Equity, Other Comprehensive Income and Earnings Per Share - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Components of earnings per share calculations
Net income attributable to C&F Financial Corporation	$ 5,843	$ 5,070	$ 9,614	$ 8,962
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic	3,463,277	3,503,114	3,473,875	3,502,139
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted	3,463,277	3,503,114	3,473,875	3,502,139