Earnings per Common Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Basic EPS:
Net income attributable to City National Corporation	$ 230,009	[1]	$ 208,049	[1]	$ 172,421	[1]
Less: Dividends on preferred stock	9,625
Net income available to common shareholders	220,384		208,049		172,421
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	2,555		3,008		2,678
Earnings allocated to common shareholders	217,829		205,041		169,743
Weighted average common shares outstanding	54,139,000		53,211,000		52,439,000
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.02		$ 3.85		$ 3.24
Diluted EPS:
Earnings allocated to common shareholders	$ 217,848		$ 205,050		$ 169,759
Weighted average common shares outstanding	54,139,000		53,211,000		52,439,000
Dilutive effect of equity awards (in shares)	501,000		264,000		410,000
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	54,640,000		53,475,000		52,849,000
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.99		$ 3.83		$ 3.21
Average outstanding stock options
Antidilutive securities not included in calculation of diluted EPS:
Antidilutive securities not included in calculation of diluted EPS (in shares)	1,500,000		2,800,000		2,900,000

[1] Net income excludes net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest of $2,507, $1,084 and $1,956 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Redeemable noncontrolling interest is reflected in the mezzanine section in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.