| Cover Cover | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Central Pacific Financial Corp |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | HI |
| Entity File Number | 001-31567 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 99-0212597 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 220 South King Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Honolulu |
| Entity Address, State or Province | HI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 96813 |
| City Area Code | 808 |
| Local Phone Number | 544-0500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, No Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | CPF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000701347 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
