Condensed Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 8,979	$ (9,928)	$ 6,472	$ (18,159)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	(61)	(1)	(65)	(9)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	8,918	(9,929)	6,407	(18,168)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	321	339	361	1,358
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CAPITOL BANCORP LIMITED	$ 9,239	$ (9,590)	$ 6,768	$ (16,810)

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

Net of tax amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities.

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- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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