| Cover | Aug. 03, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 3, 2021 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity File Number | 001-39123 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001312109 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0227337 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4250 Executive Square |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | La Jolla |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92037 |
| City Area Code | 858 |
| Local Phone Number | 362-6300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period | true |
