Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Registrant Name	COMMUNITY TRUST BANCORP INC /KY/
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	KY
Entity File Number	001-31220
Entity Tax Identification Number	61-0979818
Entity Address, Address Line One	346 North Mayo Trail
Entity Address, Address Line Two	P.O. Box 2947
Entity Address, City or Town	Pikeville
Entity Address, State or Province	KY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	41502
City Area Code	606
Local Phone Number	432-1414
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,794,598
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Central Index Key	0000350852
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	CTBI
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ