| Document And Entity Information | Sep. 16, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | LIVE OAK BANCSHARES, INC. |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001462120 |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 16, 2020 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-37497 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NC |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-4596286 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1741 Tiburon Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Wilmington |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 28403 |
| City Area Code | (910) |
| Local Phone Number | 790-5867 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Voting Common Stock, no par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | LOB |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NASDAQ |
