Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,447		$ (1,497)		$ 3,062		$ (1,206)
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during period	2,352		(4,253)		4,549		(4,018)
Less reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income	61	[1]	16	[1]	61	[1]	46	[1]
Unrealized gains on investment securities	2,291		(4,269)		4,488		(4,064)
Unrecognized benefit obligation expense:
Less reclassification adjustment for amortization	(20)	[2]	(95)	[2]	(38)	[2]	(189)	[2]
Other comprehensive income	2,311		(4,174)		4,526		(3,875)
Comprehensive loss	3,758		(5,671)		7,588		(5,081)
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	69		(694)		187		(521)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, Inc.	$ 3,689		$ (4,977)		$ 7,401		$ (4,560)

[1] Amounts are included in net gains on the sale of AFS investment securities on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in total non-interest income.

[2] Amounts are included in salaries and benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in non-interest expense.