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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
--- | --- | ---
Undisbursed Loan Commitments |  |
Credit Extensions |  |
Loan | $ 2,750,000,000 | $ 2,610,000,000
Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit |  |
Credit Extensions |  |
Commercial and standby letters of credit issued | $ 994,400,000 | $ 998,700,000

X
- Definition Reflects the amount of cash required to fully fund agreements to provide advances to borrowers and lessees at fixed and variable interest rates. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | ewbc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant