NON-COVERED LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Details 10) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Performing loan
Restructured loans disclosures
Allowance for troubled debt restructurings loans receivable	$ 14,000	$ 13,000
Nonperforming loan
Restructured loans disclosures
Allowance for troubled debt restructurings loans receivable	$ 1,200	$ 836

The reserve to cover probable credit losses related to financing receivables that have been modified by troubled debt restructurings.

No definition available.

Name:	ewbc_AllowanceForTroubledDebtRestructuringsLoansReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	ewbc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant