XML 33 R67.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Investment securities (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost $ 346,435us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost $ 344,419us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
Unrealized Gross Gain 145us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains 1,152us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
Unrealized Gross Loss 7,607us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss 11,203us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
Fair Value 338,973us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities 334,368us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 122,165us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 183,651us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 34us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 133us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 3,104us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 5,616us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value 119,095us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 178,168us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Brazil [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 36,575us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 41,439us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 11us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 848us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 778us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value 35,727us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 40,672us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Colombia [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 24,139us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 44,536us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 65us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 1,828us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 1,351us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value 22,311us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 43,250us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Chile [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 12,215us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 21,807us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 15us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 201us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 751us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value 12,014us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 21,071us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Honduras [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 7,325us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_HN
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 9,400us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_HN
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_HN
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_HN
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 33us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_HN
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 136us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_HN
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value 7,292us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_HN
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 9,264us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_HN
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Panama [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 4,701us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 7,159us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 56us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 78us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value 4,645us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 7,081us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Peru [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 16,911us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 29,439us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 42us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 129us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 674us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value 16,782us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 28,807us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Venezuela [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 20,299us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_VE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 29,871us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_VE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 34us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_VE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_VE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_VE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 1,848us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_VE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value 20,324us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_VE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember		 28,023us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_VE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Sovereign Debt [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 224,270us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 160,768us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 111us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 1,019us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 4,503us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 5,587us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Fair Value 219,878us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 156,200us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Sovereign Debt [Member] | Brazil [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 21,899us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 32,751us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 94us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 936us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 444us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 645us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Fair Value 21,549us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 33,042us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_BR
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Sovereign Debt [Member] | Colombia [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 55,415us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 42,776us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 1,239us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 1,125us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Fair Value 54,177us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 41,651us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_CO
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Sovereign Debt [Member] | Chile [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 11,669us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 20,772us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 12us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 398us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 610us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Fair Value 11,271us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 20,174us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_CL
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Sovereign Debt [Member] | Mexico [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 98,430us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_MX
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 35,730us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_MX
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 4us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_MX
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_MX
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 1,587us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_MX
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 2,445us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_MX
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Fair Value 96,847us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_MX
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 33,285us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_MX
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Sovereign Debt [Member] | Panama [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 17,692us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 12,485us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 10us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 71us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 306us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 553us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Fair Value 17,396us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 12,003us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= stpr_PA
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Sovereign Debt [Member] | Peru [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 9,052us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 11,589us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 14us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 65us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Fair Value 9,040us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 11,524us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_PE
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Sovereign Debt [Member] | TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 10,113us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_TT
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 4,665us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_TT
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Gain 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_TT
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_TT
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Unrealized Gross Loss 515us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_TT
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 144us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_TT
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
Fair Value $ 9,598us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_TT
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember		 $ 4,521us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ blx_AllCountriesAxis
= country_TT
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember