| Cover Page | Jan. 12, 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 12, 2021 | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD | |
| Entity File Number | 001-39123 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | SILVERGATE CAPITAL CORPORATION | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0227337 | |
| 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 | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true | |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | true | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | SI | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001312109 |
