XML 37 R87.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6

Allowance for credit losses (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Releases Of Specific Reserves	$ 7,931	$ 1,600	$ 1,031

X

- Definition

Represent the releases of specific reserves during the year, that were accounted for during current and previous year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	blx_ReleasesOfSpecificReserves
Namespace Prefix:	blx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration