Holding Company Condensed Financial Information - Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Other assets.	$ 56,661	$ 69,716
Total assets	2,264,521	2,086,310
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Trust preferred capital notes	25,351	25,316
Long-term borrowings	30,375	30,398
Other liabilities	47,707	62,388
Equity	210,318	193,805
Total liabilities and equity	2,264,521	2,086,310
C&F Financial Corporation | Reportable Legal Entities
Assets
Cash	20,584	21,272	$ 11,464	$ 316
Other assets.	24,884	22,680
Investment in C&F Bank	235,771	218,148
Total assets	281,239	262,100
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Trust preferred capital notes	25,351	25,316
Long-term borrowings	24,029	24,093
Other liabilities	21,541	18,886
Equity	210,318	193,805
Total liabilities and equity	$ 281,239	$ 262,100