v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Jan. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Registrant Name COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000887343    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   39,522,884  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 667,249,601