Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,448		$ 499		$ 4,510		$ (707)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net of tax effect	(80)		(1,687)		4,469		(5,705)
Less reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income (loss) (1)	157	[1]			218	[1]	46	[1]
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities	(237)		(1,687)		4,251		(5,751)
Unrecognized benefit obligation expense:
Less reclassification adjustment for amortization (2), net of tax effect	(18)	[2]	(94)	[2]	(56)	[2]	(283)	[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(219)		(1,593)		4,307		(5,468)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,229		(1,094)		8,817		(6,175)
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	25		157		212		(364)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, Inc.	$ 1,204		$ (1,251)		$ 8,605		$ (5,811)

[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, net of taxes.

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