Holding Company Condensed Financial Information - Condensed Cash Flow Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statements of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 38,811	$ 90,559	$ 157,387
Investing activities:
Swap collateral, net		3,880	6,040
Net cash used in investing activities	(56,339)	(411,279)	(138,693)
Financing activities:
Repayments of long-term borrowings	(4,000)
Common stock repurchases	(7,758)	(5,373)	(8,232)
Cash dividends	(5,986)	(5,756)	(5,675)
Other financing activities, net	(132)	(338)	(711)
Net cash provided by financing activities	66,026	79,636	162,382
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	48,498	(241,084)	181,076
C&F Financial Corporation | Reportable Legal Entities
Statements of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,926	9,750	12,001
Investing activities:
Swap collateral, net		2,705	1,030
Net cash used in investing activities		2,705	1,030
Financing activities:
Repayments of long-term borrowings	(4,000)
Common stock repurchases	(7,758)	(5,373)	(8,232)
Cash dividends	(5,986)	(5,756)	(5,675)
Other financing activities, net	191	184	188
Net cash provided by financing activities	(17,553)	(10,945)	(13,719)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(8,627)	1,510	(688)
Cash at beginning of year	22,094	20,584	21,272
Cash at end of year	$ 13,467	$ 22,094	$ 20,584