Equity, Other Comprehensive Income and Earnings Per Share - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Components of earnings per share calculations
Net income attributable to C&F Financial Corporation	$ 4,880	$ 5,101	$ 14,494	$ 14,063
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic	3,430,298	3,503,371	3,459,191	3,502,550
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted	3,430,298	3,503,371	3,459,191	3,502,550