Name:	blx_StockOptionsExercisedIncludingVestingOfRestrictedStockUnits
Namespace Prefix:	blx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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This element represents the amount of recognized equity-based compensation during the period, that is, the amount recognized as expense in the income statement (or as asset if compensation is capitalized). Alternate captions include the words "stock-based compensation".

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 35

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-Topic 718

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

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Amount of paid and unpaid common stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash, stock and payment-in-kind (PIK).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

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-Publisher FASB

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-Topic 942

-SubTopic 405

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957935&loc=d3e64057-112817

Name:	us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
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Balance Type:	debit
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Decrease in noncontrolling interest (for example, but not limited to, redeeming or purchasing the interests of noncontrolling shareholders, issuance of shares (interests) by the non-wholly owned subsidiary to the parent entity for other than cash, and a buyback of shares (interest) by the non-wholly owned subsidiary from the noncontrolling interests).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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-Topic 505

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-Section 45

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-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

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Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
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Period Type:	duration

Net Increase or Decrease in balance of noncontrolling interest in the subsidiary during the reporting period.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

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Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

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-Topic 225

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-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

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-Section 04

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-Article 9

Name:	us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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The amount of the reduction or elimination during the period of a noncontrolling interest resulting from the parent's loss of control and deconsolidation of the entity in which one or more outside parties had a noncontrolling interest.

No definition available.

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The change in other comprehensive income during the reporting period, net of tax, for an item that is not separately disclosed.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherNetOfTax
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 4

-Section E

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

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Name:	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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Period Type:	instant

Value of stock related to Restricted Stock Awards issued during the period, net of the stock value of such awards forfeited.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

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Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures
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Equity impact of the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period and has not been retired and is not held in treasury. Some state laws may mandate the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 3

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

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