Parent Company Condensed Financial Information - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statements of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 47,122	$ 25,775	$ 26,977
Financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	144	147	149
Common stock repurchases	(1,105)
Cash dividends	(4,931)	(4,637)	(4,464)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		84	362
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(4,009)	50,359	29,605
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4,410)	16,222	(49,742)
C&F Financial Corporation
Statements of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,801	4,202	3,796
Financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	144	147	149
Common stock repurchases	(1,105)
Cash dividends	(4,931)	(4,637)	(4,464)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		84	362
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(5,892)	(4,406)	(3,953)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(91)	(204)	(157)
Cash at beginning of year	407	611	768
Cash at end of year	$ 316	$ 407	$ 611