Holding Company Condensed Financial Information - Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets
Other assets.	$ 62,201	$ 59,862
Total assets	2,438,498	2,332,317
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Trust preferred capital notes	25,422	25,386
Other liabilities	41,820	39,190
Equity	216,878	195,634
Total liabilities and equity	2,438,498	2,332,317
C&F Financial Corporation | Reportable Legal Entities
Assets
Cash	13,467	22,094	$ 20,584	$ 21,272
Other assets.	22,210	21,227
Investment in C&F Bank	243,409	218,262
Total assets	279,086	261,583
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Trust preferred capital notes	25,422	25,386
Long-term borrowings	19,973	23,965
Other liabilities	16,813	16,598
Equity	216,878	195,634
Total liabilities and equity	$ 279,086	$ 261,583