
Par value of investment	$ 1,000,000
Written down value of investment		50,000
Impairment charges of investment		$ 950,000
Second Investment [Member]
Fair Value (Textual) [Abstract]
Par value of investment	1,000,000
Negative mark to fair value	$ 700,000
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of securities \| Investment	2

Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks Inc. (Parent Only) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Operations
Shared service fees from subsidiaries	$ 31,670	$ 29,110	$ 30,127
Other	11,139	12,342	8,421
Total revenue	221,680	30,870	66,599
Interest expense	38,330	65,675	100,071
Other expense	19,951	18,270	16,594
Total operating expenses	186,774	261,599	498,891
Income tax benefit (expense)	1,050	(3,983)	71,217
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	34,906	(230,729)	(432,292)
Net income (loss)	33,856	(226,746)	(502,344)
Parent [Member]
Statement of Operations
Shared service fees from subsidiaries	6,714	7,646	6,266
Other	1,169	609	501
Total revenue	7,883	8,255	6,767
Interest expense	10,201	9,587	9,249
Other expense	8,717	9,367	7,683
Total operating expenses	18,918	18,954	16,932
Income tax benefit (expense)	398	(1,272)	(9,961)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(10,637)	(11,971)	(20,126)
Equity in undistributed loss of subsidiaries	44,493	(214,775)	(482,218)
Net income (loss)	$ 33,856	$ (226,746)	$ (502,344)

Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks Inc. (Parent Only) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
ASSETS
Cash	$ 251,149	$ 378,416
Other assets	34,954	69,915
Total assets	6,802,259	6,983,420
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Other liabilities	51,210	36,199
Total liabilities	6,220,854	6,407,934
Shareholders' equity	581,405	575,486	$ 468,578	$ 962,321
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	6,802,259	6,983,420
Parent [Member]
ASSETS
Cash	54,047	66,632
Investment in subsidiaries	655,934	631,770
Other assets	6,708	28,253
Total assets	716,689	726,655
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Subordinated debentures	124,805	120,225
Other liabilities	10,479	30,944
Total liabilities	135,284	151,169
Shareholders' equity	581,405	575,486
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 716,689	$ 726,655

Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks Inc. (Parent Only) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 33,856	$ (226,746)	$ (502,344)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	32,562	21,084	16,388
Change in assets and liabilities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	183,078	151,881	123,386
Investing activities:
Purchases	(1,166,653)	(1,184,013)	(872,513)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(102,013)	(363,972)	373,291
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans	894	1,453	1,831
Proceeds from issuance of common and preferred stock, net of offering costs		361,560
Proceeds from penalty on incomplete private equity transaction		3,250
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock	(12)	(13)	(13)
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock	(9,000)	(9,020)	(9,000)
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock	(1,687)	(1,210)
Net cash used in financing activities	(208,332)	(58,950)	(223,587)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(127,267)	(271,041)	273,090
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	378,416	649,457	376,367
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	251,149	378,416	649,457
Parent [Member]
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	33,856	(226,746)	(502,344)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in undistributed (earnings) loss of the subsidiaries	(44,493)	214,775	482,218
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	142	122	241
Stock-based compensation	1,976	2,144	2,459
Change in assets and liabilities:
Other assets	21,722	(3,604)	47,080
Other liabilities	(20,483)	6,590	(36,782)
Net cash provided by operating activities	(7,280)	(6,719)	(7,128)
Investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries		(292,000)
Purchases			(187)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(292,000)	(187)
Financing activities:
Repayment of subordinated notes	(30,500)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	35,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans	894	1,453	1,831
Proceeds from issuance of common and preferred stock, net of offering costs		361,560
Proceeds from penalty on incomplete private equity transaction		3,250
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock	(12)	(13)	(13)
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock	(9,000)	(9,020)	(9,000)
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock	(1,687)	(1,210)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,305)	356,020	(7,182)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(12,585)	57,301	(14,497)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	66,632	9,331	23,828
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 54,047	$ 66,632	$ 9,331

Label	Element	Value
Goodwill	us-gaap_Goodwill
Goodwill	us-gaap_Goodwill

- Definition

+ References

+ Details