Parent company financial information (Condensed Financial Information for Bancorp (Parent Company Only)) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 81,849	$ 113,028	$ 128,439	$ 271,264
Deferred tax asset	50,068	0
Other assets	11,947	10,865
Total assets	1,406,219	1,301,417
Stockholders' equity	188,715	140,775	132,881	10,056
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,406,219	1,301,417
Cascade Bancorp
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	127	119	512	343
Investment in subsidiary	186,580	140,474
Deferred tax asset	1,820	0
Other assets	188	182
Total assets	188,715	140,775
Stockholders' equity	188,715	140,775
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 188,715	$ 140,775