Equity, Other Comprehensive Income and Earnings Per Share - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Components of earnings per share calculations
Net income attributable to C&F Financial Corporation	$ 3,771	$ 3,892
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic	3,484,592	3,501,164
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted	3,484,592	3,501,164