PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of income
Interest expense	$ 28,195	$ 27,456	$ 27,709	$ 29,132	$ 31,577	$ 32,254	$ 33,205	$ 35,132	$ 112,492	$ 132,168	$ 177,422
Compensation and net occupancy reimbursement to subsidiary									56,641	55,475	50,082
Other expense									64,594	59,731	60,383
Income before provision for income taxes	98,564	108,906	111,870	106,510	108,200	105,203	104,394	107,795	425,850	425,592	383,334
Income tax benefit	(22,782)	(35,749)	(37,855)	(34,419)	(36,300)	(34,093)	(33,837)	(39,712)	(130,805)	(143,942)	(138,100)
NET INCOME	75,782	73,157	74,015	72,091	71,900	71,110	70,557	68,083	295,045	281,650	245,234
East West Bancorp, Inc.
Statement of income
Dividends from subsidiaries									319,085	324,094	72,129
Other income									821	2	372
Total income									319,906	324,096	72,501
Interest expense									3,436	3,092	4,734
Compensation and net occupancy reimbursement to subsidiary									3,662	2,573	2,537
Other expense									12,677	1,309	2,339
Total expense									19,775	6,974	9,610
Income before provision for income taxes									300,131	317,122	62,891
Income tax benefit									22,885	2,892	3,830
Equity in undistributed (loss) income of subsidiaries									(27,971)	(38,364)	178,513
NET INCOME									$ 295,045	$ 281,650	$ 245,234